TURNTABLE LAB

V/A
Watch How The People Dancing: Unity Sounds From The London Dancehall 1986-1989 2LP

vintage 80s digital reggae compiled

Leave it to UK's Honest Jon's label to reissue a definitive collection of productions from legendary London sound system Unity Sound. In the 80's, Unity was one of the greatest dancehall sound systems, revolutionizing the dancehall with fresh digital dubs from Jamaica including King Jammy's anthem Under Mi Sleng Teng. Inspired by Sleng Teng, Unity produced their own casio-tone, 8-bit versions that can be found here on this brilliant compilation. It's easy to see where current digi-dub labels (Jahtari, Hyperdub, etc) are getting their inspiration from with all this tough vintage stuff! Thankfully they've included both vocal mixes and versions for all the riddims included. 21 tracks total. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
current dancehall + hip-hop remixes + acapellas / reggae albums + comps / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / 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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Bost & Bim
The Bombing: The Very Best of Bost & Bim Reggae Remixes LP

reggae remixes of classic soul, funk, and rock jams

Awesome collection of reworks from French reggae production duo Matthieu Bost and Jeremie Dessus (Bim). They get busy giving a steady reggae skank to twelve classic soul, funk, and rock jams from absolutely legendary artists and manage to pull it off with style and finesse. Check how smooth their version of Marvin's "Let's Get It On(1)" and "Sexual Healing(2)" sounds for starters. Pretty good, no? And how cool are Sting's vocals over a proper dub on "Message In A Bottle(3)"? They even manage to get the Supremes(4), Janis Joplin(5), and Stevie Wonder(6) sounding right over island flavors, but once they hit the Beatles(7) I'm 100% sold on these dudes' skills. Great stuff all around and essential for anyone who dug the excellent Motown Flies Jamaica LPs. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
current dancehall + hip-hop remixes + acapellas / new vinyl - hip-hop / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / and more

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V/A
Message From The Tribe: An Anthology of Tribe Records 1972-1976 2LP

spiritual jazz from legendary Detroit label collected

Essential compilation of spiritual jazz tracks from the Tribe Record label. Tribe Records came out of the wasteland that was early 70's Detroit. The city was once home to Motown and the country's largest auto manufacturing center, but come 1970, the city was in "a cultural and industrial void." Out of the ashes came Tribe, a label formed by the creative black jazz players left in the city, that proudly released records for 5 years under the m.o. "Music is the healing force of the Universe." This album contains a history of the label from 1972 - 76 through incredible tracks from such notable and influential artists such as Phil Ranelin(1,2), Doug Hammond(3,4), Marcus Belgrave(5), Wendell Harrison(6), and the TRIBE collective(7, 8, 9) pressed loud on double import vinyl. You're not going to be able to find these original LPs for cheap so do the next best thing and cop this comp. 12 tracks total. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - comps / funk + soul + latin + disco / reviewer recommended / and more

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Tony Allen
Home Cooking 2LP

classic and contemporary afrobeat

2002 LP from Fela's drummer and afrobeat pioneer Tony Allen. Some of the songs here have that instantly recognizable Nigerian sound, but others take those elements and push them into new directions. UK rapper Ty contributes his low key, stylized flow to the labum opener "Woman To Man(1)," as well as "Every Season(2)." The latter of those two also features vocals from Damon Albarn (of Blur and Gorillaz fame), and the two would later go on to form the much hyped, if ill-fated, super group The Good, The Bad & The Queen. Elswewhere, Mary & Norman add vocals on "Calling(3)" while Eska does her best Erykah Badu impersonation on "What's Your Fashion(4)." Tony's got his signature all over the album though, in political tracks like "Don't Fight(5)" and "Home Cooking(6)," or cool jazzy tracks like "Crazy Afrobeat(7)." 10 tracks in all, spread over two LPs, with extensive liner notes that provide behind the scenes details for each song on the back.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk soul disco - albums / funk + soul + latin + disco / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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Onra
Chinoiseries 2LP

heavy duty instrumental hip hop

Essential instrumental hip hop album built from vintage Vietnamese pop records picked up in flea markets on a trip to the far east. Onra delivers a tight selection of beats that somehow bring to mind J Dilla, Madlib, Moondog, MF Doom and the Sublime Frequencies label rolled into one beautifully incoherent package. Similar to Dilla's Donuts Chinoiseries keeps the addictive hooks and dusty beats short and sweet. Onra gives new life to the forgotten lovelorn crooners and the objects of their desire with "Last Tango In Saigon(1)." The crackle and hiss comes through on "Full Backpack(2)" and "Boundless Boundaries(3)." The devastating percussive echo of "Clap Clap(4)," exotic psych hop of "Raw(5)" and mysterious guitar funk of "One Day(6)" further cement Onra's place amongst the new school of beat heads.
reviewed by Michu Meszaros

file under:
downtempo + electronic - vinyl / vinyl new arrivals / new school beats - vinyl / downtempo + electronic - all

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A Tribe Called Quest
Rare and Unreleased Instrumentals, Vol.2 2LP

instrumentals for classic ATCQ tracks

Volume two of unreleased instrumentals for the golden era hip-hop fans. This double LP compiles 12 more rare and unreleased Tribe instrumentals from People's Instinctive Travels, Low End Theory, and Midnight Marauders. Finally beats for "We Can Get Down," "Rap Promoter," "Excursions," "God Lives Through," and more. Quality pressing too. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new vinyl - hip-hop / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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Take & Matthewdavid
Los Angeles Pt. 2/10 10"

new school beats from the city of angels

Second installment in All City's L.A. series comes from Take of Poobah / Alphapup fame and matthewdavid from Dublab / Brainfeeder. Like the first volume, expect forward thinking new school beats with plenty of synths, slump, bumps, and abstractions - home grown in the city of angels. Highlights include "Soul Particles(1)," "Warm Ruin(2)," "We Helped Pioneer This(3)," and "Know You're Not Alone(4)."

reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
downtempo + electronic - vinyl / vinyl new arrivals / new school beats - vinyl / downtempo + electronic - all

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Muhsinah
Always (Flying Lotus, 00Genesis) 7"

future soul beats

Singer/producer Muhsinah teams up with pioneering LA new school beatsmith Flying Lotus and DC's 00Genesis for her latest release on All City. It's a bubbling future soul affair on "Always (Smile)(1)" with 00Genesis providing a nice backdrop for Muhsinah's vocals (and pitch shifted backup) while Flylo conjures up a hazy beat for "Lose My Fuse(2)." Cool pic sleeve too.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
downtempo + electronic - vinyl / vinyl new arrivals / new school beats - vinyl / downtempo + electronic - all

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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 / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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Funky Music Machine
Love Me A Little While Longer 7"

lost NJ soul reissued by truth & soul

Truth and Soul have released another lost single from this New Brunswick, NJ group, cut directly off the master tapes of Black Top label chief Tyrone Ashley. The first one they released was decent, but this new double-sider is serious. "Love Me A Little While Longer(1)" features a sweet opening break and reverbed laughing evil man (love it), before popping into a groove and chorus that's some straight psychedelic soul shit. Wandering guitar, weirdly miked female ghosts on backup singing duties, tambourine, and lots of s p a c e. B-side is a cover of "I Can't Help Myself(2)" (aka "sugar-pie honey-bunch"), and while it's a lot more straightforward than the a-side, it's just as enjoyable. The lead singer was a great Otis Redding / Sam & Dave type of voice and the band sneaks in a bunch of "out" moments. I like this one.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - 7" / 45s / funk + soul + latin + disco / truth & soul - vinyl / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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A-Trak & The Rub
Sunglasses Is A Must Blends EP

Man, there are some things I feel like I don't even have to write a review for. What could I tell you, loyal Turntable Lab customer, about A-Trak and The Rub boys that you don't already know? This has "no-brainer" written all over it. A-Trak leads off the A-side with his blend(1) of Outkast's "Skew It On The Bar-B" with a modified instrumental from Kanye's "Touch The Sky," mining those tasty Curtis horns for all they're worth. Ayres & A-Trak team up for the useful "Mr. Collipark Breaks," and then Urrs takes it solo with Ying Yang and Pitbull's "Shake(2)" over the always recognizable Yaz sample. Cosmo Baker closes out the side with some more 'Kast(3), this time with "B.O.B." over the pounding drums from Bloc Party's "She's Hearing Voices." (Man, "Bombs" never gets old, or less timely.) On the other side, Trak lays Project Pat's recent Lab favorite "Good Googly Moogly" over 2 Live Crew(4), then laces "Tell Me When To Go" with Laid Back's "White Horse(5)." The final blend, with Lil Keke's "Chunk Up The Deuce" over Twilight 22(6), is uncredit – dunno why, it's pretty cool. Ayres closes the whole deal out with a quick Baltimore club edit of Corey Hart's "Sunglasses At Night," just in case you didn't get enough of it on the Roctakon EP from Money Lotion. (Psych – this Sunglasses EP has been in the works for a long, long time, so it's just a happy accident.) 8 tracks total.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / vinyl new arrivals / dance - lab recommended

