TURNTABLE LAB

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

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

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Maceo Plex
Under The Sheets EP

warm and sexy house

It's the dead of winter in NYC, and even though this year is a mild one - it is still pretty damn cold. Yet even though it's icy out, listening to Maceo Plex's "Under The Sheets(1)" makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. All I can think about is sunsets on the beach and bikini-clad women getting down to these sexy-ass beats. You can bet it'll make the dancefloor feel hot too, and that's always a good thing. Definitely expect to hear this kill it at parties, poolsides, and functions for months to come. Brilliant stuff!
reviewed by suicide bangs

file under:
dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / minimal house + techno / vinyl new arrivals / house / minimal / techno / and more

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Linkwood
Secret Value 12"

tasteful house on clear 180g vinyl

Haven't heard from Linkwood in a few, but looks like he's still crankin' out the jams! The Secret Value 12" showcases Linkwood's rich and tasteful house production with 3 tracks that give us a taste of what's to come on his forthcoming debut LP on Firecracker. My favorite is "Ignorance Is Bliss(1)," a track that is rooted in classic Chicago vibes (a la Fingers Inc.), but fresh and modern at the same time. Check the emotive synths and no-nonsense acid line over expertly programmed drums. "Between Me & You(2)" shifts into Detroit mode with plenty of warm synths and flange effects over spaced out drums designed to capture the minds and bodies of those on the dancefloor. The title track(3) boasts a similar vibe, one that makes you feel like you're dancing in the clouds. Limited pressing on clear 180g vinyl, recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / detroit - carl craig, theo parrish, moodymann / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / and more

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Wee Down Boy
No Cure Disco (Diana Ross, Paper Dolls) 12"

hot disco edits of "Love Hangover" and Paper Dolls

The original Disconet version of Diana Ross' "Love Hangover" is one of those super useful tempo change records that always does the job of coolin' out the floor before bringing the heat up once again when the beat drops. This handy "No Cure Disco(1)" features that same breakdown and drop, but also adds an uptempo intro so you can actually mix it in a disco set before letting it breakdown to give the crowd that much needed breather. This is an indispesnsable tool for DJ's that won't leave the bag anytime soon! Also includes a great extended and filtered version of the Patrick Adam's produced underground disco classic "Get Down Boy" re-named as "Wee Down Boy(2)." Shout out to dailysession for the hook up - hot stuff!
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
house / deep house / remixes / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / re-edits / 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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Stevie Wonder
As (Scott K Remix) 12"

house remix of Stevie classic

Scott K isn't prolific by any means, but when he drops a remix record, DJs listen. His "I Love Music" and James Brown "I'm Satisfied" (co-authored by Cole Medina) remain DJ secret weapons to this day. For this limited test press release, Steve houses up the Stevie Wonder celestial classic "As(1)." Don't any expect squiggly new school styles here, Steve goes for the traditional, thumpin, feelgood NYC-style house sound. I can Herbert Holler killin it with this. B-side features a similarly styled unnamed track(2).
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
house / deep house / remixes / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / re-edits / and more

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Kartei
Kartei EP

techno from france

Debut EP from mysterious French techno duo Kartei on BK's WT Recs. These guys are bringing back the classic techno sound with the heavy arpeggio-driven grooves of "Lightgarten(1)." The track features a driving beat and dizzying synths that already made it to some mixes by respected producer/dj Legowelt. But that's just the tip of the iceberg! The record continues with "Rocket To Earth(2)," a track reminiscent of Throbbing Gristle's "Hot On The Heels," and the heavy underwater techno bump of "Transponder(3)." Side B takes it deeper with Basic Channel style dub techno on "Dimension 11(4)" and the beat-less ambient arpeggios of "Sisyphus(5)." Another amazing release from WT!
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
minimal house + techno / vinyl new arrivals / house / minimal / techno / new disco / cosmic / edits / and more

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Bladerunners
Music Sounds Better With Edits EP

club-friendly edits

The Bladerunners are one of the best things going right now. Their edits are made with working DJs in mind and they're totally effective. Side A features dance edits and starts with Stardust's "Music Sounds Better With You" aka one the greatest dance songs ever made. The Bladerunners do an admirable chop job(1) here, freaking out the original sounds. Showing some deep-ass music nerdery, they've resurrected P.I.L.'s "This Is Not A Love Song" as a Daft Punk-style dance track. The flip features hip-hop remixes of "Move Bitch(3), Throw Some D's(4)," and "Money In The Bank(5)." 7 tracks total. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" / and more

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Eli Escobar
Desire (Ian Pooley, Dj Sneak, Cosmic Kids Remixes) 12"

nu-disco, house remixes

Fresh remix action for Eli Escobar's sexy disco-house heater "Desire" on Plant Music! First up, Chi-town house veteran DJ Sneak takes the original deeper(1), tastefully dubbing out Nomi Ruiz's vocals and relying on warm, lofty chords to move the crowd. Ian Pooley's remix(2) strips it down and puts more emphasis on the lovely vocals, while LA's Cosmic Kids(3) opt for a lush and shimmering nu disco aesthetic. Also includes a new re-work from Eli(4) himself that chops the vocals up and adds some moving piano chords. While the original certainly holds it own, these remixes are great options for different moods and situations you might find out on the dance floor. Recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / and more

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Dinosaur
Kiss Me Again (Arthur Russell) 12"

underground disco classic reissued

I have to admit that I was a little dismayed when this record showed up. After tracking down a version of it on Discogs and spending a little more than you'll have to, someone went ahead and reissued it. Oh well, my record nerd loss is your gain. This song literally sends chills down my spine nearly every time I hear it. "Kiss Me Again(1)" was born out of Arthur Russell and Nicky Siano's Dinosaur project after Russell had spent more than a few nights dancing at the Gallery. It's a track of epic proportions with a jubilant, hands in the air feeling. Along with featuring some extremely funky guitar playing from David Byrne of the Talking Heads, it is also the first record to be produced by a DJ. And it really has the feeling of being made by someone who spent a lot of time DJing for a hungry crowd of dancers. From the first bridge, where the piano allowed some breathing room and then the break hits, you can tell this was made for the dance floor. It closes its 13 minute journey with an intrepidly frenzied build up. These won't be lasting long. Recommended.
reviewed by The Voice

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - classics / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / and more

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Theo Parrish
STFU 12"

raw Detroit house

Sound Signature is back on wax with the latest from label founder and Detroit innovator Theo Parrish. We all know Mr. Parrish brings that Detroit house flavor like no one else, but "STFU(1)" is exceptionally raw, even for Theo's standards! With his signature thick and loose drum programming, augmented with guttural synths that emerge from the depths, this is a track to that will push dancefloor over the edge. From Mr. Parrish: The House that grabbed me came from the Ghettos of America. Don't forget. Now STFU!
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
detroit - carl craig, theo parrish, moodymann / minimal house + techno / house / minimal / techno

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V/A
Fool's Gold 4 Deep Serato Pressing Control Vinyl (Lil B, Kingdom, Cubic Zirconia) - Clear Marble Yellow 2LP

4 previously unavailable remixes over 2 lps w/ serato tones, custom slipmats

Fool's Gold celebrates its 4-year anniversary with the release of a super limited-edition (only 2000 worldwide!) set, which includes 4 highly sought after, previously unreleased remixes spread over 2 clear marble yellow LPs with serato control tones on the flip and a pair of exclusive slipmats stamped with the iconic Fool's Gold logo. As far as the music is concerned, the label includes Tony Senghore's wicked take on Lil B's "Freeze(1)," a half-time mix of Kindom's "Mind Reader(2)," a club-ready version of Cubic Zirconia's "afterhours jam" "Night Or Day(3)" and Amen Brother's 808s-and-breaks-heavy remix of DJ Gant-Man's "Juke Dat Girl(4)." Highly recommended!
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / new electro + electro rock + rave / house / deep house / remixes / serato - digital djing / and more

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Kink & Neville Watson
A Saturday Night In November (Kim Ann Foxman) 12"

80s style dance, pick

The voice of Kim Ann Foxman (Hercules & Love Affair) makes records sound so much better. Kink & Neville Watson craft a perfect 80s inspired beat for her voice... you'll think you've stumbled across an incredible lost electro / freestly session found in an uptown studio. After getting hooked on the original(1), I was quick to dismiss the b-side dub version(2), but don't sleep! The accentuated drum machine and vocal snippets make it rival the original. A perfect late night, smoke machine record. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / and more

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Rainer Trueby
Jeck (Motor City Drum Ensemble, Marcus Worgull) 12"

early 90s style house and jazz house

Better known for his new jazz outfit Truby Trio, Rainer Trueby has been putting out some interesting dance records recently on Compost (check his minimal Roy Ayers tribute "Ayers Rock"). This single might be his best thus far. Teaming up with Motor City Drum Ensemble, the duo concocts an impressive take on 90s house ("Jeck(1)"). Think Wolf+Lamb / Soul Clap. For Compost minimal heads, check the Marcus Worgull dub version(2). The best might be saved for last, with "Welcome To Our World(3)," a Roy Ayers-influenced jazz-house stomper. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / minimal house + techno / house / minimal / techno / and more

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V/A
Edges: A New French Electronic Generation 2LP

french electro and dance compilation

Diesel has teamed up with Because music (home to Metronomy, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Justice, etc) to bring you the best of French electronic music released in 2009. It seems the French hype has subsided a bit since the electro explosion of '07/'08 (the year Ed Banger, Institubes, and Kitsune hit our shores full force), but this comp goes to prove there's still plenty worth checking for overseas. The selection, of course, lies on the hip and dancey side of things with lots of shimmering synths and pulsing beats on 16 tracks from the underground scene's latest and greatest producers including the recently blown-up Breakbot(1), Chateau Marmont(2), Danger(3), Donovan(4), Discodeine (5), Spa(6), Gentlemen Drivers(7), Nil Hartman(8), and Anoraak(9). Not bad at all, thick double LP pressing too.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new electro + electro rock + rave / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / new electro / electro rock / rave

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Aquarius Heaven
Can't Buy Me Love EP

deep sleazy house

Wolf+Lamb taking it to new levels of sexy with the latest offering from Berlin's Aquarius Heaven. Brian Brewster, a former dancehall and hip-hop singer has experienced an electronic rebirth with the Aquarius Heaven project. Here on his debut for W+L, Brewster explores deep house territories laced with heavy doses of sex-driven vocals, the result being VERY freaky. Check the title track "Can't Buy Me Love(1)" for a taste, then go deeper with "Keep On(2)," and the acidic "Summer Love(3)." Also includes the deeply emotive tribal riddims of "Stop(4)." Bold and dramatic sounds for the floor!
reviewed by Von Bee

file under:
detroit - carl craig, theo parrish, moodymann / minimal house + techno / house / minimal / techno / new disco / cosmic / edits / and more

