TURNTABLE LAB

Pacific Horizons
Universal Horizons / The Amulet 12"

deep cosmic balearic grooves from LA, pick

Excellent debut release from Los Angeles-based balearic band Pacific Horizons. Deep cosmic grooves are on the menu for this 12" complete with epic guitar solos, dubbed-out synths, subtle psychedelics and a steady swaying balearic tempo (not too fast, not too slow). Both sides, "The Amulet(1)" and "Universal Horizons(2)," are equally impressive. Fans of Cosmic Baleaeric Beats, Milky Disco, Lo Recordings, DJ Harvey, Todd Terje, and chilling on the beach need to check this. A very limited self-released type deal, so act fast - hand silkscreened, hand numbered edition of 200! Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / and more

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The Revenge
Just Be Good To Me (feat. Danielle Moore) 12"

dubbed out new disco version of the SOS band classic

Hyped dance producer The Revenge revamps SOS Band's 80's r&b classic "Just Be Good To Me" for modern dancefloors on this Need Want 12". The Electric Dub(1) is a chugging instrumental disco groover that'll go well in your cosmic/DFA/slo-house sets. The flipside features the slightly more pumping Ron Basejam Remix(2) that funks things on the synths and includes the re-worked vocals by Crazy P lead vocalist Danielle Moore that does a bang up job hitting the notes of the original. Also features the Accatool with is the acappella infused with effects and key synth moments, perfect for dubbing out in the mix with the Electric Dub (that is if you cop doubles!).
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
various K-Z / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / house / minimal / techno - new arrivals / new disco / cosmic / edits - new arrivals / and more

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Golf Channel Recordings
Liza / Penny (Elias Rahbani, Dr. Hook) 12"

cosmic disco and rock edits

With just four releases (this is #4), Golf Channel Recordings has established itself as one of those cult NY labels that all the record nerds and disco snobs obsess over, and with good reason. Their releases dig deeper than most and seem to always elevate the bar for cosmic/balearic/disco edits. Two more unusual suspects go under for re-edit surgery this time around, the first being Elias Rahbani's stupid rare '78 disco burner "Liza...Liza" extended and fixed here as "Liza (Sexican Version In C.5#)(1)." On the flip it's Dr. Hook's psychedelic rock sleaze fest "Penicillin Penny" that gets reworked as simply "Penny(2)." As with all the GC releases, don't expect this to sit on the shelf for very long.
reviewed by snackmaster

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

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Truth Is Light
Calling You / Where He Leads Me 12"

unknown synth boogie funk edits

Another super limited pressing of unknown synth boogie edits from Truth Is Light! This is the label's 8th release and once again collector/editor Jason Lev (along with Payzant) takes rare heat and puts it under the knife. Check the quirky, high energy synth funk on their edit of "Calling You(1)" with it's rare and unique sound. Where are they finding this stuff?! On the flipside, "Where He Leads Me(2)" takes 'em to church with big choir vocals and huge uplifting arrangement, while "I Found Me A Girl(3)" is a sweet slice of that early 80's r&b sound. Only 300 copies pressed.
reviewed by snackmaster

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

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Tom Noble
Africa Bump / Party Together 12"

Peoples Potential is back with a pair of BURNIN' edits by elite disco connoisseur Tom Noble (who's edit skills were previously featured the Sir Bentley PPU release). First up is "Africa Bump(1)" - pure heat with it's dirty disco drums and sweat-inducing bass sure to get the people workin' on the dancefloor. By the way, this is the only way you'll ever get this track since the original was never released!
Next is "Party Together(2)," a massive uptempo groover from Detroit.
Can't call the original artist, but I'm sure it's rare as hell. Quality as usual from PPU.
reviewed by snackmaster

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

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Pilooski
RVNG of the NRDS, Vol.10 EP

tropical jungle disco, limited

The RVNG of the NRDS series comes to an end with its tenth and final release (how time flies!) from Parisian edit maestro Pilooski. Keeping in line with the rest of the series, Pilooski offers a unique and daring edit that will perk even the most jaded disco collector's ear. "Aaa(1)" is actually an edit of "Ay Ay Ay" by Duke Reid and Nora Dean and is almost more tropical jungle music than it is disco. With a solid kick drum bump (not sure if that's the editor's work or the original) the track bounces along through the sounds of the jungle with ghostly female vocals, echoed guitar, hammond and bass. Brilliant stuff. Flipside features an etching from the whip cream pie scene in Revenge of the Nerds. Limited pressing of 1005 with custom screened sleeves. Get it!
reviewed by snackmaster

