TURNTABLE LAB

Ayres
I Like Make Dance EP

Ayres proves once again that he like make dance of all kind with this diverse EP of dance / house remixes and edits. The A-side keeps it more current with Kid Sister's "Pro Nails" vs. Surkin's "Radio Fireworks(1)," Masters At Work's "Work" vs. South Rakkas' Chinkuzi riddim(2) and a drumline remix of Pharrell & Twista's "Give It Up(3)" (a team-up with Canada's Smalltown DJs). The B-side is focused on house classics, including Bmore edits of Lidell Townsell's "Nu Nu(4)" and 4Hero's "Mr. Kirk's Nightmare(5)," and a seriously beautiful club version of Black Box's "Everybody Everybody(6)." Are those sleestaks on the center label? More ammo for your crate from Ayres. Recommended.
reviewed by Larri Byrd

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baltimore - vinyl / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / reviewer recommended / and more

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Bladerunners
Music Sounds Better With Edits EP

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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Treasure Fingers
Cross The Dancefloor (Laidback Luke, Curses!) 2x12"

LET ME SEE YOU MOVE IT SHAKE IT CROSS THE DANCE FLOOR. If you haven't heard this hook yet, it's only a matter of time till it's looping in head on constant repeat. The catchy as hell hook and production on this groover(1) is thanks to Mr. Treasure Fingers from Atlanta who skillfully combines roller boogie vibes with modern production tactics for an irresistible dancefloor bomb. Of course you get a nice selection of remixes from the likes of Lifelike(2), Laidback Luke(3) and Brooklyn's resident bass monster Curses!(4), but really it's all about the original on this one. Also included is the handy "Shake-A-Pella" for crafty DJs and producers. Deluxe gatefold jacket designed by Dust La Rock. Plays at 45. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

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house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / new electro + electro rock + rave / house / deep house / remixes / reviewer recommended / and more

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Roctakon & Eli
Money Lotion, Vol.7 EP

dj edits, very limited

Lab club jocks Roctakon and DJ Eli split sides on the people's champ Money Lotion, now on its seventh release. Roc reveals two of his highly sweated Material Girl remixes (1,2) on the A-side, while Eli gently places a Stevie Nicks rework(3) on the b-side altar, complete with drumapella for mix tricks(4). Super-limited pressing of 500 with silkscreened covers. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / 80s + 90s / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / and more

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Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Heads Will Roll (A-Trak Remix) 12"

club smash remix of indy rock hit

Quite possibly the rock remix of the year, it's the track heard round the blogs (#1 on Hype Machine) and in the clubs alike, with heavy play from Mehdi and Busy P (featured on their recent BBC Essential Mix), Annie Mac, Tiga, Diplo and of course A-Trak himself. It twists and turns in all the right places, while supercharging the original riff and keeping all of Karen O's charm intact. This one will be getting played for a long while, but the vinyl will only be around for this one-time white label pressing (500 copies only).
reviewed by the mgmnt

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house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / new electro + electro rock + rave / house / deep house / remixes / reviewer recommended / and more

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Dances With White Girls
New Crack Swing EP

fun dance music

Dances With White Girls has been coming up fast in NYC recently, showing up on lots of "artists to watch" lists for 2k9. On his debut for the Rapture owned Throne of Blood label he shows us why. The obvious go-to here is "Everyone's Got To Make A Living(1)," featuring the famous vocal break and a great piano breakdown towards the end. "Girls Bug(2)" features someone rapping selected lyrics from The Beach Boys' "I Get Around"(!!!) over a driving house beat. Finally, "Took My Love Away(3)" features a vocal sample layered onto an electro bass line, with some intense string samples sprinkled on top. A side plays at 33, B side plays at 45. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / new electro + electro rock + rave / house / deep house / remixes / and more

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Bobby Konders
The Poem 12"

