Forced Exposure New Releases for the Week of 7/3/2023

 

PRICE: $26.00

CAT #: ACRSLP 1609LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

"Wanda Jackson started her career in country music before embracing rock 'n' roll. While remaining true to her roots, the transition proved so successful she was affectionately crowned 'The Queen of Rockabilly'. Possessing a voice that demanded to be heard in a world dominated by male rockers, she blazed a trail for all that followed. Pressed on 140g black vinyl, this 17-track LP comprises some of her best singles from 1954-62. The first track is from her time with Decca, but the other tracks are from her time with Capitol from 1956-62. Features rollicking numbers such 'Mean Mean Man,' 'Fujiyama Mama,' 'Honey Bop,' 'Riot In Cell Block #9,' 'Let's Have A Party' and heartbreakers like 'Right Or Wrong,' 'I'd Be Ashamed' and 'A Little Bitty Tear.' An entertaining showcase for a highly distinctive talent, dubbed 'the sweet lady with the nasty voice.'"

 

PRICE: $26.00

CAT #: ACRSLP 1618LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

"Duane Eddy's guitar was the sound of the instrumental hits of rock 'n' roll music in the late fifties and early sixties. This collection, pressed on 140g black vinyl, features some of his greatest songs from a five-year period and highlights just how integral Eddy was for the development of rock music. With Lee Hazlewood's trademark productions, featuring rasping sax, Duane helped inspire a generation of teenagers to pick up a guitar and emulate his technique. He enjoys continuing respect from many artists who cite him as a major influence. Spawning hits on both sides of the pond, this collection includes favorites such as 'Rebel-'Rouser,' 'Peter Gunn,' 'Because They're Young,' 'The Ballad Of Paladin' and 'Dance With The Guitar Man.' Celebrate the sound of a sensational six-string pioneer and dare to 'Dance With The Guitar Man'!"

 

PRICE: $25.00

CAT #: MUSIQUE 001LP

FILE UNDER: EXPERIMENTAL

While preparing a new edition of Anton Bruhin works in 2008, Alga Marghen discovered some mysterious tapes by Hans Krüsi. Fascinated by the raw and brute contents of those sounds, mixing field recordings of insects, sheep, and distant bells with primitive chanting, percussive noises, and distorted radio folk songs, Alga Marghen started to conceive one of the most obscure editions in the catalog, an LP to be issued in collaboration with the Swiss Kunstmuseum des Kantons Thurgau (the repository of the artist's estate), published on the occasion of Alga Marghen's invitation to the Artist's Record Pavilion at Art Basel 2008 in an edition of 200 copies and instantly sold out. The Swiss-born, self-taught painter Hans Krüsi (1920-1995) was a wiry man who eked out an existence on the margins of society. Even among outsider-art experts, his work is less well known than that of his Swiss compatriot Adolf Wölfli, who died in 1930 and whose richly patterned drawings have become treasures of classic European art brute, or raw art, made by untrained, visionary artists. Krüsi was orphaned as an infant and brought up on a farm in northeastern Switzerland by foster parents who largely ignored him. He scraped by with odd jobs (including gardening work) and eventually settled in the city of St. Gallen. There, Krüsi lived in run-down buildings. In his late 20s, he began commuting by train almost daily to Zurich, to the west, where he sold flowers and, later, his artworks, on the Bahnhofstrasse, one of the most luxurious shopping streets in Europe. Among the wall-to-wall clutter of Krüsi's ramshackle lodgings, where pigeons flew in and perched, evidence of an unexpectedly experimental spirit abounded, including Krüsi's old cameras and the second-hand tape recorders with which he liked to capture the sounds of birds, insects and church bells. The artist's inventiveness and fertile imagination seemed to contrast sharply with his humble way of life. Krüsi took subjects from the agrarian world that he knew: alpine farmhouses, forested mountains, cows, birds, rabbits and cats. In his varied oeuvre, the folkloric and the psychedelic often appear to converge. Some works are even hallucinatory, with bright, brushy passages of acid green, lemon yellow or Pepto-Bismol pink in which watchful, lounging cats, clusters of dithering birds or watery human figures huddle or writhe. After being out-of-stock for 15 years and following the many solicitations over the past decade, Alga Marghen decided to do a new edition to be included as the first record of the new Musique Brut series. Edition of 150.

 

PRICE: $25.00

CAT #: MUSIQUE 002LP

FILE UNDER: EXPERIMENTAL

Though often compared to Frank Zappa, Moondog, Captain Beefheart, Sun Ra, Jandek, and Father Yod, Damiao Ferreira da Cruz, better known as Damiao Experiença, it's a truly unique outsider multi-instrumentalist (without any real capability to play any of the many instruments he uses) compulsive hoarder from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Reportedly born on September 27th, 1935 in Bahia, Damiao lived an unhappy childhood and ran away from home at the age of 10 to escape the mistreatment by his parents. In Rio de Janeiro he served as a radar operator for the Brazilian Navy; while in the Navy he allegedly fell off a ship's crow's nest, hitting his head on the floor, which could have provoked his erratic mental state. Desertion is also sometimes mentioned in his auto-biography as well as the fact that he was sentenced to solitary confinement for many years. After retiring from the Navy, Damiao went to live with a prostitute in a stilt house, became a pimp and was able to produce his record LPs thanks to money obtained via procuring. It was in the early '70s that he adopted the name "Experiença" as an homage to Jimi Hendrix Experience, his favorite band and major influence. In 1974, he self-released his first album, Planeta Lamma, and many others followed throughout the 1970s to the early 1990s, all issued on his own Gravadora Planeta Lamma. Well known for his unsociable personality, he always avoided interviews and attention from the media, even refusing to give autographs or sign any documents. Damião's musical style is impossible to categorize accurately, since he experiments with numerous genres, more prominently freak folk, psychedelic rock, reggae, and experimental music. His songs have no logical sense at first sight, and most of them are sung in a dialect created by him, the "Planet Lamma dialect" (spoken in his eponymous "home planet"), with improvised lyrics. Side One opens with "1308 Registrou gravou rose Oliria Experiença" with Danimhao paying his one-string guitar and singing at the same time in a very primitive folk style mixing Portuguese with his own invented dialect in his lyrics. It continues with the heroic 18-minute "Ritmo Linguagem Planeta Lamma", a purely distilled Phase-3 Damiao Classic of the most refined nature, with the superimposing of many layers of over-recorded Planeta Lamma endurance. Side One ends with "Planeta Lamma", also from his first LP, an intense solo-screaming one-minute piece. Side Two is also pure Phase-3 with his 21-minute "SOL" masterpiece, one of the highest moments in Daminhao Experienca vast discography.

 

PRICE: $25.00

CAT #: NMN 171LP

FILE UNDER: EXPERIMENTAL

In Là is the outcome of the collaboration between Gavin Bryars and the Italian visual artist Massimo Bartolini. Staged as a large-scale installation at the Luigi Pecci Centre for Contemporary Art in Prato, Italy, during the autumn of 2022, Bartolini transformed scaffolding into pipe organ bars, suspended from the ceiling across seven rooms of the museum as the central piece for his retrospective exhibition. It is the music played by these singular organs, composed by Bryars, that makes up the two sides of Alga Marghen's LP edition. Here is a compositional practice by Gavin Bryars returning to some of the experimental and conceptual territory that defined his work during the early 1970s, prior to the composition of seminal works like "The Sinking of The Titanic" and "Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet". In Là presents the composer working across the vast space of the installation, with sounds physically spread in each of the museum's rooms and placed in careful consideration of the space continuity, while at the same time never fulling being experienced in its totality by the listener. This allows the LP documentation of the work to become a singular complement to the live, real-time aural adventure, unveiling phenomena and perceptions of the work's rich tones and poetic structures that would otherwise be unavailable. While Gavin Bryars background in music is well documented, the connections of Massimo Bartolini's poetic to sound as less known. The early practice of modifying architectural or domestic devices into sound producers, eventually led Massimo Bartolini to create installations made of scaffolding tubes which are modified into the pipes of an organ. Conceived in different forms and in relation to different architectural contexts since 2008, these works clearly relate to Baroque organs, the most visual of musical instruments, and to the use of scaffolding in construction sites. The organ conceived for the solo survey at Centro per l'arte contemporanea Luigi Pecci in Prato is the largest incarnation of these series and altogether the largest installation ever conceived by the artist. Hung from a structure that runs along the museum ceiling and suspended just centimeters above the floor, Bartolini built a continuous 75-meters-long wall of scaffolding tubes which winds through seven of the ten rooms of the exhibition space. For this structure of complex engineering Gavin Bryars was invited to compose a specific polyphonic score. Assigning each room a unique melody, the composition creates a richly layered soundscape that is constantly shifting with the viewer as they move through the space. As the title suggests -- alluding to the dominant tonality (La) of the piece -- the score is always "beyond," out of reach, never experienced in its entirety by a single listener as, in fact, the shape of the organ itself. Standard edition of 400; including an insert with liner notes and photo documentation of the installation; numbered.