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

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Mark E
White Skyway / Nocturn 12"

slo-mo disco house, smooth synths

Mark E is on fire lately, and it doesn't seem like he's gonna be slowing down in the 2K10. After just releasing the limited MERC compilation of his best works from 2005-2009, the Birmingham based DJ hits us of with some fresh material for the new decade on Jisco Music offshoot Under The Shade. The tracks on here focus on Mark E's original production work, which are just as stunning as his edits, with two synth heavy slo-mo house joints with a subtle disco touch. "White Skyway(1)" puts things in cosmic cruise control with soft synths that create a comfortable atmosphere, while "Nocturn(2)" follows suit but adds a funky bassline to the mix.
reviewed by snackmaster

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

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Zapp
Zapp (180g) LP

classic funk album with "More Bounce To The Ounce"

Debut album from the brothers Troutman as Zapp, now on heavyweight 180g virgin vinyl. You need this LP for the undeniable funk classic "More Bounce To The Ounce(1)" in all its 9 and half minutes of bumpin' glory. This was the track that got me hooked on fat, elastic bass slaps and funky robot speech, and will still funk the hell out of a dancefloor to this day. Lester, Larry, Tony, and of course, Roger Troutman brought the world their unique sound that blended the funk with computer electro pop and revolutionized music as we know it. The rest of the album is definitely worth checking out as well, especially with Bootsy on co-production so you know it's gotta be extra funky. Check out the masterful funk on "Freedom(2)," cooled out grooves on "Brand New Player(3)" and "Funky Bounce(4)," and the soulful slow jam "Be Alright(5)" as sampled by 2pac. Cool original cover art too.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - crate classics / new wave + no wave + electro / funk soul disco - albums / and more

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Deee-Lite
World Clique LP

1990 nyc club classic

NYC hometown heroes Deee-Lite had their sound and style eaten up and spit out by the Casey Kasem and his Top 40. "Groove Is In The Heart(1)" was a blessing and a curse. But for all the sweat they put into Manhattan's club and dj scene, their musical legacy is really overlooked (can you think of a more prominent album birthed from any club scene?). Revisiting this album nearly 20 years since its release (yes, 1990), it still bursts with creativity of the time... deep house, trip-hop, and rave all come together in a easy to ingest pop package. So many good album cuts here: "Good Beat(2), Power Of Love(3), Try Me On(4), What Is Love?(5), ESP(6)," and "Who Was That(7)." Ok don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that this one of greatest records of all time, it's just a lot better than people remember. 10 tracks in all (note: "Deee-Lite Theme" was cd-only).
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
80s + 90s / house / minimal / techno - classics / various A-J / rock + new wave + 80/90s / and more

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Souleance
Le Plaisir / Chemise (Fulgeance) 7"

breakbeats and electro boogie, pick!

I must meet this Fulgeance dood. He's reading my mind when it comes to what i want to hear in beatmaking. First he delivers some dark wave inspired beats, now he's teamed up with DJ Soulist for a diverse set of beats that's got my neck ligaments aching with the uber-funky break track "Le Plaisir(1)." Stanky face time. "Chemise(2)" is so hip right now, a great electro-boogie track that I imagine Snack N Cmish killing it with. Note: this is already a bestseller on the Lab digital charts. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / and more

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Trus'me
In The Red 2LP

soulful dance music from Manchester

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

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

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

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Justice
Waters of Nazareth Remixes 12"

New cheaper domestic pressing. Round two! Parisian duo Justice are the men of the hour in the electro/dance community, having already remixed everyone from Britney to Daft Punk to Franz Ferdinand. They also recently signed to Vice Records, and have provided us with this tasty EP to hold us over until they unleash their debut full-length later this year. "Waters of Nazareth(1)" was a huge success when it dropped on the EP of the same name last year; now, Justice head back to the track that spread their name far and wide, offering a remix/collaboration with fellow Ed Banger and Uffie producer, Feadz(2). The sleeve states that their remixes "contains elements from the forthcoming album," and if that's the case then I've got a new most-anticipated-album – even more obtuse and sputtering than the original, this remix may not blow up the dancefloor, but it's a hell of a listen. Speaking of blowing up the dancefloor, though, the B-side on this bad boy is designed to do just that, as electro-rock remixer extraordinaire Erol Alkan contributes a DJ-friendly re-edit(3) and DJ Funk(!) turns in the barely-recognizable "Bounce Dat Ass Remix(4)" of "Let There Be Light."
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
new electro + electro rock + rave / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / ed banger + institubes + related / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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Todd Terje
TTJ Edits #26 (Stevie Wonder, Dennis Parker) 12"