Before he ruled the airwaves with his current Sunday afternoon dancehall reggae show on NYC's Hot 97, Bobby Konders made music for the batty bwoys– seriously. He was in fact one of the most prolific and important producers on the early New York house music scene, alongside luminaries like Todd Terry and Masters at Work. "The Poem(1)" and "Nervous Acid(2)" are two of his best and most well known tracks, both of em certified house classics. "The Poem," an NYC soulful staple and a big record at Body & Soul, features the dynamic spoken word vocals of dub poet Mutabaruka. His incanted declarations like "This poem shall speak of the wretched sea that washed ships upon these shores" begin and set the DEEP house tone. As subtly uplifting synth chords come in, one of the most gorgeous house tracks ever made gets underway. A simple and effective bassline anchors airy keyboard flights that bring to mind a more free-form version of Frankie Knuckles' "Whistle Song." The appropriately titled "Nervous Acid" is just that– hypnotic 303 squiggles over a sick, funky bassline. A huge track when it first came out, it displays a fine balance between the trademark acid sound and a more standard early house vibe. These are two absolutely essential cuts for house heads & DJs. Also includes the cut "Future" as well as the instrumental.
reviewed by Language

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house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - classics / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / and more

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Theo Parrish
Space Station / Going Through Changes 12"

soulful house and techno from Detroit

Detroit still representing to the fullest on the 35th release from Theo's Sound Signature label. You already know it's going to be dope, but let me elaborate on the tracks as they are exceptionally good this time around. On "Spacestation(1)" Theo takes you on a journey thru the dark and moody world of Detroit techno with a little help from Omar S on sound selection and arrangement. It is an ominous sound scape that clearly shows the influences of both artists on the same track. Easy to get lost in the sound. "Goin' Through Changes(2)" on the flip side is the complete opposite with a warm and organic vibe - a nice balance to the colder and more mechanical feel of the A- side. The track features vocals from 19 year old newcomer Danny Banks making it undeniably soulful, and with Theo manning the production, you know it's gotta be uniquely funky and sincere. Defintely Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

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

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Daniel Wang
The Best of Balihu Records 1993-2008 Pt.1 2LP

incredible comp from respected disco house label, pick

The Balihu label was way ahead of its time. Wang started the well respected disco-house label back in 1993 with the now classic "Look Ma No Drum Machine" EP, and has kept the quality of the music consistent for well over a decade and a half! An impressive feat to say the least, but the releases really speaks for themselves - tributing to the disco music of the past while adding just the right amount of modern touches to make it work on the dancefloor. This compilation collects the best tracks released during the label's 15+ year existence. All the Wang classics, plus many slept-on sides are on here including "Like Some Dream(1)," "Warped(2)," "East Village Hustle(3)," "The Twirl(4)," "In The Street(5)" (that borrows a sweet synth line from a very famous gangsta rap song!), " and the epic "Let's Go To Mars(6)." Hats off to the guys at Rush Hour for making this amazing compilation happen. 11 tracks total spread over 2LPs with highly detailed liner notes about the creation or inspiration of each track. Highly Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / metro area + environ + related / house / minimal / techno - classics / and more

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House Of House (Saheer & Spencer)
Rushing To Paradise (DJ Harvey Remix) 12"

epic house track repressed with massive Harvey remix

House of House gained quite the rep since their debut on Whatever We Want. Their debut 12" was something of urban legend - beautifully pressed up, extremely limited copies that sold out in a flash and fetched upwards of $50 on the Bay within days of original release. Best part of all is that the music totally surpassed the hype, two epic house cuts that took the best elements of classic deep house sounds of yesteryear and infused them with a bold new slant ultimately recharging dance floors across the globe. So if you missed out the first time around, consider this your second chance. House of House have repressed the undeniable "Rushing To Paradise (Walkin' These Streets)(1)" and now it comes with a brilliant remix from the infamous DJ Harvey(2) (who really needs no introduction). Essential house cuts that will turn the crowds out, guaranteed. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

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new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / and more