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V/A
Bersa Discos #2 EP

More of that cumbia heat from our favorite new label. Their debut release having quickly evaporated, Cali's Bersa Discos is back for round two with another limited single (1,000 copies, no repress-o). This time they've got Buenos Aires young gunna DJ Negro at the fore, putting a new spin on some true Colombian classics. Negro is a regular at the notorious club Zizek (recently spotted killing it with DJ/rupture and others) but this 12" represents his "official" debut. On the A-side, he sets things off with "Andres Landero vs. The Roockie(1)," a tuff mash featuring Screwed vocals from the cumbia legend and Luny beats. "Lluvia(2)" keeps more of traditional cumbia sound, dubbed out in all the right places, while "Mundo Querido(3)" comes with hard raps over a dark and stormy beat that brings to mind "This Is Why I'm Hot." Meanwhile on the flip, Bersa label head Oro11's "Pibes Walk Out(4)" injects some Dirty South into the proceedings, dusting a little of Unk's "Walk It Out" over "Que Calor" by Pibes Chorros (arguably the biggest 'cumbia villera' - gangster cumbia - band ever). Alex Pasternak of much hyped SF band Lemonade seals the deal with the midtempo bumper "Pajariton(5)." Definitely recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / downtempo + electronic - recommended / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / baile + cumbia - vinyl / and more

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Digable Planets
Reachin' (A New Refutation of Time and Space) 2LP

repress of a golden era classic

I remember when "Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)(1)" first came out and was
all over KMEL in the bay. Barley in high school I thought that Butterfly,
Ladybug and Doodlebug were just ripping off all of the old jazz records they
were sampling from. But by the time the album dropped I was sold. From the
album opener "It's Good to Be Here(2)" to the classic "Nickel Bags(3)" it's
all quality material. With cuts like "Where I'm From(4)", "Jimmi Diggin'
Cats(5)" and "Swoon Units(6)" how can you go wrong? It's just too bad that
they could not keep it up after dropping Blowout Comb.
reviewed by Michu Meszaros

file under:
new vinyl - hip-hop / vinyl new arrivals / hip-hop vinyl / middle school hip-hop

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Gonjasufi
A Sufi And A Killer (Gaslamp Killer, Mainframe, Flying Lotus) 2LP

anticipated psych-hop debut album produced by GLK

Gonjasufi drops his debut album The Sufi And A Killer on the highly respected Warp label. Lab heads out there hardly need an introduction to his spaced-out, psych-hop styles (which recently got Best New Music on that trident-shaped site by the way) as the 7" singles that preceded have all but sold out. Together with Gaslamp Killer on beats (as well as a few guest beats by LA's finest - Flying Lotus and Mainframe), Gonjasufi transports you to a realm of tripped out lyrics, cryptic chants and psychedelic beat stew. The album starts off with a strange soundscapes that break into the "Kobwebz(1)" to set you on the right astral plane, then kicks into the Flylo-produced "Ancestors(2)" with its heavy sitar bump. By now you are in the proper headspace to appreciate the soft melodies of "Sheep(3)" and conversely, distorted rock of "She Gone(4)" and "SuzieQ(5)" that highlight Sufi's vocal range. Check the highly smoked out groove of "Kowboyz&Indians(6)," the slo-mo gangster funk of "Change(7)," "Duet(8)," the sampled boogie funk goodness of "Candylane(9)," "Holidays(10)" and "Klowds(11)." There's certainly a lot of material to wrap your head around on this album, making it perfect for repeated listens (as well as repeated smoke sessions). Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / warp - vinyl / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / and more

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A Tribe Called Quest
Rare and Unreleased Instrumentals, Vol.1 2LP

instrumentals for classic ATCQ tracks

Essential collection of instrumentals for the golden era hip-hop fans. This double LP compiles 12 rare and unreleased Tribe instrumentals from People's Instinctive Travels, Low End Theory, and Midnight Marauders. Finally beats for "Butter," "Luck Of Lucien," "Push It Along," "Sucka Nigga," "Everything Is Fair," "Clap Your Hands," and more. Super high quality vinyl pressing too. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new vinyl - hip-hop / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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De La Soul
Are You In? 2LP

NIKE commissioned album from legendary rap group

Limited double LP version of De La's 2009 album for Nike's Original Run series. For Are You In?, the legendary hip hop trio lay down their signature rap styles over a diverse set of beats ranging from the mellow and soulful you're used to, to synth-laced uptempo heaters. You'll notice that the tracks kind of meld into each other as the album is designed to flow like a DJ mix (as it's actually designed to be a personal running soundtrack), and it totally works that way with a more relaxed beginning and end, and a more intense middle. Check the cool opener "Mornin' Rise(1)" featuring Raheem DeVaughn, the knockin' beats on "Big Mouf(2)," and "Greedy Man(3)" with Billy Ray, vocoder electro funk on "We O.D.(4)," and the Detroit tinged closer "Forever(5)." Gotta give it up to Pos, Mase, and Trugoy for staying relevant all these years and getting that corporate dough from Nike to make some new material.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new vinyl - hip-hop / vinyl new arrivals / hip-hop vinyl / current hip-hop / and more

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V/A
Thai Beat A Go-Go, Vol.2 LP

60s pop music from Thailand

Awesome compilation of super super rare 60s pop from Thailand. These tracks were all recorded in the 60s and early 70s, a product of the influence of American culture brought to the country by GIs on leave from the war in neighboring Vietnam. As you might guess, some of the songs have some very familiar sounds, but others definitely get pretty out there and all of them sound like they could be in the soundtrack to a Tarantino flick. Check out Surapon's psychedelic "Ding Dong(1)," The Reasons' "Shimmy Shimmy Ko Ko Bop(2)," Kabuan Moogda's "Wairoon(3)," and "Viparat Piengsuwan's weird sounding track "Nai Teum (Cool Guy)(4)." Other highlights include Sodsai Chaengkij's cover of the Beatles' "Lady Madonna(5)," The Cat's "Soul People Say(6)," T. Zchew & The Johnny's melancholy ballad "Let Your Life Be Free(7)," and PM Pocket Music's instrumental "Tonborathes(8)." The record is packaged in a gatefold sleeve that looks like it came right out of 1965 and includes detailed notes about each of the artists featured here. 15 tracks total.
reviewed by Hires

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

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V/A
Nigeria Afrobeat Special: The New Explosive Sound in 1970s Nigeria 3LP

afrobeat from legendary Nigerian artists

Nigeria Afrobeat Special is the fourth addition to the Nigeria Special series, a project initiated by Miles Cleret, owner of the Soundway Record label back in 2004. Focusing on the big band sound dominated by wailing saxophones, brass solos and relentless poly-rhythmic grooves, Nigeria Afrobeat Special delivers a no-nonsense collection of tracks that (bar one) have NEVER been re-issued outside of Nigeria. It was Fela Kuti and his musical and political ideals that formed the core of afrobeat's message. Fela's highly sought after version of "Who're You(1)" lends this set it's lead. Originally released on 7" in 1971, It would later be re-recorded at Abbey Road for his album Fela's London Scene and here is re-issued for the first time ever. The collection features Fela's rival and fellow afrobeat veteran Orlando Julius, represented by the track "Afro-Blues(2)," - amazing that this has previously managed to escape re-issue. Also featured are tracks by big names on the Nigerian scene - Eric Akaeze, Bongos Ikwue & Segun Bucknor as well as a Victor Uwaifo produced cut by previously unknown artist Andrew "Madman" Jaga. The album also features a cut featuring Pax Nicholas, a singer whose album Na Teef Know De Road Of Teef has recently been made available after 30 years. Cleret's ambition to distinguish the blossoming music scenes of 1970's Nigeria has lent to an indispensable series of CD and LP compilations documenting the influence of western blues, rock and disco amongst artists and musicians versed in the local musical styles of highlife and juju. 16 tracks on 3 discs.
reviewed by Soundway Records

file under:
latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk soul disco - comps / funk + soul + latin + disco / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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V/A
Nigeria Special Vol.2: Modern Highlife, Afro-Sounds & Nigerian Blues 1970-76 3LP

laid-back Nigerian obscurities compiled

This is the final installment in Soundway's unparalleled Nigeria Special compilation series. Volume 2 brings you 22 more obscure and funky cuts from 1970s Nigeria, a time marked by rapid change in that country. Most of these songs are laid back groovers, a perfect soundtrack for a lazy, sunny afternoon. This vinyl edition is spread out over six sides and includes 3 songs that are not included on the CD. Also included are detailed liner notes on each artist and song represented here. 22 tracks total.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk soul disco - comps / funk + soul + latin + disco / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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Mulatu
Ethiopian Modern Instrumentals Hits LP