diverse disco edits

We all know Todd Terje has been coming correct with the edits (as well as original disco productions) for awhile know, and this edition of TTJ edits proves the Norwegian disco man still got what it takes to shake up the dancefloor proper. First up is an unexpected edit of "Fizheuer Zieheuer(1)" a militant drum march style track with lots of horns as used for the Ricardo Villalobos of the same name. Next up Terje takes us back to familiar soulful disco territory with a useful edit of Stevie Wonder's "All I Do(2)." Can never go wrong with Stevie! Finally, Dennis Parker's "Fly Like An Eagle(3)" gets extended out on the entire B-side. These ones go deeper than most, and aren't obvious at first, but certainly get the job done.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / re-edits / new disco / cosmic / edits - new arrivals

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Pink Stallone
The Six / Seaside Conga 12"

dirty modern italo boogie sounds, pick

"Take the six downtown for the hot sound..." And it is a hot sound for sure! Finally got in the debut release from New Jersey's Pink Stallone on their own Generatto Records label dropped off by the band when the stopped in for TTL Radio! You might've heard these dudes on Lo Recordings Milky Disco 2 compilation, but this is their first solo release on super limited 12" vinyl. Check out the funked out, dirty slo-mo italo boogie grooves on "The Six(1)" with vocals by legendary old school house vocalist Joey Washington (Strictly Rhythm).
Seriously sick stuff and definitely some of the freshest new disco sounds I've heard in awhile. On the flip, the dudes pump it up on some grimey tripped-out Jersey shore shit on "Seaside Conga." Comes in hand-silkscreend custom covers that sure look pretty. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / and more

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Jackmaster Hater
Hiccup Track / Sensation (Ron Hardy) 12"

unreleased Ron Hardy edits, raw jackin' house style

The mysterious Jackmaster Hater returns with more lost treasures from the Muzic Box. Don't know where this guy is getting this stuff, but glad he's putting it out! This is the third release on the Warehouse Box Tracks label and features two more unreleased tracks allegedly edited by Ron Hardy. First up is the rough and minimalistic "Hiccup Track(1)" that features a raw 606 house beat and an insistent "hiccup" sample over the top. Can definitely be used as a mixing tool to intensify a mix. Next up is an instrumental version of Ron Hardy's "Sensation(2)," the only official original track in his discography, officially released by TRAX back in 1985. The original 12" goes for $100's and never even contained this instrumental mix, it's exclusive to this Jackmaster Hater record!
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
house / minimal / techno - classics / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / house / minimal / techno - new arrivals

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Jackmaster Curt
Real Fresh House / It's A Man's World 12"

rare chicago acid house repressed

Double dose of rare Chicago acid circa 1987 from Jackmaster Curt!
This white label repress contains tracks from both of his super hard to find 12"s ("Real Fresh House" and "It's A Man's World") including the Pump N House mix of "Real Fresh House(1)" and the mix by acid legend Tyree(2), as well the Club House mix(3) and Dub mix(4) of "It's A Man's World." This is some raw, hard shit that'll get the walls sweatin'. Not to be missed for fans of the classic Chicago Trax sound.

file under:
house / minimal / techno - classics / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / house / minimal / techno - new arrivals

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Riton & Primary 1
Radiates (Joker Remix) 12"

electro rock with smashing Joker dub

Clear vinyl pressing! Riton & Primary. And it looks like they've been signed to a major! "Radiates(1)" is a super-catchy electro-rock song that sounds like it was taken from an 80s futuristic-zombie movie. Expectedly, Joker's remix(2) is smashing, while the Re-Rub(3) is a stripped down, uptempo club version. Exciting stuff, recommended.



reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
dubstep + grime - vinyl / new electro + electro rock + rave / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / and more

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

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

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

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Sabo & Uriel
Sol Selectas #9 EP

dubby gospel house and afro-latin breaks

Former Lab-employee Sabo teams up with Uriel (aka B.N. Loco of Mexico) once again for volume 9 of his best selling Sol Selectas series. The duo collaborated on the tropicalia inspired Sol Selectas #6, but here they totally flip things up and go in for a gospel house banger. "Happy Gospel(1)" flips the classic gospel song "Oh Happy Day" and gives it a heavy dub-tech rework that'll get people out on the floor, while "Happy Dub(2)" is equally effective, but dubs things out a bit for those that try and stear clear of vocals. Flipside offers more of the Sol Selectas sound that you're used to with the pumping latin house jam "Mi Tierra(3)" and their afro breakbeat remix of Los Mono's "Promeses(4)." Play 'em loud and watch the ladies get down. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