 

PRICE: $208.00

CAT #: PLANA BB52

FILE UNDER: EXPERIMENTAL

LP version. Limited edition of 90; signed and numbered copies in a sleeve specially conceived by Massimo Bartolini, including a score from Gavin Bryars and an original engraving by Massimo Bartolini. In Là is the outcome of the collaboration between Gavin Bryars and the Italian visual artist Massimo Bartolini. Staged as a large-scale installation at the Luigi Pecci Centre for Contemporary Art in Prato, Italy, during the autumn of 2022, Bartolini transformed scaffolding into pipe organ bars, suspended from the ceiling across seven rooms of the museum as the central piece for his retrospective exhibition. It is the music played by these singular organs, composed by Bryars, that makes up the two sides of Alga Marghen's LP edition. Here is a compositional practice by Gavin Bryars returning to some of the experimental and conceptual territory that defined his work during the early 1970s, prior to the composition of seminal works like "The Sinking of The Titanic" and "Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet". In Là presents the composer working across the vast space of the installation, with sounds physically spread in each of the museum's rooms and placed in careful consideration of the space continuity, while at the same time never fulling being experienced in its totality by the listener. This allows the LP documentation of the work to become a singular complement to the live, real-time aural adventure, unveiling phenomena and perceptions of the work's rich tones and poetic structures that would otherwise be unavailable. While Gavin Bryars background in music is well documented, the connections of Massimo Bartolini's poetic to sound as less known. The early practice of modifying architectural or domestic devices into sound producers, eventually led Massimo Bartolini to create installations made of scaffolding tubes which are modified into the pipes of an organ. Conceived in different forms and in relation to different architectural contexts since 2008, these works clearly relate to Baroque organs, the most visual of musical instruments, and to the use of scaffolding in construction sites. The organ conceived for the solo survey at Centro per l'arte contemporanea Luigi Pecci in Prato is the largest incarnation of these series and altogether the largest installation ever conceived by the artist. Hung from a structure that runs along the museum ceiling and suspended just centimeters above the floor, Bartolini built a continuous 75-meters-long wall of scaffolding tubes which winds through seven of the ten rooms of the exhibition space. For this structure of complex engineering Gavin Bryars was invited to compose a specific polyphonic score. Assigning each room a unique melody, the composition creates a richly layered soundscape that is constantly shifting with the viewer as they move through the space. As the title suggests -- alluding to the dominant tonality (La) of the piece -- the score is always "beyond," out of reach, never experienced in its entirety by a single listener as, in fact, the shape of the organ itself.

 

PRICE: $28.50

CAT #: AL 001CD

FILE UNDER: ROCK

Missed opportunities, never-released albums, wrong, or hasty decisions... The world of music -- like many others -- is full of fascinating stories and "what ifs", to use comic-book jargon. The story of Lucia Rango, an Apulian singer who was active for a short period during the sixties, rightfully belongs to that category and meets all requirements for becoming a legend. In 1967, when she was almost unknown, she recorded Lucia Rango Show, an entire album made of songs taken from the repertoire of her friend Piero Ciampi, who worked closely with her on their selection and arrangements. Being one of the most maudit and personal authors of national songwriting, Ciampi had always been a perfect outsider: blunt, shy, extremely talented, and unable to adapt to the rules of the music business. But above all, the Leghorn-born singer was a superb songwriter. The match between his songs and Rango's classical voice and ethereal beauty looked like a very promising one, but never brought any success. Arranged and orchestrated by maestro Elvio Monti, and embellished by the participation of Alessandro Alessandroni's I Cantori Moderni, the record is a perfect child of the sixties, featuring beat tunes and "yè-yès", Italian canzone, intense ballads, Brigitte Fontaine-like atmospheres and the rediscovered duet of Lucia with her friend Piero, "Non chiedermi più", whose recording was known among insiders at the time but sadly appeared to be lost forever. Ciampi's voice lives again in a song that has remained unreleased for more than 50 years within this new expanded version of Lucia Rango Show, thanks to the long research of journalist Lucilla Chiodi (Musica Jazz). Needless to say, the album is an enormously valuable historical document for all fans of Ciampi's output and Italian music in general. Along with classics such as "Fino all'ultimo minuto", "Quando il giorno tornerà", and "Hai lasciato a casa il tuo sorriso" -- all originally included in Ciampi's first LP released under the alias Piero Litaliano in 1963 -- Lucia Rango's voice consigns to history as many as six songs conceived and written specifically for her recording debut by Ciampi along with Elvio Monti. To date, Rango's invaluable interpretations are the only versions ever recorded of "Samba per un amore", "Il tuo volto", "Stasera resta qui", "Primavera a Roma", "Ti ho sognato", and "Sono stanca". Voted "Best Italian Reissue" of 2022 by Blow Up magazine.

 

PRICE: $37.50

CAT #: AL 001LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

LP version. Teal green vinyl; edition of 300; includes obi strip with liner notes and original unpublished pictures, 24-page color booklet (7" square) in Italian/English with liner notes, new original unpublished pictures and exclusive interview with Lucia Rango, two posters. Missed opportunities, never-released albums, wrong, or hasty decisions... The world of music -- like many others -- is full of fascinating stories and "what ifs", to use comic-book jargon. The story of Lucia Rango, an Apulian singer who was active for a short period during the sixties, rightfully belongs to that category and meets all requirements for becoming a legend. In 1967, when she was almost unknown, she recorded Lucia Rango Show, an entire album made of songs taken from the repertoire of her friend Piero Ciampi, who worked closely with her on their selection and arrangements. Being one of the most maudit and personal authors of national songwriting, Ciampi had always been a perfect outsider: blunt, shy, extremely talented, and unable to adapt to the rules of the music business. But above all, the Leghorn-born singer was a superb songwriter. The match between his songs and Rango's classical voice and ethereal beauty looked like a very promising one, but never brought any success. Arranged and orchestrated by maestro Elvio Monti, and embellished by the participation of Alessandro Alessandroni's I Cantori Moderni, the record is a perfect child of the sixties, featuring beat tunes and "yè-yès", Italian canzone, intense ballads, Brigitte Fontaine-like atmospheres and the rediscovered duet of Lucia with her friend Piero, "Non chiedermi più", whose recording was known among insiders at the time but sadly appeared to be lost forever. Ciampi's voice lives again in a song that has remained unreleased for more than 50 years within this new expanded version of Lucia Rango Show, thanks to the long research of journalist Lucilla Chiodi (Musica Jazz). Needless to say, the album is an enormously valuable historical document for all fans of Ciampi's output and Italian music in general. Along with classics such as "Fino all'ultimo minuto", "Quando il giorno tornerà", and "Hai lasciato a casa il tuo sorriso" -- all originally included in Ciampi's first LP released under the alias Piero Litaliano in 1963 -- Lucia Rango's voice consigns to history as many as six songs conceived and written specifically for her recording debut by Ciampi along with Elvio Monti. To date, Rango's invaluable interpretations are the only versions ever recorded of "Samba per un amore", "Il tuo volto", "Stasera resta qui", "Primavera a Roma", "Ti ho sognato", and "Sono stanca". Voted "Best Italian Reissue" of 2022 by Blow Up magazine.

 

PRICE: $25.00

CAT #: BEWITH 022EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Lost private press gem "The Swimmer" by Florida native Danny Morgan, is a cool and breezy, beguiling easy glide from 1987. It's a mellow marina masterpiece and quintessentially Balearic. Over the past few years, it's gathered a cult following yet the album from which it derives is virtually impossible to come by. Finally available on a standalone, fully remastered 12", it's been backed by an instant classic "Seahawks Swimming Through Space Remix", courtesy of those beloved cats Jon Tye and Pete Fowler. Fans of the deeply entrancing, nautically and narcotically-enhanced cuts of Dennis Wilson or Michael Nesmith's The Prison will be instantly mesmerized by the sheer beauty of "The Swimmer". Danny on the record: "At the time I was running many miles on the Sanibel Island beach and doing a bit of swimming in the Gulf Of Mexico. Keeping my mind busy on a long run, I imagined a 'what if' movie scene. Almost every run or swim someone is sitting there on the beach watching what goes by. Back at my desk I started finger picking some chords and the picture in my head showed up. I punched in a rhythm loop and the song was on its way. Adrian Belew and I had the same manager Stan Hertzman so I was listening to some of Adrian's work. I was a huge fan of Joni Mitchell and the unusual chord changes and melodies in some of her songs. All of this influenced the sound on 'The Swimmer'. I had a support band at the time living in my house on Sanibel Island so we practiced a lot. We came up with an arrangement of the song and we took across the bridge to John McLane's Important Studios and recorded it. I played finger picking acoustic guitar and sang, Tim Miller played drums, Jeff Holck played fretless bass, Dave Dust played lead guitar and John McLane played keyboards and sang harmony." Remastered by Simon Francis. Cut by Cicely Balston for Alchemy at AIR Studios. Edition of 500.

 

PRICE: $18.00

CAT #: BCD 17705CD

FILE UNDER: ROCK

"Fourth and final part in the little CD series on 'true rock & roll in Germany' on Bear Family Records. Nico Feuerbach has put his heart and soul into compiling this edition full of quirky, rare and once well-known recordings from the 1950s and '60s. Including, among others, the Rattles, Conny Quick, the Liverpool Beats, Dieter Kersten, Peter Reese & The Pages, and and and... Extensively narrated by Roland Heinrich Rumtreiber in the included comprehensive booklet, accompanied by many photos and illustrations. Carefully remastered from the best possible sources and nobly packaged in Digipak. Bear Family Records proudly presents another breathtaking compilation of German Rock & Roll from the '50s and early '60s. The balancing act between the Northern Band sound of Conny Quick's 'Rock Baby Rock,' which sounds like Conny singing in the shower to the swing program on his tube radio, and the raw beer cellar sound of the famed Rattles with 'Shimmy Shimmy,' succeeds effortlessly. The compilation delivers unusual gems like the Liverpool Beats' cover of Jimmy Reed's 'Let's Get Together,' a bold copy of the Marcels' 'Blue Moon,' and 'Kiss Me' by Dieter Kersten and his Rockin' Stars. Their garage teen rockabilly is reminiscent of early Johnny Powers. Peter Reese and the Pages deliver a cosmic Silver Surfer sound yet call their instrumental modestly Pages Rhythm. The country-esque "Die Farbe der Liebe" by jazz virtuoso Paul Kuhn is a late-hour bar shuffle for the Wirtschaftswundermann."

