TURNTABLE LAB

Ayres & Tittsworth
Ultimate T&A (A-Trak) EP

First they dropped the Ayres & Titties Bmore megamix on Money Studies. Then it was the first ever Bmore battle record on A-Trak's Ammo Records. Tittsworth & DJ Ayres continue their themed release dominance with the new one on their own T&A Records, Ultimate T&A. Grey market Bmore remixes collide with grey market breaks compilations, as Titts & Ayres & Co. flip the Ultimate Breaks & Beats theme and rework some fonky classics. On the A-side, "Go Back(1)" has Ayres chopping the Jimmy Castor Bunch to bits, then gluing them back together with hard claps and nasty horn stabs. A-Trak's version of "Sir Duke(2)" is spot on - not too goofy, not trying too hard to be hype. (The subtle, unexpected cuts on the hook are a nice touch.) Tittsworth finishes the A-side with his mix of Ray Charles' "Georgia(3)," then starts off the flip with the EWF classic "September(4)." There's something about Tittsworth and Earth Wind & Fire - they just go together. The best is saved for last though, as DJ Eli (yes, of Fondle 'Em fame!) reworks James Brown on "Papa(5)" and Bamabounce (aka DJ Taj) brings the house down with Minnie Ripperton's "Lovin' You(6)." Artwork by Burlesque's Mike 2600. Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / dance remixes / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / and more

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DJ Blaqstarr
Shake It To The Ground Remixes (Switch & Claude VonStroke) 12"

Ok, this is Mad Decent's most loaded release to date. Not only did Diplo call in the Justice League of Remixers, but we stepped up our artwork game (so clean!) and the vinyl mixes sound really, really good. If you got Blaqstarr's Supastarr EP, you know he's not your typical Bmore producer. No gimmick tracks here, just dark, crazy original production. "Shake It To The Ground(1)" has been begging for remixes from the start, with its minimal beat and 17-year old Rye Rye's crazy flow. Current remix king Switch and Santogold(2) team up for a fucking bonkers kuduro-flavored mix, which interpolates... well, you'll know when you hear it. Drop The Lime's remix(3) has been getting tons of play - I used to think this dude was all Kid606, but this is hot as hell and totally ready for the club. All this, plus a dirty, bassy mix from SF's Claude VonStroke(4). Comes packaged in the standard Mad Decent sleeve with sticker & artwork by Rory Them Finest. Only 2,000 copies produced. Ummm... recommended.
reviewed by Larri Byrd

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / dubstep + grime - vinyl / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / fidget house: switch + sinden + herve + jesse rose + dubsided / and more

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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

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / dance 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" - A-J / and more

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Juiceboxxx & Dre Skull
Sweat (DJ Technics & XXXchange Remixes) 12"

Surprise party anthem from Milwaukee MC Juiceboxxx and Brooklyn's own Dre Skull. The original mix(1) is pure dumb fun with infectious vocals from Juice and a beat that's somewhere between Baltimore, 90s house and disco. Baltimore godfather Technics puts down a rare official remix(2) with a grown'n'sexy tint and some dope-ass horns. Spank Rock producer (or ex-Spank Rock producer??) XXXchange's mix(3) features some absolutely blazin' synths and even more blazin' cowbells, while Dre Skull's "Dusted Bass Mix(4)" is exactly that – a stripped down take with only bass, synths and minimal drums left intact. Comes in a fancy painted pic sleeve, too. Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / various A-J / reviewer recommended / 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

file under:
house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / new electro + electro rock + rave / various K-Z / 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:
bestsellers / 80s + 90s / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / dance remixes / and more

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Cousin Cole & Pocketknife
Flagrant Fowl 005 EP