This record holds 10 instrumentals culled from the Ethiopiques compilations, a series of CDs essential for any deep digging fan of Afro groove. This collection was never available on vinyl and the African originals are obviously next to impossible, so any appearance of this material on wax is cause for commotion. A solid and mesmerizing set featuring Mulatu Astatke and cohorts circa 1970, it has plenty of snap. These are Ethiopian takes of some of the same cuts Mulatu recorded in the US for his Mulatu of Ethiopia LP, including "Kasalefkut Hulu(1)" (a faster, sax-led take sans drum break) and "Munaye(2)." Other points of reference are "Yegelle Tezeta(3)," where Mulatu busts some organ over textbook one-drop funk drums, and "Yetesfa Tezeta(4)," a instrumental raveup over James Brown's "I Feel Good" changes. The intense exoticism of "Yekermo Sew(5)"evolves into a wicked jazzy backbeat, a trancelike backdrop for the incredible musicians who invigorate the whole LP (guitarists check Huket Adhanom). Be aware that the labels are reversed (the a-side is stickered with the b-side's label, and vice versa) on this otherwise high quality pressing.
reviewed by Monk

file under:
latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk + soul + latin + disco / shota's jazz section / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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Mulatu Astatke
Ethio Jazz LP

I have yet to meet a Mulatu record I didn't like. In fact, every release that's come through this place has been sublime. This high quality French reissue from 2002 is no exception and might actually the best we've had. It's not so clear whether this particular release is a compilation or a straight reissue, but we do know that the tracks here are from the late 60s to mid 70s. But when it comes to rarities such as African jazz, these things are not that important. What is important is that this is some of the most sinister, dark and musky jazz sounds you'll hear in your life. Picture yourself walking through tight alleyways, the thought of knives stabbing you in the back, and pungent city smells and noises... this is the soundtrack. Pure wicked joy. Check out: "Yekatit(1)," "Netsanet(2)" (fuzz guitar!), "Sabye(3)," "Yekermo Sew(4)" and "Asmarina(5)." 9 tracks in all. Recommended
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk + soul + latin + disco / reviewer recommended / and more

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Disrupt
Foundation Bit (8 Bit Dub) LP

Limited vinyl edition of this nasty 2007 digi-dub / 8-bit dancehall full length from the leader of the Jahtari movement. They've had to shave two tracks off to fit it on a single LP, but you're still getting all the finest moments, like the glitchy "Blast You To Bits(1)," cavernous "Jah Red Gold and Green(2)," malfunctioning "Bomb 20(3)," and heavy closer "Selassi I Continually(4)." Really an impressive next-gen dub album and one that's worth owning on wax. 8 tracks total.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
downtempo + electronic - vinyl / dubstep + grime - vinyl / current dancehall + hip-hop remixes + acapellas / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / and more

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Cosmetics
Soft Skin / Black Leather Gloves 7"

modern minimal wave from north of the border

If you've been digging the Minimal Wave Tapes then you should get your hands
this 7" from Cosmetics. This Vancouver based two piece could easily fit
into the Italians Do It Better roster with their dusty synth sound and
breathy female vocals. "Soft Skin(1)" delivers the cold wave goods with
plenty of reverb and pain killer conviction. Just what you would expect
from a couple that spends their days working in some mysterious fashion
warehouse and their nights in the studio. Once you feel the slap from
"Black Leather Gloves(2)" you know that Cosmetics is serious. More haze and
debauchery for the Vice set. Put on your eyeliner and Cuban heels...
reviewed by Michu Meszaros

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / 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

file under:
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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V/A
Def Jam 25: Serato Control Edition (2 Discs, 2 Slipmats)

classic tracks from legendary label on clear vinyl with control tones + slipmats

To celebrate 25 years in the biz, influential hip-hop label Def Jam (started in 1984 by Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons) has teamed up with Serato pressings for a limited edition double 12" pack featuring six classic tracks from the label's catalog with Serato control tones on the flip. Features LL Cool J's "I Need A Beat(1)," Slick Rick's "Children's Story(2)," Beastie Boys "Paul Revere(3)," Jay-Z's "I Just Wanna Love U(4)," DMX's "Party Up(5)," and Method Man & Redman's "Da Rockwilder(6)" on crispy clear vinyl. Also includes a pair of 25th anniversary Def Jam slipmats. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new vinyl - hip-hop / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / serato - digital djing / and more

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Wu-Tang Clan
Enter The Dubstep: Wu-Tang Meets The Indie Culture Vol.2 2LP

dubstep remixes of the Wu with many guest MCs

There's no doubt that the Wu inspired a whole new generation of rappers, producers, and DJs when they exploded on the scene back in the early 90s. You already know they inspired an amazing set of live funk covers, and now those Shaolin-lovin' MCs have inspired a massive double disc set of dubstep re-interpretations. But it's more than just dubstep remixes of classic Wu tracks (you won't find "C.R.E.A.M." or "Bring Da Ruckus" here). The heads at Frank Radio and iHiphop took it a step further and incorporated the world of indie rappers into the mix (hence the "Wu-Tang Meets Indie Culture" sub-title) to expand and encompass even more underground styles. Talk about cross-pollinating! The resulting tracks are supremely grimey, gully, gritty, etc. with production by some of the hardest dubstep producers including DZ, Scuba, Parson, Dakihm, Baobinga, Rogue Star, and many more laced with verses from deep within the Wu-Tang vaults from Raekwon, Methodman, RZA, GZA, U-God, Masta Killa, (plus a grip of Wu B-teamers) along side guest MCs like MF Doom, Pimp C, Three 6 Mafia, Vast Aire, Ras Kass, Canibus, Casual, and whole lot more. 19 tracks of tough, bassed up Wu-Tang, the likes of which you've never heard before.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
dubstep + grime - vinyl / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / new vinyl - hip-hop / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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The Simonsound
Tour de Mars / Baker's Dozen (Kraftwerk) 7"

funky breaks cover of Kraftwerk

Funky little 7" here from Simonsound, aka Matt Ford and Simon James. "Tour De Mars(1)," is a jamming space funk cover of Kraftwerk's "Tour De France." I'd love to hear someone work this into a hip hop breaks set. The b-side is a little original track called "Baker's Dozen(2)," that features a laidback psychedelic groove. Limited edition, plays at 45. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / downtempo + electronic - recommended / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s / and more

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Lindstrom & Christabelle
Real Life Is No Cool LP

cosmic pop and disco

Lindstrom's known for putting together some insanely long songs (his last album was over an hour long but only had three songs on it), but on Real Life Is No Cool, he and vocalist Christabelle bring it back to a pop format, and it's nice to have him back. I'm not mad at the disco marathon stuff, but how perfect is "Baby Can't Stop(1)?" That's just perfect 80s disco right there. The rest of the album is a little looser, but still pretty awesome. Dig "Love Sick(2)," which kind of sounds like a disco song that got drunk at a wedding, or their cover of "Let It Happen(3)," by Vangelis. The loosely structured "Looking For What(4)" has some serious No Wave influence in there, the slower tracks like "Keep It Up(5)" and "High & Low(6)" have a fantastic 80s tinged sound. A solid set of 10 tracks, spanning from disco pop to cosmic experimental. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / lindstrom + prins thomas + related / reviewer recommended / and more

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Cosmin TRG
Now You Know 2x12"

UK funky and techy dubstep

Cosmin TRG gives Tempa a totally updated sound on the "Now You Know" Double 12" pack. For those of you expecting the usual half-step dubstep release from the label, think again 'cause things are moving forward! TRG brings in the sound of UK Funky in a huge way, with big room party rockers like "Twilight Riddim(1)," and the Berlin style "Purple Lights(2)." Check out the broken beat bump of "Siberian Poker (3)" with those rave-tastic synths and the deep house shuffle of "Discotek(4)" that could crossover into a lot of different sets. Also includes the chillout breaks vibe of "Since Last Night(5)" and the dubbed out stepper "Strobe Lick(6)." Run this...
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
dubstep + grime - vinyl / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / vinyl new arrivals / new school beats - vinyl / and more

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Edan
Echo Party - Custom Cover LP

old school disco rap, dance, and punk funk rarities mixed and freaked

Limited vinyl copies, each one hand-stamped by Edan himself featuring one-of-a-kind designs! Crazy fresh mixtape project from Edan for fans of old school disco rap/dance and analog effects wizardry. Edan was given access to the back catalog of classic old school labels like P&P, Chocolate Star, Magic, etc. and was asked to make something new out of it - basically whatever he wanted! The result is Echo Party, a funky dubbed-out trip through old school rarities, freaked and funked with plenty of moog, tape echo, turntables, guitar, and even kazoos. Basically Edan kills it in a major way. Only 1000 copies made. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
stones throw shop / indy hip-hop / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / new vinyl - hip-hop / and more

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V/A
Forge Your Own Chains: Heavy Psychedelic Ballads And Dirges 1968-1974 2LP

heavy psyche comp by Egon and Stones Throw crew

This is as close as record digging gets to "grown and sexy." Now Again strikes again with a 15 track compilation of heavy psyche compiled by label head Egon. There's been numerous bootleg psyche comps that have trickled to collectors over the years, but this official compilation wipes the slate clean and allows even the newbie to get deep into this nerdus genre. Here's what the label has to say:

"Those of us birthed into record collecting by the Hip Hop midwife revered Jimi Hendrix as well as James Brown. We searched for albums by Mulatu Astatke and Power of Zeus with the same fervor," Egon writes in his introduction to the comp. Forge Your Own Chains showcases music from all corners of the world: Colombia, Nigeria, Sweden, South Korea, Thailand and Iran. The focus is on melody, driving rhythms and accessibility. Not one song is included on this compilation because it is from a "rare" album. Certainly, many of these songs do spring from albums that exchange hands for many thousands of dollars and many of these songs have never seen reissue. But these songs are all beautiful in their own right and work to form a coherent album. Psychedelic records, long the mainstay of older, grizzled collectors and seemingly quaint, are, in the hands of Egon and those of his generation, giving up new ghosts.

