TURNTABLE LAB

Phantogram
Nightlife (w/FREE MP3 Download) EP

indie pop beats

2011 effort from NY-based duo Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel (aka Phantogram). Nightlife came in after their much lauded full length debut Eyelid Movies and continues the outstanding electronic indie pop vibe presented on their previous releases. Some would compare them to a modern dat "HGSOB" (like a pop-ier Portishead?), but regardless of what you want to call it, the bottom line is that this stuff is infectious and will easily garner repeat listens on the headphones. Check "16 Years(1)," "Don't Move(2)," "Turning Into Stone(3)," "Nightlife(4)," and "A Dark Tunnel(5)." Recommended.
reviewed by Von Bee

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rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / vinyl with free mp3 / and more

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Phantogram
Eyelid Movies (w/ FREE MP3 Download) LP

indie pop beats

Debut full length from American indie pop duo Phantogram. Eyelid Movies was originally released back in 2009 and found Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter (aka Phantogram) solidifying their self-proclaimed "street beat" sound into a long player that was generally well received by fans and critics alike. For the unfamiliar, the "street beat" or "psych pop" sound they are famous for is kind of like an updated variation of the "HGSOB" style, wherein tough beats and samples are given a soft emotive touch courtesy of the melodic guitar and airy synth work (and sometimes Sarah's vocals). Check the style on album highlights "Mouthful Of Diamonds(1)," "When I'm Small(2)," "Running From The Cops(3)," "As Far As I Can See(4)," "You Are The Ocean(5)," and "Futuristic Casket(6)." Great stuff for the headphones. Recommended.
reviewed by Von Bee

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rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / vinyl with free mp3 / and more

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VA
Disco Not Disco: Post Punk, Electro & Leftfield Classics 1974-1986 2LP

leftfield disco, post punk, and electro

The third in the popular Disco Not Disco series originally came out on CD years ago and finally gets released as a double vinyl! All sorts of leftfield disco rarites, post punk gems, and obscure electro classics get compiled here by Bill Brewster, the co-author of "Last Night A DJ Saved My Life." If you've never read his book, it puts NY's disco boom under a powerful microscope, detailing the makings of the phenomenon. And of course, when you have a new breed of anything, you know there'll be many imitators and mutations. That's just nature of the beast, especially in NYC and thus a sound developed that is "Disco Not Disco." The bands that combine post punk, electro and disco are in the spotlight here, and Brewster's selections frame the spirit of the era so well. For some prime samples, check Delta 5's "Mind Your Own Business(1)," Shriekback's "My Spine Is The Bassline(2)," James White & The Blacks' "Contort Yourself - August Darrell Mix(3)," Kazino's "Binary(4)," Liasons Dangereuses' "Los Ninos Del Parque(5)" and Maximum Joy's "Silent Street / Silent Dub(6)." Driving rhythms, strong vocals, propulsive basslines and stimulating synths can be found of most of these tracks and that's always a recipe for excitement on the dancefloor! Also includes the underground Detroit classic "Sharevari(7)" from A Number Of Names and the Factory records jam "Love Tempo(8)" by Quando Quango! 10 tracks total spread over 2LPs, Recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

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rock + new wave + 80/90s / new wave + no wave + electro / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / and more

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VA
Intended Play 2012 (Kurt Vile, Tanlines, Cold Cave) LP

eclectic comp from the indie giants

Here's your chance to get your hands on some of Matador and True Panther's top picks from 2011 and 2012. The indie label has graciously offered up some stellar talent for quite a steal. From the forward thinking rock of Kurt Vile(1), and Girls(2) to the devastating punk of Fucked Up(3) it's all there. Many of the tracks are seeing release for the first time, with Stephen Malkmus & The Jick (4), and Brooklyn's Tanlines(5) offering up some particularly delectable material. Intended Play 2012 serves as a great way to check in with these two indie powerhouses.
reviewed by The Voice

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rock + new wave + 80/90s / various rock + everything else / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / and more

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The Big Pink
Future This (Limited Edition Colored Vinyl w/ FREE MP3 Download) LP

sophomore album from english electro-rock duo

The second full-length from Robbie Furze and Milo Cordell - aka The Big Pink - picks up where their 2009 debut A Brief History of Love left off. Churning out more of the catchy, cool electro-rock vibe full of off-kilter noises, memorable synth works, pop vocals and hip-hop-esque rhythms, the album appeals to the masses without letting go of the edgy aesthetic that the Londoners are usually associated with. Check out the lead single "Stay Gold(1)," which was inspired by a late-60s Playboy article by Stanley Kubrick as well as Robert Frost's Pulitzer Prize winning poem, "Nothing Gold Can Stay." Other picks include "Jump Music(2)," "Hit The Ground(3)," "1313(4)," and "Rubber necking(5)."
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / vinyl new arrivals

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Glass Candy
Geto Boys / Animal Imagination 12"

infectious song samples "Mind Playin Tricks", pick

Could something be so hipster that it becomes gangsta? If so, I think I've found it. For this latest Glass Candy treat, they've sampled the beat from Geto Boys' "Mind Playing Tricks On Me," and added their best Blondie-styled vocals for something so theoretically mismatched, it's beautiful. More importantly, they recognize the power of the original instrumental utilizing the chorus section and even getting freaky with the outtro. If that wasn't enough, they've included a cool mix tool drum version(2), and the instrumental(3) with snippets of the original vocal. And to remind us that these guys aren't just a one sample wonder, they enforce the b-side with two great original tracks: "Animal Imagination(4)" and "Soft Boundaries(5)." Great sleeve too, highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / and more

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The Rapture
House of Jealous Lovers 12"

dance punk

Ever thought you could take a punk rock band and turn them into a dance music hit? Well, the folks at DFA records have already done it. Taking punk bands and programming their drum beats- extending intros and breaks, DFA has created a niche in the house/techno genre that nobody thought could be done. In particular, they've brought a new breath of life to a stale live music scene by signing New York City's popular punk group The Rapture. This EP is already popular within the house, techno, live, and electroclash scenes and it's beginning to blow up elsewhere. The original version(1) with wailing vocals is probably the version you've heard before, but check out Morgan Geist's instrumental remix(2) with guest trumpet blows by producer James Duncan. Geist is known for his work as half of Metro Area, the most in-demand producers around right now. On the flip, "Silent Morning" is a change of pace, but a slow-tempo stormer nonetheless. Recommended.
reviewed by James Patton

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / dfa + related / and more

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Drop Out Orchestra
Songs About Stuff (The Style Council, Robyn, Duran Duran) 12"

tasteful, funky, chill redos of classics, pop, early house

Drop Out Orchestra delivers four sexy edits for discerning DJs and dancefloors. The Swedish outfit tackles a Duran Duran tune on "Girls On Dub(1)," adding warm chords, a funky baseline, and a nice groove to it. Next up is Joe Smooth's uplifting early house classic "Promised Land(2)," which DOO transforms into a laid-back disco heater. Showing off their range, "Sweden's Kings of the redo" reinterpret Robyn's pop hit on "Hand With Dub(3)," and a chill-dub take on Sade's "The Sweetest Taboo" rounds out the tasteful - and super useful - EP. Recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

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rock + new wave + 80/90s / new wave + no wave + electro / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / and more

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Vex Ruffin
Crash Course EP

minimal/experimental music w/ punk influence

Penut Butter Wolf signed Vex Ruffin "on the strength of an unsolicited demo sent through the mail." A punk musician who creates music with hip-hop-oriented methods, Crash Course is Vex's debut release for Stones Throw. At the core of left-field musician is the SP 303 (Madlib-inspired purchase), which he uses to lay down drums and other sounds. Over simple rhythm patterns and melodies, Vex lays down vocals and the end result is a lo-fi, minimalist punk sound - check out "My Mind(1)," "Man With A Plan(2)," "Hey Jerald(3)," and "Sacrifice(4)." A Prince Klassen top pick!
reviewed by nakinboots

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rock + new wave + 80/90s / new wave + no wave + electro / stones throw shop / and more

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Pulp Disco & The Outcasts
Overnight To Dusseldorf (Ashley Beedle) 12"

krautrock inspired dance remix by Ashley Beedle

Another Ashley Beedle presentation. Pulp Disco & The Outcasts is an act on Beedle's Out Hear Audio imprint. For this remix 12", they handed over the original version(1) (spacey, electronica with french vocals), and Beedle (along with studio partner Darren Morris) sprinkled his magic dust and re-cut the track as an umptempo Komische-style burner. What's that mean exactly? Deep bass, lively percussion, spacey synth accents, and a general sense of the unfamiliar. Features two remix versions(2,3). Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / and more

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Human Egg (Jean-Pierre Massiera)
Human Egg LP

odd french funk rock

Straight from a lost space transmission is Jean-Pierre Massiera's freakiest funk project: Human Egg. This earth-friendly version tells the story of the legendary French producer, a bizarre blend of Joe Meek and Giorgio Moroder, recording from his cockpit of a studio in Antibes, France. Under guises and with a mass of French musicians, Massiera released innumerable amounts of library-music, prog, early techno, and disco. Cult disco hits "Space Woman" and "Love to Fly", recorded with Herman's Rocket and Venus Gang respectively, get play here and there. Human Egg, recorded in 1978, is his journey into the funk of tomorrow, complete with otherworldly vocals, fuzzy guitars, and a wild assortment of crazily produced grooves (think Stax records gone to Mars). Classic cut "Love Like This(1)" was tipped by Madlib at a point in time. Also includes the strut "Feeling on My Mind(2)," ballad "Rainbows All Around(3)," and general oddball jam "Onomatopaeia(4)." Highly collectible both for its musical content and that mind-blowing cover.
reviewed by A. Tomorrow

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / various rock + everything else / funk soul disco - albums / and more

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The Specials & Amy Winehouse
You're Wondering Now / Ghost Town (Live At V Festival) 7"

live renditions of classic ska tunes

Back in the summer of 2009, Amy Winehouse jumped on stage during The Specials performance and made history as she sang along to classic ska tunes "Ghost Town(1)" and "You're Wondering Now(2)." Amy's voice is a perfect complement to The Specials sound, she will be greatly missed! Pressed on limited marbled vinyl, complete with parodied cover art from the Specials debut LP.
reviewed by Von Bee

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rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / and more

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Mutant Beat Dance
Another World / New News Is Old News 12"

dark jackin' analog house grooves

Mutant Beat Dance is Traxx (aka underground acid house guru Melvin Oliphant III) and Beau Wanzer joining forces to bring the power of the Chicago underground sound straight to your dancefloor. These guys aren't pulling any punches and give it to you raw dog style with the dark jackin' vibes of "Another World(1)" and "NoNewsIsOldNews(2)." Play it loud, turn off the lights and watch all the freaks come out and make the walls start to sweat!
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new wave + no wave + electro / detroit - carl craig, theo parrish, moodymann / and more

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Portishead
Roseland NYC Live 2LP

live recording from 1998

Portishead live at the Roseland Ballroom, New York City 1998. They appeared with a full orchestra and performed an amazing show of their gut wrenching classics: "Humming, Cowboys, All Mine, Mysterons, Only You, Half Day Closing, Over, Glory Box, Sour Times, Roads" and "Strangers." A great companion to the two Portishead albums. Deluxe UK pressing, double vinyl.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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rock + new wave + 80/90s / various rock + everything else / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / and more

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Heavy Disco & Dark Starr
I Ain't Hiding / Smiling Faces (Black Crowes) 12"

edits of rock tracks from Black Crowes + Rare Earth

Ashley Beedle's Modern Artifacts imprint is always pushing the definition of the playable track. The label has already introduced us to DJ versions of Kate Bush and Phil Collins... and now The Black Crowes' "I Ain't Hiding(1)." Giving a nod to the Rolling Stones disco years, this rework has been a favorite in Beedle's sets and Horse Meat Disco. Continuing the whiteboy rock theme, the b-side features an edit of the Rare Earth cover of "Smiling Faces(2)" (originally by The Temptations).
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / various rock + everything else / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / and more

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Amy Winehouse
Lioness: Hidden Treasures 180 Gram 2LP

posthumous compilation of Amy Winehouse's unreleased tracks, demos

Here is the first posthumous album (of many, we're guessing) from Amy Winehouse. Lioness: Hidden Treasures contains unreleased tracks and demos the late r&b-hip-hop-soul-jazz singer recorded before her 2002 debut, Frank, up to 2011. Salaam Remi and Mark Ronson, as well as Winehouse's family, went through a slew of material to compile 12 songs, with "Body And Soul(1)," a duet with Tony Bennett and Amy's final studio recording, being one of them. Also included are "Like Smoke(2)" - a duet with Nas - "Valerie('69 Version)(3)," "The Girl From Ipanema(4)," "Our Day Will Come(5)," "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?(6)," and many more that capture the pain, loneliness, humor and other emotions that fueled her art. Pressed on 180g heavyweight vinyl, gatefold cover with insert, highly recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / funk soul disco - albums / and more

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Mark Ronson
Produced & Remixed Vol.2 2LP

unreleased instrumentals, early stuff, demos

From unreleased Version instrumentals and his stellar catalog of remixes to two demos with Amy Winehouse and early production work (alongside ?estlove) for Nikka Costa, Produced & Remixed Vol. 2 collects 16 of Mark Ronson's less-heard works. The range of artists the artist/producer has worked with is amazing (Terriyaki Boyz!!!), and for fans of his hip blend of hip-hop, funk, soul, pop, rock, and more, this album is essential.
reviewed by nakinboots

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rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / funk soul disco - comps / and more

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Washed Out
Within And Without (Colored Vinyl w/ FREE MP3 Download) LP

full length debut from influential chillwave producer

Within And Without is the much-anticipated follow up to Washed Out's critically-acclaimed Life Of Leisure EP. Washed Out (aka Ernest Greene) is synonymous with the term "chillwave," but on Within And Without the Atlanta-based producer pushes forward from conventional chillwave aesthetics resulting in something that's still very hazy and warm, but more mature and refined. Within And Without takes it to a higher level of musicality with help from Ben Allen (co-producer of Merriweather Post Pavillion) and guest vocalist Caroline Polachek to really progress his evolution as a singer/songwriter. Highlights include "You And I(1)," "Eyes Be Closed(2)," "Soft(3)," "Before(4)," "Far Away(5)," and "A Dedication(6)". 9 tracks total pressed up on colored vinyl and includes free digital download of the album.
reviewed by suicide bangs

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rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / vinyl with free mp3 / and more

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Radiohead
The King of Limbs (180g w/ FREE mp3 Download) LP

8th studio album from Radiohead

Almost 4 years after In Rainbows, Radiohead releases King Of Limbs, the band's 8th studio full-length. Limbs, produced by Nigel Godrich aka the "sixth member" of Radiohead, is the band's shortest album to date consisting of 8 tracks. "Lotus Flower(1)," an eerily beautiful tune characterized by hints of electronica, was the first song to see the light of day, and tracks like "Bloom(2)," with its hazy, experimental sound, and "Codex(3)," with its serene yet somehow tense composure, define the stylings of the album (along with Thom Yorke's haunting vocals, of course). Other picks include the brilliant, acoustic guitar-driven "Little by Little(4)" and the soothing "Give Up The Ghost(5)," but really, there is not a song on the album that won't require repeats and multiple listens. The 180gram vinyl come in an inner sleeve featuring illustrations of mythical creatures. Free MP3 download card included (via the TBD label), highly recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / and more

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Washed Out
Life Of Leisure (with FREE MP3 Download) EP

excellent shoegaze and synth-pop vibes, pick

Man, I really love this record. We finally managed to get our mitts on some copies, now that it's on its third pressing. The original pressing is going for over 150 Euros these days, and this edition is limited to 2000 copies, so don't expect it to be around long. Washed Out is Ernest Greene, and this EP of hazy bedroom synth-pop is probably one of the most notable releases of the so-called Chill Wave genre. It's sensitive white boy daydream music at its finest, perfect for lazy summer days at the beach. If you haven't heard any of his stuff before, start with "Feel It All Around(1)" - it's probably the best track here, built from a slowed down italo disco sample and absolutely drenched in reverb. Other favorites include "You'll See It(2)," (probably the only one of these that you could get away with on the dancefloor, and even then it's kind of a stretch), "New Theory(3)," and "Hold Out(4)." All six of em are gorgeous though. Comes in a hand-numbered pic sleeve (how perfect is that cover art, btw?) and plays at 45. Cop this, take a few bong hits and then slip into some mellow 80s vibes; you won't regret it. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / and more

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New Order
Technique (180g) LP

1989 album, their best?