Perennial lab favorites Cousin Cole and Pocketknife are back with another round of white label remixes. Pocketknife leads off this time, adding his touch to Scandinavian indie darling Lykke Li's "Breaking It Up(1)." Pknife layers hand claps, tambourines and snare rolls together to give the track a strobelight makeover, and the result is fantastic moody disco that's perfect for this time of year. On the flip, Cuz Cole offers up not one but two Kanye remixes. First up is "Love Lockdown(2)," which gets put through the disco-house machine and comes out the other side with swirling strings and filters galore. This one's already getting lots of play from A-Trak (who's said it's the only "Love Lockdown" remix he fucks with), Bird Peterson and Willy Joy, among others. Also includes Cole's sped up hip-house take on Kanye's "Champion(3)." Hand-stamped white label pressing, limited to 900 copies world wide. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / dance remixes / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / and more

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Raze
Break For Love / Conversation 12"

Four all time classics on one piece of wax. Raze's "Break 4 Love" is another great house track (built around one of the most perfect basslines ever) from back when house music was still considered part of mainstream black club music, and an essential part of any respectable house and classics DJ's set. This is house that can trick people who claim not to like it into coming over to the darkside. Also includes Raze's "Understanding" and Lil' Louis & The World's classic "Conversation" and "But U Were At The Party." Essential.
reviewed by Alison Tara

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

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Juiceboxxx & Dre Skull
Center Stage (Curses! & Farley Jackmaster Remixes) 12"

Juiceboxxx & Dre Skull are back with another bar burner now on wax! From the get go, Juiceboxxx's signature "Master of Ceremony" party raps quickly command the dance floor to get down (which is probably why Sinden just dropped it on his Essential Mix). Makes me want to do the Roger Rabbit. Curses! from Trouble & Bass starts his remix(2) in a more contemplative dance mode than usual but forgoes that quickly for butt-rock guitars and shakey-face wobbly basslines, while Chicago house legend Farley Jackmaster(!) does the deep and jacking thing(4) that makes my soul feel good. Incredible cover art too... you can feel the energy radiations!
reviewed by Rezound

file under:
baltimore - vinyl / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / various A-J / reviewer recommended / and more

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Manuel Gottsching
E2-E4 12"

Love it or hate it, this is a landmark record that anyone interested in electronic music must know. One of those cross cultural oddities that us music nerds love debating about (German progressive rock guitarist creates Detroit techno blueprint), "E2-E4(1)" was apparently inspired by chess and the much-better-on-drugs synth extravaganzas of Klaus Schulze. Ron Hardy played it, Carl Craig remixed it, "Sueno Latino" sampled it; the pedigree is immaculate. Whether or not you like this 30 minute excerpt (a mere half of the original album) is irrelevant. Immerse yourself and act like you're Derrick May. The other side of this lengthy wax work is Eddie Grant's "Living on the Frontline(2)" and its instrumental counterpart, a formidable anthem in its own right with plenty of synthy fun for the whole family.
reviewed by monk

file under:
new wave + no wave + electro / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - classics / 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

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

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T&T
Don't Stop (DFA) 12"

T&T = Tim & Tim = DFA's Tim Goldsworthy and Tim Sweeney, killing it here with a pair of no-brainer dancefloor edits. "Don't Stop(1)" morphs MJ's megahit into an undulating disco burner (with cowbell!), then "Stevie(2)" throws some crisp drums and boogie bass under "Superstition" to perfect effect. These have been getting play from folks like Soulwax/2 Many DJs, Optimo and James Murphy for the last couple years but are just making their way onto wax now. Don't sleep. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / dfa + related / dance 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

file under:
house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - classics / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / and more

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Fela Kuti
Water Give No Enemy / Truth Don Die (Femi Kuti) 12"

one of Fela's best songs, recommended

Firstly, the songs are mis-labeled here. The A-side is a side-spanning version of the Fela staple "Water Give No Enemy(1)" (1975). If you've been to one of Rich Medina's Fela-themed parties, this is the song that gets the biggest crowd response. The juxtaposition of the those powerful horn choruses and jazzy solos is one of the most beautiful things in this world. Hearing this on the system at Love (one of the top sound systems in NYC) with Medina working the EQs was one of the best dancefloor experiences I've ever had. B-side features the Kerri Chandler Remix(2) of "Truth Don Die" and the original version(3). Highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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Morgan Geist
Detroit (Carl Craig Remix) 12"