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Scuba
Adrenalin EP

retro style house and techno

Minimal/dubstep producer Scuba continues to push forward into realms of techno and house with the latest release on his highly esteemed Hotflush label. "Adrenalin(1)" is possibly the most uplifting release I've come across on Hotflush. The track builds with hypnotizing arpeggios and female vocal bits and finally bursts with goose-bump inducing pads before going off with the bass and jackin drums. "Never(2)" continues the vibe, but hits even harder with a killer beat and epic breakdowns. Also includes the retro-house styles of "Everywhere(3)." Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
dubstep + grime - vinyl / minimal house + techno / new school beats - vinyl / downtempo + electronic - all / and more

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Mathew Jonson
Dayz / Cold Blooded 12"

melodic underground house

Driven by warm, ambient melodies and controlled rhythms, "Dayz(1)" is a simple and beautiful deep house number that'll fit nicely with a lot of the current underground dance releases. Mathew Jonson, who's described as "a legend with one of the most distinctive voices in the industry," keeps the approach just as tasteful for "Cold Blooded(2)," but the mood is darker. Recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / new electro + electro rock + rave / minimal house + techno / and more

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V/A
Turntables On The Hudson #6 Remix 2LP

dj-friendly world beats

The latest installment of the Turntables On The Hudson compilation series. This volume focuses on remixes which have been previously unreleased or only available on 12" vinyl. Once again it's a top notch, dj friendly selection. Some hot latin influenced tracks here, check the Matthias Helibron remix(1) of "Brobombique." It gets thicker from there with genre-defying party tracks like the DJ Endredo remix(2) of "Bateria Virtual," the Beat Pharmacy's remix(3) of "Jump," and the Jugoe remix(4) of Zeb's "The Circle." As we always say, if you want this kind of sound, TOTH and Wonderwheel are the best places to get it. 8 tracks in all, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
midtempo - vinyl / house / deep house / remixes / downtempo + electronic - all / house / minimal / techno

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V/A
The Wurst Music Ever Vol. 1 (Pink Stallone, Tiago) 12"

deep house, cosmic italo, and disco funk

NYC's Wurst Music Co. drops its very first full length with the appropriately titled Wurst Music Ever! The album, which will feature 10 new songs from the Wurst alums and newcomers, is set to be released over 3 separate 12" EPs as well as CD version. This is the first vinyl EP and features fresh dancefloor material from Soho808, Tiago, Chicago Damn, and Pink Stallone. For the deep side of things, check "Reach(1)" by Soho808 with Safiya, Tiago hits a driving cosmic italo chord with "Peanuts Not Working(2)," and for dusty Detroit vibes check Chicago Damn's "Romcom(3)." Jersey's Pink Stallone deliver the funkiest number of the bunch with a little help from Strictly Rhythm vocalist Joey Washington on "Help Yourself(4)," a party starter of the highest degree. Quality through and through - recommended!
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / and more

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Joe Coleman
Test Drive / Get It Off The Ground 12"

rare italo disco funk repressed

Ultra rare italo funk joints repressed! This record actually combines two sought after 12"s on one slab of wax from soul singer Joe Coleman on the Italian F1 Team label. If found individually (unlikely), the OG pressings will run you a pretty penny, but you can enjoy these funky monsters here for the nice price here. Check the sweet funk boogie on "Get It Off The Ground(1)," while "Test Drive(2)" puts the disco vibe in high gear with a killer arrangement, hot synth work and infectious hooks. The instrumental parts of this one sounds super ripe for an edit (or a Daft Punk sample!). Don't miss it...
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
house / minimal / techno - classics / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / re-edits / house / minimal / techno / and more

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The KDMS
Tonight (Morgan Geist, Felix Martin Remixes) 12"

funky electro disco w/ diva vocals, hot remix

THE KDMS is disco diva vocalist Kathy Diamond (of Permanent Vacation fame) and Maxmilian Skiba doing the underground disco thing on Gomma. The duo deliver some seriously funky electro disco vibes on "Tonight(1)," a total floor stomper full of wicked synth work, moving melodies, and super sexy/catchy vocals courtesy of Ms. Diamond. For the remix, Metro Area's Morgan Geist(2) swaps the funky electro for a minimal house/italo element, equally suitable for dancefloor movement. Also includes a deep variation from Felix Martin(3) and the Geist dub.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
house / deep house / remixes / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / re-edits / house / minimal / techno / and more

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Floating Points
Danger / Miniature 27 7"

experimental acid and ambient

With each release it seems Floating Points aka London's Sam Shepard drifts further into left field. Case in point with the latest 7" on his esteemed Eglo imprint that finds FP experimenting with rich sonic textures and exploring the possibilities of ambient soundscapes. "Miniature 27(1)" is pure ambient bliss with deep chords pushing your mind to the sky while "Danger(2)" freaks acidic apreggios on a minimalist techno riddim.
reviewed by Von Bee

file under:
downtempo + electronic - vinyl / house / deep house / remixes / new school beats - vinyl / downtempo + electronic - all / and more

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Ultrasone
Breathe N Pop / Spiral Reserve 12"

slick underground house, samples Q-tip

"Breathe N Pop(1)" is the latest addition to Hot Creations' ever-growing catalog of dancefloor heaters. Constantly appearing in Seth Troxler and Jamie Jones' dj sets, the bumping, bass-driven song features a crowd-pleasing Q-Tip sample. Aptly applied effects complete the slick, irresistible, slowly building house tune. On the flip is "Spiral Reserve(2)" boasting of richly textured rhythmic layers and sexy, dub-y female vocals. Recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / and more

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Waifs & Strays
Body Shiver / Eat Into My Soul (Hot Natured Remix) 12"

sexy new school house grooves

Can't stop, won't stop! Seems like anything Hot Creations releases these days is instant dancefloor gold. Case in point with the sexy new school house sounds of Waifs & Strays "Body Shiver(1)." You might have heard it as one of the highlights on label boss Jamie Jones' recent Fabric mix, but here it is on glorious 12" vinyl for use in your own sets. It's a potent fusion of old school and new school tactics with that fat bassline, key stabs, and catchy r&b sample drops. Also included is "Eat My Soul(2)" that keeps it moving with rolling sub bass and jackin' percussion, plus the Hot Natured remix of "Body Shiver(3)" that sleazes up the mix for a sweaty, sex-driven vibe.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / new disco / cosmic / edits / cosmic + balearic + rock-ish

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Azari & III
Manic (DJ Sneak Remix) 12"

varied house remixes

All-star remix package for Azari & III's latest on Turbo. Veteran Chicago house producer DJ Sneak is up first and turns in a manic remix(1) that freaks parts of the original for for explosive results worthy of the big room. Maceo Plex (Crosstown Rebels) represents for the new school of house producers with a stripped down and sexy variation(2) that stays very true to the freaky original, while Spain's Borderline(3) dips the track in heavy, bleepy acid.
reviewed by Von Bee

file under:
house / deep house / remixes / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / re-edits / house / minimal / techno / and more

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Luca Bacchetti
Tango (Eduardo Castillo Remix) 12"

delicate, latin-infused deep house

"Tango(1)" is a lush, melodic, and delicately percussive deep house tune from Luca Bacchetti. The Italy-born (small Tuscan town of Lucca), Barcelona-residing dj/producer serves up an infectiously gentle, Latin-infused groover, and on the flip is Eduardo Castillo's equally charming remix(2), for which the Venezuelan plays around with deep tech aesthetics. So good, so recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
midtempo - vinyl / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno

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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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V/A
Visionquest Club Collection: Winter Fall Collection 2011 12"

diverse and emotive electronic dance

Visionquest's Fall Winter Collection 2011 delivers more expertly curated jams to keep the dancefloor warm during the colder seasons. As with the Spring Summer Collection, expect tasteful dance tracks that avoid easy genre-fication from artists you probably haven't heard of (till now). This volume kicks off with David K's remarkable "Ghost Train(1)," a track that is equally emotive as it is driving. Love the way the post punk-ish vocals work with that punchy beat! In a similar vein is My Favourite Robot's "Forest Fires(2)," another track that incorporates moody vocals with an equally deep arrangement, while Mirko Loko's "Gloria(3)" brightens the mood with hopeful synths melodies and lush atmospherics on a pulsing electro beat that spans over 13 minutes. Recommended.
reviewed by The Kosmische Beard

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / and more

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Walls
Coracle (Limited Edition White Vinyl) LP+CD

hazy hangout jams

If there ever was a record that had a chance of both empathizing with and curing a heavy case of Seasonal Affected Disorder it would have to be Walls' Coracle. With the dark drone that slowly builds into album opener "Into Our Midst(1)" you're given an invitation into the world of the Walls. From there they simultaneously channel Animal Collective and Gang Gang Dance on "Heat Haze(2)". Its one part Beach Boys harmonies and another part primal. But the Walls don't really seem to want you to dance; they just want you to chill out. Even the arpeggiated bass line of "Sunporch(3)" is wondering why you're acting so crazy. These dudes do a bang up job of creating the ultimate winter soundtrack. One that will keep you warm while you stare at the clouds outside of your window and remind you that summer is just a few more months away.
reviewed by The Voice

file under:
house / deep house / remixes / minimal house + techno / house / minimal / techno / new disco / cosmic / edits / and more

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Terranova
I Want To Go Out / Take My Hand 12"

late night acid anthem

Berlin's Terranova are true veterans to the dance game. Established in the early 90's, the group has seen releases on many esteemed labels like Ministry of Sound, Studio !K7, Copasetik, and now Kompakt. With "I Want To Go Out(1)" , Terranova go on the deep acid tip with a burning ode to the nightlife. On the flip, "Take My Hand(2)" takes it even deeper with cavernous percussion, percolating synth work, and sensually slurred vocals. Can't wait to hear the full length (scheduled for 2012)!
reviewed by The Kosmische Beard

file under:
house / deep house / remixes / minimal house + techno / house / minimal / techno / new disco / cosmic / edits / and more

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Storm Queen
Look Right Through (Morgan Geist) 12"

retro style vocal house with a touch of disco

Debut single from Storm Queen, the new project from the mind of Morgan Geist (of Metro Area fame) that finds him returning to analog dance music with a modern house with a disco touch. "Look Right Through(1)" features the vocal talents of Damon C. Scott, an NYC singer that performs on the subways (where Morgan discovered him), and laces the track up properly with smooth soulful vocals. Morgan is behind the beat and flexes mastery of old school analog production styles as well as some new school tricks (check that catchy-ass synthline that opens it up). Includes the original vocal mix as well as the dub(2). Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / metro area + environ + related / detroit - carl craig, theo parrish, moodymann / and more

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Monty Luke
Tomorrow EP

detroit electronica + dance

Planet E artist slash manager and Detroit transplant Monty Luke drops his third solo release on Black Catalogue. In line with his local peers, Luke drops three heady electronica dance tracks. "Yesterday & Today(1)" is a true standout with some memorable vocals (what about tomorrow... take me back to yesterday... we got to make today) while "The Next(2)" has that dark warehouse throwback feel. Also includes the title track(3).
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
house / deep house / remixes / minimal house + techno / house / minimal / techno