This is the album that New Order fans act like they don't like. As in: "I prefer their early, formative stuff like Brotherhood or Power Corruption Lies." With its Versace-style cover, slick production, and the super-aggro opener "Fine Time," it's easy to dismiss this as where they crew lost it post-Substance. BUT, what I've come to learn is that this might be the true New Order fan's favorite album. Cause once you get passed the presentation (although the Saville artwork is proving to be timeless), this might be New Order at its modern best: cooled out and mature, super-emotive, and technically capable. Once you get past "Fine Time," the triplet of "All The Way(1)", "Love Less(2)", and club hit "Round and Round(3)" might be their strongest ever. Who can make broken love sounds so fucking cool? The other aspect that makes this such a great album is that it's such a smooth listen. After the heights of "Round," you'll barely notice that you've gone through "Guilty Partner(4), Run(5), Mr. Disco(6), Vanishing Point(7), Dream Attack(8)"... repeat. It's like morning sex with a model, eating breakfast, breaking up, smoking cigs, and having make-up sex... then breaking up again. Highest quality 180g pressing, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new wave + no wave + electro / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / and more

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The Smiths
The Queen Is Dead (Remastered 180g) LP

remastered 180g version of an 80s rock classic

This is it, the big one. The Rolling Stone five star all time great Smiths album. I don't really believe in this kind of stuff, especially with this band. BUT, if your going to leave the house to DJ, or if your going to throw a record on the turntable, this is probably the one to have. I mean really you should have most or all of their discography in your iPod, but if you don't, this is a great place to start. "Bigmouth Strikes Again(1)," is probably the most played Smiths "club" track. "Cemetry Gates(2)," is one of their greatest and most talked about tracks, "The Boy with the Thorn In His Side(3)" is the "Morrissey Night" Fave. There's also "Some Girls(4)" (if you don't have the live "Some Girls" track it down it's amazing) and the title track(5) - for whatever reason when the English sing politics it sounds so fucking cool, but when we (Americans) do it we sound like total douche bags...
"Franky Mr. Shankly(6)," is a personal fave of mine about a record executive asshole they had to deal with. "I Know Its Over(7)" and "Never Had No One Ever(8)" are the two least talked about tracks and both are fantastic - you start to hear Morrissey developing the sound that would emerge in his solo stuff, more moody and broody. "Vicar In A Tutu(9)," another short jingle jangle song that I would again urge you to track down the "Rank" version of. Which leaves us with "There is a Light That Never Goes Out(10)." Perhaps the greatest song that's ever been recorded? For real, this is THE Smiths song, if you only own one Smiths song, this is the one you should own, so if you only own one Smiths album, a real crime id say, but if you do, this is the one to own. I can not really put this song into words, play it over and over if you've lost a love, or found a love, found a friend or lost a friend, like so many of us have this bitter sweet summer. If you love music of any kind this album will not collect dust, a must for everyone...
reviewed by Roctakon

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rock + new wave + 80/90s / new wave + no wave + electro / various rock + everything else / and more

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Radiohead
In Rainbows LP

Not sure if you heard, but Radiohead put out a new album a few months back and it's pretty good. In case you didn't already steal it from the intarwebs -- or if you did and you'd like something better than 160kbps MP3s -- here's the official vinyl version, pressed loud on heavy wax with full lyrics and liners. Check these tracks: "15 Step(1)," "Weird Fishes / Arpeggi(2)," "Reckoner(3)," "Bodysnatchers(4)," "All I Need(5)." Pitchforkian cheekiness aside, In Rainbows is the follow-up "rock" album that everyone's been wanting from Radiohead since OK Computer dropped, easily surpassing Hail To The Thief and barely even comparable to the more electronic- and ambient-leaning Kid A. 10 tracks; 42 minutes. Recommended.
reviewed by Larri Byrd

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / and more

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Jesus & Mary Chain
Psychocandy LP

classic shoegaze album, 180g reissue

Jesus and Mary Chain's debut album from 1995 has always been hard to find on vinyl, but thanks to the surprising success of Lost In Translation, we get this glorious 180g reissue. Lost In Translation introduced the uninitiated to the beauty of "Just Like Honey(1)", but that's only the opening track here. There's fourteen cuts of mega-fuzz guitar rock and shoegazing wonder. Who cares if you can't really draw lyrical meaning out of it? Just let the fuzz take you away. My personal faves: "Never Understand(2), My Little Underground(3), Cut Dead(4)", and the "Living End". Added bonus: cool chicks will like you.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new wave + no wave + electro / various rock + everything else / and more

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Momentform
Momentform EP

minimal synth, cold wave

French band Momentform make their debut on Brooklyn's WT Records with a self-titled album full of analog synths and drum machines. This one will easily win over fans of the minimal/cold wave sounds, especially with tracks like "Turnaround(1)," and "She's Into Clubs(2)," but also check the slow and moody "Cards(3)" and "25(4)." 6 tracks total, housed in black & white pic sleeve. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new wave + no wave + electro / and more

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V/A
World's Funkiest Covers LP

funky covers in a wide range of styles

Leave it to Light In The Attic to round up the funkiest covers from around the world and put 'em all together on one loaded release. That's exactly what's going on here with World's Funkiest Covers, a collection carefully selected by Deano Sounds for LITA Records. The album will surprise you with it's range of styles - from deep funk, latin soul, salsa, afro beat, cumbia, and more - making you hear classic tunes in a totally new way. From Light In The Attic: "From the Ebony Rhythm Band's deep funk cover of "Light My Fire(1)" to the soulful version of "Purple Haze(2)" by Johnny Jones and the King Casuals, the unforgettable tracks keep on coming. There's also plenty of hard pounding salsa with Ray Barretto's cover of "Pastime Paradise(3)," Mongo Santamaria's cover of "Cloud Nine(4)" and Williamsburg Salsa Orchestra's cover of Spoon's "I Turn My Camera On(5)"." Mixed in with all the vintage tracks are a few contemporary artists giving classic tunes a new facelift including Mighty Mo and the Winchester 7 covering "The Message(6)" and Nostalgia 77 doing up White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army(7)." 11 Tracks in all.
reviewed by Extravagant Traveler

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / various rock + everything else / funk soul disco - comps / and more

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The Smiths
Unreleased Demos & Instrumentals (Blue Vinyl) 2LP

highly sought-after Smiths demos and instrumentals on blue vinyl

This blue, double-vinyl release contains some of the most sought after Smiths demos (some might be alternate master versions) and instrumentals, including an extended version of "The Queen Is Dead(1)"; "Frankly, Mr. Shankly(2)" with horns; "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out(3)" with the final refrain "there is a light in your eyes and it never goes out"; and "Death Of A Disco Dance(4)" with the improvised whistled solo as noted in Simon Goddard book. The two instrumentals are "I Misses You(5)" and "Heavy Track(6)". If you're a Smiths fan, this is a no brainer, and if you're concerned about the sound quality (since it's not exactly an "official" release), do not worry because Shota the Database approves. Act quick because the album has already sold out from a number of outlets. Recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new wave + no wave + electro / various rock + everything else / and more

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Portishead
Chase The Tear (Doldrums Cover Version) 12"

kraut rock vibes from Portishead

Exclusive one-off track from Portishead finally makes it to vinyl! "Chase The Tear(1)" was made in conjunction with Amnesty International on the eve of International Human Rights Day back in 2009 and features a very different style beat then your used to from Portishead. It's an uptempo motorik kraut rock affair with a driving arpeggiated synth and it works as an excellent contrast to Beth Gibbons soul-baring vocals. This 12" also includes an brilliant cover version by the Doldrums(2) and is housed in a full pic sleeve. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / and more

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The Big Pink
Stay Gold (AraabMUZIK Remix) 12"

electro-rock-pop

"Stay Gold(1)" is the lead single from The Big Pink's second album, Future This. The electro-rock-pop tune was inspired by a late-60s Playboy article by Stanley Kubrick and Robet Frost's Pulitzer Prize wining poem, "Nothing Gold Can Stay," and Milo Cordell sings about "finding things that make you happy," which, in the singer's case, was graffiti. The release is accompanied by an enthralling instrumental remix(2) by araabMUZIK, a Dipset producer known for his MPC wizardry.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new school beats - vinyl / downtempo + electronic - all

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Animal Collective
Danse Manatee (Remastered, w/ FREE MP3 Download) LP

psychedelic indie folk

Remastered version of 2001's Danse Manatee from Animal Collective (originally released under the Avey Tare, Panda Bear and Geologist alias) on limited vinyl. This was the group's second album, and saw a very small pressing (only 1000 original copies were made) on Catsup Plates. The sound here is very experimental and out-there, even for Animal Collective standards, as it was the first time Avey Tare and Panda Bear collaborated with Geologist on an album. The group was into heavy improvisation and noise at the time, especially exploring extreme frequencies at the time to see how high and low they could go. Check "A Manatee Dance(1)," "Another White Singer(2)," "Essplode(3)," "Running The Round Ball(4)," "Throwin The Round Ball(5)," and "In The Singing Box(6)" for a taste. Very psychedelic indeed…
reviewed by Von Bee

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / vinyl with free mp3

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Psychemagik
Valley Of Paradise / Star Lazer 12"

deep balearic and cosmic disco sounds

After killing it with the best selling Fleetwood Mac/Talking Heads edits, Psychemagik step out with their own original productions on this 12" taken from their forthcoming full length. There's a lot of psych and magic to be had on "Valley Of Paradise(1)," a beautiful balearic groover that whisks you away to another world with lush guitars and ethereal, harmonized vocals. Deep is an understatement for this one. "Star Lazer(2)" ups the tempo and energy with funky guitars and synths and a spaced-out disco trip. Think the best elements of Gino Soccio, Moroder and Cerrone on the same track and that should be pretty close of what you get with "Star Lazer"! Recommended.
reviewed by The Kosmische Beard

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / various rock + everything else / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / new disco / cosmic / edits / and more

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James Blake
Enough Thunder (Domestic Pressing) EP

emotive electro-acoustic ballads, domestic pressing

James Blake's follow up to his self-titled debut showcases the artist advancing even more toward the singer-songwriter realm. The buzz track on the EP is "Fall Creek Boys Choir(1)", a collaboration with Bon Iver, on which the two present the perfect fusion of their styles. "Once We All Agree(2)" and "Enough Thunder(3)" are missing the sophisticated rhythms that Blake is associated with, but the brilliantly simple piano-vocal pairing nevertheless results in two beautiful songs. Perhaps the highlight of the EP is "A Case of You(4)," a cover of Joni Mitchell's 1971 ode. Despite the stripped-down arrangement, the complex dynamics of emotions driving the song are hard to deny. Domestic pressing, highly recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / and more

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Atlas Sound
Parallax / Oh Ricky 7"

single from atlas sound's third full length

"Parallax(1)" sees the title track of Atlas Sound's impressive third full length get the single treatment. Along with that journey into self exploration you get the demo version and a pretty spacey b-side. "Oh, Ricky(3)" uses an off-kilter arpeggio as the foundation for a lamenting, rhetorical call into the darkness.
reviewed by The Voice

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock

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Atlas Sound
Parallax (w/ FREE MP3 Download) LP

solo effort from the deerhunter front man

Bradford Cox seems to always be recording. Last year he released four albums of Atlas Sound demos as the free-download Bedroom Databank series while his band, Deerhunter, put out Halcyon Digest. One of the most highly regarded releases of 2010. Parallax continues Cox's exploration of self-doubt and sadness as Atlas Sound. He shows a penchant for ambient tones and synthesized noise as well as exploring his abilities as a crooner. Although those influences may seem disparate on paper this is the most cohesive and fully realized album in the Atlas Sound catalog. It's as if Cox has the innate ability to edit all of these contrasting styles together with the greatest of ease.
reviewed by The Voice

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock

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DJ Shadow
The Less You Know, The Better 2LP

multi-genre album from Shadow

For his fourth studio album, DJ Shadow explores a wide range of genres. Alongside the familiar cut-and-paste hip-hop/beats tracks, he ventures into metal, folk, blues, and more. The result is a mixtape-like album that hits on many levels, and despite the variety of ideas thrown into the mix, The Less You Know, the Better in its entirety come sounding coherent and articulate. For picks, check out the simple and beautiful "Sad and Lonely(1)," or the energetic, rocking "Border Crossing(2)" ("I Gotta Rokk(3)" also great on that rock note). The Bob Dylan-esque "I've Been trying(4)" also stands out, as does "Scale It Back(5)," a track featuring Little Dragon's Yukimi Nagano. Another highlight of the album is "Stay The Course(6)" featuring Talib Kweli and Posdnuos of De La, a funkly, shuffling beat-driven hip-hop tune with the mcs trading quality verses.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / mo wax - vinyl / and more

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Justice
Audio, Video, Disco / Helix 12"

rock-leaning single from Justice

The second single from Justice's sophomore full-length, "Audio, Video, Disco(1)" showcases the Parisian duo's foray into 70s arena/prog rock. Guitar riffs and dope chord progressions drive the song instead of crunchy drums and disco baselines, a refreshing and welcome move. The heavy rock thing continues in "Helix(2)," but the track leans slightly more toward what we're used to hearing from Gaspard Auge and Xavier de Rosnay - electro-rock-disco - and we're not complaining.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / ed banger + institubes + related / new disco / cosmic / edits / and more