It's been a little while since we've heard from Morgan Geist, but he's back with that Environ sound you love. "Detroit" starts off with a catchy little synth loop and slowly builds with soft vocals (courtesy of Jeremy Greenspan of Junior Boys) until the drums finally kick in and its like when the Kool-Aid man says "ooh yeahhhh." Gotta love that smooth new disco/house Metro Area sound. c2 aka Carl Craig offers up 2 remixes of the track to take things way deeper. "RMX1" is like a time bomb waiting to blow on the dancefloor, slowly ticking with heavy resonant kicks till that catchy little synth hook comes in. "RMX2" wastes no time getting it hype with a sick bassline setting it off with the vocals and jacking percussion building it till when the full drums come in. Another killer from Environ. 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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Atmosfear
Dancing In Outer Space (Masters At Work Remix) 12"

Wicked reissue of the MAW remixes of Atmosfear's disco-funk classic "Dancing In Outer Space." If you're familiar with the original, this is really a no-brainer. MAW has always been respectful when messing with perfection in these type of projects (ie. Kenny's Dopebrother releases). Instead of remaking the songs to their own tastes, MAW take on the personality of the original artist: extending, jamming, and outtaking. Five mixes here, all awesome. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - A-J / masters at work / and more

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Dre Skull
Gone Too Far feat. Sizzla (Buraka Som Sistema, Lee Mortimer) 12"

Dre Skull somehow got Sizzla to voice "Gone Too Far(1)," and rather than doing the expected the electro on steroids version, he thankfully goes understated, bordering on feelgood (you can tell Dre is a true Sizzla fan). Bravo. Buraka Som Sistema(2) takes a cue from Dre, and delivers something understated, but it's BSS, so we know that it's gonna drop into the madness at some point (and it does). Every mix here is pretty damn good... even the steroidy ones. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / new electro + electro rock + rave / various A-J / dance remixes / and more

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Karizma
K2 Love Edits, Vol.1 (Sade, DeBarge) 12"

eil Nice and all you other Sade-fans boat cruise riders, I see you.
Karizma aka K2 is definitely one of the top producers when it comes to white label house remixes. Here he introduces a new series entitled K2 Love Edits and what better love to set it off than Sade's "Stronger Than Pride(1)"? There's tons of Sade house versions out here, but this one ranks up there... it'll put a tear in your eye. B-side features a remix of DeBarge's "All This Luv(2)." 2009 is all about love folks, ask Tony. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
all / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / various K-Z / dance remixes / and more

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Michael Jackson
I Can't Help It / Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough (Todd Terje, TnT Remixes) 12"

I Can't Help It / Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough (Todd Terje Remix) 12"

Todd Terje re-releases his now classic remix of "I Can't Help It(1)" (first appearing on a GAMM 12" in 2005). As an added bonus, the b-side features the TnT (Tim Goldsworthy and Tim Sweeney) remix(2) of the demo version of "Don't Stop Til You Get Enough." Highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
bestsellers / 80s + 90s / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / 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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Beta Evers
Transient EP

Woooooowww. Here's something you don't hear everyday. I'll be straight with you, Beta Evers is fuckin' weird man, but i guess that's their appeal. Check their Myspace. It's seriously on some futuristic less is more shit and doesn't say a thing about them. Just the tracks featured here. The Transient EP is the first album we've carried by them and it's three tracks of dark, gothy, horror-tinged, electro tracks with a smoky voiced ghostly vocalist. "Prisoner Of Mind(1)," starts with a sci-fi horror synth line with a droning bassline and some seriously dark lyrics faintly singing Prisoner of the Mind. Perfect for when you feel like being left alone. "Paralyze(1)" is probably my favorite track on here, 'cause it's like Goth Acid man! Crazy synth lines and dark percussion driving you to the breaking point. Makes me wanna put on dark eye liner and shoulder shake with the devil's bride! "Foreign Control(3)" continues the mayhem, with more dark wave sounds. If it had a more abrasive percussion, it could be the comeback of industrial(which will be the new thing after this nu-rave thing dies). If you're brave enough to go against the grain, I'd have to say - it's recommended!
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / various A-J / vinyl - sale / reviewer recommended / and more