15 tracks in all, includes detailed liner notes. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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Marvin Gaye
What's Going On (DJ Day Edits) 7"

extended version of a Marvin classic

Limited Japanese pressing of DJ Day's brilliant re-take(1) of "What's Going On." Don't get this confused with a mash-up, Day just gives the classic a serious polish. Instrumental version on the flip.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
downtempo + electronic - vinyl / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s / funk + soul + latin + disco / new vinyl - hip-hop / 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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QBert
100MPH Backsliding Turkey Kuts LP

This one had been sitting on our page with no review for a while. Tell you the truth, it just got lost in collection of skratch records. I pulled it out last week, and I was hitting myself for forgetting about it. The must-skratch-to on this record is the beat from James Brown hard to find rare groove classic "Popcorn with a Feeling." Other beats worth checking out: Wild Style beat, and bunch of breaks you'll recognize from TTV. Loads of skratch samples including that guy talking about how people always use fresh and ahhh. Video game noises. Plus that computer voice that counts and recites the alphabets so if your name is dj C3P-0 or some shit, you can spell it.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / vinyl new arrivals / break + scratch + loop / and more

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Hot Chip
One Life Stand 2LP

melodic synth pop from the hipster dance favorites

Fourth LP from hipster dance stalwarts Hot Chip. One Night Stand sees their sound turn towards synth pop, with the focus of most songs on melody and vibe, rather than blazing hot beatz. "Thieves In The Night(1)," "Brothers(2)," "Keep Quiet(3)" and "Alley Cats(4) are all great examples of this. Don't get it twisted though, the album does feature dance tracks as well, like the title track(5), "Hand Me Down Your Love(6)," and "We Have Love(7)." It's an excellent album, a mixture of the R&B sounds featured on their first album and the heavy dance music that came on the two LPs that followed. 10 tracks total on double vinyl, recommended.
reviewed by Hires

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

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V/A
Soviet Funk Vol.1 (with FREE MP3 Download) LP

underground funk and jazz

BONUS: This LP comes with a card redeemable for a high quality MP3 download of the album from Secret Stash's website.

This is a pretty cool look at funk and jazz music that developed in the underground scene in the Soviet Union during the '60s and '70s. Since the government censored many kinds of art (but especially art from the west), most Soviet musicians were unable to have regular access to music from western jazz and funk artists. Because of this, they developed a style of funk that's distinctly different from American acts like James Brown, The Meters, and others. You'll notice that the songs definitely found much closer to jazz than funk, featuring odd time signatures and other elements from traditional jazz that's typically not found in domestic funk records. The tracks here were all recorded by Pavel Sysoyev, a classically trained flautist. Slowly but surely, Sysoyev found and trained musicians to play songs that he arrange, after hearing a selection of American jazz and funk that had been smuggled into the country by a friend. Slowly but surely, an underground scene began to develop based around Sysoyev's studio and songs. With a couple exceptions, this is the first time these songs have been released (Sysoyev never put them out because they were recorded illegally). Definitely an awesome artifact that shows what happens when an art form develops in a (relative) vacuum. Printed on a pic sleeve with detailed liner notes, and pressed on red vinyl (natch). Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - comps / funk + soul + latin + disco / vinyl with free mp3 / and more

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6th Borough Project
Miss World EP

sophisticated deep disco house

After killing it with their past couple releases on Jiscomusic and Instruments of Rapture, the 6th Borough Project is at it again with more top notch deep disco house cuts on Delusions of Grandeur. "How Can I Show You(1)" kicks things of on some tasty instrumental slow mo disco for sexy late night groovin'. The sampled loop keeps it smooth and steady so you can hypnotize with the vibe. The Soultourist Mix(2) of "Miss World" on the flip turns the heat up with a driving filtered beat that stays funky with warm synth stabs and deep, bubbling bass to keep the bodies moving all night strong. Also includes to OOFT! Remix(3) of "Miss World" that takes a more dubbed-out minimal electronic approach to the track that hits extra hard on the low end. Fans of Trusme, Linkwood, Mark E, etc. should def check this.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / vinyl new arrivals / new disco / cosmic / edits / cosmic + balearic + rock-ish

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Dub Traffik Control
Bongo Dub / Carlito Cumbia 7"

dubbed out cumbia and latin beats

The BSTRD Boots series is back again with another fiery 7" for your decks, this time from Dub Traffik Control. Keeping in line with the recent cumbia remix trends (in the same vein as Bersa Discos and Whiskey Barons), the dudes offer up "King of the Bongo(1)" a bass heavy, dubbed out version of Manu Chao's big track that's sure too get things hot and heated. Afrosound's "La Danza De Los Mirlos(2)" gets a similar reworking on the flip with those irresistable latin guitars, big drums and even bigger bass promising a huge response from the crowd when dropped in your set. Tasty stuff.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
downtempo + electronic - vinyl / midtempo - vinyl / baile + cumbia - vinyl / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / and more

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Lindstrom & Prins Thomas
II 4LP+CD

cosmic disco and balearic moods from Norway's disco kings

It's been about 3 years since the Nordic disco duo of Lindstrom & Prins Thomas dropped their acclaimed debut release. Since then, the two have been quite busy with Lindstrom crafting his own solo cosmic masterpiece, and Prins Thomas making waves in the disco world with his Full Pupp label. Luckily the stars aligned and the two found the time to create a sequel simply titled "II" that continues the cosmic adventure to aural lands of relaxation and hedonism. "Cisco(1)" sets the second journey off nice and smooth, with a breezy balearic vibe that slowly builds with lush layers of synthesizer solos topping the very acoustic bed of percussion and strings. "For Ett Slikk Og Ingenting(2)" takes a similar approach, but with sweet piano chords that set up a seductive feel, while "Rett Pa(3)" gets deeper through pulsing bass and drums. Also check "Skal Vl Prove Na?(4)" with its sparkly keys that set your mind a drift over a chugging disco drum beat, and "Note I Love You + 100(5)," a romantic groover for lovers. Note that most songs clock in at least 9 minutes long so you can really get lost in the mood. 8 tracks spread out on 8 sides of vinyl, and packaged with the CD version of the album (convenient!).
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / lindstrom + prins thomas + related / reviewer recommended / and more

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Hypnotic Brass Ensemble
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble 2LP

recommended soul jazz funk

From performing on the streets of NYC, to touring with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and to this official album release on the UK's Honest Jon's, the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble has come a long way. Touring the world as we speak, this group of brothers definitely have that star quality (see them live and you'll know what I mean); they're only going to get bigger. Very guarded with their recorded music (they've been self releasing slim line CDs since 04), this deluxe packaged album is a Haley's Comet for Hypnotic fans. They went into a real studio to record this, and you can tell the difference immediately. They also incorporated some big name guests like Flea and Tony Allen on "Marcus Garvey(1)," Damon Alburn on "Rabbit Hop(2)," and Malcolm Catto on several tracks. There's also definitive versions of several of their hits including "Aylo(3)" (a song written by their father Philip Cohran), "Balicki Bone(4), Flipside(5), Hypnotic(6)" and more. Rock solid from beginning to end. 13 tracks in all, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - albums / funk + soul + latin + disco / reviewer recommended / and more

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Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou
The Vodoun Effect: Funk & Sato From Benin's Obscure Labels 1972-1975 2LP

rare West African funk and rock

Yet another gem from Orchestre Poly-Rythmo dug up by the folks over at Analog Africa. This volume focuses on the songs that they released for small Benin record labels on the sly, when the head of their main label was tending to his other business. Because these small labels often had limited budgets for equipment, the quality varies and most of these songs were recorded in one take. This is pretty rare stuff, most of these had only been distributed in small runs within the town of Benin, and haven't been widely released until Analog Africa got their hands on them. If you're into Western African funk and rock, this CD is a treasure trove of undiscovered sounds. 14 tracks total on 2 LPs, packaged in a gatefold sleeve that includes very detailed liner notes that tell the history of the group and their songs. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk soul disco - comps / funk + soul + latin + disco / and more

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Althea & Donna
Uptown Top Ranking LP

classic reggae LP

Althea and Donna dropped the single "Uptown Top Ranking(1)" in 1977, and it immediately became one of those songs that took over the reggae world, forever a classic. For such a popular tune, this is ridiculously hard to find on 7" and LP, so here you go. Of course nothing on the album can match the appeal of the title track, but it is filled with sweet lyrics over clean riddims from Dynamic and Sly + Robbie. Altogether a good vibe. They sound best when they keep with the Michigan and Smiley sing-jay style on cuts like "Make A Truce(2)" (plus a great bass inro from Robbie). The rest gets a bit flat sometimes, but shit this is worth it for the title track and cover alone. Also includes "No More Fighting(3), Jah Rastafari(4), Oh Dread(5)," and more.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
reggae albums + comps / vinyl new arrivals / reggae vinyl