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Bryan Ferry
Shameless (Still Going Remix) 12"

cosmic disco house remix

Eric Duncan (Dr. Dunks, Rub N Tug) and Liv Spencer (House Of House) team up under the Still Going moniker to give Bryan Ferry's recent single "Shameless(1)" a proper cosmic disco make over. This remix has been making the rounds on the net for a minute now, and appeared briefly on a super limited vinyl pressing of 500 earlier in the year. If you're like me, chances are you missed that pressing, so get with the one-sided white label while it's around!
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / re-edits / and more

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V/A
Alternative Funk: Folie Distinguee LP

sought after mutant synth funk comp

Maybe you're looking at the cover of Alternative Funk and wondering what the hell it is. Don't be ashamed, I did the same thing when it came in. Back in 1984 a label called Vox Man compiled these tracks and stamped that label on them. It's turned into a highly sought after document of what these days gets called minimal wave from around the world. There's a bunch of great material on here. From the stretched out funk of Randal Kennedy's "Smith's Room(1)" to the mutant deconstructed Casio on "Control Panel(2)" by Process Blue there are some truly inspired moments. One of the most crowd pleasing tracks on the comp is the "Genius Of Love" aping "Fitness School(3)" from Tranquil Eyes. But the tracks are all over the place, giving you bits of punk-funk, new wave and experimental electro. Some of the most recognized groups on here are going to be Vox Populi! and Psyclones who both deliver on the synth funk promise even if it gets a little off kilter at times. This is clearly a must have for anyone who is bent on catching up with underground music from the past. Recommended.
reviewed by The Voice

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / rock + new wave + 80/90s / new wave + no wave + electro / and more

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The Smiths
Complete - Limited Edition 11LP Box Set

definitive, limited-edition Smiths set, remastered albums, extras, 180g pressing

It took a long time, but The Smiths fans finally get what they have been waiting for - the ULTIMATE, DEFINITIVE collection of the band's beautiful music. Complete, on Rhino Records, includes all four of The Smiths' studio albums - The Smiths, Meat Is Murder, The Queen Is Dead, Strangeways, Here We Come as well as its live album (Rank) and compilations (Hatful Of Hollow, The World Won't Listen, Louder Than Bombs). Johnny Marr alongside Frankwright aka "England's greatest mastering and remastering engineer for contemporary rock music" remastered every single track (110 in all) from original source tapes at the famed Metropolis Studios in London. As a result, the boxset, without doubt, offers the best-sounding studio songs, b-sides, and etc. fans have heard to date. Five single LPs, three double LPs (all 180g pressing), a 12" booklet featuring new, expanded liner notes, and a 36" x 24" poster of cover artwork, limited to 10,000 copies worldwide, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new wave + no wave + electro / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / and more

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Bombay Bicycle Club
Shuffle (Leo Zero Remix) 12"

feel good disco rework of British indie rock

Leave it to editor extraordinaire Leo Zero to sniff out the dance-worthy gems in today's indie scene. He did it before with Florence & The Machine, and now he's struck dancefloor gold with British indie rockers Bombay Bicycle Club. Here he works his magic on "Shuffle(1)," transforming the track from jangly pop into a feel-good indie/balearic groover with a stomping 4x4 kick and added bassline. Rune Lindbaek goes in on the flip(2), reworking the remix into more of an instrumental dub disco affair. Both sides are very playable and will put smiles on the dancefloor denizens.
reviewed by The Kosmische Beard

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / re-edits / and more

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Leo Zero
Magnificent Dub / Music (The Clash) 12"

recommended edits, pick!

Duh. Add to cart immediately. Leo Zero dubbing out The Clash(1)? Don't cry when this is gone. Kinda reminds me of our first Hollertronix record. B-side doesn't let down your musical high with a superb edit of Al Hudson & Partner's "Music(2)." Highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / various rock + everything else / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / and more

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Yacht
Dystopia (The Earth Is On Fire) (The Emperor Machine Remix) 12"

tasteful dance remixes for shimmery synth-pop

UK's Emperor Machine lends his signature dubby disco touch to Yacht's "Dystopia(1)" for the official DFA remix 12". Laced with chugging drums, fat arpeggios and echoed out vocals, this mix is designed to move the floor on a sultry, subtly hypnotic rhythm. Veteran NYC production duo Whatever/Whatever (aka Justin Strauss and Bryan Mette) also turn in an ace remix(2) that kills on a retro-inspired house tip. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / dfa + related / and more

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Planningtorock
Living It Out (Jackson Remix) 12"

left field dance remix, balearic house

Couple of dancefloor worthy remixes for Planningtorock's (aka Berlin-based musician/visual artist Janine Rostron) debut album W. PTR's originals are usually pretty out there, but in a rare instance, Warp's Jackson (from Jackson And His Computer Band) flips "Living It Out(1)" to be even more leftfield than the OG. The result is a psychedelic mix of tension-building strings, augmented rhythms, and carefully spliced vocals to mesmerize the crowd. Also included is the Cosmodelica mix(2) for the more balearic, house-inclined dancefloor denizens.
reviewed by The Kosmische Beard

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / dfa + related / new disco / cosmic / edits

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Jesse Wakeman
Blood Neighborhood LP

home grown lo-fi rock, extremely limited pressing

We first heard from Jesse Wakeman on the super limited tape-only release Wake Up The Virgins released late 2010. If you missed the tape, you can get a dose of Wakeman's delectable lo-fi rock sounds here on his second release on Michna's Rellman Enterprises imprint, Blood Neighborhood. Check the sound on highlights like "Big City Girl(1)," "Better Look(2)," "Mr Sunshine(3)," "Baby With The Bathwater(4)," and "Patriot Games(5)." Cool stuff for sure, especially for fans of Ariel Pink, Pavement, or Young Marble Giants. 12 tracks to soak in. Super limited pressing (100 copies only), each copy features different artwork.
reviewed by The Kosmische Beard

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new wave + no wave + electro /

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

diverse dance-centric gems from influential UK label

The good folks at Strut shine some light on the dancier side of iconic Manchester label Factory Records for Factory Dance. Everyone knows the label's iconic acts like Joy Division, New Order and Happy Mondays, but here we get treated to some of the lesser known bands that graced the label during the early 80's when Factory was exploring jazz funk, experimental soul, and even reggae territories. Boogie heads will want to check the 52nd Street material, especially "Cool As Ice(1)," while X-O-Dus "See Them A Come(2)" is perfect for the dancehall. Did you know Factory ever took it there? Neither did I! You also get the underground disco-not-disco joint from Quando Quango ("Atom Rock NY Mix(3)") as well as electro from Section 25 on "Looking From A Hilltop(4)." There's even some garage house soul (Marcel King "Reach For Love(5)"), chilled-out balearica (Durutti Column's "For Belgian Friends(6)") and a good dose of experimental no wave business from Swamp Children(7), Blurt(8), and A Certain Ratio(9). An outstanding collection compiled by Bill Brewster (author of Last Night A DJ Saved My Life and DJHistory.com founder). 12 tracks in all spread over 2 LPs, recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new wave + no wave + electro / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / and more

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Radiohead
Best Of Radiohead Remixes Vol.1 12"

electronica, forward dance, and electro remix of Radiohead

4 excellent Radiohead remixes on one record, let's just hope that there is a volume 2,3, and etc. Caribou touches up "Little by Little(1)" with experimental house/electronica vibes, while Jacques Greene(2)" opts for a forward beats sound. James Lavelle(3) adds just the right amount of drums to give the perfect "Everything In It's Right Place" a slight lift, and Zedd's Dead(4) rounds out the release with an aggressive, dirty electro remix of "Pyramid Song". Recommended.

reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new school beats - vinyl / downtempo + electronic - all

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M83
Hurry Up, We're Dreaming (180g) 2LP

dreamy synth-pop

Three years after the striking Satrudays = Youth, M83 returns with a grandiose double album, Hurry Up, We're Dreaming. The lead single, "Midnight City(1)," immediately stands out, with the synth-heavy and upbeat instrumental laying down the foundation for Alex Gonzalez's lightly flowing vocals. "My Tears Are Becoming A Sea(2)" is highlighted by the soothing intro as well as the way the track progresses into a grand, synth-washed affair, with "OK Pal(3)" marking another exhilarating synth-pop moment. The beautiful "Splendor(4)" is meditative and emotive, followed by "Raconte-Moi Une Histoire(5)" which, while maintaining the shimmer of "Splendor," picks up the tempo of the album. Other notable tracks include the acoustic guitar-driven "Soon, My Friend(6)," the folksy, uptempo "Year one, One UFO(7)," and the intense, aggressive and shoegaze-y "This Bright Flash(8). All in all, Hurry Up... packs a potent, engaging, and dreamy mix of synth-pop, ambient, shoegaze, and electronica (think somewhere between Saturday = Youth and Before The Dawn Heals Us), a real treat for the ears. 2LP, 180g pressing, 24 tracks total, recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / and more

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Tiedye
Fisherman's Bend 12"

balearic rock & cosmic folk, new disco remix

Tie Dye are two dudes from the shores off the west coast of Sweden that like to keep it chill and groovy for all the hippies, weirdos, and beardos out there. You probably heard their infamous cover of Metallica's "Nothing Else Matters" or their fabulous remix of Feist (both early Italians Do It Better hits) but with "Fisherman's Bend(1)" the duo finally debut some original material - and it sounds sublime! Their original mix of the track sways and grooves on a folkie balearic rock groove, the kind of song you imagine hearing around a bonfire on a clear night on the coastline. A Mountain Of One is called for the remix and they do a funky rock refix on the tune with rolling drums, added bass, and dub effects, while Dan Lissvik of Studio gives it a proper new disco makeover for the floor. Quality as you'd expect from IDIB!
reviewed by The Kosmische Beard

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / funk soul disco 12" / new disco / cosmic / edits / and more

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Bla Kula
Blakouts Vol.1 (Kindred The Family Soul, Michael Jackson) 12"

deep house / nujazz remixes

Deadstock find from 2006. This obscure nujazz / deep release from Bla Kula (aka Chicago deep house head Armon Bazile) hides a great Michael Jackson "Human Nature" remix(1) on the b-side. I like how this version takes the original into unexpected areas with broken beats and deep atmospherics. The A-side, a remix(2) of Kindred The Family Soul, is a nice addition for your early in the night set.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / midtempo - vinyl / house / deep house / remixes / and more

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Goitia Deitz
Romance / Coma 7"

krautrock inspired instrumental synth jams

What happens when you sit down with a pile of synthesizers and drum machines and no real plan of attack? The mysterious duo of Goitia Deitz tackles this question with aplomb. They create some of the most compelling kosmiche inflected instrumental music to be released in a long time. Drawing on influences as disparate as Terry Riley and Suicide they take the building blocks they've been collecting over the years and turn them into some chimerical sounds. Channeling the spirit of krautrock bands like CAN and Neu!, "Coma(1)" unfolds at a blistering pace. After adding layers of pulsating synths to the mix, the track builds until it cauterizes under its own weight. "Romance(2)" begins on a much more idealistic note. Miniscule droplets of sound, buried in delay, are followed by the rest of the elements piece by piece. It might be easy to make comparisons to genres like chill wave, but this is absolutely original music. Not the recycled Italo that makes up so much of that school. It's no wonder that UK's DiscError decided to re-launch their label with Goitia Deitz. Limited press, housed in all black dust sleeve with awesome cover art. Recommended.
reviewed by The Voice

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new wave + no wave + electro / various rock + everything else / and more

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Nirvana
Nevermind (20th Anniversary Remastered 180g) 4LP

audiophile 180g vinyl pressing of landmark Nirvana album

For the 20th anniversary of Nevermind's release, Universal presents a 4 x LP edition of the landmark album. The release includes the remastered version of the original album as well as takes from The Smart Studio Sessions, The Boombox Rehearsals, and BBC Sessions - many of which were previously unreleased. Here is the original review for Nevermind: "We'll spare you the Woodman review where he would write about drinking a 40 "in an hour dude," or that time he puffed a blunt and saw visuals while listening to this in college. Nonetheless, a nostalgia ride to most, the only post 1980 album that cracked the Rolling Stone top 20 records of all time. If you need a reminder, this is the one with that "Smells like Teen Spirit" track, and "In Bloom," "Come As You Are," "Breed," "Lithium," "Polly," "Territorial Pissing," "Drain You," "Lounge Act," "Stay Away," "On A Plain," and "Something in the Way." Magic rock." Act quick because you're definitely not the only one that contemplated suicide when Curt Cobain passed, highly recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / various rock + everything else / special edition + deluxe

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Dinosaur L
24 -> 24 Music 4LP (Arthur Russell) Box Set

deluxe reissue of avant-disco classic

In the world of disco, it's seldom that you'll find an artist like Arthur Russell. Here's a little background on this leftfield disco master: He studied cello, then Indian Music at the Ali Akbar Khan School in SF, accompanied legendary beat poets like Allen Ginsberg, worked with large bands with musicians like David Byrne, and went to produce some of disco's finest works. In 1979, he produced one of Sire Records' first hits, Dinosaur's "Kiss Me Again," along with Loose Joint's "Is It All Over My Face?" before starting his own label, Sleeping Bag Records. Twenty years after its initial vinyl release, Dinosaur L's avant-disco album 24 --> 24 Music gets the deluxe reissue treatment as a deluxe four-LP box set. It's a pristine repress of their first album, as well as a collection of Russell's other works for Sleeping Bag and captures all the creativity and energy of Russell's earliest works with dance music. Listen to "Clean On Your Bean #1(1)" and hear how modern the production is. The reverbed slap bass intro, the new wave horns, the eerie chords, and the addictively strange hook is the envy of many producers today. The line in his hit "Go Bang! (Thank You Arthur Edit)(2)" summarizes the energy of the early 80's disco/new wave scene, "I wanna see all my friends at once, I'll do anything to get a chance to Go Bang! I wanna Go Bang!" Pure genius. Also check his more experimental jams "#7(3)," "#3 (in The Corn Belt)(4)," for a taste of his wilder side. Also includes the "#5 Go Bang! (Francois K Mix)(5) and "In The Corn Belt (Larry Levan Mix)(6)" where you have two key NY DJ's giving their unique versions. There’s more to be had once you’ve worked your way through the Dinosaur L material. Russell recorded and produced under a plethora of aliases for Sleeping Bag. One of his projects with the legendary Nicky Siano, Felix, gets represented with two versions of their killer "You Can't Hold Me Down(7)," as well as "Tiger Stripes(8)." And Russell's own Indian Ocean sees a proper vinyl pressing of "School Bell / Treehous(9)," the first time since its original release in 1986. Each of the four 12"s is housed in its own LP sleeve, within a hand pulled, screen printed outer box. Liner notes come courtesy of Tim Lawrence (Russell biographer and author of the acclaimed disco history Love Saves The Day) and there are previously unpublished photographs by Janette Beckman. Pretty much a must have for any fan. Highly recommended.
reviewed by The Voice