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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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Robert Hood
The Greatest Dancer 12"

disco house reworks from minimal techno master

Timely repress of Robert Hood's Dancer 12" from 2001, part of M-Plant's Perpetual Masters series. It may seem pretty obvious to the disco heads, but Hood's edit of Gino Socio's "Dancer(1)" is designed to destroy dancefloor's with a super slow build up the just keeps climbing. Definitely a powerful mix tool for disco, house, or even techno sets! "The Greatest Dancer(2)" shows more of Hood's affinity for the filter, freaking loops from the infectious Sister Sledge classic of the same name.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
house / deep house / remixes / minimal house + techno / house / minimal / techno

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Shonky
Oasis (Jozif Remix) 12"

warm, sultry deep house

Debut release from Parisian producer Shonky on LA's Culprit imprint. We first heard from him on the KorgM1 release for a Spectral, an expert jaunt into the 90's retro-house style, but on "Oasis(1)" it seems Shonky has expanded into warm and soulful house territories in line with recent Hot Creations, Crosstown Rebels stuff. Not mad at it at all, infact the track seems to be blowing up all-over, from LA to Ibiza, even getting plays from our own Nakinboots! London's Jozif provides the remix here, affixing a balearic vibe to the groove and adding nice piano and guitar elements to the mix. Also includes the Shonky originals "La Bestia(2)" and "Kwality(3)." Don't sleep!
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / new disco / cosmic / edits / cosmic + balearic + rock-ish

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Shit Robot
Answering Machine Remixes (Motor City Drum Ensemble) 12"

detroit style house and avant dance remixes

DFA taps Motor City Drum Ensemble for a remix of Shit Robot's "Answering Machine(1)" and MCDE transforms the track into a deep space Detroit thumper, a far cry from the original off Shit Robot's full length Cradle To The Rave. Not to be missed for fans of wide open, spaced-out house grooves and MCDE completists. Also includes a pair of remixes from DFA label mates Planningtorock (who actually rock the vocals on the original version) - the avant minimalist Pizzo mix(2), and the washed out atmospheric Whisper mix(3).
reviewed by Von Bee

file under:
dfa + related / detroit - carl craig, theo parrish, moodymann / house / minimal / techno / new disco / cosmic / edits

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Marcos Cabral / Eli Escobar
It's On You / Lovely Feeling 12"

deep house from one of NY's most notorious clubs

SoHo's iconic Mercer Hotel has always been synonymous with discriminating style and unparalleled quality; and its (literally) underground nightclub, subMercer, is no exception. Fastidious DJ bookings are the uncompromising vision of its director, Gabby Mejia, who now turns her attention to amplifying the subMercer's appeal with the debut of its music label, cleverly subtitled, 'The Underground Series', which seeks to bridge the underground music scene to a wider audience and keep NYC at the forefront of cutting edge music. For the label's inaugural edition, they enlist the production talent of NY underground luminaries, Eli Escobar and Runaway's Marcos Cabral both regular mainstays at subMercer. Cabral teams up with Lindsay Mound for the deep house of "It's On You(1)." subMercer DJ resident, Lindsey Caldwell joins Eli on the soulful "Lovely Feelin'(2)". Top notch NY talent right here!
reviewed by The Voice

file under:
house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / new disco / cosmic / edits / cosmic + balearic + rock-ish

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Manuel Tur
Foolin' / The Traveller 12"

deep soulful house

Been a fan of Manuel Tur's material ever since Minimal Man put me on to some of his tech house stuff a few years ago. Apparently Tur is able to rock the soulful disco house style just as well (if not better) than the tech stuff as evident on this killer Delusions of Grandeur release. "Foolin'(1)" is just pure butter for the dancefloor; a prime slice of deep and soulful dance music with lush horns, chords and rolling bass, all topped with a simple yet effective vocal hook. Instrumental is also included here, as well as "The Traveller(2)," a track more in line with his previous works that boasts a minimal thump with haunting live strings, horns and groovy bass. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / and more

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Miguel Campbell
Baby I Got It (Richy Ahmed Remix) 12"

sexy disco/r&b house

Hot Creations is unstoppable. Miguel Campbell's "Baby I Got It(1)" is the latest release on the sizzling imprint, and the sexy disco-house track promises maximum impact on the dancefloor. For a darker, rougher sound, check out Richy Ahmed's "moody tech" remix(2). The real winner on this excellent 12", however is "Something Special(3). It's the kind of record that draws heads to the dj booth asking "hey, what is that?" (actually happened a few times last night), and the sultry-R&B-vocals-over-a-groovy-house-beat vibe is just so on point. Highly recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / and more

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DJ Nature
Edits Vol.1 12"

diverse edits of EBM, funk fusion, and african disco

Golf Channel continues to push the boundaries of the edit with this diverse batch from DJ Nature (aka Milo of The Wild Bunch). Rather than rehashing disco and boogie classics, Nature delves into less obvious choices here with three re-edits that will turn heads and move butts. "COA(1)" is up first with stomping drums that bang heavily on the EBM/Industrial tip (I predict you're going to see a lot more of this), while "Billy C(2)" brings it out of the darkness with smoothed-out jazz funk fusion vibes. Also included is the awesome African rhythms of "Bush Beat(3)" for the more eclectic and open-minded dance floor. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / and more

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DJ Nature
Celebrate Your Life EP

tasteful dancefloor soul

DJ Nature (aka DJ Milo of The Wild Bunch) returns to cult NYC label Gold Channel Recordings for another pair of deep and soulful grooves. The highlight on this one is the propulsive B-side jam "Let It Ring(1)" that pairs the funky goodness of Bohannon with the brilliant vocals of Caroline Crawford. The result - pure dancefloor fire! "Celebrate Your Life(2)" continues the soulful vibe, but slows the groove to more of a steady chug. Limited, as per usual with these Golf Channel joints.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
house / deep house / remixes / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / re-edits / house / minimal / techno / and more

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Skylevel
Skylevel 03 (Loleatta Holloway) 12"

soulful disco house heat

Skylevel aims to take the dance floor energy up to stratospheric levels, and this 3rd installment of tracks does that and then some. You really can't front on SQ101's edit of "Love Sensation(1)." This version takes Loleatta Halloway's soulful diva vocals and drops it over a smooth and blissful, filtered house groove - perfect for peak time by moonlight. On the flip we get into some serious deep disco grooves with Sky Level's edit of "Prologue(2)." This one is sure fire chugger that's part soul, disco, and psych with killer keys and bass work. Anson's edit of "Like A Mighty Storm(3)" rounds out this release on the heartfelt funk rock tip for the grown & sexy people. Very solid 12"! Pic sleeve.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
house / deep house / remixes / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / re-edits / house / minimal / techno / and more

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V/A
Gene Hunt Presents: Chicago Dance Tracks Part 2 2LP

unreleased chicago jack compiled

Incredibile compilation of jackin' Chicago house from the golden era of house music courtesy of Gene Hunt and Rush Hour! This is the second volume and picks up right where the last one left off with 7 more unreleased house gems of the highest calibre, an absolute MUST for anyone into the original house sound. Includes tracks from the originators including Larry Heard, Marshall Jefferson, Virgo Four, Sleezy D, Lil Louis, Craig Loftis, and Ron Hardy! I mean seriously, with a tracklist like that, how can you go wrong?! See how Chicago got down on "Finger Fuck(1)," "The Dryer(2)," "Yes I'm Right(3)," "Sensation Original Mix(4)," "JMF Groove(5)," and "Trust(6)." Quality import pressing on double vinyl. Easy recommendation.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - classics / house / minimal / techno

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V/A
Gene Hunt Presents: Chicago Dance Tracks Part 1 2LP

unreleased chicago jack compiled

Incredible compilation of jackin' Chicago house from the golden era of house music courtesy of Gene Hunt and Rush Hour! 7 never-before-released house gems of the highest calibre are unearthed here in all their raw, banging glory, ready to turn out a new generation of dancefloor freaks. This comp is an absolute MUST for anyone into the original house sound that the Windy City is famous for with tracks from the originators including Mr. Fingers, Steve Poindexter, Fingers Inc, Mike Dunn, Steve Silk Hurley, and Farley Jackmaster Funk! I mean seriously, with a tracklist like that, how can you go wrong?! See how Chicago got down on "Finger Fuck(1)," "Betsy Smith(2)," "Gherkin Aftermath 909(3)," "326 Donnie(4)," "I Don't Know(5)," and "Yes He Saved Me(6)." Quality import pressing on double vinyl. Easy recommendation.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - classics / house / minimal / techno

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Fur Coat
Space Ballad 12"

tech-funk house

Sergio Munoz and Israel Sunshine aka Fur Coat make their Crosstown Rebels debut with a killer tech-funk house number. "Space Ballad(1)" is an easy-on-the-ear dancefloor jam - if you're into chunky groove and dynamic bassline-driven dance, definitely pick up this record. On the flip is an impressive remix by Totally Enormous Extinct Dinasurs(2), and the London/Berlin-based producer, while keeping things deep, opts for a punchier, grittier sound topped off with "murky" rave-inspired synths. Recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / and more

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Omar S & Colonel Abrams
Who Wrote The Rules Of Love 12"

retro garage house from Detroit

Detroit's Omar S is back on wax and he's brought along a guest vocalist this time around by the name of Colonel Abrams! For those unfamiliar, Colonel Abrams is responsible for a number of 80's dance classics (see "Trapped," "Not Gonna Let," etc.) and he adds a huge dose of old school authenticity to the emotive garage grooves of Omar S's "Who Wrote The Rule Of Love(1)." The original version pulls off the retro vibe in a big way - raw and soulful to the core, but the Shadow Ray Mix(2) really gets it pumping with more of a jacked up Chicago style groove. Loving the fat analog bassline and sparkling synths on this version, and the dancefloor will too. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / detroit - carl craig, theo parrish, moodymann / house / minimal / techno

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Dinky
Time To Lose It EP

sexy, deep, tech-y house

Here is Dinky's exquisite Visionquest debut. The title track(1) is an emotive future-soul number featuring sparse beats, ethereal melodies, and the Chilean-born, Berlin-based dj/producer's own vocals, while "This Is Your Heart(2)" is a pure, ambient, and sexy house burner. Although the first two cuts are excellent, "Teka(3)" takes the EP to the next level, as the deep tech "monster" gradually builds, breaks down, then builds again for 9-plus minutes of dancefloor magic. Good for your body and mind, recommended.
reviewed by NI

file under:
house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno

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Falty DL
Make It Difficult / Jack Your Job 12"

house beats

FaltyDL's gone house! He already hinted to this direction on You Stand Uncertain, but this is probably the most straight-up house we've heard from the talented NY-based producer. "Make It Difficult(1)" pumps it up with a pastiche of old school house samples over a solid groove, while "Jack Your Job(2)" pulls the preacher man-over-house-beats card. Sure it's been done to death, but Falty pulls it off without a hitch. Cool pic sleeve too.
reviewed by Von Bee

file under:
downtempo + electronic - vinyl / house / deep house / remixes / minimal house + techno / new school beats - vinyl / and more