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

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Matthias Meyer / Wareika
Infinity / Smiles 12"

dance version of Souls Of Mischief classic, pick

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

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

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Peter Digital Orchestra
Local Hero (Fulgeance) 12"

dirty synth beats and club tracks

Fulgeance, here under the PDO guise, is unstoppable right now. His PDO sound is built more for the clubs, but still incorporates the styles we love him for (dark synths, new school beats). It reminds me a bit of the recent Ghosts On Tape Predator EP, especially the blazing "Bubblegirl(1)" which incorporates some bmore drums. "Red & White(2)" is great example of Ful's bass synths: gritty, dark, and in this case, bouncy. I'm also feeling his use of some hip-hop samples, check "my neck my back used in "Jeux De Langues(3)" and the Goblin meets ghettotech of "Banging Booties(4)." 6 tracks in all, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / baltimore - vinyl / new electro + electro rock + rave / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / and more

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Plastikman
Consumed / Pakard 12"

minimal techno classic reissued

Here we have two early 90's cuts that helped shape the whole minimal techno sound from Plastikman, one of Richie Hawtin's most well known aliases. "Consumed(1)" is widely considered a minimal classic with its subtle atmospheric shifts, sparse spaced out rhythms and trance inducing pulses and waves. On the flip is "Pakard(2)" a smokey breakbeat track with hypnotic 303 throbs and minimalist touches.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
house / minimal / techno - classics / various K-Z / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / minimal house + techno / and more

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Blaze
Remixes (Carl Craig, Joey Negro) 12"

deep house remixes

Back to back Blaze classics remixed by big dogs Carl Craig and Joey Negro. Carl Craig keeps the warm vibe of Blaze's feel-good anthem "Lovelee Dae(1)" intact but adds his signature touch to the mix that intensifies and dubs it out at just the right places. Joey Negro works "Wishing You Were Here(2)"into a funky disco-fied stomper on the flip.

file under:
house / minimal / techno - classics / detroit - carl craig, theo parrish, moodymann / various A-J / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / and more

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Dub Poets
Blak + White (Bobby Konders) 12"

classic early 90's deep house

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

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

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Kraftwerk
Tone Float 12"

psychedelic soundscapes

Here's the other side of Kraftwerk, less known to the general public.
Before they gave birth to electro with classics like "Trans Europe Express," Ralf & Florian were composing strange, psychedelic sound experiments like some of their Krautrock peers. The epic 20+ minute "Tone Float(1)" was actually created under the pre-Kraftwerk moniker of ORGANIZATION, and takes the listener on a psychedelic journey through sound - starting with steady building percussion that slowly intensifies until it reaches a climax of howling organs and then the after glow of spaced-out flutes, jazzy bass, and mellow acoustics. There's really no way really soak it in with the minute andhalf sound sample, but just trust that it's something worth investigating. "Megaherz(2)" on the flip, sucks you in with feedback loops and distortion creating a very disorienting feel that gets washed away with lengthy phases of layered ambience. Also includes the bizarre "Hall Of Mirrors(3)." As usual, this is a high quality pressing with hand silk-screened cover from the Slow To Speak guys. Limited.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
new wave + no wave + electro / rock + new wave + 80/90s / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz

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Canyons / Runaway
Dutch Mix / Jungle Mix 12"

dark disco and house

DFA compatriots Canyons and Runaway each supplied an previously-unreleased track for this 12". Canyons go first with their remix of Return To Sender's "Dutch/Boyz/Dance Floor(1)," which is a dark, dubbed out disco track. Definitely getting some gothic vibes from that one. Runaway handle the flip with the mysterious track "Jungle Mix(2)," a house track that features some "Din Da Da-esque" vocal sections. The origins of this record are pretty mysterious, which usually means there aren't many of them being printed so don't sleep!
reviewed by Hires