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / rock + new wave + 80/90s / new wave + no wave + electro / and more

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Arthur Russell
Let's Go Swimming 12"

underwater avant disco

Arthur Russell left behind a wealth of material after his untimely death. The New York composer and dance music visionary filled box after box of tapes with sketches, alternate versions and half finished compositions. It was as if no one piece was ever finished, everything was a work in progress. Steve Knutsen's Audika has unearthed "Let's Go Swimming" from theses storied vaults. Originally released in 1986, it was a sign that Russell was traveling along a different path than the rest of the dance music world. "A lot of DJs take the tapes I make and try to make them into something more ordinary," Russell told David Toop. "'Let's Go Swimming' was supposed to be a futuristic summer record. Some DJs said that nobody would ever, ever play that. I think eventually that kind of thing will be commonplace." Russell proved to be remarkably prescient judging by today's infatuation with all things Balearic and beachy. The reissue includes all three versions of "Let's Go Swimming": Russell's own "Gulf Stream Dub(1)" and "Puppy Surf Dub(2)" as well as Walter Gibbons' hallucinatory "Coastal Dub(3)." Gibbons also put together the song's accompanying video. The EP also includes the previously unreleased "Make 1, 2 (Gem Spa Dub)(4)," an epic spaced out Balearic number.


reviewed by The Voice

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / various rock + everything else / funk soul disco 12" / funk soul disco

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Anika
No One's There / Yang Yang (Vex Ruffin Remix) 7"

politically charged dub punk

First single off Anika's self-titled debut full length on Stones Throw. "No One's There(1)" showcases Anika's politically charged vocal talents over a gritty dub punk rhythm laid down by Beak aka Geoff Barrow (Portishead) and company. The flipside features a trashy lo-fi punk remix of "Yang Yang(2)" from label mate Vex Ruffin. Pic sleeve.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / various rock + everything else / stones throw shop

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Hanni El Khatib
Will The Guns Come Out LP

rock with punk, blues, soul, garage rock influence

Los Angeles-based Hanni El Khatib grew up in San Francisco raised on skateboarding (former creative director at HUF), punk rock, and 1950s and 60s classic Americana. Influenced by pioneers of early rock and R&B, the multi-instrumentalist and producer derives his unique sound from a menagerie of inspirations: blues, soul, garage rock, doo-wop, and the most American thing of all, car wrecks. It's malt shop music for those who drink them spiked with bourbon or in Hanni's own words "these songs were written for anyone who's ever been shot or hit by a train. Knife fight music." For picks, check out "Build. Destroy. Rebuld(1)," "Dead Wrong(2)," "Loved One(3)," "Heartbreak Hotel(4)," "You Rascal You(5)," as well as the title track.
reviewed by Stones Throw

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock

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Feist
Metals (180g w/ FREE MP3 Download) LP

indie pop/rock

Metals comes four years after Feist released The Reminder, and she crafts another excellent album full of elegant art rock/folk/pop vibes, punctuated by odd time signatures, shimmery melodies, and quirky rhythmic elements. Check out the album closer, "Get It Wrong, Get It Right(1)," aka the "grazing goats track," or "How Come You Never Go There(2)," the lead single featuring a 3/4 or 6/8 (some debate concerning the actual time signature) time. Other standouts include the beautiful "Bittersweet Melodies(3)" and the intense, strings-driven "Commotion(4)," as well as "Graveyard(5)," and "The Bad In Each Other(6)."
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / various rock + everything else / vinyl with free mp3 / special edition + deluxe

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La Roux
La Roux (with FREE MP3 Download) LP

debut LP from the UK synth-pop duo

BONUS - Each copy of this LP includes a coupon redeemable for a free high-quality download of the album.

It certainly has been a meteoric year for La Roux. What started last year with a 12" on Kitsune has now blown up into a self-titled LP that has already been certified gold in the UK (along with two top ten singles that featured some huge remixes), now finally seeing release here in the good old US of A. In case you've been sleeping, La Roux is comprised of Elly Jackson on vocals and Ben Langmaid on synths, and when you put 'em together you wind up with a duo that has a serious knack for writing catchy-as-fuck synth-pop. "Bulletproof(1)" is probably the catchiest of the bunch, and should translate to most dancefloors exceptionally. "In For The Kill(2)," which was remixed by Skream to wildly popular results, and "Quicksand(3)" are also danceable standouts. "Cover My Eyes(4)" is a great mid-tempo ballad, while "As If By Magic(5)" and "Fascination(6)" are both dripping with new wave pop sensibility. Honestly, all of the tracks here are really well crafted, the album never really falters. It's rarer and rarer to find an album without a skipable moment these days, but this is one of em. Pressed on 180g vinyl and packaged in a gatefold pic-sleeve. Highly recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new wave + no wave + electro / and more

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La Roux
Quicksand / In For The Kill (Skream, Mad Decent) 12"

exceptional 80s style electro-pop

La Roux is another act first introduced to us by tastemakers Kitsune. With the quickness, the duo has been picked up by a major. It was a no-brainer though, this girl has a serious 80s new wave chops and the perfect electro-pop backing to match. Check their debut single "Quicksand(1)" along with a new Mad Decent remix(2). B-side opens with a real treat, Skream's remix(3) of "In For The Kill." I'm entranced... they should do a whole album together. In one of those strange 12" moves, you also get the original instrumental (but not the original).
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / dubstep + grime - vinyl / kitsune + related / and more

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Memoryhouse
The Years (w/ FREE MP3 Download) 12"

dreamy chillwave with female vocals

This record includes a download card for MP3 versions from the Subpop website. Super dreamy chillwave from Subpop and Candian duo Memoryhouse. The Years is actually a re-recorded version of their cult hit debut EP from 2010, plus two entirely new tracks. "Super Dreamy" might be an understatement. 5 tracks in all.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / vinyl with free mp3

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Radiohead
Bloom (Jamie xx, Anstam, SBTRKT) 12"

forward thinking electronica remixes of Radiohead

The most anticipated volume of the Radiohead remixes, the seventh single in the series features two of the biggest names (currently) in Labhead land. SBTRKT steals the show here with a future beats version of "Lotus Flower(1)." Love those tricked out drums! Jamie XX goes for the higher state of consciousness with an understated, ethereal mix of "Bloom(2)" that omits kicks and snares. Anstam's version of "Separator(3)" rounds out the set with shuffling drums and a movement towards darkness. Limited as usual, don't sleep. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / and more

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Heroes Of The Galleon Trade
Neptune's Last Stand / Winter Island Romance 12"

Phil South from Golf Channel, hobbled into the lab with this box of records, his pegleg rhymtically beating the wood floor with a drunken swing, smelling like salt and seaweed. Actually, it was just a normal day, but since he was dropping off the new "Heroes Of The Galleon Trade", I like to imagine that scenario being real. When it comes to discerning new music, Golf Channel is always exploring new ground, but this time it sounds like they've gone out to sea. A sea of psychedelic, fog-filled slomo balearic disco rock grooves,with the sequins of the disco-mermaids teasing you beneath mysterious waters. That might be due to the help of Mike Severson, an experienced rocker from DJ Harvey's "Map Of Africa" project, along with deckmate, Chris Munoz, AKA The Sexican. "Neptune's Last Stand(1)" is definitely the "anchor down" side, leaving it's listeners hypnotized by the waltz-like undulations of a calm Mediterranean Sea. On the flip, "Winter's Last Romance(2)" blows some wind into the sails, upping the rhythm to balearic disco tempo, adding excitement to adventure with the siren-like calls of wailing rock guitar leads and interweaved melodies. This is a great example of impeccable mixing and mastering here and a perfect mood setter for those serious about gettin cozy. Reccomended!
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / various rock + everything else / new disco / cosmic / edits / cosmic + balearic + rock-ish

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Spank Rock
Energy (Jan Driver, The Glimmers) 12"

Can-sampling single from MC Spank

After a five year break, Spank Rock is back (fresh off tour opening for Ke$ha) with the lead single off his sophomore full length Everything is Boring and Everyone is a Fucking Liar'. You've probably already heard the buzz around the Boyz Noize-produced, Can-sampling "Energy(1)," but here it is on proper 12" vinyl complete with excellent remixes from The Glimmers(2), Win Win(3), and Jan Driver(4). Pretty pic sleeve too, recommended.
reviewed by Von Bee

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new electro + electro rock + rave / new electro / electro rock / rave

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LCD Soundsystem
This Is Happening 2LP

disco, pop and rock from one of the best, pick!

It's kind of freaky how James Murphy gets better with every album. With every song and every release, he manages to out do whatever preceded it. This Is Happening is absolutely solid, from front to back. It's only 9 tracks, but they're lengthy and it clocks in at about an hour in total playing time. All of 'em are great, from the chugging rock on "Drunk Girls(1)," to the sublime new wave confessional "I Can Change(2)," to the stream of consciousness disco that is "Pow Pow(3)." You could (you should!) click on any of these audio previews and hear a great track, there's no fat here. The CD comes in a paper digipak sleeve that features a small lyrics book and a few shots of Murphy and the band. I don't know what you're waiting for, you need this one in your life. X-tra recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / dfa + related / and more

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Radiohead
Good Evening Mrs Magpie (Modeselektor, Objekt) 12"

forward dance remixes off King of Limbs

More stellar remixes for Radiohead's King Of Limbs! This is the fourth 12" in the remix series and this time Thom Yorke and the gang have recruited established party rockers Modeselektor to give "Good Evening Mrs Magpie(1)" a dance-y rework. Their version is a rush of teched-out Funky-inspired beats that sure to work the crowd, while Berlin upstarts Objekt come through with a fully impressive remix on the new school acid tip. Pic sleeve.
reviewed by Von Bee

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new school beats - vinyl / downtempo + electronic - all / and more

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CFCF
Cometrue (D'eon Remix) 12"

disco pop and forward house

UNO NYC recruits Montreal's cosmic prodigy CFCF for the burgeoning label's 3rd proper vinyl release. On "Cometrue(1)" CFCF gets much more upbeat than his deep cosmic rock outing on RVNG. The track rides a groove somewhere between house and garage, with uplifting synths and vocals to take the dancefloor to a higher level. Fellow Canadian D'eon sprinkles some space dust into the mix(2), while Physical Therapy gets chilled to the max with deep tribal ambience on the Deep Forest mix(3). Also includes the introspective dance rhythms of "Looking So(4)."
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new disco / cosmic / edits / cosmic + balearic + rock-ish

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Little Dragon
Machine Dreams LP

electro pop from Sweden

Before the critically acclaimed Ritual Union came Machine Dreams, Little Dragon's sophomore effort from 2009. By know you've probably heard all the buzz about this Swedish band, but if you slept on Machine Dreams when it came out a few years ago, definitely check it out here on minty wax! The album contains a special kind of pop magic that comes from loosely blending electro, r&b, and 80's beats with an incredibly talented lead vocalist (namely Yukimi Nagano). Sounds like this are very distinct and hard to deny, especially with tracks like "Looking Glass(1)," "My Step(2)," "Feather(3)," "Never Never(4)," "Runabout(5)," "Swimming(6)," and "Fortune(7)." I'd say the hype is well deserved! 11 tracks housed in brilliant pic sleeve.
reviewed by Von Bee

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / downtempo + electronic - all

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V/A
The Minimal Wave Tapes, Vol.1 2LP

early ancestors of synth pop and new wave

If you're not up on your genres, Minimal Wave is primitive synth music, predominantly recorded in the early 1980s, and it basically sounds like the soundtrack to an educational film you might have watched in high school. Seriously, I felt like I should have been watching a video about photosynthesis when I listened to some of these, and I mean that in a good way. These songs were compiled by Stones Throw grand-honcho Peanut Butter Wolf and Veronica Vasicka, who founded Minimal Wave Records, so you know it doesn't get much more legit than that (they even took the time to give you a history of each artist here in the liner notes!). All together it's 14 tracks on 2 LPs, in a snazzy looking gatefold sleeve. Not just a great introduction to the genre, but an excellent way to hear the seeds for synth pop, new wave and italo disco being planted. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new wave + no wave + electro / various rock + everything else / and more

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Little Dragon
Ritual Union LP

catchy synth pop from Sweden

Buzz around Little Dragon has been steadily growing (lots of requests from the NY store), so here's Ritual Union, the Swedish group's 3rd full length from 2011. I first started seeing their name on remixes and collabos (like on SBTRKT's "Wildfire" and GB Interprets His Contemporaries), but their original material definitely holds it own and it's no surprise that these guys are blowing up. This album is the most accessible and dance-y to date featuring a catchy fusion of pop, r&b, 80's, and electronica all lead by the lovely vocals of Yukimi Nagano, who at times shows shades of Prince or Kelis. Listen to the addictive melodies of the title track "Ritual Union(1)" for a taste, then get into "Little Man(2)," "Brush The Heat(3)," "Please Turn(4)," "Crytalfilm(5)," "Nightlight(6)," "When I Go Out(7)" and "Seconds(8)." A fully satisfying listen from beginning to end that'll have you putting favorites on repeat. 11 tracks, recommended.
reviewed by Von Bee

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / and more

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Pocketknife
Canyon Dancing Vol.2 12"

indie and folk dance reworks

The homie Pocketfnife returns with the second installment of Canyon Dancing and debut release for his own Wilde Calm imprint! You might know Pocketknife from his excellent Arthur Russell reworks, his Flagrant Fowl edits, or his hugely successful Tambourine Dream project with Cousin Cole, but here on Canyon Dancing 2 Pocket spreads a little rework love on some of-the-moment indie jams. Check the freak folk vibes on his Spirited remix of "I Am The One I Am(1)" by Wooden Wand & The Vanishing Voice and "Version(2)" by Mi Ami, the dubbed out variation of "Searching(3)" by LA Vampires & Zola Jesus, or the deep and somber thump of his mix of "Adam(4)" by Religious Knives. Recommended.
reviewed by The Kosmische Beard

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / and more

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Radiohead
Give Up The Ghost / Codex / Little By Little (Thriller, Illum Sphere, Shed) 12"

forward bass and atmospheric house remixes

Another installment in the Radiohead King Of Limbs remix series! Following the much hyped remixes from Four Tet, Caribou, Pearson Sound, and others comes this volume featuring three more of-the-moment producers giving their take on Thom Yorke and the gang's recent work. Check Thriller's Houseghost remix of "Give Up The Ghost(1)" for a atmospheric house vibe, Illum Sphere's sparse and moody forward beats version of "Codex(2)," and the minimalist lo-fi bump of Shed's version of "Little By Little(3)." Recommended.
reviewed by Von Bee

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new school beats - vinyl / downtempo + electronic - all / and more