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Duck Sauce
Big Bad Wolf (Gesaffelstein Mix) 12"

humorous house banger from Armand and A-trak

Ducksauce is keeping dance music fun. Barbra Streisand was all about having a good time on the dancefloor, and Armand and A-trak's follow up, Big Bad Wolf(1), promises to continue moving people in all sorts of ways. The howling-filled number is kept simple - just raw, simple, and bumping instrumental layered with the "the big bad wolf" chant. No catchy disco sample this time around - nevertheless, the track will remain a crowd favorite for a long time to come. Gesaffelstein(2) delivers a slick techno remix on the flip, making this record a must-have. Hilarious label art also, recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno

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Motor City Drum Ensemble
L.O.V.E. Remixes (Kyle Hall, Wolfgang Voigt, Smallpeople) 12"

detroit house & new disco remixes

Awesome set of remixes for Motor City Drum Ensemble's "L.O.V.E.". The original version of the cut was first featured as an exclusive off MCDE's DJ-Kicks mix but gets beautifully re-envisioned here by Detroit's young jedi Kyle Hall. Kyle's version(1) is brilliantly deep and moving with soaring synths and a propulsive uptempo groove that's bound to give you goose bumps. Worth the cost of admission for this one alone, but you also get Wolfgang Voigt's funked out new disco variation(2), plus Smallpeople's pumping deep house mix(3). Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / detroit - carl craig, theo parrish, moodymann / house / minimal / techno / and more

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Mat Chiavaroli
War Outside 12"

detroit style house

Three tracks of solid bumping house grooves on this debut release from Italy's Mat Chiavaroli on Kinda Soul. If you told me this was some rare lost Detroit ish, I'd totally believe you. Just check the awesome "War Outside(1)" with those piano loops taken right out of the Moodymann playbook, or the steady groovin' "She Is My Joy(2)" that's sure to ramp up the energy on the floor. Also includes the deep burnt "Soul 1200 Mirror(3)" for the smoked out after hours set.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
detroit - carl craig, theo parrish, moodymann / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno

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Kem
Without You (Kenny Dixon Jr. Remix) 12"

rare Moodymann mix

The KDJ Remix of Kem's "Without You(1)" appeared briefly on single sided white label back in 2005 and has since become sought after (and expensive). Thankfully someone decided to pres it up once again so more people can enjoy the brilliantly deep and sensual vocal house grooves with that signature Moody touch. Don't expect this to sit around on the shelves for very long, they will go quick!
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
detroit - carl craig, theo parrish, moodymann / house / minimal / techno

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Inxec vs Droog
Westbound EP

groovy, deep, sexy techno

Crosstown Rebels adds another sexy, dancefloor-ready release to its excellent catalog, this time thanks to the "Choice trans-Atlantic partnership" between LA-based Droog (Culprit label head) and UK techno veteran Inxec. Westbound features 4 tracks, starting with the "eerie techno soul" of the title cut(1), which also contains subtle latin influences. "Accidental(2)" follows on an ambient techno tip, presenting a dubby and bassline-driven sound with sultry female-vocal-sample accents. Sophisticated dance vibes continue with "Unhinged(3)," probably the most sensual track on the EP, and the house-y "Sleepless Knights(4)" also does not disappoint. Simply put, play any song off of this record at any point of the night and it's a party, granted you're working with a discerning, tasteful crowd. Recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / minimal house + techno / and more

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Gadi Mizrahi & Soul Clap
She's Bad / Beautiful Thing 10"

deep house w/ r&b influence

1/2 of Wolf + Lamb Gadi Mizrahi teams up with hyped Boston duo Soul Clap for a tasty remix(1) of Bad Rabbit's "She's Bad". It's a match made in heaven really, as the Joint Custody artists have already dabbled in R&B-tinged dance to much acclaim, and the "wildest group in Boston" is known for a sound that blends pop, hip-hop, new jack swing, funk and "all-around musical goodness," which just works with the smooth and catchy deep house style of the trio. The tack starts off with warm synth chords with funky bass, processed guitar licks and hard-hitting drums slowly building on top of each other to provide a grooving backdrop to Fredua Boakye's soulful and vintage vocals. On the flip is "Beautiful Thang(2)," which was the promotional track for Joint Custody, and it's another excellent deep house number with dirty electro-funk bass and Cnyce on vocals. Recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / and more

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V/A
Turntables On The Hudson Vol.8: Reflecting Cielo Sampler Vol.2 EP

latin and world influenced dance grooves

Turntables On The Hudson pays homage to its winter home, Cielo on Little West 12th Street NYC (also home to Francois K's Deep Space parties). Here is the second volume compiled by resident DJ Nickodemus with a killer selection of eclectic tracks that keep the Cielo crowd moving. A-side features the fat, dubby beats of Mr Scruff & Kirsty Almeida's "Pickled Spider(1)," while Afrolicious takes it into the deep global funk of "Dub For Mali(2)." Flip it over and get down to the massive uptempo afro funk of Meitz' "Zwakalani (SUMO Rebounce)(3)" and the MDCL remix of Mariella's "Love Sick(4)." Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / midtempo - vinyl / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / and more

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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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V/A
Visionquest Beach Collection: Spring Summer 2011 12"

summery disco house jams

Following the techno centric Club Collection comes Visionquest's season appropriate Beach Collection for Spring/Summer 2011. Visionquest is one of the most promising new labels to emerge from dance scene as of late and once again shines with an expertly curated 3 track EP of warm weather grooves. Check the bouncey opener from Maceo Plex (of Crosstown Rebels fame) entitled "Falling(1)" that kills with an 80's disco boogie infused feel. Tale Of Us come next with "Winds Of Change(2)," a melancholy vocal number with rich atmosphere and moody broken beats, while Pillow Talk closes out the EP with "Love Makes Parks(3)," a soulful slow house groover that borrows from the Blackbyrds to create a warm, loving vibe wherever it gets dropped. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / and more

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Radio Slave
K-Maze (youANDme Remix) 12"

vocal house

Super limited remix of Radio Slave's "K-Maze" from YouAndme(1) that adds a killer vocal to the already bangin' original. I'm guessing the vocals are a special chop up of Marvin, but could be wrong. Regardless, the mix sounds sweet and is sure to make the dancefloor go off. One-sided, smoke clear vinyl.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / new disco / cosmic / edits / cosmic + balearic + rock-ish

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Deniz Kurtel
Best Of (Dixon Remix) 12"

deep, ambient house

The sexy dancefloor magic that is "Best Of(1)" from Deniz Kurtel's dazzling debut full-length, Music Watching Over Me... From the jacking rhythms and echo-washed vocals to the charming bassline, the track looks to old school house and enhances those elements with modern sensibilities. Dixon's remix is on the flip is a 9-minute workout that builds and builds into a deep, sensual, and tech-y late night cut. Recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / and more

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Major Lazer
Guns Don't Kill People... Lazers Do (with FREE MP3 Download) 2LP

dancehall full-length from Diplo & Switch

BONUS: Included with with this LP is a coupon for a free high-quality MP3 download of the full album.

Diplo and Switch's new dancehall project has been getting lots of hype over the last few months, and it turns out that this time the hype was right: this shit has more jams than Knotts Berry Farms. The CD opens with the surf-rock single "Hold The Line(1)," which features Santigold and Mr. Lex, and doesn't really let up after that. In addition to top notch production, the album also features a ton of dancehall stars and a few state-side up and comers who should be pretty familiar to the discerning lab customer at this point. Turbulence shows up for "Anything Goes(2)," Mr. Vegas makes an appearance on "Can't Stop Now(3)," while Mr. Evil (aka Leftside) and Swedish rapper Mapei both jump on an updated version of "Mary Jane(4)." Brooklyn's own auto-crooner Ricky Blaze and the perennially slept-on Nina Sky lend their vocals to the Power 106 Anthem "Keep It Goin' Louder(5)," (this one's got "crossover" written all over it) and Vybz Kartel squeezes a few lines into the pandemonium-inducing "Pon Di Floor(6)." Solid tracks from beginning to end, this album is gonna be a force to be reckoned this summer. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
dubstep + grime - vinyl / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / current dancehall + hip-hop remixes + acapellas / fidget house: switch + sinden + herve + jesse rose + dubsided / and more

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Soul Clap
Social Experiment Sampler (Art Department, Gadi Mizrahi) 12"

new school house

So you've been jamming to Soul Clap's hyped Social Experiment 002 mix for a minute now and are wondering where you can get the exclusive tracks from. Well look no further 'cause this sampler EP got you covered (for 4 of the tracks at least)! It's a kind of who's-who of the current house scene with tracks from Gadi Mizrahi ("Hurt Me(1)"), Art Department's collab w/ Soul Clap ("Glenn & Boo(2)"), Miguel Puente & Sishi Rosche ("Serious Compassion(3)"), and of course, Soul Clap themselves with "Fried Chicken(4)"). Don't sleep!
reviewed by Von Bee

file under:
house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / new disco / cosmic / edits / cosmic + balearic + rock-ish

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Virgo Four
It's A Crime (Caribou, Hunee) 12"

awesome remixes of lost chicago house

Seems like Caribou is popping up more frequently on the remix these days (like on those recent remix of Art Dept, Radiohead, and Four Tet) and I'm definitely not mad at that. Here he takes on Chicago house maestros Virgo Four's lost track "It's A Crime(1)" and transforms it into an dance bomb of epic proportions. The track builds slowly, starting with a simple vocal groove and builds into acid-driven synthesizer workout that kicks mucho ass. Berlin's Hunee also gives the track a remix(2), opting for the classic deep house approach that will certainly win floors over with ease. Can't forget about the original mix(3) which is also included and slays in classic Chicago fashion. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - classics / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno

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Anthony 'Shake' Shakir
Frictionalism 1994-2009 Part 3 12"

diverse Detroit house and techno

Part 3 in Rush Hour's retrospective on Anthony Shakir. Of all the Detroit techno legends, Shakir might be the most under appreciated (though still highly respected). Thankfully the Frictionalism comp showcases his output from 1994 - 2009 so a wider audience can witness the fitness. This volume taken from said release features 4 diverse Detroit house/techno cuts to make the floor go nuts. Includes the broken beat techno of "Assimilated(1)," the pumping diva house of "Get A Feeling(2)," plus "For The Lamented(3)" and "Frictionalized(4)."
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
house / deep house / remixes / minimal house + techno / house / minimal / techno

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Carter Bros.
Full Disco Jacket (Nebraska Remix) 12"

filtered disco house a la Daft Punk

Rush Hour killing it again. I wasn't familiar with The Carter Bros, but I couldn't stop listening to the audio sample of this track. "Full Disco Jacket(1)" takes you back to late nineties filtered disco house a la Daft Punk, Together, DJ Sneak, and Cassius. I just love the equation of repetitive classic disco loops + stiff house drums + happy vibes. This record is so summer. The alternate versions are very necessary here (might even trump the og) with a punched up dub version(2) and brilliant remix(3) by Nebraska. Thomas Bangalter would be proud. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / and more