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

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Social Disco Club
Acid Town / Downtown (Lipps Inc) 12"

re-work of "Funky Town," deep acid grooves

Portugal's Humberto Matias (aka Social Disco Club) takes you on a trip to Acid Town on his latest release for Hands Of Time Gold. You might be thinking to yourself, "Who needs acid bass on Funky Town?" and I would agree it is a bit superfluous but bottom line is it works. The title track(1) spices up Lipps Inc's undeniable disco classic with a little bit of 303 acid bass in just the right spots, and re-edits the whole thing for maximum bang on the dancefloor. The flipside showcases SDC's original productions which sit well on the deep and jacking side of things. Drop "Downtown Version 1(2) and 2 (3)" at your next underground party and watch things get wild and sweaty.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / re-edits / new disco / cosmic / edits - new arrivals

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Moodymann
Freeki Muthafcker / Winter Breeze 12"

soulful Detroit house

Volume 6 in the sneaky white label Moody series represses another pair of KDJ rarities. First up is "Winter Breeze(1)" from Kenny Dixon Jr.'s 1996 Soul Sounds 12", and on the flip is the funky late night bumps of "Freeki MF(2)" from 2008's Det.riot '67 EP. Originals are already out-of-print so swoop these up if you don't already have 'em.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
detroit - carl craig, theo parrish, moodymann / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / house / minimal / techno - new arrivals

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Lindstrom & Christabelle
Baby Can't Stop (Aeroplane Remix) 12"

cosmic new disco remixes

Pair of cosmic remixes of tracks from Lindstrom and Christabelle's new Real Life Is No Cool LP (which is awesome, btw). Belgian duo Aeroplane handle the A-side with their remix of lead single "Baby Can't Stop(1)," in which they loop Christabelle's vocals over a rockin bassline, accoustic guitar riffs and plenty of synthy arpeggios. The B-side sees Dolle Jolle turning "So Much Fun(2)" into a long, psychedelic disco slowburner. Both tracks are great, 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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Le Corps Mince De Francoise
Something Golden (Oleo, Renaissance Man, Heartbreak) 12"

synthpop with house remixes

Le Corps are a French-named girl group out of Helsinki (I know, it's a little confusing, but bear with me), with a knack for synthpop sounds. I can't tell if they're rapping or singing during the verses on "Something Golden(1)," but I don't think it really matters. Nice remixes on this one as well, check out Oleo's slow burner version(2) that starts slow and moody and then morphs into a double time 8-bit track halfway through. Renaissance Man delivers a tech house version(3) that eschews the vocals entirely, and Heartbreak gives it the electro remix(4) that the track has been begging for.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
kitsune + related / new electro + electro rock + rave / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / new electro / electro rock / rave - new arrivals

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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:
dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / lindstrom + prins thomas + related / vinyl new arrivals / new disco / cosmic / edits - new arrivals / and more

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James Pants & Mike B
Through The Rabbit Hole / No Stoppin' The Slide 12"

disco and psych edits from the Do-Over DJs

12" debut for Whatchawannado, a new label featuring edits by DJ's who have graced the decks at LA's infamous Do-Over party. Stones Throw's left field psych man James Pants leads things off with an excellent edit of Jefferson Airplane's "White Rabbit" entitled "Through The Rabbit Hole(1)." For the more dancefloor oriented, check the flip where (thee) Mike B takes Charanga 76's famous spanish version of "Ain't No Stopping Us Now" and extends those banging disco breaks for days before finally letting it slip into the vocals. Limited pressing.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
stones throw shop / funk soul disco 12" - A-J / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / and more

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DJ Butcher
Chopshop Vol.2 (Disco Edits) 12"

party rocking disco and electro edits

Chopshop Vol.2 features both disco and electro edits from Greece's DJ Butcher. No one can deny the funk of Vaughn Mason's funk classic "Bounce, Rock, Skate, Roll" and here it gets trimmed and condensed as "Rollerskating(1)." Stephanie Mill's "Put Your Body In It" carries a similar vibe (if not a bit hyper), and gets a similar treatment her in its edited version(2) that omits the bridge sections. On the flip, things take a turn toward the electro side of things with a useful edit of Newcleus' B-boy classic "Computor Age(3)" and an edit of Midnight Star's "Body Snatchers(4)." Though these are definitely not the rarest selections, it doesn't mean that these won't tear the party up!
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / re-edits - disco + italo + cosmic + rockish / re-edits / new disco / cosmic / edits - new arrivals