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Rick Wilhite
Soul Edge (Theo Parrish, Moodymann) EP

classic Detroit house repressed

Round 2 for Rush Hour's classic Detroit house represses. This time it's Rick Wilhite's Soul Edge EP, which was his debut release on Moodymann's KDJ label back in 1996. Big Detroit house vibe throughout with killer mixes from fellow Detroit masters Theo Parrish(1) on "Get On Up!!" and Moodymann(2) on "What Do You See?". Also includes Rick's Groove mix of "What Do You See(3)" as well as a bonus unreleased mix(4) that was never on the original 12". This is a no-brainer for house music fans. Don't miss it! Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

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

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Daniel Wang
Balihu Years 1993-2008 Sampler 12"

new disco rarities

Netherland's Rush Hour has struck a deal with Daniel Wand to go into his guarded Balihu back catalog for a very limited reissue series (something like 500 copies of each release only). This is the first release and features three true rarities. "On The Moon(1)" is taken from Daniel Wang's promo-only BAL 002 12". Wang's second track here, "Dancing With The Best(2)" and Jamie Hodge's "Jazzy Disco Track(3)" (brilliant stuff) are both previously unreleased. Act quick on these. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / metro area + environ + related / house / minimal / techno - classics / and more

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69
Lite Music (Carl Craig) 12"

Love it when these classic re-issues come through the pipeline. Lite Music by 69 (aka Carl Craig) originally came out in '94 and is a prime example of C2's luminary techno vision. All four tracks are amazing, but it's "Desire(1)" that really struck me with it's beautifully emotive strings that really take you away (I played this three times in the office already, and I still want more). "Microlovr(2)" is another hypnotizing techno piece that you can totally get lost in, while "Jam The Box(3)" and "My Machines(4)" showcase Craig's harder side. Top quality repress with in the R&S sleeve. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

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

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Dennis Ferrer
Hey Hey 12"

house anthem of the moment

THIS IS THE HOUSE ANTHEM OF THE MOMENT. #1 on everyone's chart. No need to sell you on this one, let the record work for you! Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / reviewer recommended / and more

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V/A
Music Institute 20th Anniversary, Vol.2 (Theo Parrish, Mike Huckaby, Kai Alce) 12"

top detroit techno + house

The first Music Institute release from early 2009 achieved landmark status instantly, here's the second of three planned volumes. The Music Institute was Detroit's answer to NYC's Paradise Garage and Chicago's Powerplant. This series commemorates the club and attempts to "stamp" the early origins and development of Detroit techno. The selection features the cream of today's Detroit scene with tracks from Kzr aka Kai Alce(1), Theo Parrish(2), Mike Huckaby(3), and D-Wynn(4). Like all things Detroit and vinyl, super-limited, so act quick. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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KZRC
Feeding (Andres Remix) 7"

soulful Detroit house grooves

In-demand remix action from Andres of Prime Numbers and Mahogani Music fame. His version of KZRC's "Feeding(1)" was originally released on a super limited NDATL 12" that sold out everywhere with the quickness. Here's your second chance to grab these smoking Detorit house grooves on limited 45 with instrumental on the flip. Comes on cool grey marbled vinyl. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

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

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Lily Allen
Not Fair (Style Of Eye Remix) 12"

uptempo, bassy remix

One-side white label of this super-hot remix of Lily Allen's latest single. Style Of Eye abstracts Lily's vocals and throws them into one of his signature bass-heavy uptempo beats, it definitely has that signature Dirtybird sound. It's the perfect amount of Lily for an underground dance track with just enough recognition for your crowd to bite onto. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / new electro + electro rock + rave / house / deep house / remixes / reviewer recommended / and more

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V/A
The Foot Therapy (Ron Trent, Chez Damier, Joshua, Abacus) EP