 

PRICE: $31.50

CAT #: BS 076LP

FILE UNDER: JAZZ

Since the early 1980s, the Nexus creature has represented one of the most interesting realities of the Italian jazz scene. Daniele Cavallanti (Aktuala) and Tiziano Tononi (Moon On The Water/D.O.M Alia Orchestra) realize a sensational mix of orchestral praxis and impro-free jazz. The strength lies in the ensemble's variety of timbres, in that precise hybrid of styles reminiscent of the cross-sectional experiences of the 1970s of Zappa, Henry Cow, or Charles Mingus. Thus, electrifying phrasing, the most hermetic breaks in the plot prevail, which are sublimated, however, in a skillful balance between recognizable themes and more radical instrumental drifts. The choral openings of the woodwinds and the more abstract rhythmic trajectories of Tononi's drums, the abrupt swings of the vibraphone and drums, and the confusing, sparkling inserts of the violin are the dominant features. The drama of the sound also touches more spiritual-jazz peaks, evoking the sad story of the slave trade. Noura Tafeche's lysergic cover represents the transatlantic journey and the syncretic history that gave birth to jazz culture, this drawing takes its cue from the artwork of Mati Klerwein (Miles Davis, Santana). Poster cover.

 

PRICE: $92.00

CAT #: BS 078LP

FILE UNDER: EXPERIMENTAL

The visionary French musician Ariel Kalma stays true, in this third compendium too, to his path of planetary asceticism. A new treasure chest of secrets reveals to us same spirituality of total experimentation, by balancing the universe and the inner soul. In "Taste The Fullness Of Life," Ariel builds his symphonic pillars toward the cosmos, eternal architectures that always smell of Indian fragrances. The music always communicates a state of full grace, spreading balms of bliss. An unprecedented whispered narrating voice, evident especially in "Spiritual Chanson D'Esprit," is embellished with textures of harmonic bells, tropical flutes, spacey harmoniums and drones of mystical light. In the recordings of "Going Inward," also made on the occasion of a Tantric workshop, Kalma oscillates between tribal electronic dances, metallic almost industrial rhythms, but then always falls back in a comfort zone made of desert carpets of synths and baths of sound (gong/bells). "Harmonica Galactica" crowns interstellar dreams with unscrupulous drum-machine gears and pulsing saxes, superb use of VCS3 with Arabesque and Schulzian overtones, and suave touches of fingerpicking guitar with freak vibes typical of psych-folk.

 

PRICE: $42.00

CAT #: BS 079LP

FILE UNDER: JAZZ

Spiritual jazz paths always open up unexplored dimensions, this is the clear impression revealed by this superb and ambitious first double album by Lina Langendorf and her new band. The Swedish saxophonist (OK Star Orchestra, James Yorkston, Nina Persson & The Second Hand Orchestra) seems to be blowing in the lesson of the great sacred monsters of the instrument such as Wayne Shorter, Pharoah Sanders, or Archie Shepp, but revising it in a melting pot of bolder contaminations. The secret lies in embracing different musical traditions and genres in the flow of a futuristic, psychedelic sound in constant metamorphosis. Ethio jazz may marry Mali blues, Afro beat, Scandinavian melodies, and tonalities from the Mandinka tradition. Everything, however, is focused toward a lysergic fury of rhythmic euphoria. Acid keyboards draw astral and hypnotic grooves, kaleidoscopic carpets, exotic intergalactic and satellite patterns; a hymn toward the cosmos that still smacks of Sun Ra-like solar myths and Mulatu Astatke's East African winds. Co-produced with Sing A Song Fighter.

 

PRICE: $27.00

CAT #: BS 080LP

FILE UNDER: EXPERIMENTAL

Since the 1970s, Mario De Leo works as a musician and visual artist. His mechanical paintings are hybrid works that reveal the cosmic spiritualism hidden in the meanders of electronics. With Riccardo Sinigaglia (Futuro Antico, Correnti Magnetiche, Doubling Riders), De Leo consolidates an artistic and human partnership with Lettera Cosmica, a work unpublished to date, produced and recorded in 1981. In a wacky electronic vision of the succession of time, the tracks trace the four seasons in a fine process of analog loops, prepared tapes of strings and piano, time and pitch shifts, filtering with Synthi EMS and TEAC 3340 4-track recorder. On this seemingly cold palette, De Leo deploys his own personal Mediterranean fingerpicking, with vocal timbres peculiar to the music of the South of Italy, but no longer circumscribed to the origins of his Pugliese regionalism, as much as to an expressive range seasoned also with irony and avant-garde. The sound writing harmonizes with the evocative cover, in which emerges a warmest human note of "technological peasant".

 

PRICE: $66.00

CAT #: BLUME 014-15BOX

FILE UNDER: EXPERIMENTAL

After remaining out of print and hotly pursued for five years, Blume Editions returns with a brand-new edition of their 2018 release of Julius Eastman's The N****r Series. Comprising three of his most politically and creatively radical works -- "Evil N****r" (1979) "Gay Guerilla" (1980) and "Crazy N****r" (1980) -- each a shimmering and complex work of post-minimalist piano, this brand new deluxe edition is housed in a beautiful, handmade wooden box, which contains two vinyl LPs, a 12-page booklet with the original liner notes by Mary Jane Leach and Bradford Bailey, a brand new 2500-word essay by Bailey, as well as new unseen pictures courtesy of Roberto Laneri, and a poster. Over the last decade and a half, it's been incredible to witness the ascending star of the composer Julius Eastman. A celebrated figure within the New York experimental music scene during the 1970s and '80s, over the years following his untimely death in 1990 he and his work drifted into sinful neglect. Largely thanks to a series of archival releases attending to his work, and a handful of new renderings by Apartment House, Wild Up, So Percussion, Kukuruz Quartet, and number of ensembles, attention has finally come his way, placing him at the center of the consciousness of a new generation of listeners. During his tragically brief life, Julius Eastman burned like a wild fire. A brilliant composer, pianist, and vocalist who, with contemporaries like Arthur Russell, Arnold Dreyblatt, Ellen Fullman, Rhys Chatham, Glenn Branca, and numerous others, pioneered the development of post-minimal music, he was among only a handful African American artists at the center of New York's experimental music scene during the 1970s and '80s. Contentious, confrontational, and brash, he was also among the first artists to draw the subjects of ethnicity and queer identity into the conceptual sphere of that scene; interventions that rarely went down well within a context that was dominantly middle-class, heteronormative, and white. Sadly, this led to attacks upon him by prominent composers like John Cage, a factor that contributed to the long-lasting degradation of his legacy that has only just begun to be repaired. While none of the works within The N****r Series explicitly state they must be executed on piano -- being composed by Eastman "for any number of similar instruments" -- since their debut by the composer on piano in 1980, they have almost always featured the same instrumentation. The recordings featured within are the earliest known -- dating from around 1980 -- and are the only to have been realized during the composer's lifetime. Collectively, these three works -- unquestionably among the most politically and creatively radical in Eastman's entire body of work -- generate sprawling soundscapes through adamantly restated patterns and interlocking canons, not fragmenting, but preaching urgent truths. Double-LP on violet vinyl, audiophile pressing, housed in Nagaoka anti-static record sleeves.

 

PRICE: $14.50

CAT #: CC 023CD

FILE UNDER: ROCK

Deepening the comic tones using cosmic relief, and lively vibes, La Science des Imbéciles (Ludicrous System), Brigitte Barbu's sophomore sonic adventure, manifest a blurry creation intersecting orbital audio paths and damaged smoking instruments. Could have easily been called Birdless Science but it wouldn't be funny? Reverberating estranged arrangements, bizarre sounds, electronic fantasies, "hallucinationalism", and crypto poppy stratums all party together in Barbu's second explicit sensual album. Recorded and digested during a gastro-reclusive residency in an Un-Orthodox Union Spacy Workstation, under the benign diffraction of "Californian psychedelia" and medieval Cyrillic capharnaüm. Due to historic geographical confusions and incorrect spellings, any specific detail will stay confidential. Using a powerful branded calculator, digital converters, boutique preamps, and various synthetic substitutions, this extra album is blooming for spring cleaning. The guitar was accidentally ravaged, propelling supervision into a strange but dope alt verse, still somewhere between an impromptu voyage through scattered chronology and a poetic analytical research. A cheerful memento escaping from pressure and weight like one of those fancy diets. "I wanted to compose an intangible pop LP," says Brigitte, "with guitar as an alibi, blending arrogant synthesizers and humble plug-ins." With a genuine thoughtful dimension, this record freaks as out audiences with its neat mischievous mood. Jazzing the mushing rooms while testing the acid tweaks, initially, the artist had ambiguously vague rules for composing: but slowly, offending beardless academics became the motto. Ingrédients: orgasmic pads, sublime beaches, distorted nostalgia, frustrated markets, perfect crowds, shady brews, body fluids, magnificent news, fried stars, hairy spouses, loud flirts, cosmic crumbs, healed sons, dumb technology, rare games, underground motherships, Turkish tarot, fat bits and heavy cream, fresh herbs, exotic invectives, a stuttering abacus, lamb's bread, silent farts, croissants chauds, extended outsiders, incongruous "patisseries", condescending muffs, violent eardrums, hijacked bytes, macho bakers, epic fails, Viennese bass, very large ears, hilarious gliding, what else ??

 

PRICE: $20.50

CAT #: CCS 126EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

The ever-prolific and established artist Alan Abrahams aka Portable makes a swift and very welcome return to Circus Company with the impressive lead single "Guiding Me", giving you an early taste of his forthcoming album, Augmented Dreams. Conceptually the direction of this new project refers to the use of technology to alter our dreams, inadvertently or not, as so much tech advancement becomes available and ingrained in our daily lives. The timely lead single here inspired by Abraham's South African ancestors the Khoi San people and the guidance they provide, appropriately exuding both futurist formed sonics and dream-like tenderness in content, led by his dulcet-toned vocals and delivered with the super solid production we've come to expect. Wonderful multi-purpose electronic music which will find itself right at home on late-night discerning dancefloors, or indeed guiding the listener through their respective travels, solo meditations or get-downs in headphones. Along with the excellent "Guiding Me" original mix, you are graced with a masterful remix by Hamburg's Lawrence of Smallville and Dial fame, who takes the track into an even more floor-focused realm with his patented rolling sub-bass lines which will guarantee plenty of summertime sound system finessing, as well as the EP-exclusive B2 track "Vigor" in which Portable goes even deeper in tone with classic styled vocal cut-ups and repurposed shards of tasty sound design added to keep the dancers endlessly entranced when and wherever they may be.