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Eddie C
Rocket Science EP

recommended edits

We managed to score the last copies of this excellent edit record from Canadian cult edit producer, Eddie C. With previous releases on Wolf Music and Jiscomusic, Eddie C is an expert at identifying and looping up the most amazing parts of old disco records. "One With The Stars(1)" is a perfect example as he squeezes the most out of that great bassline and those cascading bells. "Get Down(2)" is all about that dubby bassline and great female vocal chants. "Space Cadets(3)" travels into the 80s, fusing space disco and early analog house. Three for three, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

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

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Chico Mann
Manifest Tone Vol.1 LP

debut latin funk LP

Lab score! We managed to secure some sought-after vinyl copies of Chico Mann's first full length effort and underground classic Manifest Tone Vol. 1. To get this on vinyl at this point you either have to be at a live show or find them in Europe and take the exchange rate beatdown. This album started the whole Chico movement in which Antibalas' Marcos Garcia blurs space, time, and continent to produce a genuinely unique sound which draws from different corners of the globe while never sounding disjointed or losing continuity. When this album was released in 2006, it garnered praise from critics and tastemakers across the musical spectrum. Carlos Nino described it as "...a classic Afro-Soul-Salsa mash-up that has all the jumpin', live energy of Fela Kuti leading a procession in The Shrine with the raw, improvised hip-hop of Madlib flexing on the 303." That is a lofty statement, and Garcia certainly lives up to it. Check "Say What(1)," "Soul Freedom(2)," and "Mayombe(3)" as testament. The Lab's own Tkat (who has since gone on to join the Chico Mann live ensemble) even went so far as to crown Garcia the "Jersey City Cuban James Brown of the Casio." "Power (Baby You Got It)(4)" and "Hot Foot(5)" give you a good idea of what he was hearing. Listening to "Sound is Everything(6)" right now it's striking me that although this came out in 2006, no one has made anything even close to this before or since that time. It's old, it's new, and it's fresh! Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / all / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / and more

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Naciente Quartet
Hymn Beat (Chico Mann Remix) 10"

Part one of a limited 10" series featuring hand-screened covers. This is also the debut of the UK's Naciente Quartet who offer a decidedly fresh sound to the downtempo scene. "Hymn Beat(1)" sounds like a Thrill Jockey Band (like Sea And The Cake or Tortoise) mixed with a light sprinkle of psyche and beats. Keep listening as the song builds to great heights, this is listening music. There's also a more percussion-heavy reprise version(2). On the flip, Chico Mann (guitarist for Antibalas) remakes the original as an uptempo song complete with old synthesizers and latin vocals. Unique and fresh, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / all / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / and more

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Chico Mann
Manifest Tone Remixes, Vol.1 (Quantic) EP

(Ed note: This review was done before Tkat became a member of the Chico Mann live show).

Been waiting on another Chico Mann single for a minute now. This is the future of music, in case you didn't know. Marquitos has come from the future to show you how the past should have sounded. This time-traveling mastermind is basically the Jersey City Cuban James Brown of the Casio. You heard it here first. I know that's a bit lofty and that Marcos himself is so humble about this project that he'd be embarrassed to read this (lo siento hermano), but if I had to have an argument with anyone about the brilliance of this music I would definitely win. How can I be so sure you ask? Listen to "Who You Runnin' From(1)" and become a believer. I don't mess with earbuds when I'm on my bike in the city, but if I did I would put this on repeat and ride towards the sun. The sound is so simple, but I just want it to go on forever. It's in these deep grooves that Fela's influence is felt most clearly. The simple breakdown with the ringing phone is beyond brilliant. It makes me really want to ask everyone who I love in my life the simple question: "Who you runnin' from?" While I'm at it I'm sure it would be a good look to ask the man in the mirror as well. The other original track on this single is "Soul Freedom(2)" which was another Tkat pick from the album. This one has a lush cinematic quality to it that again sounds way more complex than it actually is when you break down the composition. This song reminds me of a perfect meal. Good for the body and soul, a rich and vibrant flavor, and not too many ingredients. Quantic steps in to remix "Who You Runnin' From(3)" and is as consistent as always giving the track a nice swinging broken beat and breaking down the guitar parts of the original to a sparse accent floating over the chunky percussion while smartly leaving in the JCCJB soul grunts for emphasis. Comtrom remixes "Soul Freedom(4)" into a bit more of a viable option for the club, but i'm sticking with the originals on this record only because they're so goddamn good. Welcome to the future past. Recommended.
reviewed by Tkat

file under:
downtempo + electronic - recommended / downtempo + electronic - vinyl / all / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / and more