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Beastie Boys
The In Sound From Way Out 2LP

Nicely priced import press of this double album of instrumental tracks (not instrumental versions of vocal tracks) spawned from the Check Your Head sessions. This was even hard to find out when it first came out, cool to have it back. At this point in their career, the Beasties could do no wrong. 14 tracks in all.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
downtempo + electronic - vinyl / new vinyl - hip-hop / vinyl new arrivals / downtempo + electronic - all / and more

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Trus'me
Working Nights 2LP

For someone with only a handful of white label releases under his belt, Trusme is incredibly hyped. You'll hear descriptions like "prodigy," comparisons to Moodymann, and big words like "recontextualize" when reading about this Manchester native. In record head terms, he takes old soul and funk records, loops em up, adds some drums, etc... but the magic happens in how it comes together. Like Moodymann, he approaches it different: sampling records you don't have, pasting parts that you wouldn't sample, and finessing it over and over until the song is firmly rooted in leftfield. This debut album features five previously unreleased gems(1,2,3); white label favorites "WAR(4)" and "At The Disco(5)"; plus a new version of his biggest hit (thus far) "Nards" entitled "Narda(6)." Bogman likes it.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
detroit - carl craig, theo parrish, moodymann / house / deep house / remixes / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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GZA
Liquid Swords 2LP

classic Wu-Tang circa 1995

Probably the most-underlooked of the Wu-classics, the elusive Liquid Swords gets the double vinyl reissue. The centerpiece of the album is definitely the title track(1). I have creepy memories of Prince Paul playing this at the Cooler (remember that place?) and a room of 100 doods yelling along like they were at church. One of RZA's simplest manipulations but definitely one of his most effective. There's several singles with varying degrees of success: "Shadow Boxing(2), Cold World," and "Labels," but the album-only tracks cut deep like the bugged-out "4th Chamber(3)" with Ghostface, or the deceptively smooth "Duel of the Iron Mic(4)." As the years pass, this album will only get more obscure, but larger in stature.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
new vinyl - hip-hop / vinyl new arrivals / hip-hop vinyl / middle school hip-hop / and more

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Onra
1.0.8 LP

varied beat sketches, pick

Paris new school beat representative Onra (of Asian descent too) drops an album of 19 beat sketches. Averaging around 2 minutes each, the tracks burst with beat flavor, whether it's a new school beat or a traditional psyche loop. There's isn't a weak moment. You can hear why this dude has been tapped as one of the next new school beat producers. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / and more

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Invisibl Skratch Piklz
Horny Martian Breaks

Another super useful break records from the break record masters, ISP + Dirt Style! Horny Martian Breaks features tough electro practice beats to build up your scratch endurance (and a couple halftime joints for your double time scratch) and a crap load of weird (but useful samples and noises). You know what to do with this... cut it up fresh!
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
vinyl new arrivals / break + scratch + loop

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V/A
Brazilian Guitar Fuzz Bananas: Tropicalia Psychedelic Masterpieces 1967-1976 2LP

masterclass in brazilian psych and Tropicalia, pick

From the same people that brought you the hugely popular Psych Funk 101 comes this master class for those entranced by the funky, heavy psychedelic wonders of the Tropicalia movement and all that it spawned. But as compiler Joel Stones writes in his liner notes: "You won't find Os Mutantes or their maestro Rogerio Duprat on this compilation. There is a reason that the records contained here have never been reissued. Even though you will recognize some of the labels contained here... believe me when I write this: some of the rarest, and best, examples of fuzzy, funky Brazilian psychedelia came out as promo-only 7" records on these labels." Each song contained on this album has never been reissued, and has been restored from the best source possible and remastered for near-perfect sound quality. The 48 page full color booklet contains a wealth of imagery and detailed annotation and liner notes in both English and Portuguese. Artists include Celio Balona, Loyce E Os Gnomes, The Youngsters, Serguei, Fabio, Tony E Som Colorido, 14 Bis, Banda De 7 Legues, Ton E Sergio, Ely, Com Os Falcoes Reais, Marisa Rossi, The Pops, Loyce E Os Gnomes, Piry and Mac Rybell. In addition this enhanced CD, features the documentary What Are Fuzz Bananas?. Highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / stones throw shop / latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk soul disco - comps / and more

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V/A
Bob Blank: The Blank Generation - Blank Tapes NYC 1975-1987 2LP

compilation of works from one of NYC's pioneering disco producers

The first ever album retrospective of one of New York's most revered of all producers, Bob Blank, this album traces the history of his independent studio, Blank Tapes, one of the city's most important creative dens during the vibrant arts scene of the mid-'70s to mid-'80s. Blank started out in New York in 1973 as a guitarist before producing one of the first 12" disco records in '75 - Jimmy Sabater's "To Be With You." He opened his own Blank Tape studios a year later. He quickly became an essential port of call for New York's diverse artistic community, honing the freeform, anarchic visions of August Darnell, Cristina and Lydia Lunch for ZE Records and, with producers Patrick Adams and Greg Carmichael, helping to shape the sound of many disco classics. Musique, Inner Life, Instant Funk and Salsoul Orchestra all recorded classics at Blank Tapes. Arthur Russell also recorded much of his most celebrated disco-related output at the studios under pseudonyms Dinosaur L, Indian Ocean and Felix, as well as "Wax The Van" with Blank's wife, Lola. Other regulars at Blank Tapes included Latin producer Tito Rodriguez, whose Charanga 76 and Eddie Palmieri recordings with Blank would receive Grammy nominations. Strut, in the label's first collaboration with Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton's DJ History, celebrate Blank's time at Blank Tapes with an exclusive compilation, covering the many facets of his work. We feature the very first track ever recorded at the studio, Milton Hamilton's "Crystalized," anthems including Fonda Rae's "Over Like A Fat Rat" and lesser known Blank classics from the vaults from Debby Blackwell and Mikki.
reviewed by Strut Records

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

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Prince Buster
Wreck A Pum Pum LP

60s roots reggae

This record collects 12 of Prince Buster's rudest tunes, flipping many famous melodies and rhythms into straight slackness circa late 60s. Truly entertaining stuff. Tracks include the incredibly titled "Wreck A Pum Pum(1)," plus the Sexy Girls' response "Wreck A Buddy(2)," both of which run to the melody of "Little Drummer Boy," Buster's hit "Rough Rider(3), Whine & Grine(4), Stir The Pot(5)," and a couple instrumentals like "The Abeng(6)." 12 tracks total. Heavy UK vinyl pressing with excellent sound quality.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
reggae albums + comps / vinyl new arrivals / reggae vinyl

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James Pants
Thin Moon / Chip In The Hand 7"

psych - space age - falsetto rock

James Pants is onto something here. What do you call this downtempo - psyche - space age - falsetto stuff? "Thin Moon(1)" carries some real weight. If I found this track on a 60s rock record, I'd be blown away... are these Stones Throw guys getting too good for their own good?
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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V/A
Loft Classics #8 (Funkanova) EP

Volume 8 is an especially breaks-filled edition of the mighty Loft Classics series. As you probably already know, these tracks were supposedly played at David Mancuso's infamous NY Loft party, but from the sound of Sweet Potatoe's "Hot Disco Night (Are You Ready) (Extended Mix)(1)" you'd think this was a collection of rare old school b-boy breaks! The thing is a 9 and a half minute monster of raw drums and percussion that just don't quit. One of the other tracks on here are of a similar vibe - El Coco's "Delicado" with just drums and that's it. Wood, Brass, and Steel's "Funkanova (Extended Mix)(2)" takes the flip and is definitely on some more smooth loft styles. A-side at 45, B-side at 33.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco 12" / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / funk + soul + latin + disco / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / and more

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Mr. Clean & The Soul Inc.
What's Going On (Serato Control Vinyl) 7"

super-rare Marvin cover, Serato tone on b-side

First official Serato pressing on 7" vinyl (small hole). Cover up the label, and it might be a good look for reggae djs. A-side is no slacker either as Jazzman has unleashed on of the rarest funk 45 tracks on the planet: Mr. Clean's cover(1) of "What's Going On" which apparently trades at $3000 plus! 2000 copies worldwide.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - 7" / 45s / funk + soul + latin + disco / dj equipment - new arrivals / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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The Strokes
Is This It LP

These guys have an office across the street from our store. Their management bought turntables from us, and in exchange they gave Roctackon (the paradoxical hip-hop Strokes lover DJ Lab employee) a pair of Strokes chucks to suck on. Quick flashback, one of my friends from high school had a semi-hot Spanish housekeeper. One day she walked in on him sucking on a pair of her panties and humping a pillow. True story. Anyway, this has it all, plus "New York City Cops" that got deleted on domestic cd version.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
rock + new wave + 80/90s / new rock / reviewer recommended / and more

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Ocote Soul Sounds
Tu Fin, Mi Comienzo (Adrian Quesada) 7"

afro-funk and lowrider beats

Austin-based band Ocote Soul Sounds throws their two cents into the recent afro-explosion with "Tu Fin, Mi Comienzo(1)." If you like the modern sounds of Antibalas, this is up there with them. "Vendendo Saude E Fe(2)" is my favorite though. It's some mega-chill lowrider music with wicked instrumentation. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s / funk + soul + latin + disco / reviewer recommended / and more