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Amy Winehouse
Back To Black LP

second studio album from Amy Winehouse

Finally available on vinyl! Didn't think much of this album when we first saw it advertised - now it's heading for instant classic status. Retro sounds from Ms. Winehouse in that Mark Ronson meets the Dap Kings kinda way. Check out the big ones - "Rehab(1)" and the Ghostface(2) and non-Ghostface(3) versions of "You Know I'm No Good" - and you'll see what I mean. This stuff is hard to resist, sweet and soulful with that super dark undercurrent. For reference, I went into my local comic shop the other day and even they were bumping this album. (And comic nerds HATE almost all music that's not from "the trilogy.") Also check the Salaam Remi-produced "Me & Mr. Jones(4)," the Lauryn Hill-meets-The Supremes vibe on "He Can Only Hold Her(5)" or the "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"-sampling "Tears Dry On Their Own(6)." Forget the hype, this is just some well-crafted music. Mark Ronson = new school Phil Spector? 11 tracks total.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / funk soul disco - albums / funk soul disco

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LCD Soundsystem
45:33 Remixes (Pilooski, Theo Parrish) 12"

all-star remixes for LCD's epic album-length track

Finally on wax! Back in 2005, LCD Soundsystem created an astounding piece entitled 45:33 (as in 45 minutes and 33 seconds long) originally commissioned by Nike and intended to be a jogging soundtrack. It was quite a track, one that mutated and morphed into several movements and one that frontman James Murphy is known to be very proud of. Fast forward to 2009 and 45:33 gets revisited by the dance scene's brightest producers for some truly stunning remixes. The original CD version contained all 8 remixes on one disc, but for the vinyl release they are split up onto four 12"s, each side dedicated to a single remix. This volume includes Theo Parrish's brilliant remix(1), which is signature Detroit-style all the way (my fave of the bunch), and Pilooski's remix(2) that hypes things up with vocoded vocals and a frenzied electro-disco vibe. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / and more

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Toro Y Moi
Causers Of This (w/ FREE MP3 Download) LP

chillwave w/ r&b and indie beats influence

Acclaimed debut full length from Toro Y Moi from 2010. Causers Of This put Toro Y Moi (aka South Carolina's Chaz Bundick) on the map with his chilled out blend of r&b, indie, and electronic pop. The sounds here fit in well with chillwave, but there's a little something else that puts Toro Y Moi on a level of its own. Maybe it's the cool vocal harmonies or the funky synth and guitar work, but whatever it is - it's damn catchy and very unique. Check out the slowed down chops of "Fax Shadow(1)," the bright laid back funk of "Talamak(2)," the new school r&b groove of "Causers Of This(3)," or the mellow make out beats of "Imprint After(4)" for a taste. If you like these styles, also be sure to check his follow up Underneath The Pine (with that track recently featured on Entourage!). 11 tracks in all with free MP3 download included.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / vinyl with free mp3 / and more

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Cat Power
Jukebox LP

covers record from the charismatic vocalist

Jukebox came out hot on the heels of Cat Power's critically acclaimed, The Greatest. On this one she's joined by Jim White, the Dirty Three drummer who backed her on Moon Pix, and Judah Bauer, of the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion. Although they don't provide the smoothness of the Memphis old schoolers on The Greatest, they pound out a dramatic accompaniment for her sultry vocals. She covers a variety of tunes, including James Brown's "Lost Someone(1)" and Bob Dylan's "I Believe in You(2)". There's the original "Song for Bobby(3)" where she recounts in conversational lyrics her youthful infatuation with Dylan. Everything wraps up with a cover of Joni Mitchell's "Blue(4)".
reviewed by The Voice

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock

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Cat Power
What Would The Community Think? (w/ FREE MP3 Download) LP

breakout record from one of the indie world's finest

After making some noise with her first two records, Cat Power's Chan Marshall caught the ear of Sonic Youth drummer, Steve Shelly. She subsequently signed to Matador Records and recorded What Would The Community Think with Shelly producing and playing drums. The result was a stronger and more focused Marshall, whose voice reached beyond the cathartic moments that she had previously been known for. Don't get me wrong though; there are still plenty of cathartic moments to be found on the record; from "Nude as the News(1)" and its semi ambiguous lyrics to her cover of Bill Callahan's "Bathysphere(2)". Throughout the album Chan Marshall deftly blends blues, rock and country into a style that is uniquely hers. Songs like "They Tell Me(3)" and "Taking People(4)" showcase her ability as a true soul singer. With the combination of quieter moments found in "King Rides By(5)" and "Water and Air(6)" with the louder numbers on the record creates a slow-building, implosive tension. This is a classic Cat Power record and a must for any fan. Recommended.
reviewed by The Voice

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / vinyl with free mp3

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Gil Scott-Heron & Jamie xx
We're New Here (with FREE MP3 Download) LP

spoken word meets forward-thinking bass

After whetting our appetites with "New York Is Killing Me(1)," Jamie xx releases We're New Here, a thirteen-track full-length featuring The XX producer's reinterpretation of Gil-Scott Heron's 2010 album I'm New Here. The aforementioned track (also included here) perfectly fused short snippets of GSH's bluesy vocals with Jamie xx's future bass sensibilities, and pairings of equal quality can be found in tracks like "Home(2)," "My Cloud(3)," and "I'll Take Care Of U(4)," which feature sophisticated beats, lofty, emotive synth work, and thick, heavy low-end work. Also check out "Running(5)," as Heron's spoken word piece rides beautifully over a melodic and dark hip-hop/new school beats-influenced instrumental, or some of the interludes like "Jazz" and "I've Been Me," which are short but nevertheless capture the essence of this project. Recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / downtempo + electronic - recommended / rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / and more

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Toro Y Moi
Underneath The Pine (with FREE MP3 Download) LP

emotive lo-fi rock

Chaz Bundick aka Toro Y Moi drops his second full-length, Underneath The Pine. His debut album, Causers Of This, was a dreamy chillwave affair produced with a slew of synths, drum machines, and effects, but this time around, the South Carolina-based artist builds tracks with live instruments. The resulting sound is a combination of soft rock, pop, and in some cases, bits of soul and disco ("New Beat(1)"), which creates an alluringly hazy backdrop for Moi's emotive, mellow vocals. Lyrically, Moi explores similar themes as he did in Causers - friends, family, girlfriends, etc - and verses like "that's what I still want now/ even if I'm here and I think that you won't be waiting/ 'cause I don't want to be alone" in "Still Sound(2)" showcase his songwriting talent. Stand out tracks include "Good Hold(3)," "Light Black(4)," "Go With You(5)" and "Divina(6)."
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / vinyl with free mp3 / and more

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Inc.
3 12"

modern r&b pop with new jack influence

Debut from LA-based brothers Andrew and Daniel Aged aka 3 on 4AD. Apparently these bros have spent several years playing, recordingg and touring with big pop heavyweights like 50 Cent, Pharrell, Beck, Cee-Lo, Raphael Saadiq, Robin Thicke and many others. It's no wonder the track on here have such an immediate appeal! "Swear(1)" has some Prince styles going on with the vocals and a super catchy beat that bounces between R&B, boogie, and pop. "Heart Crimes" slows it down for some freaky slow dance shhh, while "Millionairess(2)" brings back that neo-new jack beat so you can get your Bobby Brown on. Impressive.
reviewed by Von Bee

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock

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Yo La Tengo
Painful (w/ FREE MP3 Download) LP

1993 album from Hoboken, NJ alternative rock band

Yo La Tengo's sixth studio full-length, Painful, showcases the Hoboken, NJ band fusing its signature retro/noise rock foundation with dreamy, atmospheric soundscapess. Beautifully textured and melodic tracks like "Big Day Coming(1)" and "Nowhere Near(2)" sit alongside slightly heavier, distortion-driven "Double Dare(3)" and "I Was The Fool Beside You For Too Long(4). Also check out "Sudden Organ(5)" and a different, shoegaze-y version of "Big Day Coming(6)". Recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / vinyl with free mp3

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Cat Power
The Covers Record LP

haunting ballad style covers

Cool collection of sparsely arranged, haunting ballad style covers from Cat Power, all recorded during 1998 and 1999. Ms. Marshall takes on songs by notable acts like The Rolling Stones(1), Bob Dylan(2), Lou Reed(3) and Bill Callahan(4) and Johnny Mathis(5), as well as traditional tracks like "Kingsport Town(5)," and "Wild Is The Wind(6)." A pared down version of "In This Hole(7)" from 1996's What Would The Community Think LP is also included. 12 tracks total, pressed on quality 120g vinyl.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock

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Digitalism
I Love You, Dude LP

electro album with indie/pop moments

The German duo of Jence and Isi come back with its second full-length, I Love You, Dude (bromance!!!). With club-ready electro sounds ala Idealism at the core, the album also showcases Digitalism venturing more into indie-pop/dance-rock territories, with Jens Moelle handling vocal duties. Check out the lead single "2 Hearts(1)" featuring undeniable melodies and a catchy hook, or jump to "Circles(2)," a harder yet undoubtedly pop-y track. "Blitz(3)" is a heavy-synths-filtered-bassline-snappy-drums workout guaranteed to move bodies on the dancefloor, and "Encore(4)," which also is very dj-friendly in a sexier, electro-disco sort of a way. Another standout track is "Forrest Gump(5)," a track co-written by Julian Casablancas of The Strokes, and it is another indication of Digitalism's attempt at adding indie flavor to the album.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new disco / cosmic / edits / cosmic + balearic + rock-ish

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Deerhoof
Milk Man (Limited Edition 180g Banana-Colored Vinyl) LP

creative rock with female vocals

First time vinyl reissue of Deerhoof's 2004 album on the occasion of their latest album Deerhoof vs. Evil. The 11 tracks are conceptually based on the namesake character featured on the cover. From what I gather, the character is a psychotic milk man that lures beings into his fantasy world. Whatever the story, this album bursts with Deerhoof's typical volume, zeal, and creativity. Check the title track(1), "Desaparecere(2), C(3), Milking(4), Dream Wanderer's Tune(5)," and "Song Of Sorn(6)." Limited pressing of 1000 on colored 180g vinyl.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock

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Pylon
Cover + Remix (Deerhunter, The Calvinist) 7"

georgian post-punk covered and remixed

These days it seems that DFA is reaching out beyond their bread and butter dance releases and taking chances with some interesting material. For those of you not familiar, Pylon was a post-punk band hailing from 80s Athens, GA. Their debut album, Gyrate, found some success but they never reached the mainstream popularity that contemporaries like REM and The B-52s did. DFA reissued it way back in 2007. With this 7" the label taps current Georgia based indie favorites, Deerhunter, to cover Pylon's "Cool(1)" and they do so with surprising success. Their version sounds like New Order as they were just forming from the ashes of Joy Division with a touch of The Fall. A pulsing bass and drum rhythm is punctuated by a slightly dissonant guitar and vocal melody. Equally as interesting is the Calvinist (aka music critic Sasha Frere-Jones) remix of "Yo-Yo(2)" which funks up the original's jagged angles and adds some propulsive percussion to the mix.
reviewed by The Voice

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new wave + no wave + electro / 80s + 90s / and more

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Toro Y Moi
Still Sound Remixes (Toby Tobias, Voodoo Bear) 12"

tasteful dance remixes

"Still Sound" was an obvious highlight from Toro Y Moi's sophomore album and gets a subtle electronic rework from Rekids main man Toby Tobias. Toby keeps the funky soulful vibe intact on the Moving Sound Remix(1) but adds a midtempo house bump to really get the dancefloor moving and grooving. The Deep Dub(2) keeps it mostly instrumental but with some nice key solos taking the place of the vocals while the Voodoo Bear remix(3) comes in from left field with an organic dance touch.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new disco / cosmic / edits / cosmic + balearic + rock-ish

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Jesus & Mary Chain
Automatic (180g) LP

1989 rock album with drum machine and synths

After the brilliant debut Psychocandy, Darklands was a lethargic disappointment. 1989's Automatic erased the sophomore misstep like the perfect firewater shot, integrating drum machines and synths (in place of a bass player) and instituting a gritty swagger. "Head On(1)" was the runaway smash here, given the ultimate co-sign when The Pixies covered it on Trump Le Monde. However, it's really about the entire album, listened to from beginning to end. Initially hammered by critics (they couldn't handle the stylistic shift), Automatic has come to rival Psychocandy as the fan favorite album. 10 tracks in all (like the original vinyl version). I always wondered what drugs William Reid fed Hope Sandoval to go out with him. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new wave + no wave + electro / various rock + everything else / and more

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The Clash
Black Market Clash 10"

limited reissue of The Clash's 1980 EP featuring rare b-sides, mixes

Originally released by Epic Records on 10" vinyl in 1980, Black Market Clash featured four tracks from The Clash that only appeared as b-sides to UK-only singles between 1977 and 1979 ("Pressure Drop," a remix exclusive to this EP, "the Prisoner," "City Of Dead," "Armagideon Time"). In addition, at the time, Black Market was the only record that included "Time Is Tight," The Clash's cover of an instrumental by booker T & The MGs. Other tracks like "Capital Radio" and "Cheat" were also rare (especially in the US), and the EP also contaied a mix of "Bank Robber" exclusive to this record alongside the dub version of the song, "Robber Dub." This 2011 version, reissued by Drastic Plastic Records, features the same tracklisting, and it is the only version available as a 10" since the original release. DPR has also pressed the EP on heavier vinyl ensuring higher quality (less prone to warping also), and even small details like the catalog numbers and Epic Nu-Disk label artwork, which makes this 10" a no-brainer for The Clash fans. Limited to 5000 copies, recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / 80s + 90s

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Shuggie Otis
In Session 2LP

comp of Shuggie's guitar session work

This stacked, double vinyl, 23 track compilation showcases Shuggie Otis' work as a session guitarist. A teenage guitar prodigy, Shuggie went onto become an in-demand session musician, playing from everyone from Frank Zappa (Hot Rats) to Al Kooper. This comp features a wide array of r&b and straight blues from both known and fringe artists such as Richard Berry, Johnny Otis (his father), Big Joe Turner, Charles Brown, Louis Jordan, and others. It's interesting to focus on Shuggie's playing here, but really it plays as a great American music collection.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / various rock + everything else / funk soul disco - albums / funk soul disco

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Memory Tapes
Player Piano (w/ FREE MP3 Download) LP

dreamy pop rock

Sophomore effort from Dayve Hawk aka Weird Tapes, Memory Cassette, and finally, Memory Tapes. Whereas his debut LP Seek Magic was filled with dance-centric rhythms, electronic textures and chill (wave) overtones, Player Piano focuses on Memory Tapes' skills as a singer/song writer creating a full force excursion into dreamy pop rock sounds. Gone are most of the synthesizers and drum machines, replaced by acoustic instruments like guitars, organs, and drums. And though the sound kit has changed dramatically, the mood remains for the most part dreamy and hazy, just with a lot more pop. Highlights include "Yes I Know(1)," "Wait In the Dark(2)," "Sunhits(3)," "Offers(4)," "Fell Thru Ice(5)," and "Trance Sisters(6)." 12 tracks total.
reviewed by Von Bee