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Fingers Inc.
I'm Strong 12"

Larry Heard, you rule. As far as jacking house goes, his sound kits are not to be messed with and his wax is still highly sought after today. I don't own the original, so I thank Classic Cuts for keeping the Jack alive. You all probably know his infamous track "Can You Feel It?" which we carried on pic sleeve a couple months back. Get ready for magic that is "I'm Strong"(1). The original has Robert Owen doing the vocals in complete soulful, uplifting(yet gay) house fashion which was typical of the era, but the beat is so undeniable it's easy to see why his influence has reached far and wide. That's why the instrumental(2) on the flip is the golden egg. Now you can totally appreciate the eerie synths hits, the forceful jacking rhythms, and infectious groove. So until you get your hands on a real copy, this one's Highly Recommended.
reviewed by Cmish

file under:
house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - classics / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / and more

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San Serac
Music Never Ends (Morgan Geist Remix) 12"

disco house and smooth boogie sounds

Oh yeah. Feelin' this. Environ #33 is the label debut for San Serac who is seriously killing it on the vocal disco house and smooth boogie tip. A little background on San Serac: One-man disco band, toured with Junior Boys, has released three full lengths, and has a 12" on Output. I'd say he's more than qualified to represent on Morgan Geist's esteemed BK-based label and he comes through like a champ. Feel the groove on "Music Never Ends(1)" that borrows melodies from classic house jams "Show Me Love" and "Good Life" for an undeniable appeal for the floor. Morgan Geist goes in for the remix(2) which is very Metro Area-ish (meaning very good!). And to top it all of is "Night Work(3)" a smooth as silk boogie groover that is pretty much THE JAM. Loving the 80s production tactics with those squiggle synths and crispy drum programming. Super Schmoove! Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

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

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Cubic Zirconia
Fuck Work (Nacho Lovers, Dam-Funk) 12"

NYC band's housey debut single featuring some big remixes

Cubic Zirconia is a live dance band composed of Tiombe Lockhart, Nick Hook, Todd Weinstock and David Strudivant. "Fuck Work(1)," their first single, is as good an example of vox populi as I've ever heard. Sure, they might not be going out on any limbs, but who can't agree with that title? The other thing CZ has going for them is an impressive Rolodex, and they definitely flexed it here. Dam Funk contributes his signature vintage boogie sound(2), Fool's Gold's Nacho Lovers put a vintage house sound on the track(3), and Andy George(4) and Dekker & Johan(5) all contribute dance remixes as well. Five tracks totalackaged in a nice looking pic sleeve. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / stones throw shop / new electro + electro rock + rave / various A-J / 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

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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RCMP
RCMP (Cousin Cole, Pumpkin Patch) EP

disco house from Philadelphia

Flamin' Hotz is back with yet another high quality release, this time from Philadelphian disco duo RCMP, aka DJ Apt One & Relative Q. What's it stand for? I don't know, and they're not telling so you might as well drop it. The tracks are what will really get your attention though, so make sure to check the slick disco-house sounds on "The Bird AKA Ignition(1)," "Ibiza, PA(2)," "USA Groove(3)" and "Mustache Love(4)." Cousin Cole also stops in to remix "Ibiza(5)," working in some beefed up the drums and putting a fresh classic house coating on the track. Pumpkin Patch, another Brooklynite, also contributes a remix of Mustache Love(6), adding some big synths and a wild reverb/panning effect that just won't be done justice by our audio preview. Of course, because it's a Flamin' Hotz release it comes in a super snazzy looking pic sleeve, and the record itself is pressed on thick, clear red vinyl. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