 

PRICE: $18.00

CAT #: CCR 012EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Infunktuation's "Feel Real Good" is a deep house classic that has been given a new lease on life with its vinyl reissue from 1993. Produced by Davide Sabadin, Leo Mas, and Massimo Zennaro, "Feel Real Good" was originally released on Creative label and has become a staple in the genre and continues to be celebrated by fans of deep house music. The track itself is a perfect example of the genre, and it's easy to see why "Feel Real Good" has become such an iconic track over the years, as its combination of groove and soulfulness is simply irresistible. As a reissue, the vinyl sounds just as fresh and vibrant as it did back in the day. The production quality is top-notch, and the vinyl pressing captures the warmth and depth of the original recording perfectly. Overall, Infunktuation's "Feel Real Good" is a must-have for any fan of deep house music, and this reissue is a great opportunity to experience this classic track on vinyl. Whether you're a seasoned fan or just discovering the genre, this track is sure to leave you feeling good and dancing all night long.

 

PRICE: $18.00

CAT #: COR 174EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Next up is an overdue reunion with a familiar face. After his outstanding contribution to Cocoon Compilation S and his first solo EP on Cocoon Recordings, Raxon is back with a more than equally fascinating sound. The Egyptian-born and now Barcelona-based artist is back on it again, delivering two tracks that will take you on a journey through the depths of robotic soundscapes. Intricate beats, hypnotic synthesizer melodies, deep bassline grooves, and distinctive EFX sounds create Raxon's very special signature sound. Straight drum programming paired with chirping percussions takes you away to embark on a travel through space and time while distinctive claps poke through a futuristic nebula of floating and shifting sequences. The twisted melody of "Robotalia" carries you to a parallel dimension of machine sound and if you listen closely, you can hear the robots' screwing and sawing. Warping bleeps and mechanical effects complete the robotic feeling. Raxon's understanding of structures and architectural abilities are reflected through the arrangement, slowly increasing to ecstasy. "Kryptonite" scores with alien soundscapes. Stuttering vocals are the questions, while futuristic and dramatic chord stabs are the direct answer. A straight, radiant sound appears as an electronic trombone from outer space, offensively supporting the driving bassline. The symbiotic interplay between the euphoric synthesizer hook line and the relentless beat with pushing sharp hi-hats visualize powerful images in one's mind's eye. Suddenly the beat stagnates and results in a morphing break going head over heels developing a start-stop pitch effect that not only builds up tremendous tension but also bears an increased risk of melting your brain.

 

PRICE: $15.50

CAT #: CSR 319CD

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

The new album from 400 Lonely Things, produced by William Basinski, is a dark ambient, sample-based séance to the Banning Mill -- a real-life decaying "mansion" and haven for artists, freaks, and misfits in the backwoods of the American Deep South in the 1970s-1990s -- and an extraordinary piece of art that lived there. An archaeological excursion in found sound -- wandering through the art and memory of a real place, Mother Moon is an origin story for 400 Lonely Things. In the '90s, Craig Varian was fortunate enough to frequent the Mill in the years before it closed. It was here that he was exposed to the artwork of Richard Scott Hill, whose artwork "Minotauress" graces the album cover. His work both captured and fed into the Mill's sinister yet playful undercurrents of mania and depression. This album, born out of that first visit to the Mill, is an imaginary soundtrack to the many years of solitude the Minotauress spent hanging in the musty, secret winding halls of Banning Mill. Since the days of the Mill (and Varian's subsequent purchase of "Minotauress" shortly before the Mill closed), Craig Varian, along with best friend and late musical partner Jonathan McCall, found a thread of music they'd been consistently making yet had previously failed to notice -- melancholic instrumentals with weathered sampling at its core -- going back to their earliest recordings in the late 1980s. Eventually, this music was called 400 Lonely Things. Six-panel, spot-varnished digipak. "Mother Moon is a cypher that saves an important hidden fragment of cultural history from erasure" --Ben Ponton, Zoviet France. "Mother Moon is darkness calling. It will take you to the outer limits and leave you there. Guaranteed to twist your mind" --Andrew Hulme, O Yuki Conjugate. "A wistful, burrowing, beautiful nightmare." --Daniel Kraus (NY Times best-selling author of The Living Dead with George A. Romero, and The Shape Of Water with Guillermo Del Toro)

 

PRICE: $15.50

CAT #: CSR 326CD

FILE UNDER: EXPERIMENTAL

Available on CD for the first time, Soviet composers perform their works on the legendary ANS synthesizer. Recorded in 1971, Musical Offering is six tracks (42 mins) of experiments on the unique machine by: Eduard Artemiev (two tracks), Oleg Buloshkin, Sofia Gubaidulina, Edison Denisov, and Alfred Schnittke. Musical Offering demonstrates a "musical" machine unlike any other and has long fascinated cutting-edge, modern electronic composers, notably Coil and The Anti Group Communications (TAGC)/Clock DVA, that have both released recordings utilizing the ANS. Try to imagine a score sounding by itself without a conductor; an orchestra without musical instruments. This magic is possible by using the musical ANS synthesizer. Created by Soviet scientist Evgeny Murzin over the course of 20 years, ANS is an instrument with which a composer can not only create but also draw their music without notes. You can see the twinkling of different lamps, the rotation of grooved glass discs... The drawings on the glass are "sounding notes". To listen to the drawn picture, press the button and a wonderful transformation will begin. Inside the ANS are five rotating glass discs with 144 tones printed (by hand) on each one. Light is projected through the discs and onto photovoltaic cellbank which converts the light into electricity and sends signals to the ANS's amplifiers and bandpass filters. The ANS can generate 720 tones this way and, unlike a human musician, play them all at the same time. Murzin dedicated his photoelectronic apparatus to Alexander Nikolayevich Scriabin, hence the name ANS. Scriabin, the creator of the "Poem of Ecstasy", and a famous explorer of synesthesia, used in his works a highly chromatic, new type of harmonic style designed to express his beliefs, views and wishes. These tracks have only ever been available on an LP pressed by the state-run Soviet Union label Melodiya over 30 years ago. Soviet music lovers will already know recordings made on ANS from Tarkovsky's films Solaris, The Mirror, and Stalker, Konchalovsky's film Siberiade, and others. Digipak with the new artwork by Abby Helasdottir, complimenting the ANS process perfectly. Officially licensed from Russian state label, Melodiya.

 

PRICE: $25.50

CAT #: CVSDLP 005LP

FILE UNDER: JAZZ

On their first stand-alone record as a duo, Ken Vandermark and Hamid Drake celebrate their 30+ year playing relationship with an electrifying live set of pieces, all featuring music composed by legendary free jazz musician Don Cherry. Restricting himself here to tenor saxophone, Vandermark has developed an almost telepathic understanding with Drake, whose masterful work on the drum kit has rarely been more focused and relaxed. The music was recorded in Corbett vs. Dempsey's main space on the closing day of the gallery's exhibition of work by Moki Cherry, Don's partner in the Organic Music Society, whose powerful tapestries and paintings were often key elements in the Cherry's performances. Drake and his family in fact lived with the Cherry family in their home in rural southern Sweden in the 1970s, and the drummer's personal experiences with her visual art added a special depth to the concert with Vandermark, diving into music from across the great trumpeter's songbook. The program, some of which runs as medleys of different tunes, comes from as far back as Cherry's groundbreaking '60s Blue Note LPs (Elephantasy, Complete Communion), up through the title track of the killer 1975 A&M side Brown Rice, and more culled from later LPs on ECM, including the band Old And New Dreams (Guinea, Mopti) and Cherry's beautiful duo album with drummer Ed Blackwell (El Corazón, Solidarity). During the concert, mid-set, Drake stopped playing to tell the story of his time with Don Cherry, including his harrowing experience contracting malaria while playing in Africa; this stirring narrative is transcribed as the liner text in the LP's gatefold. Gorgeously recorded, with Moki Cherry's tapestry "Spirit" on the cover, Eternal River keeps flowing with the ease and wonder of two brilliant Chicago musicians at the top of their game, in their hometown, playing the music they love.

 

PRICE: $39.50

CAT #: CVSDLP 010LP

FILE UNDER: JAZZ

Sexmob breaks new sonic ground with longtime producer Scotty Hard on The Hard Way, a new and extraordinary collaboration. For over a quarter-century, the visionary quartet Sexmob has exploded all preconceived notions of what an instrumental jazz band can be. In many cases -- on the albums Dime Grind Palace (2003), Din of Inequity (1998), Solid Sender (1999), and Sex Mob Does Bond (2001) -- they've done so with producer Scotty Hard at the board. On The Hard Way, Sexmob's remarkable new recording for 2023, the music skews decisively electronic, as Hard's beats and soundscapes provide slide trumpeter and founder Steven Bernstein, saxophonist Briggan Krauss, bassist Tony Scherr, and acoustic/electric drummer Kenny Wollesen, all the stimulus they need for further composition and fearless reinvention. Acclaimed pianist/composer Vijay Iyer guests on "You Can Take a Myth," sprinkling stark sustained treble tones and abstract harmonies on top of fat processed bass (played by Hard) as the composition unfolds. John Medeski (of Medeski Martin & Wood) underlays organ chords and blues phraseology to perfection on "Banacek" and works atmospheric magic with mellotron, counterposing Hard's evocative balafon samples, on "Club Pythagorean," one of two tracks included on the bonus 12" EP (45rpm). The other, "Dominion," was created with DJ Olive. With each offering, and certainly with The Hard Way and its rich electro-acoustic groove canvas, Bernstein and crew evince a modernizing impulse but also an equally strong foundation in the roots of jazz and American song. Funky, bluesy, with a tattered dissonance conjured up by Krauss's throaty saxophone tone, the distinctive wail of Bernstein's rare horn and the swagger of Scherr and Wollesen's rhythm section grind, Sexmob continues to chart new paths in 21st century creative music.