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Pattern Select
Tale Of The Tape (Cottam Remix) 12"

dark, mid-tempo house from Milton Jackon and Show-B

The always cutting-edge Delusions Of Grandeur introduce us to Pattern Select, the new alias of Milton Jackson and Show-B. Dark and low seems to be a theme here with "Tale Of The Tape(1)" and its accompanying dub version(2). Feeling that combo of old school cymbal hits and arpeggiated synth line. If you haven't noticed, the retro-house movement took off his shoes and is sitting on your couch. Cult favorite Cottam (check his self released colored 12" series if you can find em) delivers a more techno'd remix(3). The last track "Matrix(4)" is a smokey downtempo beats track, perhaps giving a nod classic electronic albums of the late nineties that mixed dance and beats.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / new disco / cosmic / edits / cosmic + balearic + rock-ish

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Toomy Disco
Static Friction (Mario Basanov, Alphabet City) 12"

slow disco house

Argentina's Toomy Disco drops his first EP on respected imprint Under The Shade. Warm up the floor in slo-mo mode with the swirling sounds of "Static Friction(1)." This track churns and twists with squiggly synths and a filtered vocal that urge you to get down. Mario Basanov (who you should know from his excellent Needwant releases) ups the tempo and creates something much more uplifting on his remix(2) which is also included alongside a sweet boogie house variation from Alphabet City(3) of Kojak Edits fame. Also incudes the 80's arpeggio-fest "Disco Lights(4)."
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / new disco / cosmic / edits / cosmic + balearic + rock-ish

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Eli Escobar
Desire (feat. Nomi Ruiz) 12"

sexy disco/house with vocals

New single from Eli Escobar featuring Nomi Ruiz on Wurst Music! Eli's sophisticated NY disco/house style is once again showcased in "Desire(1)," with Nomi's (Jessica 6, Hercules and Love Affair) vocals really giving the track a big dose of sex appeal. Accompanying the single is a remix by fellow New Yorkers Nick Chacona & Roy Dank (aka Beg To Differ)(2), who put a sleek dub spin on the original. Recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / and more

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Mark E
The Day (Prins Thomas Remix) 12"

slo house/disco edits

"Moaning, wordless soul vocals" on top of a bumping, bass-y, mid-tempo disco/house beat... Mark E revisits his trademark style for "The Day(1)," an obvious pick off his recent Stone Breaker full length. Cosmic juggernaut Prins Thomas delivers an extended remix(2) that takes you along for a spaced-out Nordic disco shuffle for 11+ minutes, and "Special FX(3)" is exclusive to this 12" single for which ME reworks a classic electro-pop track with his signature style and finesse that sits perfectly between balearic house and synth pop realms. Recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / minimal house + techno / ghostly + spectral - vinyl / and more

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Alex Israel
Walking To Guntersville 12"

warm analog house grooves

NY's WT Records continues to search harder than others to bring you incredible tracks from new artists that you never heard of before. Case in point with their latest release (#6 if you're counting) from Chicago-by-way-of-Detroit's Alex Israel. Warm analog house grooves are on the menu for Walking To Guntersville with the title track(1) setting the pace with an oasis of smooth synths over vintage drum machines. "Gaz 13(2)" ups the tempo to warm up the dancefloor, while "Bindlestiff(3)" really sets it off with propulsive funk-influenced bass and vocal bits - ditto for the funked-out "Nkisi(4)." Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno

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Specter
Pipe Bomb 12"

hard techno on Theo Parrish's label

Chicago artist Specter joins the elite ranks of Theo Parrish's Sound Signature imprint with his mind-melting techno belter "Pipe Bomb(1)." The story goes that Theo got a CD from Specter with the track on it and once he heard it, just had to release it himself. That's saying something coming from a respected dude like Theo! The sounds on this 12" speak for themselves and take it the the deepest depths of Detroit techno with a slight Chicago touch. This track is already blowing up the underground scene so pick it up while it lasts. Single sided pressing.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
detroit - carl craig, theo parrish, moodymann / house / minimal / techno

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Art Department
We Call Love feat. Soul Clap & Osunlade (Daphni, DJ Harvey) 12"

all-star dance collaboration

Could there be anymore title hype here? Art Department. Soul Clap. Osunlade. Caribou (Daphni). DJ Harvey. Blake Shelton. Seriously, it's pretty incredible that all these people could get together on one record. This only solidifies the recent re-re-re-birth of the house scene (led by Crosstown Rebels, Spectral, Hot Creations, etc). Recommended.




reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / and more

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Soho
Hot Music / Keep It Together 12"

all-time dj classic, great b-side edit too

Official pressing of the all-time house classic "Hot Music(1)." It's backed with another treat, Pal Joey's rework of The Intruders' "I'll Always Love My Mama(2)" which was sampled to fame by Raphael Saadiq and Q-Tip for "Get Involved." If you already don't know about "Hot Music," here's Roctakon's refresher: "Another record that most people don't know the name of- but when you hear it, you gonna be like "damn, that's my shit." "Hot Music" is a classic instrumental jam that don't depreciate with age. I could bore you guys with tales of original labels and different pressings on this one, but what's the point. The bottom line is this is a record that you can play for just about any crowd, be they into hip hop, underground, house etc etc. The only people who don't go ape shit for this record are the ones who love that "murder inc" sound (you know that platinum sound, holla). It mixes well with your uptempo party fair and also makes a good transition from a hip hop to a house set, or vice versa. This is a true must have for all hip hop dj's." Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - classics / house / minimal / techno

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Jose Feliciano
Sunny (Shelter Remix) 12"

deep house anthem samples 60s latin soul

An instant Shelter classic. Timmy Regisford takes Jose Feliciano's famous track "Sunny(1)" and turns it into a warm weather dance anthem (yes, I know I've used "classic" and "anthem" within the first two sentences, but this shit is beautiful). Instrumental on the flip. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
midtempo - vinyl / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - classics / house / deep house / remixes / and more

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DJ Sneak
The Dry Rub (Shades of Jae) EP

Debut release from Houseguest Music, an offshoot of the popular SF label Guesthouse. Chicago's DJ Sneak is proper name to start things off and he delivers with "Get Da Ho(1)." If I didn't know better, I would have thought that this was some vintage jackin' house, especially with that piano sample (the same one used for Moodymann's "Shades of Jae"). Label head DJ Mes provides the remix(2), offering new drums and different chops. This quality release continues with "Marijuana(3)" (features samples about drug smuggling) and "Come Back Johnny(4)."
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno

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V/A
Visionquest Club Collection: Spring Summer 2011 12"

fresh house grooves

Buzzed house label Visionquest (run by tastemakers Seth Troxler, Ryan Crosson, Lee Curtiss, & Shaun Reeves) continues their roll of sweet releases with Club Collection Spring Summer 2011, a showcase of some of the years most promising underground artists. You probably won't recognize many (if any) names here, so time to get familiar! The EP goes off with "Don't Feel This Way(1)" Vernon Bara & Igor Vicente's groovy tech house roller that firmly sets a deep tone on the floor. Matthew Burton & Nick Lawson's "Gruff It(2)" come next and takes it even deeper with bumping drums and funky sleazoid bass. Finally Laura Jones' closes it out with "Live A Little(3)," a melodic house groove that combines old school elements with warm guitars and detuned synth bits. Look out for these guys!
reviewed by Von Bee

file under:
house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / new disco / cosmic / edits / cosmic + balearic + rock-ish

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Dr. Gonzo
Bust 'Em Up (Crookers, Savage Skulls) 12"

high energy club bangers

Phra & Bot aka Crookers go under the Dr. Gonzo guise for three monstrous bangers to tear up the club. Compared to their electro-rave stuff, the Dr. Gonzo material (here along with Sweden's Savage Skulls and Canada's Neurotic & Wax Motif) seems rawer - banging on a whole other level. Check the high octane energy on "Bust Em Up(1)" with the hype stadium rocking samples and crazy drops. "Get The F Out My House(2)" is a potent hybrid of dark jacking house and tropical bass, while "Springer(3)" is just plain bonkers. Drop this and watch kids go nuts.
reviewed by suicide bangs

file under:
dubstep + grime - vinyl / new electro + electro rock + rave / house / deep house / remixes / bmore/dubstep/baile/bass / and more

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Dr. Gonzo
Dr. Gonzo Anthem (Crookers) 12"

heavy club bangers

Second single from the new Crookers project, Dr. Gonzo. This one's just as hype as the previous release ("Bust 'Em Up") and features their signature track "Dr. Gonzo Anthem(1)" that takes the hyper active sound and infuses melodic synths work before the barrage of screeching fx and heavy bass kicks take over and tear down the club. Next up is "Dushi(2)," another tripped-out banger with a hefty bounce guaranteed to move asses. The EP rounds out with a triple threat of Italian producers (Crookers, His Majesty Andre & Lazy Ants) going HARD on a the dancefloor smasher "Carcola(3)." If you like lazer sounds, you'll love this one!
reviewed by suicide bangs

file under:
dubstep + grime - vinyl / new electro + electro rock + rave / house / deep house / remixes / bmore/dubstep/baile/bass / and more

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E-Rock
The Clock And The Mountain LP

lo-fi dance and experimental electronica

Bold electronic dance sounds outta Portland from Audio Dregs label boss E-Rock. The Clock & The Mountain is far from your average house and electro. The tracks on here venture to the outer reaches of psych-infused electro, glitchy upbeat techno, and mysterious arpeggiated synth moods that are both uneasy and refreshing at the same time. Expand your mind with the sounds of "Palace of Light(1)," then get down to the distorted bumps of "Chrome Plates(2)," and "Higher Hats(3)," the tropical bounce of "Java(4)," and weirdo jack of "Humor Risk(5)" and "Lazer Quest(6)." "A Long Corridor(7)" is also very nice and worth checkin'. 12 tracks in all.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
downtempo + electronic - vinyl / house / deep house / remixes / downtempo + electronic - all / house / minimal / techno

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Black Science Orchestra
New Jersey Deep (Ashley Beedle) 12"

disco house

This handy white label collects two heavyweight house cuts that were never easy to find on original, and have only gotten scarcer. Ashley Beedle's pre-X-Press2 combo Black Science Orchestra dove headfirst into filtered disco loops when they made "New Jersey Deep(1)" in 1994, reworking huge chunks of the NJ band Wood, Brass & Steel's loft classic "Funkanova." It's a sexy, swinging piece of instrumental house with a great guitar and keyboard riff that plays like the soundtrack to a pretty sunrise after a long sweaty night. Flipping the record, you'd have to be a pretty serious head to have Ali's "Feeling You(2)" on the original promo. That's the only other place you're going to find this gorgeous Mood II Swing remix from 1998, a chunky house groover with a male vocal full of passion and longing. The "feeling you/is all I want to do" refrain is trance inducing and man, can you feel homeboy's pain. An instrumental version of "Feeling You(3)" is a dreamy cut in its own right. Like any good dub, the melody is memorable enough to trick your head into hearing the lyrics and feeling the groove of the original track while keeping things simple on the floor.
reviewed by Odyssey Jones

file under:
house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - classics / house / minimal / techno