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Buju Banton
Murderer 7"

Powerful tune from Buju at the beginning of his conscious period. During a time of reigning gunman and slackness tunes, Buju came back with reality lyrics, blasting people back to the conscious roots. This song and Buju's other material from this time helped spark up the whole back to roots intelligent music movement in JA.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
dancehall singles / vinyl new arrivals / reggae vinyl

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The Whitefield Brothers
Earthology 2LP

raw psych-funk with plenty of guests

Oof! This is heavy, heavy stuff. The Whitefield Brothers coming with it on some world-psych-funk ish on Earthology, the follow-up to 2002's In The Raw. Given the long span between the releases, let me just say, the wait is totally worth it. The extensive amount of global funk research the brothers put into this work is evident on every track - from the use of exotic instruments, to the use of Arabic rhythmical structures, African pentatonic scales and Oriental modes. Topping it all off, they collaborate with a wide range of contemporaries including Edan, Mr. Lif, Bajka, Percee P and MED to musicians from Antibalas, El Michels Affair, Quantic and the Dap-Kings. This music is like a funky, psychedelic trip around the world, don't miss it. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / stones throw shop / now again + soul cal (stones throw) / funk soul disco - albums / and more

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QBert
Bionic Booger Breaks LP

Just as classic as foot breaks. Lots of memorable moments here. The "my uzi weighs a ton" beat never fails to make the heads nod. Fundamental skratch phrases (uh-uh-break-ahh-there-it-is). Gotta have the wheels before you get the girl. I don't really like doing reviews of classic records like this. Like Jeru said: talk is cheap, you're outlined in 50 cent hot dogs.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / vinyl new arrivals / break + scratch + loop / and more

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Invisibl Skratch Piklz
Battle Breaks LP

The first dirstyle record. The original seed. Tones to wake your roomate up with. Includes an extended skratch track of Lou Donalson's Pot Belly. This was my first skratch record... ahhh brings back the memories of being in my room fake battling people... thinking i was the bomb (but, i wasn't).
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
vinyl new arrivals / break + scratch + loop

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QBert
Toasted Marshmellow Feet Breaks LP

If you don't know, now you know. Probably the most classic Dirtstyle record. If you're looking for any of the classic skratch sounds, it's probably on here. Has one of the best low tempo skratch beats that was made famous with it's combination with "all that skratching is making me itch" (also on here). A must-have.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / vinyl new arrivals / break + scratch + loop / and more

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QBert
Deluxe Shampoo Breaks LP

The first break on here's the killer (the one that starts with the 'Car Wash' dj intro). The second one's the juggular with it's hard thumpin bass. The first side ends with one of the longest skratch sentences ever made. The whole second side is electro heaven with 8 separate tracks that stay on beat. We think there should be more of these (variations/variety of beats within the same track or back-to-back) on skratch tracks... just like Idris used to do. You'll like this one.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / vinyl new arrivals / break + scratch + loop / and more

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Flare
Stoney Breaks

Didn't know that Flare was still in the scratch game, but he still makes the craziest electro loops. 5 of em here, plus the usual menagerie of Flare scratch samples.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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vinyl new arrivals / break + scratch + loop

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Souls of Mischief
93 'til Infinity (2XLP)

classic 90s hip hop album

A daunting task reviewing this record, but here's a try. Not to get all textbook, but 93 Til Infinity is one of finest embodiments of youthful expression. This is the Lebron of hip hop records, a young prize pit bull on a chain link leash. Somehow on this album the producers were able to harness the complete wildness of Souls into 14 coherent hip-hop classics. It's what separates NBA from And 1. Ever hear an early Hiero freestyle? It's one of the baddest things on earth, but freestyles don't make a classic record (just axe Supernat). There was magic in the studio, and it's fitting that the Souls give it up to this magic in the albums title track(1). "Anything Can Happen(2)" rivals a young Nas in vivid storytelling, but Nas didn't have to coordinate 4 separate voices. That's finesse, and "That's When Ya Lost(3)" is straight fire. Combine "Lost" with "Let Em Know(4)" and "Live and Let Live(5)," and you have one of the most dynamic openings since, hmm... Midnight Marauders? For kicks, throw in equinox apocalypse Del on a track like "Limitations(6)" and see how wild it can get. This review is starting to get sporadically hectic, precisely the opposite of what the Souls did on this one. If I got paid by the minute, I might try to sort it out. Excellent quality reissue, and I believe the first time available on double vinyl.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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new vinyl - hip-hop / vinyl new arrivals / hip-hop vinyl / middle school hip-hop

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QBert
Breaktionary, Vol.1 LP

First volume in Qbert's Breaktionary which gives you over 60 funk breaks one after another, at the same tempo on one record. It's a no brainer- no more carrying tons of crates to a jam, just grab doubles, rock out and get props. Check the latest Freestyle Session DVD to see Qbert use these breaks providing heater upon heater for the b-boys and b-girls. As an added bonus, all the covers in this 4 part series are done by D23 (Damon Soule) and can be connected in any direction.
reviewed by snackmaster

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reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / vinyl new arrivals / break + scratch + loop / and more

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QBert
Breaktionary, Vol.3 LP

3rd installment of the popular breaktionary series by Q-bert. You know the deal here, over 60 breaks lined up back to back at the same tempo for uber easy mixing and doubles rocking. Must cop doubles on these ones.
reviewed by snackmaster

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vinyl new arrivals / break + scratch + loop

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V/A
Black Man's Cry: The Inspiration of Fela Kuti Box Set 4x10"

covers and music inspired by the godfather of afro-beat

It's pretty common knowledge that Fela Kuti created afro-beat. His influence on not only that genre, but untold others is undeniable. This collection of Fela covers (approved by his estate) and Fela-inspired songs has been lovingly compiled by Egon and released by Now Again, who really know how to do it up when it comes to compilations. To wit: This box set contains four 10" records, as well as a large-format booklet that's filled with stories, liner notes and never-before-seen photos of Fela Kuti. This is an excellent celebration of not only Fela and his music, but the music he inspired in others. Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / stones throw shop / latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk soul disco - comps / and more

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V/A
Dancehall 2: The Rise of Jamaican Dancehall Culture, Vol.2 2LP

excellent reggae collection for intermediate to advanced collector

This is Part 2 of two album set. With their first Dancehall compilation, Soul Jazz had to include many obligatory, consensus selections (ie. "Murder She Wrote") to set the stage. Don't get me wrong, it was still one of the best dancehall comps ever. With the second volume, Soul Jazz has hit their true stride, stretching deeper into the genre for a selection that will have all the 7" collectors, spliff-heads and trustafarians buzzing (selections by Blood & Fire founder Steve Barrow). Double vinyl featuring 12 tracks and full linear notes. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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reggae albums + comps / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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Sir Bentley
Street Shuffle 7"

"You feel your nasty boogie flow?" That lyric pretty much sums up PPU-009, the 9th(!) release on the ever-so-funky label. "Street Shuffle(1)" by Sir Bentley (gotta love that name) is that '79 disco sleaze at its best, complete with a funky-ass beat and ultra-pimp vocal stylings. Throw this shit on and you can seriously feel the pimp juice coming off the vinyl. The original is superb, but check the Tom Noble Edit(2) as he flips the arrangement and making it even hotter. As usual with PPU releases, you can forget about finding the original. Recommendo.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s / funk + soul + latin + disco / reviewer recommended / and more

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Glass Pyramid Band
Unreleased Cassette Demos LP

unreleased 80s synth funk

Once again Peoples Potential has unearthed some killer 80's synth funk this time from... Oklahoma City?! Yup, it's true - this is a one of a kind blend of boogie and county (heavily leaning towards the boogie side mind you) like no other that you just gotta hear to believe. Despite the funny lyrics, "Country Cowboy(1)" is just TOO funky (talkin bout a cowboy that turns the city out with his pimp styles!) Here you get it with the vocal version, instrumental, and cool alternate take instrumental. On the flip, check the funk on "Who's Girl Are You(2)," which sounds like some lost Rick James jam, and "Better By The Minute(3)" an 80s style R&B groover. First time on vinyl, mastered from the original cassette demo and it actually sounds great! Comes in a pic sleeve with dope retro logo. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

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funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco - albums / funk + soul + latin + disco / reviewer recommended / and more

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V/A
Next Stop Soweto: Township Sounds From The Golden Age of Mbaqanga 2LP

rare South African jazz and funk

Strut follows their recent forays into Nigerian and Ethio grooves with a brand new wide-ranging three-part series exploring underground South African music during the late '60s and '70s. Jazz had been a fixture in South African music since the '50s and jive (or mbaqanga) initially emerged a decade later as a fusion combining elements of rural Zulu music and harmony vocal styles with Western instrumentation. Early stars like "groaner" Simon Mahlathini, Nkabinde and the Mahotella Queens were key in developing a colourful, danceable sound and a competitive scene began to flourish during the late '60s with rival female groups like Izintombi Zesi Manje Manje gaining in popularity. With Next Stop Soweto, Strut traces some of the amazing music that often only appeared on short run 45s at the time, including tracks by smaller and lesser known bands that plied their trade under apartheid during the years before the tumultuous Soweto uprising of 1976. Featuring music recorded primarily for the local market, the album takes the listener far beyond the accepted township jive template into fusions with jazz, gospel, rumba, funk and traditional mining songs, all under-pinned by a gritty, uncompromising edge. The Next Stop Soweto series is the result of several years of painstaking research and vinyl archaeology in South Africa by compilers Duncan Brooker and Francis Gooding. 20 tracks in total, spread across two LPs.
reviewed by Strut Records

file under:
latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk soul disco - comps / funk + soul + latin + disco / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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Larry Young
Heaven On Earth LP