 

PRICE: $23.50

CAT #: COSMR 002LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

Reissue, originally released in 1976. Long before the term Cosmic Americana was of common use there was a band ideally fitting the role. Back in 1976 the long psychedelic wave was rapidly fading away, but the market of private press was still in demand. The self-debut album of Relatively Clean Rivers came out the same year on the leader Phil Pearlman's label. Pacific Is released just this sole album and was to a certain extent an original example of do it yourself. The brainchild of Phil Pearlman, the band was rapidly crossing genres focusing on extended long jam verging on Californian psych and proto-ambient country/folk. The man, a sort of local guru, was previously involved in two other projects: Orange County's own The Beat Of The Earth and The Electronic Hole, so to speak different names for the same group of musicians. While those two early efforts were explicitly devoted to a sort of LSD induced trip, the Relatively Clean Rivers stand on their own, merging styles and -- finally -- proposing an accurate songwriting. The first pressing of this sought-after, underground masterpiece has been traded for thousand dollars, now here's your chance to grab this rural manifesto. With much of the music being acoustic, there are elements of morphing electric guitars, smattered with strange, spacey moments creating a certain stoned atmosphere. The album is imaginative, melancholic, mellow, and exotically webbed. And then there's the band Wilco, citing Relatively Clean Rivers as being inspirational.

 

PRICE: $14.50

CAT #: DADA 005CD

FILE UNDER: ROCK

The first in a series of archival releases from Cranes, the band's John Peel Sessions are collected for the first time. Formed in mid-1980s Portsmouth by the brother and sister duo of Jim Shaw (drummer, keyboardist, guitarist, programmer) and Alison Shaw (vocalist, guitarist, bassist), Cranes first appeared in 1986 with Fuse, a self-released and now highly sought-after cassette of demos. Their debut album Self-Non-Self followed in 1989, catching the attention of legendary DJ John Peel, who invited them to record two sessions for his show in 1989 and 1990, the second seeing Mark Francombe (guitarist, keyboardist, bassist) and Matt Cope (guitarist) join ranks to form the line-up who would go on to record multiple albums for Dedicated including the much-loved album, Forever, which enjoys its 30th anniversary in 2023. Cranes are releasing John Peel Sessions (1989-1990) on their own Dadaphonic label. The first in a series of archival releases, this compilation features original artwork by fe?ted 4AD & v23 sleeve designer Chris Bigg (Pixies, Cocteau Twins, The Breeders). Six-panel digipak; edition of 500.

 

PRICE: $29.50

CAT #: DEAR 007LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Non Masse is the new LP from Brussels-based artist and producer Apulati Bien. After several notable releases on the Parisian label Promesses (OO:NÉ, RER TRACKS, and Azone, jointly released on the Belgian label KRAAK) in solo or via the duo XOLOT he forms with artist Vica Pacheco, navigating in a neo-futuristic aesthetic with glitch and experimental influences mixed with juke, footwork, and more broadly bass music heritage, Apulati Bien explores this time new territories, devoid of preconceived forms and leaving more space to each element. Recorded at the time of the finalization of his last album Azone released in February 2022, with the will to proceed with a different method, even opposed to the one he knows, Non Masse (whose title is equivocal of the approach) is a more aerial object, with unquantified structures and sliding material, reflecting a feeling of "wanting to get out of (his) own mass", according to his words. A feeling certainly shared by many during the troubled period of the last two years, and which echoes a general desire for detachment, for withdrawal combined with a search for discovery in these overloaded times. Non Masse is not however an object apart from Apulati Bien's discography, where you find the main elements of his music: futuristic references, glitch, and digital contortions, which should not be approached as a light object but as a complex one, where the subtle details don't aim at diverting the attention, but on the contrary at nourishing a more global speech. The title "Alone Global" of one of the tracks is probably the most accurate definition of this project.

 

PRICE: $31.50

CAT #: DSDM 005LP

FILE UNDER: EXPERIMENTAL

The latest work, after six years of silence, from Italian berlin-based composer, performer and publisher (Black Letter Press) Claudio Rocchetti, and a welcomed return on the Die Schachtel imprint after the brilliant Another Piece of Teenage Wildlife (2008), Labirinto Verticale (Vertical Maze) takes its origin from the four years long collaboration of Rocchetti with the Parma-based Fondazione Lenz, a contemporary theater research collective/organization. Immersed in their very fertile milieu, inspired by the writings of Hölderlin and Calderon de la Barca, and orbiting around the concepts of memory, sedimentation, presence/absence, Rocchetti produced several hours of music, a selection of which is collected in this album, that marks the n.5 in the internationally acclaimed Die Schachtel's series Decay Music, perfectly fitting its mission, which is to explore the more "intangible", "decomposing" (in a re-generative sense of the term) borders between experimental sound and "proper" music with a special focus on the more interesting experiences of the contemporary Italian scene. For sure the series of delicate, eerie pieces that composes Rocchetti's Vertical Maze are of an intangible, almost "phantasmic" quality (in Rocchetti's words), a sort of alchemic "opera al nero" characterized by a ghostly use of fragments of the human voice, that surfaces in a subtle maelstrom of otherworldly sounds, created, manipulated and decomposed with the use of cassette tapes, re-recording sessions reminiscent of Alvin Lucier's "I am Sitting in a Room" masterpiece of sonic refractions, feedbacks, sounds either found or collected during the rehearsals or the theatrical workshops and shows, and -- as a finishing touch -- Rocchetti's own voice used to imitate artificial sounds or instruments and further re-mixed in a game of sonic mirrors that transports the listener in a completely new concept of melancholia, hauntology and at times on the verge of discomfort, managing anyway to remain in the space of a gratifying and accessible listening experience. Silver-silkscreened deep black cardboard with a crux-shaped maze; silkscreened clear plastic sleeve with "alchemic" custom lettering designed by Bruno Stucchi; edition of 300.

 

PRICE: $31.50

CAT #: DSDM 006LP

FILE UNDER: EXPERIMENTAL

As Long as You Come To My Garden, the sixth release in the cherished Die Schachtel's series Decay Music as well as the debut of the duo Dam?vand (Gianluca Ceccarini and Alessandro Ciccarelli) on the prestigious Italian label, is a tribute to the Armenian troubadour Sayat Nova, through his lyrics and freely inspired by the cult movie about his life The Color of the Pomegranates (N?an guyn?, 1968, USSR) directed by Sergei Parajanov. The feature film tells the life of the poet, who lived in the 17th Century, from childhood in the royal court, to retirement until his death in the monastery of Haghpat, through a series of episodes, static like paintings that do not tell but show, evoke, they suggest through metaphors, analogies, surrealist flair, dreamlike landscapes, liturgical pauses. The six tracks are inspired by the dreamlike imagery contained in the movie, weaving sound textures ranging from ambient to noise, to references to the musical tradition of the Middle East. Gianluca Ceccarini and Alessandro Ciccarelli alternate, without fixed roles, with analog synths, drones, amplified common objects, generative music, audio samples from the film and acoustic instruments such as the tar -- a stringed instrument of Persian origin, the trombone and the cornet. In addition, two of the songs on the album contain Sayat Nova's poems recited in Persian by Nahid Rezashateri. The sound materials are revealed gradually like episodes, evoking the visual suggestions staged by Parajanov in the movie. As long as you come to my garden is intended as an imaginative journey to distant spaces and indefinite archaic times. Edition of 300.

 

PRICE: $51.00

CAT #: ZEIT 017LP

FILE UNDER: EXPERIMENTAL

First emerging during the early 2000s, over the past two decades -- via solo releases and numerous collaborations with artists like Oren Ambarchi, Valerio Tricoli, Alessandra Novaga, and numerous others -- Stefano Pilia has presented a singular voice within Italian experimental music. Spiralis Aurea, his third solo release with Die Schachtel, encounters the composer venturing into unchartered waters, exploring notions of spirituality via a body of twelve compositions, recorded in various combinations with a cast of all-star instrumentalists; Alessandra Novaga, iosonouncane, Silvia Tarozzi, Mattia Cipolli, Ensemble Concordanze, Elisa Bognetti, Enrico Gabrielli, Valeria Sturba, Giuseppe Franchellucci, Adrian Utley, and Cecilia Stacchiotti. The roots of Spiralis Aurea rest within Pilia's longstanding, personal engagement with the spiritual and an epiphany had during a visit to the Futa Pass cemetery, the resting place for German soldiers killed in Italy during the Second World War. Stepping back from the intuitive immediacy that guided his work for decades, and inspired by the concepts of "divine geometry", he set out to translate a series of numerical relationships and geometric figures into "sacred" musical forms. Drawing its title from the Golden Spiral, a mathematical formula and geometric form that has maintained both mystical and creative significance for millennia, each of the 12 works that comprise Spiralis Aurea began with a figure or process that is both geometric and symbolic, drawn by Pilia, that slowly translated into tangible organizations of sound. In some cases, such as the three movements of the "CodeXIII" series and "Crux", this process transformed numerical relationships derived from the Fibonacci sequence -- the underpinning of the "Golden Spiral" -- into harmonic progressions, while others take on more iconic and culturally familiar forms. "Ouroboros" alludes to an ancient symbol of a serpent consuming its own tail, deploying a contrapuntal process within which the beginning and end coincide. "Hannah", on the other hand -- deriving from the Hebrew word for "grace" -- is slightly more abstract, doubling its literal meaning against the palindromic qualities of the word, both aspects being reflected within the structural symmetry of the score. Pilia's Spiralis Aurea culminates as a series of sonic meditations, leaving room within their spacious forms to encourage active listening. Calling up echoes of ancient musics within their optimistic, forward-thinking tones, across various arrangements of instrumentation, Pilia sculpts a striking intersection between acoustic and electroacoustic process, drone, and chamber music. 180 gram vinyl; six-panel gatefold cover; includes booklet; edition of 190.

 

PRICE: $25.00

CAT #: ESK 138LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Sepalot's upcoming studio album neverlost showcases his genre-blending abilities when he seamlessly blends elements of trip-hop, house, and a touch of Ennio Morricone to create a unique, innovative and captivating sound. Sixth studio album from Sepalot. Features Malva, Temple Haze, Angela Aux, Fabian Füss, and Matthias Lindermayr.