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / vinyl with free mp3 / new disco / cosmic / edits / and more

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V/A
Kitsune Maison #11: The Indie-Dance Issue 2LP

indie dance/synth pop comp

Yet another choice comp from Kitsune. For the 11th installment, label boss Gildas Loaec" explains that he wanted the release to "sit right at the crossroad" of 'club' and 'indie,' and it seems he has achieved just that with this 17 tracker. Check out the opener "Let's Go All The Way(1)" or "Roman(2)" as well as Azari & III's remix of "Days(3)" by Creep. Another standout cut is Peter & The Magician's "Twist(4)", with exclusives tracks from Housse De Racket, Polarsets, Alexander Dexter Jones, Beat Connection, T.E.E.D. and much more rounding out the release. Recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new electro + electro rock + rave / new electro / electro rock / rave

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Pure X
You're In It Now (Limited Edition Black/White Blended Vinyl) 12"

hazy lo-fi psych pop, limited color blended vinyl

Austin's Pure X (formerly known as Pure Ecstasy) re-release their early 7" tracks on a single remastered 12" vinyl on the Acephale/Light Lodge labels. Anyone that digs shoegaze or lo-fi rock and psych pop would do well to check out this release (and anything else Pure X puts out). Check the full extended version of "You're In It Now(1)" (previously shortened by a couple minutes on 45), the previously unreleased "Back Where I Began(2)," and dreamy the "DWLDWD(3)" and "Untitled(4)" to hear what these hazy Texans are all about. Limited pressing of 500 on beautiful black and white blended vinyl. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / new disco / cosmic / edits / and more

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Dom Thomas
Synthetic Soul And Other Junk 2LP

far-out psych, disco, and cosmic soul from around the globe

UNMIXED vinyl version featuring select cuts off the mix! After forging new ground with his previous sonic hotchpots "Miscellaneous Mutant Mishaps" and "The Exploding Disco Inevitable", Dom Thomas returns with another brain melting audio escapade into the ether. The third album in his dynamic series on Brutal Music is salubriously entitled "Synthetic Soul & Other Junk", giving Thomas free license to curate a mood that takes the unsuspecting listener on a cascading journey of edits and loops, blurring the lines of traditional DJ edits and original compostion."Synthetic Soul" is composed of a variety of genres from "International Disco Frankenstien" Thomas' musical heritage, warping together vastly disparate records into a rich sonic tapestry. You're not gonna be able to call any of the originals here as Thomas digs deeper than anyone out there for his unique brand of unidentifiable cosmic slop. Very Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / rock + new wave + 80/90s / various rock + everything else / funk soul disco - comps / and more

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About Group
You're No Good (Theo Parrish, Ashley Wales) 12"

techno/house remix of cover of latin soul

In 1968, Terry Riley created one of the first "remixes" known by reworking "You're No Good" by the Harvey Averne Dozen. About Group, a quartet consisting of Hot Chip's Alexis Taylor, drummer Charles Hayward, Guitarist John Cooxon, and Keyboardist Pat Thomas, covers the latin soul number for its lead single, and it enlists two producers to remix it. Theo Parrish's "Translation(1)" consists of a shuffling house groove and new vocals as well as space-y noises that are in line with Terry Riley's noise-funk version, while Mokmix introduces thumping kick drums to little snippets of the original (About Group cover, not the harvey Averne Dozen original) for a minimally-produced dancefloor workout.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / detroit - carl craig, theo parrish, moodymann / house / minimal / techno

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Holy Ghost!
Wait & See (Kris Menace, CFCF, Richard X) 12"

refined nu disco w/ top-notch remixes

Easily one of the strongest tracks on Holy Ghost's self-titled debut full-length, "Wait & See(1)" is "an aural pleasure that scratches an itch and hits the spot so precisely." The New York nu disco dudes really can't do wrong, and on this EP, the duo reaches out to other dance music luminaries for a stellar collection of remixes. CFCF(2) puts an atmospheric spin and offers a fresh take while leaving much of original elements intact, and Kris Menace(3) works in hypnotic piano chords and arpeggio melodies to his version, which builds slowly into a powerful, tasteful dancefloor jam. Richard X(4)'s approach is very much in line w/ HG's style, and the remix comes out sounding very natural and fitting in all its 80s bassline x synth work glory. A pleasure to listen to, and you can bet that any one of the cuts on this record will get people moving. Recommended.

Holy Ghost! - Wait & See from DFA Records on Vimeo.

reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / dfa + related / and more

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Radiohead
Kid A 2x10"

180g repress of Radiohead's 4th studio album

Limited repress of Radiohead's revolutionary 2000 album from the new "Capitol Vaults" reissue series. Each title in the series is faithfully restored to audiophile sound quality standards and pressed on heavy duty 180g vinyl. This album comes in its original gatefold double 10-inch format with artwork by Stanley Donwood and Tchock (Thom Yorke). Includes "The National Anthem(1)," "Optimistic(2)," "Idioteque(3)," "Everything In Its Right Place(4)," "Kid A(5)" and "Morning Bell(6)." 10 tracks total.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / downtempo + electronic - all / and more

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Radiohead
OK Computer 2LP

Radiohead's third studio album

Limited repress of Radiohead's 1997 modern classic from the new "Capitol Vaults" reissue series. Each title in the series is faithfully restored to audiophile sound quality standards and pressed on heavy duty 180g vinyl. Includes "Karma Police(1)," "Paranoid Android(2)," "Climbing Up The Walls(3)," "Airbag(4)," "No Surprises(5)" and "Lucky(6)." Gatefold jacket; double vinyl. 12 tracks total.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / downtempo + electronic - all / and more

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Fleetwood Mac
Rumors (Remastered) LP

official reissue of classic album

Official reissue of Fleetwood Mac's Rumours pressed up on virgin audiophile vinyl. Not the rarest record by any means (it is after all the second biggest-selling record of all time), but still heavily sweated amongst djs, collectors, and music lovers alike for good reason. This is the one with all hits - "Dreams(1)," "Don't Stop(2)," "Go Your Own Way(3)," "You Make Loving Fun(4)," "The Chain(5)," etc. Stevie Nicks and company were at the top of their game with this one making it the top album of 1977 (catching a Grammy for best album and Diamond award from R.I.A.A.). Classic and essential.
reviewed by Von Bee

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / various rock + everything else / funk soul disco - albums / funk soul disco / and more

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Dawn Golden and Rosy Cross
Blow EP

textural electronica and rock

Dawn Golden and Rosy Cross is the work of 24 year old producer Dexter Tortoriello. He gained exposure early last year when his other (much more serene) project, Houses began getting wide spread attention. Dawn Golden and Rosy Cross is it's opposite. Influenced by everything from doom metal bands like Neurosis to avant noise artists such as Xiu Xiu, the songs pound with a calm, but dire urgency. The project began in Tortoriello's bedroom as an experiment in different recording techniques, and quickly escalated as vocals were added and ideas rounded out. The Blow EP is a mix of manipulated live instruments, dusty drum machines, and swells of broken synthesizers with Dexter's vocals as much a part of the sound as any of the instruments. The tracks were each treated and prepared to perfectly capture the texture and mood of the song. Dawn Golden and Rosy Cross is meant to bring about a melancholy familiarity, like going back to the house where you grew up and finding it the way you left it, only 10 years later and everything is falling apart. Recommended.
reviewed by Mad Decent

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / and more

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LCD Soundsystem
London Sessions LP

in-studio live recordings from LCD Soundsystem

Touring for the past year has kept LCD busy, but it didn't stop them from recording a live album on a week's break in London. This Is Happening has earned LCD the credibility as one of the premier bands of the decade; and their 2010 world tour has solidified them as one of the "decade;s best live bands". Putting that reputation to the test, LCD sat down and recorded their first in-studio live recordings. The London Sessions brings the hands-in-the-air sound, humor and thrills of the concert experience to the home listener. The album embraces some older classics ("Daft Punk Is Playing At My House(1)," "All My Friends(2)") and our favorites ("Drunk Girls(3)," "I Can Change(4)") from This Is Happening, perpetuating the LCD performance and presenting it for the first time to fans with a possible social anxiety disorder. The album was recorded at the legendary Abbey Road and mixed at Plantain Studios, NYC. Recommended.
reviewed by DFA

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / dfa + related / and more

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LCD Soundsystem
45:33 2LP

epic disco movements

45:33 was originally commissioned by Nike for iTunes as a "work out" mix, but this shit is so good that the DFA decided to put it out on CD and LP. The "mix" isn't a mix in the traditional DJ sense of the word, but rather an epic disco-movement played live by James Murphy and Co. It starts off with a lonely synth line that slowly builds in tempo then eventually grows into a full on groover that erupts into various rhythms and styles eventually climaxing, then breaking down into an ambient drone. You'll recognize some tunes of the Sound Of Silver album for sure (like "Someone Great" and others) but the way it is all presented is fresh and unique. You should see the list of instruments that James Murphy plays on this thing too - everything from vintage drums, guitar, all kinds of synths, vocoder and the glockenspiel. Very, very impressive. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / dfa + related / and more

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White Stripes
De Stijl (Remastered 180g with FREE MP3 Download) LP

The White Stripes second album remastered, 180g vinyl

Originally released in 2000, De Stijl remains a favorite among The White Stripes fans for the its simple blues-punk-metal sounds. The title is a reference to a Dutch art movement of the same name, and the Detroit duo has acknowledged the minimalist and deconstructionist aspects of De Stijl influencing the album, which includes "Apple Blossom(1)," "You're Pretty Good Look (For A Girl)(2)," "Death Letter(3)," "Truth Doesn't Make A Noise(4)," "Jumble, Jumble(5)," and "Why Can't You Be Nicer To Me?(6)". This 180g version was remastered from original analog tapes, and from start to finish was NEVER digitized - great sound quality guaranteed. The album cover- which itself draws from De Stijl aesthetics - was also remastered from original prints. Free MP3 download code included, recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / vinyl with free mp3 / special edition + deluxe

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Pixies
Trompe le Monde LP

The consensus sweats Doolittle and Bossanova, but for my money, 1991's Trompe Le Monde ranks near the top of the Pixies saga. Arguably their most energetic album from beginning to end, Trompe features absolute head smashers like the anthemic "U-Mass(1)," the "americanized" Jesus And Mary Chain cover "Head On(2)." the Frank Black-madness "Planet of Sound(3)," and the wicked opening title track(4) (love the metal-esque guitar play). These heavyweights get cut with the usual Pixies' diversion like the halcyon "Bird Dream(5)," and the psycho-spoken word piece "Subbacultcha(6)".... you know, when you grope for Luna. Deluxe 180g vinyl reissue.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / various rock + everything else

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Pixies
Bossanova LP

Pixies rule! Bossanova is awesome! Put the McRib on the permanent menu! Yadda-yadda, Bossanova is like what Siamese Dream did for the Pumpkins, everything except for the mainstream crossover. It was a pop-like entry hole that all the other college kids to jump into and roll around in. Like every Pixies album, it's best listened to as a whole (it retains that short song punk format), but it does include some of my favorite Pixes tunes evah like "Velouria(1)" (although the Weezer cover might be better), the bottomed-out "Stormy Weather(2)," Frank-bansheed "Rock Music(3)," the best song about girls named Alison "Alison(4), and the happy shroom closer "Havalina(5)." But really, I used to love the McRib as a kid, but they are gross now. Deluxe 180g vinyl reissue.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / various rock + everything else

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Metallica
Master of Puppets LP

This is the Metallica reissue that I've been waiting for. Do we really need to get into the story about adolescent awkwardness and uncontrollable hormone rushes? About drinking your first beer from a can? Joining Columbia House tape club? Finding your first porno mag? Getting in wrestle fights with kids in the neighborhood? Digging up worms? Shooting bb guns? Hanging out at the creek? Jumping BMX bikes? Shoplifting comics from the local drugstore? Wearing jean jackets with pins on em? Re-mastered, high quality pressing. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / 80s + 90s / various rock + everything else

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Jesus & Mary Chain
Just Like Honey / Head 7"

new wave anthem

Official Blanco Y Negro reissue of this 7" from 1985. Pic sleeve makes it complete. Backed with "Head." Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new wave + no wave + electro / various rock + everything else / and more

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Daft Punk
Translucence (Record Store Day) 10"

Tron soundtrack cuts on limited pic 10"

Record Store Day Exclusive! Daft Punk's Translucence 10" is easily the coolest looking of the RSD releases. The duo teamed up with Disney Records to release 4 tracks from the Tron soundtrack on pic discs made to resemble the Tron discs from the movie (you know the ones they throw at each other in the arena). Too cool, plus the music is awesome as you'd expect from Bangalter & Homem-Christo. You get the epic theme track "Derezzed(1)," "TRON Legacy(2)," "End of Line(3)" and "Castor(4)" which was previously only available on the special edition bonus CD. Comes in three randomly shipped colors (orange, blue, and yellow - sorry we cannot fulfill any color requests). Act fast 'cuz these are super limited, recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / rock + new wave + 80/90s / various rock + everything else / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / and more

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LCD Soundsystem
LCD Soundsystem LP

debut album from LCD

Thank God, the hipster-hater's most eagerly anticipated album to hate on is here! We have waded through a million singles' and magazine articles' worth of hype to hear what the fuss is about, and SURPRISE!, the album is really, really good. All this time, while the Rapture disappeared off the face of the earth (I think they died of oldness) and countless shitty disco-punk digi-funk imitators have materialized to cover "To Hell With Poverty," Death From Awesome guru James Murphy has been producing the end-all of hipster music manifestos, uniting people of all cultures, from Fader readers to 'Sup readers alike. How is this possible? For one thing, unlike other "now sounds" like Rio Booty Garbage and Grime, the LCD full-length can actually be listened to in the privacy of your home or iPod and be enjoyed as music (as opposed to shrieking noise). Consider: "Daft Punk Is Playing At My House(1), Tribulations(2), Movement(3), Never As Tired As When I'm Waking Up(4) (which I have to include because every review of this album has to include it to show the record's "range"), Disco Infiltrator(5)." Yes, Murphy is kind of paunch and old, and yes, this album is produced and packaged to be EXACTLY what someone my age wants to hear, but fuck it! So is "Kung Fu Hustle" and I'm seeing that shit the day it comes out! 9 tracks total, all brilliant.
reviewed by the woodman.