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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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Lee Foss
U Got Me EP

80's style house with a modern twist

Lee Foss has been releasing tracks on respected labels like Wolf + Lamb and Culprit, but now he lets loose four infectious house jams on his own Hot Creations imprint. "U Got Me 2(1)" features a super catchy vocal hook looped up over a killer 80's style house groove. Loving the bassline and synth sprinkles on here, sure to move the crowd. Next up "Run Around(2)" turns up the heat, using the same formula, but on a more intense groove. On the flip, you get the equally playable "Happen For A Reason(3)" and the slightly darker "Chik Sheik(4)." Hot 12"!
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / new disco / cosmic / edits / cosmic + balearic + rock-ish

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V/A
Trax: The Art of Acid Part 2 (Frankie Knuckles, Maurice Joshua, Hercules) 12"

acid house edits and reworks

Harmless follows up their Trax Re-Edited series with The Art Of Acid, a series that collects rare mixes of acid classics by some of dance music's biggest names. This is the second volume and kicks off with an edit of Hercules' steamy jack banger "7 Ways(1)" by Ashley Beedle that is respectful to the original and keeps all the freakiness intact. You also get Samurai Sam's "House Of Japanese(2)" as extended by NYC's Rub N Tug, a tech-house rework of Frankie Knuckles arpeggio laced classic "Your Love(3)" by Dusty Kid, and a remix of "This Is Acid(4)" by electro house kingpin Boyz Noize.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
house / minimal / techno - classics / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno

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V/A
Trax: The Art of Acid Part 1 (Adonis, Joeski, Phuture) 12"

acid house reworks

Harmless follows up their Trax Re-Edited series with The Art Of Acid, a series that collects rare mixes of acid classics by some of dance music's biggest names. This inaugural volume kicks off with Basement Jaxx Jazz Nitebeatz Mix of Adonis' "Rocking Down The House(1)" from '97. The Basement Jaxx boys flip the original into an almost unrecognizable jazz-house banger that's sure to hype up the crowd. Up next, Laurent Garnier completely reworks Joeski's "My English Lover(2)" into a relentless high energy jack frenzy that pushes it to the limit, while edit master Greg Wilson knows to keeps it simple when working on a stone-cold classic on his retouch of Adonis' "No Way Back(3)." Also includes a break laced version of Phuture's "Acid Trax(4)" by the Plump DJs.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
house / minimal / techno - classics / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno

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Ame & Amampondo
Ku Kanjani 12"

epic techno house with African vocals

Ame has the knack for the epic. Ever since their classic Innervisions debut, Rej, the duo has been exploring the subterranean area between techno and deep house, usually with memorable, permanent results. For their first release of 2011, Ame has teamed up with South African band Amampondo and released what I'll describe as a "mental anthem." The sythesizer action is straight 'tarded, and the vocals elevate the track to the steepest Cape Town vista. Get me hard drugs and a Gatorade quart right now. There's two versions(1,2), which are more like part 1 and 2. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno

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Burnski & Robert James
Malibu (Jamie Jones Remix)12"

house music deep and funky

Oh man, this label is just cranking out the jams! It's hasn't even been that long that we've carried the Hot Creations stuff from Jamie Jones & Lee Foss and DJ's are already buying up all the releases at the store. This is only the 4th release and again it comes on strong with a infectious groove reminiscent of 90's house, deep Detroit-like chords, and addictive vocals. Both "Malibu" and "Perception" are prime for the dancefloor, and Jamie Jones remix, really gives the track a boost in the pop direction using more vocals and catchy hook.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / new disco / cosmic / edits / cosmic + balearic + rock-ish

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Lee Foss
Starfruit 12"

r&b sampling new school house

Lee Foss knows how to please em, flipping Usher ("Someone New(1)") and Brandy samples ("Keep My Cool(2)") into his complex house concoctions. Time to go dig for those old R&B accapellas. "Little Game(3)", a staple in the sets of Lee Curtiss and Art Department, features Foss' update to black gay house thing. Foss saves the most sparkling for last with "Starfruit(4)" with its intriguing layering of synths and samples (and yes, another obscure R&B sample). Party rec for sure, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / and more

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De Signer
Suicide Girl (Robin Porter, Crazy P) 12"

LA new wave band gets the Hot Creation remix single

LA based new wave band De Signer (featuring Lab's own Jean Marc Virard on production) released their Designersruletheworld album back in 2008. A testament to their underground cult status, a track from that album got picked up by Hot Creations nearly two years later (discovered by Jamie Jones on a west coast excursion). In addition to the excellent original version(1), there's remixes by Robin Porter & Subb-an(2) (a favorite mix of Hot Creations crew), and Crazy P(3).
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / new disco / cosmic / edits / cosmic + balearic + rock-ish

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Floating Points
Peoples Potential / Shark Chase 12"

acidic beats and bass heavy Detroit styles

Floating Points throws us a curveball with this release on Eglo. The respected UK beatsmith has the acid thing going strong on "People Potential(1)" but not in the traditional house sense. He flips the script and manages to freak that squirrely 303 baseline into an almost jazzy fashion, layering loose synths and keys atop a skittering beat that keeps on building and moving forward. "Shark Chase(2)" features a more straightforward 4x4 style with more dubby keys and sub-low bass that will get the Detroit heads freakin' out.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
downtempo + electronic - vinyl / house / deep house / remixes / new school beats - vinyl / downtempo + electronic - all / and more

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Todd Terje
Eurodans / Italian Stallion 12"

nu disco hit repressed

Back in print! "Eurodans(1)" is a sureshot nu disco bomb originally released by Todd Terje in 2004 on Soul Jazz. Terje and Soul Jazz apparently had a falling out so that pressing is ridiculously rare (only 60 copies surfaced). Luckily Full Pupp came to the rescue and pressed this beast up in 2005, and now again in case you missed it the first time. Take a listen to the sample and you'll see how this will easily turn out the dancefloor with super catchy synth hooks and solid disco beats. Flipside features "Italian Stallion(2)," but A-side wins no question. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - classics / house / minimal / techno / and more

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V/A
Turntables On The Hudson Vol.8: Reflecting Cielo (Quantic, Nickodemus) EP

curated latin and world influenced dance grooves

Turntables On The Hudson pays homage to its winter home, Cielo on Little West 12th Street NYC (also home to Francois K's Deep Space parties). Resident DJ Nickodemus themed this latest TOTH comp on the heavier, uptempo tracks that keep the Cielo crowd moving. A-side features Quantic's 115 bpm Cumbia-house track "Sol Clap(1)" followed by E's E (NYCTrust) top notch remix of Nick's "Conmigo(2)." B-side features a pair of Pablo Sanchez remixes, one by TOTH favorite Simbad(3), the other by TOTH's own Zeb(4). Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / midtempo - vinyl / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / and more

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Pantha Du Prince
V Versions of Black Noise (w/ FREE MP3 Download) LP

melodic, minimal techno

Top notch remixes of tracks from Pantha Du Prince's minimal techno album Black Noise. First up is Moritz Von Oswald who delivers a serene, deep, and captivating version of "Welt Am Draht(1)," followed by Die Vogel(2)'s take on the same song, which he washes with electronica vibes with the help of glowing horn and flute melodies. Animal Collective also remixes "Welt Am Draht(3)," and the band keeps true to its reverb-heavy, psych-pop tendencies. For "A Nomad's Retreat," The Sight Below(4)adds sexy, atmospheric techno touches, and Hieroglyphic Being(5) rounds out the release with an experimental take on "Satellite Sniper" that's full of weird soundscapes. Comes with free mp3 download card, recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / minimal house + techno / and more

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Robert Owens
I'll Be Your Friend Remixes 2011 (Jamie Jones, Soul Clap, Gadi Mizrahi) 12"

house classic reworked

Robert Owen's 1991 house classic "I'll Be Your Friend" gets updated for the modern dance floor by big names in the current house scene. Boston's Soulclap team up with Gadi Mizrahi and add a beefed up Wolf+Lamb touch on their remix(1), Crosstown Rebels regular Jamie Jones' jacks it up on the Burning Boat Mix(2), and Inxec & Matt Tolfrey add a breezy tropical swing to mix(3). Also includes a 2011 remaster(4) of the original.
reviewed by Von Bee

file under:
house / minimal / techno - classics / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno

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Chateau Flight
Chichi Devils (I:Cube) 12"

dark electro techno

Cult faves Chateau Flight (I:Cube and Gilbert Cohen) are back after a lengthy hiatus (last release was on Innervisions back in 06?). They make an emphatic return statement with this 45rpm one-sided release (it's like saying "we don't need remixes, check the madness"). "Chichi Devils(1)" with its repetitive beauty is a secret weapon vampire track that you can throw into your minimal / techno sets... or throw it into your dark disco sets for a change of texture. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno

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Dennis Ferrer
Church Lady 12"

soulful house

Huge Dennis Ferrer track from 2007. The bumping drums, church organ stabs, and rhythmic bassline come together to construct a deep and physical house experience, but the real driving force of the song, of course, is the intense, gospel-like vocals courtesy of Danil Wright. DF has mentioned that the lyrics were inspired by his personal experience growing up around "open door policy" church ladies, and despite the despairing story being told, the harmonies and vocal layers, especially in the "Glory, Hallelujah" hook, really take the song to a higher, more spiritual level. Yes, it's four years old, but "Church Lady" sounds as real and uplifting as ever, and will still have maximum impact on discerning house crowds. Highly Recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno

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Martinez Brothers
The Causeway / Issshhh! 12"

tech house

The Martinez Brothers follow up last year's "Don't Know Yet" with a set of proper New York house tunes. Driving percussion and a deep, thick bassline are at the foundation of "The Causeway(1)," with soulful vocal samples rounding out the track. "Issshhh!(2)" works with classic elements - stuttering keys, groove-driven kicks, atmospheric synths - to create hard-hitting, updated sounds that are deep yet dancefloor oriented. "Beats" version included, recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno

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Bonjay
Broughtupsy EP

forward-thinking dancehall with electronic/r&b influences

Bonjay consists of vocalist Alanna and beats/effects maestro Pho, and Broughtupsy is the group's first physical release since dropping a very hyped 7-inch - a live cover of the Yeah Yeah Yeas' "Maps" - a few years back (the record sold out immediately). This 4-track EP showcases the Toronto duo's progressive style well, with "Shotta(1)," "Creepin(2)," "Wantagang(3)," and "Stumble(4)" mixing dancehall with experimental, electronic, and bass-heavy sounds. The booming beats provide a fun and energetic backdrop for Alanna's soulful, r&b-influenced vocals, and it's easy to why labels like Mad Decent and Ghetto Arc (XL Recordings) have reached out to Bonjay for remix work.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
downtempo + electronic - vinyl / house / deep house / remixes / downtempo + electronic - all / house / minimal / techno