 

PRICE: $22.00

CAT #: FTR 627LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

"Newest entry in the Jason Meagher's great Drowned Land series is the long-playing vinyl debut by Lexington, KY's Warren Byrom. Recorded back before the Plague, the idea for Dreaming the Sun emerged when Jason caught a show by Warren and Philly-based pianist Hans Chew, who'd already been involved in lots of bands and recordings with Meagher. The sweet depth of Warren's songs and guitar playing resonated with Jason, and Warren soon found himself in Black Dirt Studios with Nashville bassist Steve Poulton (whose work stretches back to Louisville's legendary Paul K & the Weathermen) and drummer Ryan Jewell (who has played with half the musicians you can name). Other lovely bits were added by Wednesday Knudsen, Ma Turner, Hans Chew, and Chris Sullivan, with some additional seasoning done later in Nashville. The three days of recording at Black Dirt resulted in a classic set of material. Byrom writes and sings tunes that have their base in the rural songwriter tradition, but which are infused with tendrils of knowledge gained through pursuing more avant-garde interests. I would compare his work to the Ranaldo/Gunn/Brokaw wing of musicians. Players whose vision of "inside" music follows their mastery of a more "outside" aesthetic. This may be a projection, but it's what I hear in Warren's tunes. And I know that Jason Meagher is attracted to music that has followed this trajectory. So, sue me! Regardless, Dreaming the Sun is a beautiful album that should wiggle the spines of everyone who hears it. The relative straightness (or not) of Warren's approach is entirely in the ear of the be hearer. What you bring to the album as listener may shape the details of your experience, but its quality is undeniable. Nice damn stuff." --Byron Coley, 2023

 

PRICE: $28.00

CAT #: FLY 6708C-LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

"The Burrito Beats LP from Czarface's Esoteric showcases the grit, grime and flavor that rolls into his particular brand of hip-hop production. Similar to the ingredients of a burrito, there's much more than a single-serving of funk crammed into this meal, it is stuffed with everything on the menu. Deliciously dope drums, baked basslines, grilled grooves and savory soundbytes are chopped and served to your liking with Burrito Beats. Expect new recipes fresh off the skillet and some old classics as well, several culled from Esoteric's 2005-2009 production spree that brought us Serve or Suffer, Egoclapper, Esoteric vs. Japan, and Saving Seamus Ryan."

 

PRICE: $16.00

CAT #: HAB 022CD

FILE UNDER: WORLD

"Libyan Reggae at its peak grooves courtesy of Benghazi-born Ahmed Ben Ali. After working with Ahmed in 2020 on the 12" hit Subhana, Habibi Funk is back with a full-length release focusing on Ahmed's releases from the mid-2000s. The tracks on the LP represent a blisteringly deep collection of heavy reggae rhythms and synthesized grooves from a singular creative force, inspired as much from Jamaican sonics as from Libyan folkloric styles, as Ahmed says, 'it's the Libyan style, not some bullshit.' As always, both vinyl and CD come with an extensive booklet featuring background on Ahmed, including unseen photos, scans and more. Reggae in Libya has dominated the charts since its arrival in the 1970s and flourished with some of the pioneers of Libyan reggae such as Ibrahim Hesnawi, Najib Alhoush and The White Birds Band. Eventually we were able to connect with Ahmed and our work with him started with a 12-inch released with 'Subhana' on the A-side and 'Damek Majeb' on the B-side (track 4 on this release). After the release, he sent us some more songs, which we loved just as much. Soon after, the idea was born to follow up with a full-length release which Ahmed was happy to commit to. In early 2023, we met in person in Cairo to share a few more stories and to take some photos for the release, which you can find throughout the booklet accompanying the LP and CD. At his home studio, Ahmed operates as sound technician and producer, recording the music in addition to writing the lyrics -- a one-man musical squad. Contextualizing his own style, Ben Ali points out that, 'The Libyan folkloric rhythm is very similar to the reggae rhythm. So, if Libyan people listen to reggae, it's easy for them to relate because it sounds familiar. This is the main reason why reggae became so popular here. We played the reggae Libyan style, it's not the same as in Jamaica. We added our oriental notes to it and if you mix both it becomes something great.' With a bit of laughter, he adds that '... to me it's still original reggae, it's the Libyan style, not some bullshit.'"

 

PRICE: $28.00

CAT #: HAB 022LP

FILE UNDER: WORLD

LP version. "Libyan Reggae at its peak grooves courtesy of Benghazi-born Ahmed Ben Ali. After working with Ahmed in 2020 on the 12" hit Subhana, Habibi Funk is back with a full-length release focusing on Ahmed's releases from the mid-2000s. The tracks on the LP represent a blisteringly deep collection of heavy reggae rhythms and synthesized grooves from a singular creative force, inspired as much from Jamaican sonics as from Libyan folkloric styles, as Ahmed says, 'it's the Libyan style, not some bullshit.' As always, both vinyl and CD come with an extensive booklet featuring background on Ahmed, including unseen photos, scans and more. Reggae in Libya has dominated the charts since its arrival in the 1970s and flourished with some of the pioneers of Libyan reggae such as Ibrahim Hesnawi, Najib Alhoush and The White Birds Band. Eventually we were able to connect with Ahmed and our work with him started with a 12-inch released with 'Subhana' on the A-side and 'Damek Majeb' on the B-side (track 4 on this release). After the release, he sent us some more songs, which we loved just as much. Soon after, the idea was born to follow up with a full-length release which Ahmed was happy to commit to. In early 2023, we met in person in Cairo to share a few more stories and to take some photos for the release, which you can find throughout the booklet accompanying the LP and CD. At his home studio, Ahmed operates as sound technician and producer, recording the music in addition to writing the lyrics -- a one-man musical squad. Contextualizing his own style, Ben Ali points out that, 'The Libyan folkloric rhythm is very similar to the reggae rhythm. So, if Libyan people listen to reggae, it's easy for them to relate because it sounds familiar. This is the main reason why reggae became so popular here. We played the reggae Libyan style, it's not the same as in Jamaica. We added our oriental notes to it and if you mix both it becomes something great.' With a bit of laughter, he adds that '... to me it's still original reggae, it's the Libyan style, not some bullshit.'"

 

PRICE: $16.00

CAT #: HAB 023CD

FILE UNDER: WORLD

"Habibi Funk is excited to share Marzipan - our first full length contemporary release courtesy of Beirut's multi-instrumental phenom Charif Megarbane, also known as the man behind prolific Cosmic Analog Ensemble. The LP is a journey into Charif's styling, one he terms 'Lebrary': a vision of Lebanon and Mediterranean expressed through the kaleidoscopic sonics of library music. Drawing from artists that encapsulates the HF sound, such as Ziad Rahbani, Ahmed Malek and Issam Hajali, Charif translates these influences into an LP that is equally at home in '23. Following his previous release of EP Tayara Warak in 2022, Marzipan is a sonic journey that seeks to capture the full scope of Megarbane's habitus. As a composer and producer, Megarbane touts hugely versatile, sometimes volatile musicianship -- his catalogue of projects (including legendary groups like the Cosmic Analog Ensemble, Free Association Syndicate, Monumental Detail, etc.) features a huge domain of sonic direction. This collection was previously developed in Megarbane's own Hisstology label which hosts a wealth of collaborative efforts. Now, Habibi Funk represents Megarbane under his own name. Megarbane finds a sonic through-line in his surrounding soundscapes as he draws on the chaotic energy of the crowded Beirut metropolis ('Souk El Ahad'), the warm atmosphere of the Lebanese countryside ('Chez Mounir'), or the lushness of a Mediterranean beach resort ('Portemilio'). Reflecting the aural composition of his direct surroundings into kaleidoscopic instrumentation provides a unique insight into how one musical phenomenon transposes sight into sound. Habibi Funk is thrilled to share Marzipan and finally throttle this under-the-radar phenomenon into the solo spotlight. Despite the magnitude of his catalog, Megarbane's LP sounds as fresh -- as resolutely inspired -- as a debut record. Marzipan continues down the winding path he trod on EP Tayyara Warak (released December, 2022) which features solid footing in the hectic city sounds Megarbane hears as home. Despite his obvious musical acumen, Megarbane's greatest talent seems to be his open ears. In many ways, Marzipan is a cartographic feat -- it travels and traces a journey across many dimensions (both sonic and physical). Megarbane's instrumental catalogue is vast: toy glockenspiel, harpsichord, pedal steel, a classic Wurlitzer, et al are used liberally on the record. The resultant sound is as sprawling as the musician's instrumental dexterity."

 

PRICE: $28.00

CAT #: HAB 023LP

FILE UNDER: WORLD

LP version. "Habibi Funk is excited to share Marzipan - our first full length contemporary release courtesy of Beirut's multi-instrumental phenom Charif Megarbane, also known as the man behind prolific Cosmic Analog Ensemble. The LP is a journey into Charif's styling, one he terms 'Lebrary': a vision of Lebanon and Mediterranean expressed through the kaleidoscopic sonics of library music. Drawing from artists that encapsulates the HF sound, such as Ziad Rahbani, Ahmed Malek and Issam Hajali, Charif translates these influences into an LP that is equally at home in '23. Following his previous release of EP Tayara Warak in 2022, Marzipan is a sonic journey that seeks to capture the full scope of Megarbane's habitus. As a composer and producer, Megarbane touts hugely versatile, sometimes volatile musicianship -- his catalogue of projects (including legendary groups like the Cosmic Analog Ensemble, Free Association Syndicate, Monumental Detail, etc.) features a huge domain of sonic direction. This collection was previously developed in Megarbane's own Hisstology label which hosts a wealth of collaborative efforts. Now, Habibi Funk represents Megarbane under his own name. Megarbane finds a sonic through-line in his surrounding soundscapes as he draws on the chaotic energy of the crowded Beirut metropolis ('Souk El Ahad'), the warm atmosphere of the Lebanese countryside ('Chez Mounir'), or the lushness of a Mediterranean beach resort ('Portemilio'). Reflecting the aural composition of his direct surroundings into kaleidoscopic instrumentation provides a unique insight into how one musical phenomenon transposes sight into sound. Habibi Funk is thrilled to share Marzipan and finally throttle this under-the-radar phenomenon into the solo spotlight. Despite the magnitude of his catalog, Megarbane's LP sounds as fresh -- as resolutely inspired -- as a debut record. Marzipan continues down the winding path he trod on EP Tayyara Warak (released December, 2022) which features solid footing in the hectic city sounds Megarbane hears as home. Despite his obvious musical acumen, Megarbane's greatest talent seems to be his open ears. In many ways, Marzipan is a cartographic feat -- it travels and traces a journey across many dimensions (both sonic and physical). Megarbane's instrumental catalogue is vast: toy glockenspiel, harpsichord, pedal steel, a classic Wurlitzer, et al are used liberally on the record. The resultant sound is as sprawling as the musician's instrumental dexterity."