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / dfa + related / new disco / cosmic / edits

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Michael Chapman
Fully Qualified Survivor (180g) LP

rare psych-folk from the UK

Oh yeah! Are you ready to get qualified??? Fans of John Martyn, Roy Harper, and Bert Jansch get ready for a little trip back to England in 1970 when the Harvest label was playing mother hen to the psych-folk-rock scene. This reissue of Michael Chapman's classic 1970 album Fully Qualified Survivor sports re-mastered audio, old school tip-on gatefold jacket, 180-gram vinyl, rare archival photos, and notes by Mick Houghton (Uncut). Although not as well known as his peers, the name Michael Chapman is an important one in the linage of English folk rock guitarists and singer/songwriters of the late 60s/early 70s. For those unfamiliar with Chapman's work, Roy Harper might be his closest musical cousin (and both artists were signed to EMI's seminal stoner record label Harvest (also home to Kevin Ayers and Syd Barrett). Like other Harvest artists, Chapman's music contains a slightly drugged out feel, sublime guitar playing and intense lyrics. What makes Fully Qualified Survivor such a special album (besides being a vehicle for a young Mick Ronson's mind-blowing guitar heroics) are the layers of beautiful acoustic guitars, deranged vocals, floating conga drums, and the cello of one Paul Buckmaster - the same man who provided the intense strings on Elton John's dark masterpiece Mad Man Across The Water. File this record between Roy Harper's Flat Baroque and Berserk, John Martyn's Inside Out, and Bert Jansch's Jack Orion and you'll be doing fine. The perfect album for a winter day and a joint.
reviewed by Light In The Attic

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / various rock + everything else / funk soul disco - albums / funk soul disco / and more

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The Miracles Club
A New Love (with FREE MP3 Download) EP

uplifting dance music inspired by chicago house

Some of you may be familiar with Honey Owens from her turns in genre bending acts like Jackie-O Motherfucker, Nudge, and more recently with ambient/experimental solo project Valet. With The Miracles Club Owens takes on house music along with partner in crime Rafael Fauria. And the results are pretty stunning, well at least they caught me off guard. The first that I heard of The Miracles Club was when my brother had set up a show with them in some dingy basement venue in San Francisco's Chinatown. Apparently they killed it! It's easy to see why form the opening chords of "A New Love (1)", the sax is a nice touch, too. I guess it would be easy to say that this is Chicago house through the Portlandia filter, so I will. But I don't mean any disservice to them. There's definitely some originality brewing beneath the textbook 909 and synth bass. "Summer Of Love(2)" turns up the piano and the acid where "A New Love" left off. Maybe you've seen the video for "Church Song(3)", if you haven't, look it up. You may forgive me for the Portlandia joke. Anyway, The Miracles Club is definitely worth spending some time with
no matter what your orientation is. Recommended.
reviewed by The Voice

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / vinyl with free mp3 / and more

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Gary Wilson
Electric Endicott (180g Gatefold w/ FREE mp3 Download) LP

leftfield outsider music

In 1977 Gary Wilson famously released a uniquely bizarre and personal album titled You Think You Really Know Me, full of electro-funk, proto-new wave, noise collage, and avant-garde jazz. Despite the fact that the album's fans included Beck, Questlove from The Roots, Simpsons creator Matt Groening, and Stones Throws' Peanut Butter Wolf, widespread fame and notoriety eluded Gary Wison until the 2002 re-release of his debut album. Soon after media outlets like Pitchfork, The Village Voice, and The New York Times were talking about the lecherous outsider artist, remarkable as much for his idiosyncrasies and DIY aesthetic as his edgy and creative music. More than the perverted musings of a peeping tom, Gary's music is an honest reflection of ourselves - at least of that part of ourselves that loved our childhood pets more than we loved our parents, that worried if we'd ever make it to second base, or that really knows how often we floss. Equal parts Prince and Pee Wee Herman, Joe Jackson and Charlie Brown, Gary's songs celebrate our inner ickiness, silliness and grooviness, the romance and randiness of born-losers from Endicott or Anywhere. Rather than alienating us with their creepiness, his lyrics and melodies ultimately make us feel more comfortable being who we are....more comfortable being human. Like ignoring the downfall and ruin of your hometown or clinging to the rotting corpse of your prom date that you've been keeping in your closet, on Electric Endicott Gary makes a choice, as many of us often do, to inhabit and mythologize, a time and place where he was the king or the charming jester, and Karen, Mary, and Linda were his fair princesses. 15 tracks pressed on 180g vinyl with deluxe gatefold pic sleeve. Also includes a download card for a free copy of the album in high quality digital format.
reviewed by Western Vinyl

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / various rock + everything else / vinyl with free mp3

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The Smiths
The Smiths (Remastered 180g) LP

remastered 180g version of an 80s rock classic

I'm actually glad I didn't get into the Smiths until I was like 22. Let's face it, if my gothy neighbor or whatever gave me their first album on tape in 9th grade I would have skipped around campus with a hearing aid in my ear and molting gladiolas dangling out of my JNCOs and carved These Things Take Time lyrics into my forearm. At that age I would prefer dorky to dramatic. I would totally not have gotten the fact that half the time Morrissey's maudlin navel-gazing is played up for type and drama points. And what fucking navel-gazing! "I never had a job because I'm... TOO SHY"!! Like Phil Spector girl groups, Elvis Costello, or even Kraftwerk for that matter the fact that you can couch such anger, loneliness and humor in the rhetoric of pop music and not sound like a complete clown-dong is amazing. "She wants it now and she will not wait, but she's too rough and I'M... TOO DELICATE" I mean COME ON it should be mandatory that kids can't listen to lyrics this entrenched in moping and self-pity until they've at least developed the acumen to separate self-satire from emotional truth. I would argue that Moz didn't really 100% have his voice on this album -- like he's pushing his character too aggressively. Plus the drums here are the most dated the Smiths will ever sound. But who cares, what about the fact that the lyrics to I Don't Owe You Anything LITERALLY MADE MIKE JOYCE WEEP WHILE PLAYING IT LIVE or the fact that Marr was 20 when he wrote What Difference Does It Make/This Charming Man? Forest > trees.
reviewed by Woodman

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new wave + no wave + electro / various rock + everything else / and more

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The Smiths
Strangeways, Here We Come (Remastered 180g) LP

remastered 180g version of an 80s rock classic

The sad truth is that too much Smiths is a losing endeavor. I will love the Smiths forever and ever but it never does me any favors. Does liking the Smiths make me more attractive/sensitive to girls? NO because girls who like the Smiths are either hideously boring LA girls who like them so they can appear arty and knowledgeable, and my liking them is like who cares, we all like the Smiths just as we all like coke and Jeremy Piven or whatever OR they are the chicks who were WAY too into the Smiths all their lives and thus are emotionally arrested, more than a little pathetic and obviously cutters. Does liking the Smiths make me more down with the dudes? NO because dudes who like the Smiths are exactly like me but with microscopic gradations of difference re: how into the Smiths, gay, or histrionically self-obsessed they are. And of course the fundamental contradiction is that being a Smiths fan is intensely personal ("I am the ONLY one who TRULY understands Morrissey"), which does not translate into the public realm ("man there are SO MANY fat guys at this show wearing original Kill Uncle tour shirts") and so you have a crowd of oversensitive dudes who hate talking to each other because everyone reminds everyone of themselves too much. I realized all this too late -- I'm pretty sycophantic for the Smiths and probably always will be, partly because people who love the Smiths are inherently attracted to destructive relationships. The main difference is that instead of Morrissey beating you up, he leads by example as to how you can beat yourself up -- which would qualify as sadistic if he didn't also provide the most beautiful music I've ever heard.
reviewed by Woodman

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new wave + no wave + electro / various rock + everything else / and more

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The xx
Islands 7"

limited single from the breakout indie group

Second single from the XX's epynonymous debut LP, which took the indie world by storm in 2009 with its lo-fi pop sound. "Islands(1)" is a is a laidback indie pop song, while the b-side, "Do You Mind?(2)," is a pretty great, echo-laden cover of Kyla's UK funky track. The packaging nearly upstages the songs, with a die cut "x" on each side of the sleeve. These are super limited (only 500 pressed), so buy now or pay the price on Ebay later.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / downtempo + electronic - all

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The xx
Basic Space 7"

limited single from the breakout indie group

First single from the XX's epynonymous debut LP, which took the indie world by storm in 2009 with its lo-fi pop sound. "Basic Space" is a sparse indie pop track, while the b-side, a demo version of "Blood Red Moon(2)," is a mopey, lo-fi track with electronic drums. The packaging nearly upstages the songs, with a die cut "x" on each side of the sleeve. These are super limited (only 500 pressed), so buy now or pay the price on Ebay later.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / downtempo + electronic - all

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Win Win
RELEASERPM (XXXChange, Chris Devlin, Ghostdad) 12"

experimental dance-rock

"Releaserpm(1)" is the first single from WIN WIN, a new supergroup consisting of XXXchange, Devlin, and Ghostdad. Featuring Liz Bougatsos, the song is distinguished by the delicate and captivating balance that exists between the beat - which is driven by forward-thinking programming (steel drums!!!) and rhythmic synths - and the Gang Gang Dance member's distinctive vocals. It is ethereal, energetic, and futuristic, with Nadastrom delivering a sick Moombahton remix(2) that milks the highlights of the original further in a more percussive, bass-heavy manner. Also included in the release is "City Mouse/Shadow(3)," a heavily filtered electro jam with lots of rock influence. Can't wait for the full-length from these guys, recommended.

Album Teaser:

reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / baltimore - vinyl / dubstep + grime - vinyl / and more

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Midnight Juggernauts
The Crystal Axis (with FREE MP3 Download) 2LP

sophomore full length from Australian dance rockers

Remember the big electro-rock boom of 2006-07? Remember how France & Australia were killing the game? Remember how awesome Midnight Juggernauts' "45 And Rising" was? Well, that song is STILL awesome AND the dudes from Melbourne are back with their second full length album with an evolved sound. The Crystal Axis sees the trio refining their style and becoming true masters of their brand of epic, symphonic synth rock. The whole thing is like "a new kind of kaleidoscopic warped pop," with propulsive hypnotic groove mixed in with dense rock out jams and retro AM melodies. Check the single "This New Technology(1)" for a taste, then go for "Vital Signs(2)," "The Great Beyond(3)," "Cannibal Freeway(4)," "Dynasty(5)," "Lemuria(6)" and the bonus track "Get Connected(7)." 13 tracks total spread over 2 very pretty blue, green, and orange marbled LPs.
reviewed by suicide bangs

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / vinyl with free mp3 / new disco / cosmic / edits / and more

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ceo
Illuminate / Halo (White Vinyl) 7"

electro pop, Beyonce cover

Second single from Sweden's CEO features the band's cover of Beyonce's "Halo(1)" done up up in epic electro pop fashion. Flipside features more synthy pop goodness with "Illuminata(2)," a track that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy. Pressed up on white vinyl and packaged in white sleeve with gold foil print. Fancy!
reviewed by suicide bangs

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new disco / cosmic / edits / cosmic + balearic + rock-ish

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Molly Wagger
Weekend (Richard Norris Remix) 12"

melancholy piano-driven rock with vocals, balearic remix

TIRK flips the script with this debut release from Molly Wagger. The Scottish band consists of brothers James and Charlie Denholm and Edward Hulme and David Ayre together with producer Sam Architeq Annand. "Weekend(1)" isn't disco or cosmic, or anything you'd expect from TIRK really. It's just a great, simple, melancholy tune; perfect for those cold days of winter. Loving the piano work and vocals on here. "Molly(2)" (a track dedicated to a band members' cat) has a similar feel, but a bit livelier. This 12" also includes a sunny balearic remix(3) from Richard Norris of Time And Space Machine.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new disco / cosmic / edits / cosmic + balearic + rock-ish

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Liquid Liquid
Rubbermiro / Lock Groove (In) 12"

classic NY punk funk

Everyone knows "Optimo" and "Cavern" from Liquid Liquid so it's cool to finally get in some of their other (equally awesome) material on 12". This record takes tracks from two separate Liquid Liquid releases and puts 'em back to back; "Rubbermiro(1)" from their self-titled 1981 EP on 99 Records and "Lock Groove (In)(2)" from Sucessive Reflexes (also from '81). Both tracks are highly percussive dancefloor workouts with an avant-garde punk funk edge. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

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rock + new wave + 80/90s / new wave + no wave + electro / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended

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Can
Peel Sessions 2LP

rare live krautrock recordings from the early-mid 70's

During the early-mid 70's, seminal Krautrock band CAN recorded four sessions for John Peel's radio show. The sessions were pretty much entirely improvised (as producer Holger Czukay would say "sponaneous compositions") and really captured their ability to freestyle an epic musical journey. This is actually one of the only releases of their improvisational music ever released (aside from some live bootlegs). Check out the wild opener "Up The Bakerloo Line With Anne(1)," with Damo Suzuki on vocals and an intense blues-psych rollercoaster ride (I want what these guys were smokin'). Balancing it out is the instrumental piece "Return To BB City(2)," that starts off with ambient atmospherics before introducing some light drums, and the mellow groove of "Tape Kebab(3)" that reminds me of some of some of Neu!'s work. The second vinyl features another epic piece instrumental jam piece, "Tony Wanna Go(4)," along with "Geheim(5)" which was sounds like it was recorded around the time of Flowmotion with its otherworldy prog skank, and "Mighty Girl(6)." An excellent addition to the collection for any krautrock fan. Nice vinyl pressing spread over 2LPs.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / various rock + everything else / funk soul disco - albums / funk soul disco

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ESG
Moody Remix 12"

I love ESG but I'll never play that track "UFO" out. Mixtape material maybe, but unless I'm on some Louie Vega in Japan shit that's staying home on the shelves. "Moody(1)" on the other hand, bumps in all the right places, with the bumbumbum bass and traintrack drums perfectly complementing Renee Scroggins' singing style. House party and club DJs will want the excellent re-edit here cause it's extended in 2 key areas: an extra 4 bars in the intro, and the break after "like this!" is drawn out too. As for the B-side by Level 42 "Starchild(2)" I've never heard of it before (somewhere in the distance, ROC yells "it's a classic!"), but they were a jazz-funk group from the early 80s who did the disco/R&B thing, so you know Lloydski and Antonia are already humming it to and from the bathroom. Plays at 45.
reviewed by the Woodman

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rock + new wave + 80/90s / new wave + no wave + electro / funk soul disco 12" / and more

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Po Po
Bummer Summer / Teen Dreamz 7"

indie rock and dark wave beats

Mad Decent's resident indie rockers, The Po Po bros. give us the perfect summer melter with "Bummer Summer(1)." And even if it isn't summer anymore, the track makes it feel like 97 degrees and you're rollin' to the beach to drink and do nothing with your friends. The other side of this nifty digi-single, "Teen Dreamz(2)," changes up the mood completely and takes it to dark and slow wave beats topped with haunted singing for those heavy nights and/or 'shroom trips.
reviewed by suicide bangs

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock

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Mark Ronson
Bike Song (Major Lazer, Lil Silva) 12"

soul pop w/ dancehall and UK funky remix

The Gucci-man himself hits with the second single off of Record Collection. "The Bike Song(1)" is a seriously funky soul bomb featuring Kyle Falconer from The View and a verse from Spank Rock, up there with Ronson's work with Lily Allen and Amy Winehouse. Some cool remixes from Major Lazer(2) who turn in a banging dancehall version and UK Funky anthem generator Lil Silva(3). Instrumental included as well.
reviewed by The Voice

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rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / downtempo + electronic - all

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Interpol
Interpol (with FREE MP3 Download) LP

cinematic indie rock

BONUS: Each copy of this LP includes a coupon that's redeemable for a free, high-quality download of the album from Matador's website.