1969 jazz with a hint of funk

1969 Blue Note release from organist Larry Young. As the year dictates, this release is at the early onset of the Blue Note jazz-funk period, still tipped more to the jazz side. "The Infant(1)" and the title track(2) are outstanding proto-funk pieces with that sparkling turn of the decade Blue Note sound. George Benson smokes it on guitar. "The Hereafter(3)" is a great moody soul-jazz piece, listen close for the rolling drum work. On the last of the 6 tracks, Young's wife Althea steps in as the guest vocalist on "My Funny Valentine(4)."
reviewed by the mgmnt

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funk soul disco - albums / funk + soul + latin + disco / shota's jazz section / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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Lonnie Smith
Move Your Hand LP

live jazz-funk from 1969

Live recording from 1969 at Club Harlem in Atlantic City. This is the type of album you listen to while sipping on an end of the day scotch n rocks (the cheap stuff). Just picture yourself taking off your suit (or Taco Bell uniform), throwing this on the platter, plopping down on your beat up couch, sippin that brown juice, and listening to "Charlie Brown(1)" and "Layin In The Cut(2)." Easy, right? The title track(3) is the most comped track and it's pretty wicked... Lonnie Smith's vocals have an androgynous salamander quality to the, and I love the alto - baritone sax combo. "Sunshine Superman(4)" is a great closer to ease you back into the real dvr life. 4 extended tracks (averaging around 9 minutes plus), plus the original gatefold cover design.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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funk soul disco - albums / funk + soul + latin + disco / shota's jazz section / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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Sun Ra
The Solar-Myth Approach, Vol.2 (180g) LP

challenging, experimental jazz

Fantastic reissue of this 1970-71 release on Belgium's Actuel imprint, complete with 180g vinyl and the original gatefold cover design (love the cover photo). This is part two of two of The Solar-Myth Approach. It is considerably more out-there than part one (strictly for the hardcore in my opinion). "Scene 1, Take 1(1)" is a great example of Sun Ra's early electronic tinkering. If you like that, you'll probably like "Pyramids(2)," followed by the super-abstract "Interpretation(3)," and capped off by the album's most delicate (and best moment) "Ancient Ethiopia(4)." Songs like bring you back to earth, and what makes Sun Ra albums so interesting. 7 tracks in all.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
shota's jazz section / vinyl new arrivals / funk soul disco

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Sun Ra
The Solar-Myth Approach, Vol.1 (180g) LP

experimental jazz and moments of brilliance

Fantastic reissue of this 1970-71 release on Belgium's Actuel imprint, complete with 180g vinyl and the original gatefold cover design (love the cover photo). Although this record falls under the "challenging" category, its ultimately listenable. I am digging the in the womb, bass vibrations of "Spectrum(1)." Ditto the abstract afro-percussion on "Realm Of Lightning(2)." "The Satellites Are Spinning(3)" is real genius, if you didn't know better, I could convince you it was Led Zeppelin studio outtake (until the chorus comes in). The B-side starts with a trio of free-er tracks (for more womb music, check "Seen III Part 3(4)"), and ends with the little, happy gem "Adventures Of Bug Hunter(5)." 7 tracks in all.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
shota's jazz section / vinyl new arrivals / funk soul disco

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V/A
Al Kent Presents Disco Love: Rare Disco & Soul Uncovered 2LP

unmixed deep disco and soul rarities

Al Kent is the man behind the Million Dollar Disco label, the Million Dollar Disco Orchestra, and the recent Secret Sounds album, and if there is one thing that is certain, this guy knows his disco! For his latest release on BBE, Kent goes through his deep crates of wax and selects and re-edits his favorite soul and disco joints from the 70's. Many are lesser known tracks that only the deepest of disco heads would recognize or own, but thanks to this compilation dancefloors around the world can enjoy these juicy rarities. Check some of these groovin' sounds: Patricia White's "Cosmic Disco(1)," The Midas Touch's "The Night Life(2)," Quinn Harris' "I Will Always Love You(3)," Sweet Daddy Floyd's "I Just Can't Help Myself(4)," Third World Connection's "Hot Seat(5)" and Bob Williams "I'm Alright (6)." Incredible stuff through and through for the disco soul lovers. 8 tracks total.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - comps / funk + soul + latin + disco / vinyl new arrivals / funk soul disco

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Bill Doggett
Honky Tonk Popcorn LP

Long a heavyweight digger's dream, organist Doggett's rare instrumental collabo with James Brown gets its reissue dues. The highlight is certainly the opening track, a revamped and almost unrecognizable funk-up of Doggett's hit tune "Honky Tonk(1)." Besides its own ferocity, this track also notches points as the sample source of the Beatnuts/Grand Puba burner "Are You Ready." The title track(2) kicks serious ass in its own right, with some guitar playing that defines gritty and an incredible break halfway through where the band stops cold while James tries to hold back the funk until it breaks through with a vengeance. Must be heard. OK, drumbreak heads, this one's for you: "Mad(3)" rips up ground with a nasty bassline and some flaming sax work. Rave-up versions of Edwin Starr's "Twenty Five Miles" and Otis Redding's "Mr. Pitiful" compliment Doggett's high tempo originals of which I like "Corner Pocket(4)" and "Make Your Move" and the mellow and perfectly named "After Lunch." Originally on the King label, this reissue places the record under the Polydor auspices, dig the hip cover art!
reviewed by monk

file under:
funk soul disco - crate classics / james brown productions / funk + soul + latin + disco / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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Diamond D
Stunts, Blunts & Hip-Hop 2LP

Supposedly this album was originally pressed in a batch of 500 for promo release. I went to A-1 to buy the repress and Roman put the original under my nose. I asked how much and he hit me in the gut... $150. Now that's that shit. Never mind that collector biz though. It's one of those records whose weight and respect has only grown in the years after it's release. Production credits all go to Diamond as his beats are early nineties at its finest, on the uptown upbeat shit. This LP single-handedly put D on many heads' top 5 producers lists. Hornet style on the classic Benson looped "Yo That's That Shit(1)." Or how bout the Flaming Ember loop on "I'm Outta Here?(2)" The singles "Best Kept Secret(3) and "Sally Got A One Track Mind?(4)" What about the lesser known "Fuck What you Heard, K.I.S.S. or Check On Two?" It's much too much. Almost exact double LP reissue with labels. The original has a sticker. He took a blues break and he broke it.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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new vinyl - hip-hop / vinyl new arrivals / hip-hop vinyl / middle school hip-hop

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James Brown
Sho Is Funky Down Here LP

If you need any more proof that JB is a genius, listen to this album. We all know that he's the Godfather of funk, but did you know he could rock out? This is a James Brown rock record. Not your typical rock, but a funk infused rock with all the changing complexities JB is known for. The way rock should have been and a way that no alcoholic, blow drying hair monkey could ever achieve. JB can't take all the credit though cause he enlists the help of producer David Matthews of CTI fame. Together they create a unique album that experimentation-wise ranks up there with "Damn Right." One moment the sound is rock, then the excess quickly slides off into funk. Checkout "Can Mind(1)" which breaks into a severly funky moment sampled by Brand Nubians on "All For One." Look for similar breakdowns in "You Mother You, Sho is Funky Down Here, and Bob Scoward." But don't miss out on the straight up rock moments. "Just Enough Room For Storage(2)" is a hard hitting electric guitar track comparable to the sound of Jimi. So dope, ATCQ lifted a hook for "Lyrics to Go." The first time I ever heard this LP, I was amazed and it still gets me that JB was able to pull it off. Also one of my favorite covers.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - crate classics / james brown productions / funk + soul + latin + disco / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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James Brown
The Popcorn LP

Some say this is the Godfather's strongest instrumental album, featuring the arrangements of his earlier sound, but with the harder bass and drums of the later work. A good example of this is the track "The Chicken(1)" where the heavy drum and bass intro burst into a James Brown groover. The obvious track here is the famous Popcorn (and it's accompanying dance), but for the harder funk checkout Soul Pride pts. 1 + 2. Again falling into my "Greatest Moments in History" category, the drum break section(2) could be the best on any album. Used to fame by Digable Planets and many others, you might have to lower the pitch a couple notches cause the blazing speed is almost incomprehensible. After you've heard this album you'll understand how much control the Godfather had over his band. Every track is organized very tightly with none of the goofing around you'll hear in later JB's records. A serious instrumental album. My sleeper pick on here is the downtempo "A New Shift" with those short amazing drum fills. What's up with his piece on the cover? God damn.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - crate classics / james brown productions / funk + soul + latin + disco / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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Roy Ayers
Ubiquity LP