90's deep house

A prime example of deep house from the leaders in the game. Originally released in 1995, this sounds as fresh today as it did 15 years ago. Joshua brings the heat, on the long side "Let The Spirit(1)" (plays at 45) with a deep, funky floor filler sure to raise the intensity on the dancefloor. Side B starts with two giants in the game, Chez Damier and Ron Trent, with their timeless track "Foot Therapy(2)." The track samples the loft classic, Carl Bean's "I Was Born This Way," transforming it into a contagious dance hypbrid of disco and house. Abacus, ends the side with an equally deep and beautiful stepper, "Come On(3)" worthy to stand next to any new release. In fact, one listen and it's easy to see where contemporary artists like Linkwood and Trusme are getting the influence for their sound. I can also see why this is considered to be one of Presciption's best releases. Get it while its hot. Highly recommended!

reviewed by Cmish

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house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - classics / detroit - carl craig, theo parrish, moodymann / house / deep house / remixes / and more

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Populette
Mommy (Harkin And Raney Remix) 12"

new disco and house

Moody new disco from Throne Of Blood's newest duo, Populette (aka Max Pask and Andrew Potter). Both Pask and Potter are veterans of NYC's disco and house scene, and you can tell that they've earned their credentials when you listen to "Mommy(1)." The response is "Daddy(2)," a spacey disco cut that leans a bit more towards the quirky side than its A-side counterpart. Eamon Harkin and Steve Raney, the two DJs behind NYC's legendary Mr. Saturday Night party, put a chicago house vibe down with their remix of "Mommy(3)," while TBD (aka Lee Douglas and Justin V of !!!/Outhud) turn it into a warehouse shaking house cut. Excellent work all around, recommended.
reviewed by Hires

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house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / new electro + electro rock + rave / house / deep house / remixes / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / and more

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The Glamour
Love Burn EP

disco house

Excellent pair of disco house tracks from The Glamour and Herve's Cheap Thrills label. "Love Burn(1)" is nothin but sleek disco synths and pop vocals and thunderous kick drums. Max Morrell remixes it into an electro-house track that's lighter on the vocals and heavier on the big nasty bass lines. The flip features a cover of Daft Punk's "Robot Rock(3)," which is an answer to the prayers of anyone who wished that the original had featured some funky guitar licks and 80s synth chords. That one gets remixed by English duo Mighty Mouse, who turn it into an epic, eight-minute cinematic nu disco track(4) that's already getting tons of hype from the new disco crowd. All four tracks are solid, but the Mighty Mouse remix is the reason this one's recommended.
reviewed by Hires

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house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / new electro + electro rock + rave / house / deep house / remixes / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / and more

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Virgo
Virgo 2LP

classic deep Chicago house album

Classic and much overlooked deep house album from 1989 by Merwyn Sanders and Eric Lewis aka Virgo (not to be confused with Marshall Jefferson and Adonis' Virgo) gets its first official repress from Rush Hour. This album is considered as one of the best of its kind by house heads and it's easy to hear why. Think the best elements of Trax legends like Larry Heard, Marshall Jefferson, and Armando rolled into one free flowing album. Deep pianos and strings, jackin beats and bass - this is beautiful house music. Really isn't a dull moment on the whole thing. Remastered for extra bump with new artwork too. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - classics / house / deep house / remixes / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / and more

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V/A
Ritmo Especial (Daniel Maloso, Matias Aguayo, Christian S, Rebolledo) 12"

house and disco from South America

Awesome little EP that comes to us via Kompakt and Matias Aguayo and Gary Pimiento's Comeme label. The label was designed to showcase South American artists, and the music that's played at their Bumbumbox parties. The sound at these parties is pretty lo-tech, usually consisting of ghetto blasters that are strung together in the street. The sounds on the record reflect that; the songs here aren't built to be subtle. Check out the weird vocals on the cumbia/house hybrid from Aguayo himself, "Veneno," then listen to the even-weirder vocals on "Caminando(2)," contributed by Rebollado and Raquel Wolff. Also check out the awesome italo vibes on "Ritmo Especial(3)" by Mexico's Daniel Maloso, and the laidback house grooves on "Jagos(4)" by Christian S. It's an awesome little window into the scene south of the equator, definitely different from what's going on in el norte. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

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house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / deep house / remixes / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / minimal house + techno / and more

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