 

PRICE: $36.50

CAT #: HPS 267LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

Double LP version. Reissue of the 1000mods debut album, originally released in 2011. "Super Van Vacation is an album for anyone who likes the genre's music. The riffs still feel gritty despite crystal clear production values, and with a fittingly sketchy singer, the album feels and sounds like a rock album. Really, there isn't much else that you can ask for. In the end, the album rocks, which is clearly its intent." --Sputnikmusic Released September 29, 2011. Produced by Billy Anderson and 1000mods. Engineered by George Leodis and Billy Anderson. Mixed by George Leodis and 1000mods. Mastered at Unreal Studios (GR). Artwork by Malleus Rock Art Lab.

 

PRICE: $43.50

CAT #: HPS 267LTD-LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

Double LP version. Orange transparent vinyl. Reissue of the 1000mods debut album, originally released in 2011. "Super Van Vacation is an album for anyone who likes the genre's music. The riffs still feel gritty despite crystal clear production values, and with a fittingly sketchy singer, the album feels and sounds like a rock album. Really, there isn't much else that you can ask for. In the end, the album rocks, which is clearly its intent." --Sputnikmusic Released September 29, 2011. Produced by Billy Anderson and 1000mods. Engineered by George Leodis and Billy Anderson. Mixed by George Leodis and 1000mods. Mastered at Unreal Studios (GR). Artwork by Malleus Rock Art Lab.

 

PRICE: $51.50

CAT #: HPS 267ULTRA-LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

Double LP version. Yellow/red/black vinyl. Reissue of the 1000mods debut album, originally released in 2011. "Super Van Vacation is an album for anyone who likes the genre's music. The riffs still feel gritty despite crystal clear production values, and with a fittingly sketchy singer, the album feels and sounds like a rock album. Really, there isn't much else that you can ask for. In the end, the album rocks, which is clearly its intent." --Sputnikmusic Released September 29, 2011. Produced by Billy Anderson and 1000mods. Engineered by George Leodis and Billy Anderson. Mixed by George Leodis and 1000mods. Mastered at Unreal Studios (GR). Artwork by Malleus Rock Art Lab.

 

PRICE: $24.00

CAT #: HPS 268LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

LP version. Reissue of the 1000mods sophomore album, originally released in 2014. "A hard rocking 38-minute affair that packs quite a punch. Stoner Rock and Fuzz Rock combine for one hard-rocking adventure that will speak volumes to the Stoner Rock crowd. Vultures is a lot different from their 2011 album -- Super Van Vacation. Yeah there is lots of fuzz to worship to but Vultures sees the band moving into dangerous territory as Vultures has a darker feel compared to the previous album's sunnier and easy-going vibe." --The Sludge Lord All music and lyrics written by 1000mods. Produced and mixed by 1000mods and George Leodis. Engineered by George Leodis at Shakti Sound Studio during March 2014. Mastered at Sweet Spot Studios by Tolis Economou. Artwork by Indyvisuals. Hammond on "Modesty" by Greg Chour. Wise words on "Reverb of the New World" by Carl Sagan, performed by Simon Bloom.

 

PRICE: $31.50

CAT #: HPS 268LTD-LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

LP version. Mustard vinyl. Reissue of the 1000mods sophomore album, originally released in 2014. "A hard rocking 38-minute affair that packs quite a punch. Stoner Rock and Fuzz Rock combine for one hard-rocking adventure that will speak volumes to the Stoner Rock crowd. Vultures is a lot different from their 2011 album -- Super Van Vacation. Yeah there is lots of fuzz to worship to but Vultures sees the band moving into dangerous territory as Vultures has a darker feel compared to the previous album's sunnier and easy-going vibe." --The Sludge Lord All music and lyrics written by 1000mods. Produced and mixed by 1000mods and George Leodis. Engineered by George Leodis at Shakti Sound Studio during March 2014. Mastered at Sweet Spot Studios by Tolis Economou. Artwork by Indyvisuals. Hammond on "Modesty" by Greg Chour. Wise words on "Reverb of the New World" by Carl Sagan, performed by Simon Bloom.

 

PRICE: $38.50

CAT #: HPS 268ULTRA-LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

LP version. Striped black/white/red vinyl. Reissue of the 1000mods sophomore album, originally released in 2014. "A hard rocking 38-minute affair that packs quite a punch. Stoner Rock and Fuzz Rock combine for one hard-rocking adventure that will speak volumes to the Stoner Rock crowd. Vultures is a lot different from their 2011 album -- Super Van Vacation. Yeah there is lots of fuzz to worship to but Vultures sees the band moving into dangerous territory as Vultures has a darker feel compared to the previous album's sunnier and easy-going vibe." --The Sludge Lord All music and lyrics written by 1000mods. Produced and mixed by 1000mods and George Leodis. Engineered by George Leodis at Shakti Sound Studio during March 2014. Mastered at Sweet Spot Studios by Tolis Economou. Artwork by Indyvisuals. Hammond on "Modesty" by Greg Chour. Wise words on "Reverb of the New World" by Carl Sagan, performed by Simon Bloom.

 

PRICE: $24.00

CAT #: HPS 269LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

LP version. Reissue of 1000mods third album, originally released in 2016. "If Kyuss had reunited and made an album that would be their sound! Whole album perfectly describes the stoner rock sound with a Greek soul. The album is probably the most prominent stoner album of last year. It looks like they've made what they try to achieve with the harsh vocals and edgy lyrics; it's like a declaration of the new stoner scene in Europe!" --Metal Gods TV, 2017 Released on September 26, 2016. Artwork by Fuzz ink. Photo by Aris Panagopoulos.

 

PRICE: $31.50

CAT #: HPS 269LTD-LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

LP version. Green transparent vinyl. Reissue of 1000mods third album, originally released in 2016. "If Kyuss had reunited and made an album that would be their sound! Whole album perfectly describes the stoner rock sound with a Greek soul. The album is probably the most prominent stoner album of last year. It looks like they've made what they try to achieve with the harsh vocals and edgy lyrics; it's like a declaration of the new stoner scene in Europe!" --Metal Gods TV, 2017 Released on September 26, 2016. Artwork by Fuzz ink. Photo by Aris Panagopoulos.

 

PRICE: $38.50

CAT #: HPS 269ULTRA-LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

LP version. Splatter red/blue vinyl. Reissue of 1000mods third album, originally released in 2016. "If Kyuss had reunited and made an album that would be their sound! Whole album perfectly describes the stoner rock sound with a Greek soul. The album is probably the most prominent stoner album of last year. It looks like they've made what they try to achieve with the harsh vocals and edgy lyrics; it's like a declaration of the new stoner scene in Europe!" --Metal Gods TV, 2017 Released on September 26, 2016. Artwork by Fuzz ink. Photo by Aris Panagopoulos.

 

PRICE: $36.50

CAT #: HPS 270LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

Double LP version. Reissue of the latest 1000mods album, originally released in 2020. "Youth of Dissent is an exceptional album superbly fusing staggering melodies and meaty and massive stoner/doom riffs. The songs are contagious, captivating and Dani G's voice is empyrean and spellbinding with every word that comes out of his mouth. This could easily be for many people an entrance to heavier music!" --Distorted Sound Mag Produced by Matt Bayles & 1000mods. Mixed by Matt Bayles. Engineered by Matt Bayles. Recorded at London Bridge Studio and Studio Litho, Seattle, WA. Mixed at Red Room, Seattle, WA. Mastered by Ed Brooks at Resonant Mastering, Seattle, WA. Artwork by Tind.

 

PRICE: $43.50

CAT #: HPS 270LTD-LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

Double LP version. Magenta vinyl. Reissue of the latest 1000mods album, originally released in 2020. "Youth of Dissent is an exceptional album superbly fusing staggering melodies and meaty and massive stoner/doom riffs. The songs are contagious, captivating and Dani G's voice is empyrean and spellbinding with every word that comes out of his mouth. This could easily be for many people an entrance to heavier music!" --Distorted Sound Mag Produced by Matt Bayles & 1000mods. Mixed by Matt Bayles. Engineered by Matt Bayles. Recorded at London Bridge Studio and Studio Litho, Seattle, WA. Mixed at Red Room, Seattle, WA. Mastered by Ed Brooks at Resonant Mastering, Seattle, WA. Artwork by Tind.

 

PRICE: $51.50

CAT #: HPS 270ULTRA-LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

Double LP version. Orange/purple vinyl. Reissue of the latest 1000mods album, originally released in 2020. "Youth of Dissent is an exceptional album superbly fusing staggering melodies and meaty and massive stoner/doom riffs. The songs are contagious, captivating and Dani G's voice is empyrean and spellbinding with every word that comes out of his mouth. This could easily be for many people an entrance to heavier music!" --Distorted Sound Mag Produced by Matt Bayles & 1000mods. Mixed by Matt Bayles. Engineered by Matt Bayles. Recorded at London Bridge Studio and Studio Litho, Seattle, WA. Mixed at Red Room, Seattle, WA. Mastered by Ed Brooks at Resonant Mastering, Seattle, WA. Artwork by Tind.