One of the hardest to find of the Roy Ayres catalog gets the calling from the reissue gods. Haven't seen this reissue before, and for many this record will fill in the crucial 1971 part of Roy's career. "Roy Ayers Ubiquity" balances right in the middle of vibraphonist's transition from sixties soul & jazz to seventies funk fusion. He's still playing close to a hard bop style but it's every bit as soulful as the later Everybody Loves the Sunshine and Mystic Voyage albums."Pretty Brown Skin(1)" and "The Fuzz(2)" are mid-tempo groovers with a psychedelic edge in the solos."Hummin(3)," a cover of the Nat Adderely track later covered by Large Pro, features a bassline that begs to be sampled. "Can You Dig It(4)" picks up the tempo, starting with a open drum break before Roy's arrangements begin. For sample spotters, "Painted Desert" was used by the Beatnuts on "Get Funky."Additional tracks include: "Raindrops Keep Fallin on My Head, I Can't Help Myself, and Love."
reviewed by Ayres

file under:
funk soul disco - crate classics / funk soul disco - albums / funk + soul + latin + disco / shota's jazz section / and more

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Curtis Mayfield
Got To Find A Way LP

As we head into harder times backed by hope, it feels necessary to get deeper into Curtis Mayfield's catalog. This 1974 release doesn't get as much shine as earlier releases, but resides in Mayfield's infallible 5 year stretch (1970-75). Checkout the standout opener "Love Me (Right In The Pocket)(1)," the break cut "Mother's Son(2)" (which we briefly had on deadstock 7"), "Cannot Find A Way(3)," and "Ain't No Love Lost(4)." 6 tracks in all.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - crate classics / funk soul disco - albums / funk + soul + latin + disco / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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Marvin Gaye
Let's Get It On LP

Can't believe we've never carried this... I'm gonna assume that most are already intimately familiar with the sexxy jamz here - the immortal title track(1), "Distant Lover(2)" (hey, Kanye sampled it!), "You Sure Love To Ball(3)," "If I Should Die Tonight(4)" - and if you're not, no offense but what's wrong with you?? Click "add to cart" post-haste and scuff up your copy when it arrives, pretend like you've had this one for years. Anyway, this quality repress comes in a perfect gatefold repro jacket and even sports the classic yellow/brown Tamla center labels. They don't get much more classic than this. 8 tracks.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
funk soul disco - crate classics / funk soul disco - albums / funk + soul + latin + disco / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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Silver Apples
Silver Apples (180g) LP

cult classic psyche album, drums!

1968 cult classic album from psychedelic electronic music duo Silver Apples. Group member Simeon Coxe is known for creating and playing his own custom synthesizer called The Simeon (along with an arsenal of various oscillators). Along with drummer Danny Taylor, they created a truly unique blend of psyche rock, kraut, and electronic experimentalism. Diggers were especially drawn to this album with its sparse electronics and pronounced drums (the vocals aren't bad either). This is one of those albums that you turn to when you're bored of music. It bursts with creativity and newness (although its approaching 40 years). Check: "Love Fingers(1), Whirly Bird(2), Misty Mountain(3), Oscillations(4)," and "Program(5)." 9 tracks, all of them are good. High quality 180g pressing too. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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Daktaris
Soul Explosion LP

Limited restock! Ok, so the official story behind this repress is that somebody at Daptone found a batch of original Daktaris record jackets in the warehouse and decided to press up enough records to match. Said records are on the same high grade vinyl as the original copies, and said jackets are of course that super thick cardboard jackets with the pasted backs. As for the music itself, the debate as to its African authenticity have long dried up (it's a band made of early Antibalas/Soul Fire/ Daptone members). With those "controversies" out of the way, you should know that this is easily one of the finest pieces of music to come out of the whole NY funk/afro-beat scene, or any other funk/Fela revival for that matter. Maybe because the concept was still fresh, the participants were still excited, and Desco was still breaking new ground, this Daktaris album is electric from start to finish. My friend Jo (aka Joplus) was working over there when this came out, and passed a cd on to me which I ignored for about 6 months. By the time I figured out just how much I was into this album (while cleaning the house- always a good test), the vinyl was already gone. What'd they do originally, 500 pieces? The whole album flows with a relaxed but precise style that distinctly sends up Fela, while chopping the format into easily digestible three minute tracks. It feels free-er than most Antibalas, et al recordings and completely unpretentious. Try tracks like their cover of "Upside Down(1), Musicawa Silt(2), Quiet Man Is Dead Man(3)," and their JB cover "Give It Up Turn It Loose(4)" on for size. Back to the authenticity issue, haters should have read backwards on "Eltsuhg Ibal Lasiti(5)" to catch the wind in their face. 10 tracks total, don't pass up a second chance.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - albums / funk + soul + latin + disco / vinyl new arrivals / funk soul disco

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Yesterdays New Quintet
Yesterdays Universe (Madlib) 2LP

Madlib continues to travel to where no beatmaker has gone before. Don't get me wrong, the Beatkonducta and the collaboration releases have been stellar, but it seems that YNQ is Madlib's real passion... especially this particular album. Madlib steps up the signature randomness here, you can see it in the track order, titles, and expanded cast of aliases. Get into the music, and it only gets deeper. I tried to give this a listen sitting at my desk, but it's so dense and thoughtful, that I felt like I needed to be at home to truly absorb this mind meld. Here's a little bit of categorization to get you started. Beats: "Street Talkin(1), She's Gonna Stay(2) (some truly beautiful shit), Free Son(3), Vibes From The Tribe Suite(4) (a 12 minute cover of Phil Ranelin's classic). Jazz things: "Marcus, Martin & Malcolm(5), Bitches Brew(6), Two For Strata East(7)," and "Slave Riot(8)." From a design perspective, this is one of my favorite sleeves of recent memory. Inside, you'll find fictitious but super-realistic record sleeves (done in 70s independent jazz style) from YNQ's imaginary world. 15 tracks, highly recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
stones throw shop / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / and more

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Baron Zen
Remixes (Dam-Funk + James Pants) 12"

dam-funk's remix of Baron Zen's "Burn Rubber(1)" was easily one of the best tracks from the Baron's recent remix collection, and now it's on 12" with a bonus instrumental version to satisfy your need for synth-drenched funk (which was made out of lo fi 80s Cali punk). On the flip, we get James Pants' killer electro remix of "Gotta Get Ridda Rick(2)" (plus instrumental) and the Baron Zen track "Jackyabody," which is basically just a bonus beat section with drum programming from PB Wolf.
reviewed by Larri Byrd

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

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Sorcerer
Surfing At Midnight (Prins Thomas Remix) 12"

I don't care how much you're into that hip new rave kick (which I'm guilty of, too) - this is the fuckin' equalizer right here. 2 sides of smooth ass beats that groove into the night, similar to the Balearic sound that's big in Europe right now. If you don't know already, the good folks at Tirk Records do, and it shows. Sugar Daddy's "Love Honey" single (which they put out last year) tore dancefloors a new "A" and their roster keeps growing. This year they present Cali newcomer Sorcerer with his track "Surfing At Midnight(1)." From the moment I put this on, I was possessed by its midnight boogie power. The synths stem from the beat like ghostly fingers persuading you to dance and the bassline hits 'em right where you want 'em - in the hips. Remixer extraordinaire Prins Thomas steps in on the B-side to give you a completely reworked version(2), adding live instruments and percussion in the patented Prins Thomas fashion. Although it may have a fuller sound, the Sorcerer version still hits home in terms of uniqueness and vibe. Both are surely worth a cop. Lookout: guitar and keyboardist for Ian Dury & the Blockheads is the next Tirk release. Should be a good year for everyone.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
lindstrom + prins thomas + related / vinyl new arrivals / new disco / cosmic / edits / cosmic + balearic + rock-ish

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Aziz Ansari
Intimate Moments For A Sensual Evening LP (w/FREE MP3 Download)

comedy album from Human Giant member + friend of the lab

FREE DOWNLOAD: each vinyl record includes a download card for the MP3 version.

Of all the people that have knocked boots with the Lab (he once applied for a store position), Aziz Ansari is up there in the IT Factor. Yeah he's got tons of IT, and we're just bathing in his used shower water like The Moonies did to Reverend Moon. I am so glad this dood decided to do an actual recording, because comedy records are great time stamps of a era, and we needs one. Besides, with Chris Rock has going all daddy daycare on us, we need someone to represent the rest of us. Aziz For Vice-President?
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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A Tribe Called Quest
People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm 2LP

Tribe's masterful debut jazz thing album. Surprise favorites like "After Hours(1)" and "Footprints(2)" continually grow on you between the hits "Bonita Applebum(3)," "I Left My Wallet," and "Can I Kick It?(4)". Also Includes: Push It Along, Luck Of Lucien, Pubic Enemy, Youthful Expression, Ham N Eggs, Mr Muhammed, Go Ahead In The Rain, Description Of a Fool. Double album.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
new vinyl - hip-hop / vinyl new arrivals / hip-hop vinyl / middle school hip-hop / and more

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