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Recloose
Can't Take It Remixes (feat. Dwele) 12"

reissue of 2000 soulful house classic

To celebrate the label's twentieth anniversary, Carl Craig's Planet E is reissuing key releases from the back catalog with new remixes. Here the label revisits this Recloose hit from 2000. Featuring the soul stylings of Dwele, this broken house cut sounds so weighty compared to current contemporaries. That little scratch part? Incredible. This is the dance music that will stand the test of time. Includes the original version(1), Milton Jackson(2), and Luciano(3). Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / detroit - carl craig, theo parrish, moodymann / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno

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Duck Sauce
Barbra Streisand Pic Disc (A-Trak, Armand Van Helden) 12"

huge sample-based house from Duck Sauce, pic disc

Now available as a pic disc featuring Dust La Rock artwork! "Barbra Streisand" is catchy, driving, and people can sing along to it on their first listen. Win. Easily one of the strongest dance releases of 2010, Armand and A-Trak lift the best elements of Boney M's "Gotta Go Home" (which actually takes from Nighttrain's 1971 single "Hallo Bimmelbahn") and add their club-tested drums and flavor for 5 minutes of raw, jumping-up-and-down fun. Everyone loves Ducksauce. Highly recommended.


reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / special edition + deluxe

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Matthew Dear
You Put A Smell On Me (Nicolas Jaar, Breakbot) 12"

dark house with deep house and new boogie remixes

Second single from Matthew Dear's acclaimed Black City full length. This time the dark electro sounds of "You Put A Smell On Me" get a proper 12" release with some excellent remixes to boot. The original(1) mix has a brooding Nine Inch Nails/industrial thing going on, and it's included here with a dub(2) version. Nicolas Jaar(3) of Wolf + Lamb fame gives it a soothing deep house rework, while Ed Banger boogie revivalist Breakbot(4) does his thing on the silky 80s tip.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
downtempo + electronic - vinyl / minimal house + techno / ghostly + spectral - vinyl / and more

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Made In USA / Alessandro Novaga
Melodies / Electronic Drums 12"

feel good disco soul, raw drum track

Alessandro Novaga's "Electric Drums(1)" was originally released in the early 80's on DJ-only rhythm track packs. Original vinyl is stupid rare and also pretty expensive so get with the classic NY boot. This is essentially just a raw drum machine track but is a useful DJ/producer tool and also helped influence early house. On the flip is Made In The USA's "Melodies(2)," which might sound a little light, but play it from the end break and this thing kills!
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco 12" / house / minimal / techno - classics / house / minimal / techno / funk soul disco

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Session Victim
Million Dollar Feeling (Gerd Remix) 12"

inventive deep house and slowed down disco

Delusions Of Grandeur is back with more inventive deep house and slowed down disco. The German duo Session Victim hits with some complex 4 on the floor drum programming and dense Detroit pads on "Million Dollar Feeling(1)". The vocal sample takes it all over and shows why these dudes are known for releasing some of the most progressive house these days. Gerd lends a hand with the remix(2) and takes the track into disco territory more commonly tread by his alter ego, Amplified Orchestra. The chords take the front seat only to be attacked by a vicious piano stab. On the flip the whole feeling gets slowed down with "Time To Let You Down(3)." The epic 11 minute excursion is perfect for those hotel gigs you've been vying for. Heavy strings open up more than halfway through the track to reveal the full climax that will have them asking for more.
reviewed by The Voice

file under:
house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / new disco / cosmic / edits / cosmic + balearic + rock-ish

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Diplo vs. Tiesto
C'mon (Toadally Krossed Out Remix) 12"

electro house heater from Diplo and Tiesto

Big (room/stadium) tune!!! Diplo links up with Tiesto aka the trance god for an electro house banger(1) that's guaranteed to take your peak hour fist pumping set to the next level. The power chords are so damn catchy, and with immense build-ups, hard hitting drums, and a dirty, driving bassline rounding out the song, you can bet your left nut on everyone going ape shit when you drop this one. Toadally Krossed Out remix(2) also included, and gnarly laser etching of Diplo & Tiesto on the flip! Recommended.
reviewed by nakinboots

file under:
house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno

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DJ Nature
Foggy Monday Morning / Feeling Like A Woman 12"

deep, jazzy house tracks from Golf Channel

Fresh batch of DJ Nature promo 12"s from the respectable folks at Golf Channel Records! This one carries two smooth numbers stretched out on each side, that yu play on 45 of course. "Fog In The Morning(1)", fits its name perfectly, captures that hazy yet beautiful mood with a subdued beat, sweet keyboards, and jazzy sax that seduces! "Feel Like A Woman(2)" kills the b-side with a sophisticated groove, made to hypnotize and uplift. Always in high demand and in short supply! Don't miss!
reviewed by Cmish

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / and more

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Ron Hardy
Sensation 12"

the only original track by Ron Hardy

Legendary Chicago DJ Ron Hardy is best known for his ground breaking sets at the Muzic Box, his masterful edits (which are still getting booted and are in demand to this day), but have you heard his original production? "Sensation" is one of the rarer cuts from the Trax catalog and also happens to be Hardy's sole original production in his discography. The original 12" catches loot, but enjoy the import repress here in all its high energy jacking glory. Comes in the original configuration - long, short, and dub version. "Don't you knoooooow!" Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - classics / house / minimal / techno

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Osborne
Daylight (Isolee Remix) 12"

minimal techno from Detroit

Osborne's second single on Spectral Sound. If you thought he came out of nowhere with his knockout 2008 album, check this 2003 release and you'll be corrected. Osborne was killing the melodic electronica back when electroclash was ruling... check "Daylight(1)." Isolee comes with a super-creative, minimal remix(2); it takes a minute for it to register in your brain. Lastly, "Hydragilm Exit(3)" is one of those Aphex Twin-type atmospheric compositions complete with faux-scientific title.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
downtempo + electronic - vinyl / minimal house + techno / ghostly + spectral - vinyl / and more

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Sade
The Safest Place - NYC Dance Remix (Clear Vinyl) 12"

house remix on clear vinyl

The Sade dance remix is something of an institution in global house culture. From the lush underground styling of the Musk Men rendition of "I Never Thought," to Nick Holder's deep vocal masterpiece "Removable Tattoo," house producers have proven time and again the inherent compatibility of Sade's sublime, sultry, singularly unique vocals with 4-to-the-floor dance music. If "deep house" is to be taken in its truest form, there is really no major label R&B artist more fit for its specific aesthetic than she. With this latest entry into the cannon of Sade house tributes, "The Safest Place," it's safe to say that the tradition has been reaffirmed and returned to its rightful niche of respectful reinterpretation, capturing the melodic seduction of Ms. Sade's music and pairing her innate charm with a suitably emotive production that does justice to her transparent and always sincere poetic beauty. Retaining the basic flesh of the original composition, "The NYC Dance Remix(1)" remains true to the song while transforming it into a contemporary take on the NY vocal house sound: driving tribal percussion, effectively moody pads & perfectly placed vocal samples that resonate with despondent urgency. Surely "The Safest Place" as presented in its revamped form will take its place in the lineage of R&B-house remixes worthy of an already impeccable artist.
reviewed by label review

file under:
midtempo - vinyl / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno

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Soho
Hot Music 12"

Another record that most people don't know the name of- but when you hear it, you gonna be like "damn, that's my shit." "Hot Music(1)" is a classic instrumental jam that don't depreciate with age. I could bore you guys with tales of original labels and different pressings on this one, but what's the point. The bottom line is this is a record that you can play for just about any crowd, be they into hip hop, underground, house etc etc. The only people who don't go ape shit for this record are the ones who love that "murder inc" sound (you know that platinum sound, holla). It mixes well with your uptempo party fair and also makes a good transition from a hip hop to a house set, or vice versa. Backed with "Earth Peoples Dance(2)," a housier tune but a banger nonetheless, this is a true must have for all hip hop dj's. Plays at 45.
reviewed by the ROC

file under:
house / minimal / techno - classics / house / minimal / techno

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Pete Heller
Big Love / Music Sounds Better With You 12"

Sigh... it was summer (isn't it always summer in those sweet, faded memories?), and "Big Love(1)" was the jam that made everything okay. From the driving kick-drum to the so-intense-it-hurts build-up, Pete Heller made the ultimate disco house love song with this one. Bouncy enough for a dance floor but twinkly enough for an at-home party for one- "Big Love(1)" is perfect. The fantastic Stargard sample should also serve as reason enough to go find that girl group's slept on albums, on par with The Pointer Sisters' killers from the seventies. Added incentive for picking up this piece is the b-side, a stretched out version of the boogie pop song "Music Sounds Better With You(2)," which had people singing along on the dance floor like it was a top 10 radio hit. Filtered French house may be a footnote at this point, but these two tracks are keepers, and a great way to flashback to that feelgood time of the nineties when house was hot. C'mon, you remember, it was the Best. Summer. Ever.
reviewed by Odyssey Jones

file under:
house / minimal / techno - classics / house / minimal / techno

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KC Flightt
Voices 12"

"Voices(1)" is one of the ultimate house classics, brought to us by KC Flight who also responsible for the NY anthem "Let's Get Jazzy." "Voices" can be considered the original tribal house track- it's built upon primitive drumming and Indian chanting that would make anyone's hairs stand straight up. The track intensifies when the oh so famous chorus (originally sung by Sting) comes in. By this time the beat is mesmerizing you with the "dom, dom, dom, dom," all up in your face and KC doesn't stop until all you can think, sing, and breath is "Voices...Inside my head...Echoes...Things that you said." On the flip is "Cabana(2)," a track that reminds us of when house was just house - simple and to the point. With a scatty vocal dub that stabs in and out of the track with a little piano riff, you just keep getting pulled deeper and deeper into this one.
reviewed by Nicole Otero

file under:
house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - classics / house / minimal / techno

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Hamilton Bohannon
Let's Start A Dance 12"

Well, it doesn't get a lot more essential than this. Two stellar, quality party records, one for setting things off and the other for pushing it over the top. Keni Burke, a child star in the 5 Stairsteps, came into his own with this extremely scarce RCA single (recently seen at one NYC store selling for $100+). Thanks to the availability of this well-known (boot) repress, "Risin To The Top(1)" has become an anthem that is instantly recognizable and crucial to any modern soul collection. Without getting too detailed, there are probably hundreds of songs that have blatantly appropriated this, from Doug E. Fresh to Maxwell to Mary J. (Not to mention Rick James' bassline ripoff for the Mary Jane Girls' "All Night Long.") The other side features Hamilton Bohannon's "Let's Start A Dance" remix(2), originally issued on the Phase II label and probably just as sampled, though this time in the club/house realm. A 10 minute heavy percussive monster, this is an essential element for any DJ who's interested in moving a crowd. It's never gone out of style, as its proto-house/funk stomp defies categorization and goes directly to the feet. Handy as a bathroom break record, let Bohannon and the band take over while you relieve yourself!
reviewed by monk