Interpol are back! Their fourth album is the swan song for their former-bassist Carlos D, who left the group shortly after the album's completion (sorry goth kids). Sonically, the album is a lot more cinematic and melodic than their previous efforts, with an emphasis on more elaborate instrumentation and arrangements. You'll hear a lot more keyboards and string sections on this one, but there are a few moments that feature the group's original sound. Highlights include "Success(1)," "Summer Well(2)," "Lights(3)," "Always Malaise(4)," "Try It On(5)," and "The Undoing(6)." If you dug the melodic moments on the group's previous releases, you're probably gonna dig this one too. Ten tracks total.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / vinyl with free mp3

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Bosco Delrey
Space Junky / My My Racecar (with FREE MP3 Download) 7"

folk, country, synth pop and hip hop all mixed up together

BONUS: Each copy of this 7" includes a coupon redeemable for a free, high-quality download of these tracks from Mad Decent's website.

Bosco Delrey's sophomore single for Mad Decent continues to toe the line between synth pop, hip hop, blues and folk. "Space Junky(1)" sounds like it should be a jangly country tune until the synths come in, and that's when it starts to sound kind of like a futuristic transmission from a country radio station in outer space. "My My Racecar(2)" pulls off a similar trick but this time with a stomping hip hop beat behind it, reminds me of Jamie Lidell a bit. Pressed on a big-hole 7", packaged in a pic sleeve. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / and more

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Bosco Delrey
Wild One / Evil Lives (with FREE MP3 Download) 7"

indie pop with electronic elements

BONUS: Each copy of this 7" includes a coupon redeemable for a free, high-quality download of these tracks from Mad Decent's website.

Think Mad Decent is all about the electro and dubstep stuff? Think again dude! Brooklyn's Bosco Delrey makes his debut for Mad Decent on this two track indie rock single. "Wild One(1)" is an upbeat pop rock track with just a hint of country flavor. Delrey does take a more electronic turn on the b side, "Evil Lives(2)," singing over a beat that's somewhere in between southern rap and dubstep. Even then, though, his singer-songwriter talents are really what are being showcased. Kind of a new direction for our Philly brethren, but I'm digging it. Big-hole 7" pressing, packaged in a pic sleeve. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / and more

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LCD Soundsystem
I Can Change (Stereogamous Remix) 12"

synth pop with a new disco remix, pick

This is probably my favorite song from LCD's This Is Happening LP, so I'm glad to see it get the single treatment. "I Can Change(1)," is a great synth-pop meditation on love (awwwww), James really shows his soft side here. It starts with those great Gary Numan-esque synth sounds, and then Murphy goes in with some grown man style lyrics ("Love is a murderer, love is a murderer / But if she calls you tonight everything will be alright" is a particularly great/emo line). That song is great, but it's not really floor-filling material, so Sterogamous comes in with a harder hitting version(2) that'll definitely please the hipsters at your gig. There's also a great dub/instrumental version(3) of that remix included here. Packaged in pic sleeve (not often DFA singles get fancy like that), which features the lyrics written in a spiral pattern. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / dfa + related / and more

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V/A
Top Shelf Sampler 001 (Phoreski, JDisko, Rakyo) 12"

dark wave / italo edits

Yeah, I can hear Blu Jemz and his girl scurrying to the shop to pick this one up. Dark Wave / Dark Italo edits from LA's Top Shelf Records featuring Phoreski (under the Bottoms Up guise), JDisko, and Spain's Rayko. Phoreski drops a Cure edit(1) that has the internetz buzzing... worth it alone for this one. Genius on both ends. JDisko follows it up with "Seduction(2)" a slo-mo, John Carpenter-type burner. Snack says it almost has a Nine Inch Nails quality to it. Lastly, Rayko an edit of Peter Richard's "Walking On Neon", an obscure 1984 italo cut in a similar vein. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new wave + no wave + electro / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / and more

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Four Tet
Angel Echoes Remixes (Caribou, Jon Hopkins) 12"

indie dance and chill-out remix

Domino drops some cool remix action for Fourtet from Caribou and Jon Hopkins on this 12". "Angel Echoes" comes from Kieran Hebden's There Is Love In You album and here Caribou(1) keeps the vibe of the original intact while injecting some solid bumps for the dancefloor. The track organically grows and builds for over 8 and half minutes, giving you plenty of time to work it in your set. On the flip, John Hopkins takes a more subtle and soothing approach on his remix, perfect for more introspective headphone moments.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / downtempo + electronic - all

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Elliott Smith
Roman Candle (Remastered 180g) LP

indie folk debut, remastered on 180g vinyl

BONUS: Each copy of this LP includes a coupon redeemable for a free, high-quality download of the entire album from the Kill Rockstars website.

Remastered reissue of Elliott Smith's 1994 debut LP. Roman Candle was recorded on a 4 track recorder in teh basement of Smith's girlfriend, and was initially intended to be a 7" release. However, once the folks over at Cavity Search Records heard the tracks they knew that they had something special and so they decided to release it in its entirety. The original sound on the record was pretty lo-fi, but this remastered version has some pretty clear sound, more comparable to the releases that came later in Smith's solo career. I'm sure there's some die hards out there that'll turn their nose up at the cleaner mastering, but if you're an Elliott Smith fan you owe it to yourself to hear this. 9 tracks total on quality 180g vinyl, packaged in a pic sleeve with lyric sheet.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / various rock + everything else / special edition + deluxe

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Blackjoy
Headphone Drone 7"

Not to be confused with the disco-funk band Blackjoy, Black Joy is a Lab rookie on the recently established Project Recordings. These guys represent a crispy approach to music, fusing together rock, funk and reggae. If you're feeling groups like Plant Life and Sa-Ra, you'll probably like "Headphone Drone(1)." For more reggae flavor, turn to the Blundetto remix(2). The nostalgic vibes created by the imagery remind me of an indy movie soundtrack, one where poetry is present everywhere. To further the feeling, read the lyrics on the back: "Magnetic winds blow, memories flow, pupils glow." I'll have my latte with a little hazelnut, please. Also, on the back of the sleeve is a code that you can redeem for a free digital download at the Project Recordings website. Nice feature for all my iPodders.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new disco / cosmic / edits / cosmic + balearic + rock-ish

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Grizzly Bear
While You Wait For The Others 7"

popular indie track, features a cover by Michael MacDonald

7" single for one of the stand out tracks from Grizzly Bear's acclaimed LP Veckatimest. "While You Wait For The Others(1)," is a nice jangly pop cut, with some seriously nice vocal harmonies that have become one of Grizzly Bear's hallmarks. The flip features another version of the song with none other than former Doobie Brother Michael McDonald taking lead vocal duties(!!!). McDonald's version might take some getting used to, but it's nice to hear his classic warble over the original instrumentation, especially when he really starts to belt it at the end. Plays at 45, recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / warp - vinyl / and more

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Jane's Addiction
Mountain Song / Standing In The Shower 7"

record store day exclusive

First and only single from Jane's Addiction's first studio album re-released for this year's Record Store Day. Oh the epic-ness that is "Mountain Song(1)." Huge walls of guitars come crashing down like waves and take you off into some nod that Dave Navarro must have been on during the recording. On the back side you get the ever relevant "Standing In The Shower... Thinking(2)." High quality repress of a long out of print 7".
reviewed by Michu Meszaros

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / various rock + everything else / sale vinyl + cds

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When In Rome
The Promise 12"

If you need a friend. Don't look to a stranger. A 1988 one hit wonder and the Donald Trump of guilty pleasures. I have a hard time admitting that this is one of my favorite songs. It sounds like it could be a song for a Greek Musk commercial, but it's undeniable... I don't know anyone who doesn't like this powerful piece of pop. And to solve one of those life long mysteries, here's the lyrics of the chorus (sing along now): "I'm sorry, but I'm just thinking of the right words to say. I know they don't sound the way I planned them to be. But if you'll wait around awhile, I'll make you fall for me, I promise you, I promise you I will." As a bonus, this twelve inch features the beefed up 12" remix version(1) (original not included) with an extended instrumental intro and midsection... powerful. You know you want it, don't deny yourself this cake. B-side features Wide Boy Awake's "Slang Teacher(2)."
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new wave + no wave + electro / 80s + 90s / and more

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Armand Van Helden
Stupid Fresh #3 2x12"

party rockin' house bangers with big 80's influence

Deadstock find! We managed to wrangle up some copies of Armand Van Helden's Stupid Fresh #3 from back in 2003. With the revived interest in old school house and the hype surrounding the Duck Sauce stuff (Armand's project with A-Trak), these couldn't have come in at a better time! The Stupid Fresh series catches Armand cutting up 80's samples (selecting the choicest loops from electro boogie and new wave cuts), then throwing big house beats over 'em to make the speakers BANG. Seriously, these tracks will BUMP when mixed in with the retro stuff, or can hang with any modern cuts as well! This is volume #3 and features the massive party rockin' cuts "KTU(1)," "Gag Me With A Spoon(2)," "Smurf Luvin(3)," "Heh You Punky Funky(4)," plus various short skits and acapellas to throw in to the mix. Double vinyl, recommended. (NOTE: Some of these deadstock copies feature slight imperfections to the sleeve, though the vinyl is mint and unplayed).
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new wave + no wave + electro / 80s + 90s / and more

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Armand Van Helden
Stupid Fresh #2 2x12"

party rockin' house bangers with big 80's influence

Deadstock find! We managed to wrangle up some copies of Armand Van Helden's Stupid Fresh #2 from back in 2003. With the revived interest in old school house and the hype surrounding the Duck Sauce stuff (Armand's project with A-Trak), these couldn't have come in at a better time! The Stupid Fresh series catches Armand cutting up 80's samples (selecting the choicest loops from electro boogie and new wave cuts), then throwing big house beats over 'em to make the speakers BANG. Seriously, these tracks will BUMP when mixed in with the retro stuff, or can hang with any modern cuts as well! This is volume #2 and features the massive party rockin' cuts "Dance Of A Lifetime(1)," "1985(2)," "I Like The Nightlife(3)," "This Is Freaky(4)," plus various short skits and acapellas to throw in to the mix. Double vinyl, recommended. (NOTE: Some of these deadstock copies feature slight imperfections to the sleeve, though the vinyl is mint and unplayed).
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new wave + no wave + electro / 80s + 90s / and more

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Yo La Tengo
Here To Fall Remixes (De La Soul, RJD2, Pete Rock) 12"

hip hop takes on Yo La Tengo's psychedelic sound

Bet you never thought you'd see Yo La Tengo mingling with De La Soul, Pete Rock and RJD2, huh? Well, here it is so listen up. The three hip hop legends get their hands on "Here To Fall," which originally appeared on YLT's 2009 LP Popular Songs. The original version(1) is a pretty hazy bit of rocking psychedelia, and De La Soul decides to stick pretty close to the original with their dusted downtempo mix(2). RJD2's mix(3) strays a bit further from the nest; he keeps things psychedelic but also adds some nice strings and pop elements, definitely gets my pick of the bunch. Pete Rock's mix(4) is a brooding, paranoid hip hop take, complete with adlibs wedged between the verses. Kind of a weird project, but not a bad listen, especially for major fans of any of these artists.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / downtempo + electronic - all / and more

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V/A
Deutsche Elektronische Musik: Experimental German Rock And Electronic Musik 1972-83 Vol.2 2LP

experimental german rock & electronic music from the 70's and early 80's

Vinyl companion to Soul Jazz's Deutshe Elektronische Musik compilation. This is part two and features the tracks on CD 2 of the double disc set. Soul Jazz always kills it on these genre-specific compilations. So far they've covered everything from Dancehall, No Wave, Dub, Latin Disco, Post Punk, Dubstep, Disco Rap, Tropicalia, Soul Gospel, etc. so it was only a matter of time till they touched upon the sound of the 70's and 80's German underground. Deutshe Elektronische Musik is an excellent introduction to the German experimental rock and electronic sound (dubbed krautrock and kosmische) featuring a wide variety of tracks from many of the most influential and prominent artists of the scene. Most of you should already know about Can(1) (the usual gateway band into the world of krautrock) or Amon Duul(2), but the guys at Soul Jazz go deeper with seldom heard rarities like Ibliss' funky "High Life(3)." The comp also features a primo selection of early cosmic synth sounds from the likes of Tangerine Dream(4) and Cluster(5), as well brilliant chill-out and ambient selections like Dietre Moebius' "Hasenheide(6)," Eno collaborator Roedelius' "Geradewohl(7)," and Popol Vuh's "Aguirre 1(8)" as heard in the opening of Werner Herzog's film masterpiece of the same name. The perfect soundtrack for zoning out in the headphones on your next astral travel session. Thick double vinyl pressing, 11 tracks total, Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / rock + new wave + 80/90s / various rock + everything else / funk soul disco - comps / and more

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LCD Soundsystem
Pow Pow 12"

limited one sided 12"

One-sided single from LCD Soundsystem's upcoming LP This Is Happening. These 12"s were printed up for Record Store Day 2010, and are limited to an edition of 1000. The song is an awesome bit of vintage LCD, clocking in at 8+ minutes and featuring James' talking/singing style that was also featured on "Losing My Edge," "Yeah" and "Yr City's A Sucker." Excellent stuff for sure, these won't be around long so act quick. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / dfa + related / and more

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Animal Collective
Summertime Clothes (Dam-Funk, L.D., Zomby) 12"

indie pop with synth-pop and dubstep remixes

One of the most accessible and danceable tracks from Animal Collective's acclaimed Merriweather Post Pavilion LP. Rising star Dam Funk contributes a retro sounding remix(1), taming all of the wild aspects of the original(2) and turning them into a fantastic, grooving pop track. Leon Day, aka LD, brings a psychedelic, dubby electro sound(3) to the record by layering the reverbed vocals over a spastic drum machine. Finally, the sometimes-reclusive dubstep producer Zomby breaks everything down into a blunt, sparsely arranged dubstep track(4) that uses a great, lurching triplet bassline. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / and more

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Public Image Ltd.
Album (180g) LP

180g vinyl reissue of PIL's 1986 album. In the world of rock reissues, this one is pretty random to all but the hardcore John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistol) fans. But after listening to "Rise(1)," you might be swayed. It's one of PIL's more sensitive moments, mixing mismatching lyrics like "may the road rise with you" and "anger is an energy." Reminds me of the new school Roctakon. Another point of interest is the uber-modernist packaging (the CD version is title "Compact Disc", the label says "label" on it). Also check "FFF(2), Round(3)," and "Home(4)." Produced by Bill Laswell.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new wave + no wave + electro /

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