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

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Rick Wilhite
The Godson (Moodymann) EP

classic Detroit house repressed

Rick Wilhite's Godson EP was originally released back in '97 on Moodymann's KDJ label and has been a sought after piece of Detroit house ever since. With original pressings currently fetching around $100 when they surface, you're lucky if you could get your hands on it. Now thanks to the dudes at Rush Hour, we can all get a piece of the classic Detroit flavor with this timely repress featuring all the tracks remastered and even a bonus unreleased Moodymann remix! Check the sound on "Drums Patterns & Memories(1)" with its huge breakdowns and buildups, and "Dreams Of Yesterday(2)" that gets into some funky 80s Prince-like synths. And of course you gotta check the fantastic Moody remixes (3,4) too. High quality import pressing, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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Z-Factor
Dance Party (Jesse Saunders) LP

ltd reissue of first house full length

Z-Factor's "Dance Party" is considered to be the very first full length house record, but because of the rarity of the original Mitchbal pressing (only 500 pressed in 1984) most of us haven't had the chance to truly appreciate this important recording on vinyl until now. NYC's Cititrax Records has finally given the album a repressing that it deserves - crispy and clean sleeve, thick 160 gram vinyl and even an awesome retro-style poster of the band (check out the guy with the keyboard - that thing looks HEAVY!). That's what I'm talkin 'bout. The band was birthed in Chicago around 1982 (lead by a young Jesse Saunders and Vince Lawrence) and were creating diverse "disco" tracks influenced by the European synth-driven disco, italo, and heavy 808 rhythms of Hot Mix 5's WBMX mix shows at the time. The end result was the stuff that the "house" sound came from. Hear for yourself the classics "I Am The DJ(1)" and "Fantasy(2)" with Screamin' Rachel, the driving sounds of "Fast Cars(3)" and "My Ride (4)," and the slow burning "Thorn(5)." 7 tracks total. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

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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

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house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / detroit - carl craig, theo parrish, moodymann / various K-Z / reviewer recommended / 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

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

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Adam Port
Boogie Bass 12"

pick, jazz samples looped into minimal track

Pick. I have never heard of Adam Port (this is his debut release), but I had a special feeling about this record before I even heard the audio sample. My gut was correct as this is the Fresh Sound. On "Boogie Bass(1)," it sounds as if Port went into an underground Parisian jazz club, recorded some samples, came home, rolled a big doob, and then used those samples to create a minimal dance track. Using a Mingus-esque bassline as the foundation, Port slowly reveals the rest of the composition. From there he plays with the different layers, taking them in and out, creating a great hypnotic effect. B-side features the more twisted Boogie Rewind version(2). Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / various A-J / minimal house + techno / reviewer recommended / and more

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Sharam
She Came Along (feat. Kid Cudi) 12"

poppy hip-house

Whoa, a dance-pop anthem that features fast raps about breakups from Kid Cudi and samples Patsy Cline for the hook!? This is definitely not what I was expecting from Data Records. "She Came Along(1)" has an old school synth pop feel to it, but then everything gets turned on its head once Kid Cudi comes in and starts making puns about Fugazi and Siamese twins. Kind of a weird musical nugget, sounds like something you'd hear on a KTU mixshow in the back of a towncar while you're being driven to a party on a Saturday night. The Re-Up Extended Mix(2) keeps the same feel of the original, but strips it down and features more of the original elements from the Patsy Cline song. On the flip, the Vandalism Remix(3) takes it close to big room house territory, while the Ecstasy Of Ibiza mix turns it into a dubbed out 9 minute tech-house track. I'm going to go ahead and recommend this, for the left field factor alone.
reviewed by Hires

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house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / various K-Z / fidget house: switch + sinden + herve + jesse rose + dubsided / 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

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house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / detroit - carl craig, theo parrish, moodymann / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / 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 / dance 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 / various K-Z / and more

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Trus'me
In The Red 2LP

soulful dance music from Manchester

SPECIAL DEAL: These records we're shipped to us with 1 bent corner. The vinyl is fine, there's just a minor bend mark on one corner. Therefore, we lowered the price.