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" / and more

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TBD
Oh My / Okay, Cool 12"

hard acid grooves from Lee Douglass and Justin Vandervolgen

DFA going hard! TBD is comprised of Brooklyn new disco heros Lee Douglass and Justin Vandervolgen. The duo has already killed the edit game with their monster release on Golf Channel ("Get To My Baby") and now they take it to the limit with the original track "Oh My(1)." This track goes OFF like an acid-fueled rocket ship with a relentless attack of 303 spazzes over hard pumping drums that separate the weak from the strong. This is easily the most aggressive thing I've heard from DFA since the Black Meteoric Star stuff. "Okay, Cool(2)" is slightly less intense and lets the acid bass really squirm its way into your subconcious.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
dfa + related / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / new disco / cosmic / edits

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Black Art
Black Art Music EP

deep house meet jazz, detroit style

2003 release on Mike Grant's Detroit-based label Moods & Grooves. Deep house meets jazz on this super-consistent four tracker. Every song here is excellent with a cultured sound you don't hear as often these days. I'm especially feeling the summer jam "Heat(1)" and the jazz-funk-breaks of "Sweet(2)." Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / detroit - carl craig, theo parrish, moodymann / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno

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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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DJ Nature
This Side Of Heaven / It's Over (DJ Milo) 12"

deep Detroit style grooves, pick

DJ Nature, better known as DJ Milo (of Wild Bunch & Major Force West fame), is a veteran to the DJ/producer game (30 years deep son) and comes super correct with two super in-demand releases on NYC's highly collectible Golf Channel imprint. The original white label pressings of these joints disappeared with the quickness (before we could even stock them), but thankfully the guys from Golf Channel dropped of a stack of these pic sleeve versions at the NY shop (though you can bet these'll be gone quickly too). This 12" features the lovely dancefloor grooves of "This Side Of Heaven(1)" and the deep and mellow bumps of "It's Over(2)." Must have for fans of Theo, MCDE, Mark E, Moody, etc. Comes in tasty pic sleeve too. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / and more

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Osborne
The Ghostly Remixes (Bullion, Bogdan Raczynski, Lukid) 12"

diverse remixes of Osborne's self titled album

Osborne re-vitalizes his self titled album on Spectral with this diverse, and very creative batch of remixes from producers that share Osborne's fresh vision. The collection opens up with Bullion's afro-electro-psych rework of "Afrika(1)." The UK beatsmith shows why he's one of the most sweated producers in the game right now with this track. Next up is Bogdan Raczynski's kooky remix of "Ruling(2)." He really switches it up as this sounds nothing like the uplifting original, and more like one for the abstract minimal heads. Next up Werk Discs' Lukid flips "There(3)" from a "dreamy New Order nod" to an instrumental hip-hop nodder as well as putting his spin on "Junk Food(4)."
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
minimal house + techno / ghostly + spectral - vinyl / new school beats - vinyl / and more

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Herve
Zombies (Franzy Scanner Remix) 12"

intense electro house

Heavy electro sounds from Herve on this one. "Zombies(1)" features some massive chainsaw synth lines and a campy vocal sample from a horror flick that may or may not exist. Franzy Scanner gets not one but two remixes here. His "Graveyard Remix(2)" adds some dramatic strings to the equation but sticks pretty close to the feel of the original, while the "Dandruff Remix(3)" builds a more melodic house vibe. Also includes the intense track "Hot! Drum Attack(4)," which has some spastic snare programming and even more buzzsaw synths.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
new electro + electro rock + rave / fidget house: switch + sinden + herve + jesse rose + dubsided / house / minimal / techno / and more

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Mojo & The Supersystem
Sharp Dressed Sensi (ZZ Top, South Rakkas Crew) 12"

dj remixes, reggae-house and 80s

White label remixes from DC's Mojo Jones. "Sensi(1)" hits that Mad Decent sweetspot, merging a tribal house beat and samples from Mr. Vegas, South Rakkas Crew, Jay-Z, and even Cheech and Chong. B-side features a dance remix of ZZ-Top's "Sharp Dressed Man(2)," perfect for your next paying gig (sounds like something Roc might play for the bottle heads).
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
new electro + electro rock + rave / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / new electro / electro rock / rave / and more

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Africanism
Takemussa (Soha, DJ Gregory, Julien Jabre) 12"

afro-house from 2002

2002 release from the massive Africanism crew (something like 20 of the biggest dance producers). "Takemussa(1)" was produced by Soha aka the duo of DJ Gregory and Julien Jabre. It features a huge afro-house sound marked by that hypnotic eastern sounding synthesizer section. People get primordial and sweaty to this. Includes a synthesizer-less dub mix(2), and a spooky as hell Reprise(3), which sounds like an outtro for a indy nuclear holocaust flick.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
midtempo - vinyl / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / sale vinyl + cds

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Bob Sinclar
Meu Carnaval 12"

Bob Sinclar makes music for the people. He's not afraid of being slightly cheesy and he pulls out every trick in the book. On this Brazilian-inspired dance track, "Meu Carnaval(1)," Sinclar inserts multiple crowd moving techniques: Batucada percussion, Dubsided-lite zip sounds and horns, a guitar breakdown, crowd noise, and Seu Jorge type vocals (actually it's Rolando Faria). Flip features an effective Dub Version(2) that replaces the vocals with anthemic horns. Easy pickings.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
midtempo - vinyl / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / sale vinyl + cds

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Billy Love
Melloghettomental (Theo Parrish) 2x12"

deep soulful house from Detroit master

For those of you feeling that deep soulful house sound that has been coming out of Detroit, Theo Parrish returns with another winner. This time around Theo's productions are treated to the smooth vocals of Detroit house veteran Billy Love and the combination works like chocolate and peanut butter. Theo lets loose on the instrumentals and sets the tone for Mr. Love's vocal explorations leaving you with something that is equally effective late night in the club or between the sheets. From the opening piano chords of "Can't Keep Running Away(1)" you know that you’ve turned on the red light. The rest of the tracks on the record keep the feeling going, from the elevating "U Bring Me Up(2)" to "Why Wait(3)" and its jacking rhythm. The title track "Melloghettomental(4)" throws the psychedelic soul switch on overdrive and ends up with something reminiscent of Marvin Gaye at the Music Box.
reviewed by Michu Meszaros

file under:
detroit - carl craig, theo parrish, moodymann / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno

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Runaway
The Poltergeist / Don't Block The Box 12"

deep and minimal house from NY

Debut release from Runaway's new On The Prowl label. The NY duo of Jaques Renault and Marcos Cabral has had releases on every hip label from DFA, Rekids, I'm A Cliche, Chinatown, etc. (even a forthcoming remix on Money Studies), and now they have their on label to do whatever they want on... And apparently what they want to do is wreck the dance floor with deep and minimal house grooves that nod to the old school while looking forward. Take "Poltergeist(1)" with it's dark, acidic bass bloops and seemingly random vocal chops that get taken deeper with old school key stabs. "Don't Block The Box(2)" goes even deeper, with hypnotic layers of synth pads and percussion topped off with dubbed out jungle sounds (Puma growls anyone?) to set your mind adrift while your body takes control.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
dfa + related / house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno / new disco / cosmic / edits / and more

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M.I.A.
Bucky Done Gone (Fred Everything Remix) 12"

Perhaps surpassing his "Missy Thing" booty from a few years ago, Om Records' Fred Everything takes on M.I.A.'s "Bucky Done Gun" and turns out three hot house remixes. The main remix features M.I.A.s vocals over some tough house beats before the track really drops and turns into one full of swirly keys and acid. Also includes an instrumental as well as another, tougher remix with the vocals in tact.
reviewed by Alison Tara

file under:
house / deep house / remixes / house / minimal / techno

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Cee-Jay
The Ravesignal (CJ Bolland) 12"

Cee-Jay (aka C.J. Bolland) was a big contributor to the early 90's rave scene and still puts in work to this day (remixing everyone from The Prodigy, Orbital, Moby and Depeche Mode). Here we have one of his classic releases from the early R & S days: The Ravesignal. This was the first of 3 "Ravesignal" releases and features "Getbusytime (1),"Confession(2)," "Planet Zorgon(3)," and of course "Rave Signal (4)." Compared to a lot of the stuff from this era, these tracks stand out with a smart blend of techno, acid, and even some industrial influences. Both sides at 45, pic sleeve.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
house / minimal / techno - classics / minimal house + techno / house / minimal / techno

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Roberto Auser & Alden Tyrell
Blondes & Brunettes (Steve Kotey Remix) 12"

techno infused new disco

New disco meets techno and early house when Roberto Auser and Alden Tyrell get on the groove for Bearfunk. Alden's Club mix of "Blondes & Brunettes(1)" catches the Rotterdam based duo in action, utilizing this combination for a cool and hazy effect on the dancefloor. The Roberto's Bar mix(2) has more a straight forward 4x4 pulse, while label head Steve Kotey(3) injects a bit of disco and live party ambience into the mix. One for the night people.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
minimal house + techno / house / minimal / techno / new disco / cosmic / edits / cosmic + balearic + rock-ish

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Daft Punk
Discovery 2LP

all time electro classic

In 2001, Daft Punk released this sophomore full length which basically made them superstars. You've heard their production on Madonna's "Music" single, or the club hit "Music Sounds Better With You&" by Stardust, but if you're unfamiliar with the Daft sound, this is a good intro. It's much poppier than Homework and has most of the hits you might know by them (no "Around the World" though). They go straight pop here- unapologetically, proudly, and completely. If you doubt the confidence of these Frenchies, how about the fact that the album starts off huge with the singles ";One More Time&" and "Digital Love(1)" These are followed by "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger(2)," one of the few songs that can make me do the full Woodman olympic-edition dance (another one is "Vibeology"). But that's just to smash you over the head: the Daft sound is also defined by warm, bassy synth lines, weaving their way liquidly through garage disco and house loops, all hot chocolate for the ears. These guys can go on for hours about who their influences are, and in fact spend much of the album doing so. Take the luxurious "Something About Us(3)," which uses a slowed-down Patrice Rushen type bassline under Quincy Jones guitar licks and an Air-y ambience before Serge Gainsbourg on a vocoder starts singing. Whoa, slow down, influences! There's also the Moroder-like composition "Verdis Quo(4)," the Prefuse 73 sequencing stutters of "Face to Face(5)," the 4 on the floor loop of "Voyager(6)," etc etc. Basically, if you like video games, the Beach Boys, Metro Area, and dancing, you will like this. 14 tracks total in a full gatefold sleeve. Also includes a free Daft Club membership card!
reviewed by the Woodman

file under:
new electro + electro rock + rave / house / minimal / techno - classics / house / minimal / techno / new electro / electro rock / rave

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