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Loose Shus
Threesome (Xinobi, Keenhouse) 12"

new disco and house

Excellent new disco and house from Bay Area producer Loose Shus here. Threesome(1) is a nice chunk of electro boogie, definitely has that throwback 80s sound. Xinobi handles the remix(2) for that one, giving it a slow house twist. On the flip you'll find "Taurus(3)," a nice modern-italo cut with some wicked lead synth lines and vocoded samples. Keenhouse's remix(4) for that one speeds things up a bit and really lets those original synth solos shine in the middle. Finally, you also get the cool melodic bonus beat "Mmmmmm hmmmmmmmm(5)," which provides a mellow closer for the EP. All five tracks are great here, very recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
new electro + electro rock + rave / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / and more

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Malente
I Like It (Riva Starr, Mikix The Cat) 12"

electro house remix built on KC & The Sunshine band

New electro heat from our homies over at Fools Gold! "I Like It(1)" is built on a sample of KC & The Sunshine Band's infamous wedding tune (well, I guess most of their stuff is default wedding fodder at this point). Malente's version drops the intro sample just long enough for the crowd to recognize it before launching into a blistering electro interpolation. Riva Starr brings things closer to disco house territory(2), chopping the original sample into staccato stabs, while Mikix The Cat summons some massive basslines for a fidgety electro version(3). Fantastic production all around, recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
new electro + electro rock + rave / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / and more

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Crookers
What Up Y'All (Izza Kizza, Kid Cudi, DJ Gant-Man) 12"

italian electro club

After blowing-the-fuck-up with their remix of Kid Cudi's "Day 'N Nite," Crookers and Fool's Gold are back at it with a full length EP from the Italian duo. "What's Up Y'all(1)," yet another electro jackhammer that features up and comer Izza Kizza on the hook. There's been lots of hype floating around for this one, I wouldn't be surprised if it blows up with all the kids in neon. That one is followed by a remix from Fool's Gold alum DJ Gant-Man(2), who blends Crookers' electro/fidget sound with his signature Chicago juke. UK brokenbeat star Seiji contributes two remixes here, in both booty-bass(3) and acid(4) flavors, for the collabo track with Kid Cudi, "Embrace The Martian," (the original version of that track was originally featured on Kid Cudi's A Kid Named Cudi mixtape). Recommended.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
new electro + electro rock + rave / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / and more

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Bladerunners
Music Sounds Better With Edits EP

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

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

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Casxio
Seventeen (Skrillex, The Glass) 12"

indie disco with synth-pop remixes

Casxio is a hot new dance-pop band out of LA, who years ago made the decision to live their lives without spell check (ok, I made the second half of that sentence up, but you can't prove it's NOT true). "Seventeen(1)," is a funky slice of indie dance, with lyrics that recall the good old days when dudes could sing love songs to very young women without catching a charge. If you like your drums a little more on the electronic side, check out the electro pop remixes from Skrillex(2) or The Glass(3). Wrapping things up is "Something About Us(4)," which is a cover of Daft Punk's mellow R&B-tronic number off of 2001's Discovery. Excellent stuff from Plant Music once again.
reviewed by Hires

file under:
new electro + electro rock + rave / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / new electro / electro rock / rave - new arrivals

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Little Boots
New In Town Remixes (Drop The Lime, A1 Bassline) 12"

synth pop darling gets both hype and cosmic remixes

New remixes for the opening track from Little Boots' recently released Hands LP. Drop The Lime(1) leads things off with his signature brand of hyper-bass, speeding up the original and bombarding you with kicks and synths until you're gasping for breath. A1(2) goes the bassline route, keeping the tempo fast and the floor moving with syncopated synth chords and looped vocals. The flip side slows things down a little, with NYC's The Golden Filter(3) concocting a nice cosmic synth-pop version, while Glasgow's Den Haan(4) puts a nice vintage italo sound on it. One item of note, the labels are switched on this one (for a second I thought DTL had pulled a U-turn and started making laid back synth pop), so keep that in mind. Not hating on the uptempo stuff, but the B Side really murders it here, recommended.
reviewed by Hires