Trus'me's highly anticipated follow-up to 2007's Working Nights. While the UK's dance scene was pushing towards electro sounds, Manchester's Trus'me countered with some deep dance soul, influenced by Detroit house and white label disco edits. In the spirit of progression, this sophomore effort finds Trus working more with vocalists and musicians, creating a more organic studio experience. Collaborators include Dam Funk, Amp Fiddler, Paul Randolph of Jazzanova, and Mahogani Music's Pirahnahead. But always a record head, check for some sneaky cover versions of WasNotWas (the Dam Funk track), Bill Withers, and West Phillips. 8 tracks in all, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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Matthias Meyer / Wareika
Infinity / Smiles 12"

dance version of Souls Of Mischief classic, pick

Ever mess up and mistakenly play your copy of Souls Of Mischief "93 Til Infinity" on 45... and it doesn't sound bad? Yeah, Matthias Meyer must have had this moment, cause he creates a house version based on the west coast hip-hop classic / Billy Cobham sample. The cool thing about this version is that there's only hints of the Souls track for the first two-thirds, then he lets the horns and piano licks go, and you're in nostalgia heaven. This is an awesome record for converted hip-hop heads like me. Flip(2) by Warieka ain't too shabby either. Don't sleep on this record, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / various K-Z / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / reviewer recommended / and more

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Osborne
Ruling Remixes (Shur-I-Kan, King Britt) 12"

og and remix of Osborne hit, feelgood house

"Ruling(1)" was my jam from Osborne's recent album. It's doesn't get more uplifting than this; it's got special powers. NRK loved it so much, they licensed the track and got some remixes done. You know house-heads would crush this, and Shur-I-Kan(2) delivers. He keeps the original feel much intact, but adds his own production tricks to get the most out of the material. Great rework. King Britt(3) goes the opposite route and infuses the original into his own beat-style. The electro beat is pretty crucial and he only gives us hints of the original. Either way, both are excellent examples of a proper remix. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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Abe Duque
Disco Nights (Jay Haze Remix) 12"

recommended dance track

2009 release from the prolific Carlos Abraham Duque Alcivar. Gotta love his 12"s without label stickers (the track info is etched where the label would go). "Disco Nights(1)" is a dark and dirty house track with Duque's signature hypnotic effect. Know how some house tracks are missing some extra elements that would take it over the top? This one is so complete with short hip-house vocal snippets ("disco nights disco lights), multiple layers of percussion, mysterious vibes, and hype building horns... it takes a couple plays to get your head around the whole thing. There's even a party-break style percussion outtro for mixing. Berlin's Jay Haze offers the b-side remix(2) with a bigger sound that references both classic house and techno. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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V/A
Hey, I'm So Stylin! Vol.2 (Inland Knights, Nebu Soku, Eddie Leader) EP

excellent house comp: funky, smooth, fun

Excellent four track house comp from SF's Amenti Music that builds upon one of the label's favorite releases: the first I'm So Stylin from 2006. The styles are split here. There's two funky house tracks by Inland Knights(1) and Eddie Leader(2). I can see both crushing dancefloors with their exuberance and disco energy. The other two are more smooth and soulful, the Marvin Gaye-Sampling "Wake Up(3)" by Nebu Soku, and the super feelgood "Saturday Morning(4)" by Andrew Phelan & Origami (my pick of the set). Four for four deserves a "recommended."
reviewed by the mgmnt

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Dub Poets
Blak + White (Bobby Konders) 12"

classic early 90's deep house

Versatile NY DJ/producer Bobby Konders is well known for being able to rock the reggae realm as well as the house scene. "Blak + White (1)" was originally released under his Dub Poets alias way back in 1992 on Massive B (yup, house on a reggae label) and is a prime example of his deep house brilliance. Atmospheric effects and spoken word poetry from Jamaican poet Micky Smith set the mood, a simple drum machine pattern and deep chords hold everything together, while sick analog bass keeps it moving and that blissful flute solo over the top just takes you away. So simple and so good. Heavy single sided pressing. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

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house / minimal / techno - reviewer recommended / house / minimal / techno - classics / various A-J / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / and more

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