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

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Professor Genius
Lord Of Flies / Sweet Machine 7"

cosmic italo cuts

Debut 7" from Professor Genius on his own label, Templo. It's a limited pressing of 400 copies and are pretty exclusive to NY's vinyl stores, so a heads up to my folks around the country and the rest of the world, this is a rare treat! "The point was to make tight, condensed tracks for the dancefloor that are around 4 min long, 'cause a track doesn't have to 7 min to be good." says the Professor. I couldn't agree more. As you would expect from the Italians Do It Better artist and half of Bim Marx, the tracks are experimental, synthladen, pumping and most of all quality. Check the catchy Italo synthlines of "Sweet Machine(1)" to the darker, more late night sounds of "Lord Of The Flies(2)." As for future releases, the label is going to pump out more releases on 7", keeping the focus on concise dance cuts, and as far as I know, keeping the copies NY-centric. Recommended!
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / reviewer recommended / reviewer reccomended / and more

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Manuel Gottsching
E2-E4 12"

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

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

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Cymande
Bra (Danny Krivit Re-Edit) 12"

This is one of those records that rarely ever makes it back onto the shelf at home. That extended edit of the break, a fundamental funk riff of the highest echelon, makes this a constant companion in the gig bag. Mix with house, mix out of house, go from funk to disco or back again, this record is your friend. The Disco Dub Band's version of "For the Love Of Money(2)," sporting a bodacious bass riff of its own, makes this a no-brainer essentiality.
reviewed by monk

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - A-J / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / and more

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Raze
Break For Love / Conversation 12"

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

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

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

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

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

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Baby Oliver
Feelings 2 / Shot Caller 12"

Baby Oliver pretty much came out of nowhere, and their last release on Environ rocked the entire office, even me, the guy that typically doesn't like this kind of stuff. As is a growing trend with things lately, pitched down, weird vocals seem to be all the rage, and "Feelings 2(1)" does it up properly. The New Order-esque chorus fits in surprisingly well between the wacky verses, and those dirty drums really sell the track. "Shot Caller(2)," on the other hand, is a little more on the abstract tip. More DFA than Environ, this one is definitely a power track, but you definitely would have to use it sparingly. Don't drop this one in every set or you'll be pegged for a one-trick pony - that's just how different this track sounds.
reviewed by minimal man

file under:
metro area + environ + related / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / new disco / cosmic / edits - new arrivals

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Morgan Geist
Detroit (Carl Craig Remix) 12"

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

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

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Farah
Law of Life 12"

The Italians do it again! "Laws Of Life(1)" is modern slo-mo-Italo magic that goes DEEP. The beat burns slow with hypnotizing arpeggios and pulsing bass stabs which slowly intensify while Farah's lovely voice adds cryptic spoken word (in a combination of her native Persian and English) that sound like apocalyptic scripture for end times. Crazy heavy stuff coming out of Plano, Texas! The flipside features a lighter "Midnite Remix(2)" that opts for a brighter sounding kit and uplifting melodies plus an instrumental for the original version. Limited press of 1000 in the magnificent Italians Do It Better sleeve. Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / new disco / cosmic / edits - reviewer recommended / funk soul disco 12" - A-J / dance + house + new disco + electro + nujazz / and more

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Henrik Schwarz
The Grandfather Paradox 2LP

classic minimal techno

The Grandfather Paradox is a DJ mix from legends and frequent collaborators Henrik Schwarz, Ame and Dixon, one that combines songs from some of minimal techno's legends with the music that would inspire and lay the ground work for the minimal revolution those same legends would later participate in. This vinyl sampler collects a few of the selections from the mix and presents the so you can enjoy them at full length or incorporate them into your own sets. The double disc set includes work from Robert Hood, La Funk Mob & Richie Hawtin, I: Cube and Yusef Lateef, among others. Whether you're a minimal aficionado or someone looking to catch up on their homework, this is one that shouldn't be missed.
reviewed by Hires

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

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Memory Tapes
Seek Magic (Blue Vinyl) LP

hazy, melodic indie pop

Memory Tapes is yet another rising star brought to us by the folks at Acephale Records (seriously, they're on fire). You also might know him as Weird Tapes or Memory Cassette, which are his two aliases that he combined for simplicity's sake. Seek Magic is a hazy, sometimes-dancey indie-synth-pop masterpiece, one of my personal favorites of 2009. Now we've finally gotten our hands on this limited vinyl run, pressed on blue wax! As for the songs, check out "Bicycle(1)," (recently featured on the Kitsune Maison #8 compilation), the laidback "Green Knight(2)," the uptempo "Pink Stones(3)" or the introspective "Swimming Field(4)." My favorite on the album is "Plain Material(5)," which starts as a poppy indie track and then slowly morphs into a jubilant synth pop cut. You really can't go wrong with any of them though. 8 excellent songs for your headphones or your bedroom, very recommended.
reviewed by Hires

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

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