 

PRICE: $15.50

CAT #: HJP 036EP

FILE UNDER: WORLD

2023 repress, originally released 2007. After Mark Ernestus' mix of "Moyege" in this series, now his Basic Channel/Rhythm And Sound partner comes to the control tower. Mortiz von Oswald's deep Berlin steppers discloses dubwise traces of our original Lagos recording -- the percussion of Yinka Ogunye, the singing of '50s palmwine legend Rolling Dollar, Oscar Olimbi's guitar lick -- in with his own Oberheim voicings, additional drumming and cool-and-deadly rhythm track. It's a tough, masterly dance record in fine Rhythm And Sound style -- which during its ten-and-a-half minutes seems to ponder time elapsed and journeys undertaken. Like a stepping razor, but t-u-m-p-i-n. This "Reggae Land" version is the take-no-prisoners, pared-down dub of Wareika Hill Sounds ' rootical rework of "Ise Nla." Magnificent trombone and percussion; expert, classical JA mixing. Brings to mind those great dubs of Glen Brown's "Black Man Stand Up Pan Foot."

 

PRICE: $15.50

CAT #: HJP 039EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

2023 repress; Originally released 2007. Carl Craig back on Honest Jon's in devastating form: nervy and urgent, epic and apocalyptic, kicking hard and funky as anything.

 

PRICE: $39.50

CAT #: HOS 819LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

The scarlet plague, the temple quarantined, the foundation upholding the pestilence, the betrayal, the market without vendor, the shrine without idol. Originally released on limited four-cassette, this proper double-LP version presented on vinyl for the first time has been mixed and remastered in proper form while still holding dear the decay of the original cassettes. Like the difference of opening a dusty cabinet in the kitchen of your grandparents to find a shelf full of expired foods. Now, this version is like opening the door to the cellar and being overwhelmed with thick dusty air, the planes of lights pouring through the cracks and draping you like temple veils at night. morbid esoteric ancient ambient brought to life on the ancient cd format, a relic from times now past and times of erotic glory. Assembled and executed by JM Mroz for Lussuria in ten days of October with modifications made six months later at Merchant House, South Hampton, Long Island New York. Sources on this recording consisted of: chant bowls, crystals, clocks, disintegrated tapes, dry ice, fire, found recordings, kangling, guitars, piano, skull damaru, time lapse field recordings, voice, water. Synth presets were not used on this recording. Dedicated to Z.M. Includes download code.

 

PRICE: $28.50

CAT #: ICTUSRE 005LP

FILE UNDER: JAZZ

Reissue, originally released in 1978. The Italian Ictus imprint was founded in 1976 by percussionist and composer, Andrea Centazzo, and his wife, Carla Lugli. Running for just under a decade, until relaunching during the mid-2000s, the label produced a couple of dozen highly celebrated releases, the majority of which loosely fall under the banner of free jazz. Ictus's second batch of releases from the label's historic archives logically begins with Andrea Centazzo's U.S.A. Concerts, out of print on vinyl for the majority of the time since. U.S.A. Concerts draws on the same rough period when Centazzo was working in the United States for Environment for Sextet, which was reissued in the previous batch (ICTUSRE 004LP), and features many of the same players -- Polly Bradfield on violin, Eugene Chadbourne on guitar, Tom Cora on cello, Toshinori Kondo on trumpet, and John Zorn on saxophone -- in different configurations. In fact, the first, second, and seventh tracks -- "Sextet Improvisation", "Duet Improvisation N. 1", "Duet Improvisation N. 4" -- were all recorded on the same day at the same location as the aforementioned album: WKCR Radio in New York on November 7, 1978. Beginning with the brilliant textural and tonal explorations of the full ensemble encountered in "Sextet Improvisation", the album quickly moves toward quieter and more restrained investigations of roughly similar ground, moving through a series of duo improvisations between the percussionist and Eugene Chadbourne, Tom Cora, and the under-celebrated saxophonist, Jack Wright, whose howling horn is transformed to otherworldly effect by the reverberance of the space within which he works. From here, Centazzo embraces the trio form with an improvisation with two more under-celebrated figures from the American scene -- Davey Williams playing guitar and banjo, and LaDonna Smith on violin, viola, and voice -- capturing a performance in Jackson, Mississippi on November 19, 1978, during which the three fire responsive statements that hang like barbs in the spacious air, before conceding the LP with a brilliant suite of duos with Toshinori Kondo, Williams, and Smith. Offering incredible insight into Centazzo's unique sensibility, as well as into the work of a new generation of stunning improvisers as they emerged at the tail end of the '70s, before going on to help define the '80s free jazz sound, U.S.A. Concerts is a crucial artifact of free music at the juncture; fire on the boundaries of outright noise.

 

PRICE: $28.50

CAT #: ICTUSRE 006LP

FILE UNDER: JAZZ

Reissue, originally released in 1979. On the same trip to the United States that produced U.S.A. Concerts and Environment for Sextet, Andrea Centazzo also connected with the San Francisco-based ROVA Saxophone Quartet, formed the previous year by Jon Raskin, Larry Ochs, Andrew Voigt, and Bruce Ackley (all playing various saxophones). While not as well-known now as they once were, over the last 40+ years the ensemble has produced dozens of albums and collaborated with diverse figures like Anthony Braxton, Alvin Curran, Terry Riley, and Henry Kaiser. The first of those collaborations captured on tape was The Bay, recorded in California during December of 1978. In Centazzo's own words: "At the end of the 1970s this group (R.O.V.A.) of four saxophone players appeared on the scene of improvised and jazz music, bringing with them a gust of fresh air in their unusual approach to themes, technical dexterity and daring choices of language contamination". Launching in with the almost symphonic piece, "Trobar Clus", which takes up the majority of the first side and deploys complex clusters tones and rhythms to startling effect, the album progresses through a series of pieces that follow Centazzo's disposition toward working across diverse arrangements of players, breaking down into trios, duos, and full ensemble works, each composed by the quartet, Centazzo, or in collaboration between the two. Utilizing compositional structures that allow broad spaces for improvisation, while highlighting each player's highly individual skill set within various ensembles, trios, duets, and solos, to underline the soloist skills of the musicians, and organizes the sound situations into ensembles, trios, duets and solos, The Bay is a stunning piece of much neglected creativity, riding the American and Italian scenes, from the mid to late 1970s, as well as drawing the ear back toward the origins of The ROVA Saxophone Quartet.

 

PRICE: $28.50

CAT #: ICTUSRE 007LP

FILE UNDER: JAZZ

The final two LPs in the latest Ictus batch, The Ictus Archives Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 (ICTUSRE 008LP), both draw on the same period that the veteran saxophonist produced Clangs and Trio Live, both recorded in 1976 during of two weeks that he was touring Italy with Andrea Centazzo, released in 1976 and 1977 respectively, and reissued in 2021's batch. Gathering four sides of material, issued as two individual LPs, here is an offering of incredible insight into that moment's striking collaborations with Centazzo and the bassist Kent Carter, forming in duo and trio configurations. The Ictus Archives Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 encounter Steve Lacy -- one of the giants of American free jazz -- already two decades into a career defined by brilliant collaborations with Cecil Taylor, Don Cherry, and Thelonious Monk, among others, as well as a sprawling body of visionary work as a leader. Like so much of his work leading into this period, it draws upon the saxophonist's belief that an artist should play what you feel, a position that Centazzo recalls as having torn down the curtain that separated his technique from his creativity. The first volume of Steve Lacy pieces from the Ictus Archives features five pieces: "Figment", "Coastline", "Swab", "Hooky", and "The Duck", encountering the saxophonist playing solo live renditions of some of his classic pieces from the period ("Coastline" appeared on his seminal FMP LP Stabs / Solo In Berlin) and in two duos with Andrea Centazzo, one of which, "The Duck" was previously issued as a solo piece (also on Stabs / Solo In Berlin) and now emerges in this new form. The recordings featured across the album's two sides were captured on February 18th 1976 in a concert in Udine Italy and have never before been issued in such a focus form. The lyricality of Lacy's playing sets them apart from the more brittle and textural temperance featured throughout much of the label's output. Crucial artifacts of the seminal saxophonist at the height of his career, never before encountered in these full concert formations, and thus pushing the historical importance of the Ictus reissue series to the next level. Cover picture by Roberto Masotti, courtesy of Lelli e Masotti archive.

 

PRICE: $28.50

CAT #: ICTUSRE 008LP

FILE UNDER: JAZZ

The final two LPs in the latest Ictus batch, The Ictus Archives Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 (ICTUSRE 008LP), both draw on the same period that the veteran saxophonist produced Clangs and Trio Live, both recorded in 1976 during of two weeks that he was touring Italy with Andrea Centazzo, released in 1976 and 1977 respectively, and reissued in 2021's batch. Gathering four sides of material, issued as two individual LPs, here is an offering of incredible insight into that moment's striking collaborations with Centazzo and the bassist Kent Carter, forming in duo and trio configurations. The Ictus Archives Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 encounter Steve Lacy -- one of the giants of American free jazz -- already two decades into a career defined by brilliant collaborations with Cecil Taylor, Don Cherry, and Thelonious Monk, among others, as well as a sprawling body of visionary work as a leader. Like so much of his work leading into this period, it draws upon the saxophonist's belief that an artist should play what you feel, a position that Centazzo recalls as having torn down the curtain that separated his technique from his creativity. The lyricality of Lacy's playing sets them apart from the more brittle and textural temperance featured throughout much of the label's output. Three tracks on Vol. 2 -- "Name", "The Way", and "Bone" -- recorded on December 5th, 1976, in Udine Italy -- were two duos with Centazzo, and the trio ("Feline") on the second side, stands distinct, with each player issuing rapid fire interventions within an airy sense of space. Crucial artifacts of the seminal saxophonist at the height of his career, never before encountered in these full concert formations, and thus pushing the historical importance of the Ictus reissue series to the next level. Cover picture by Roberto Masotti, courtesy of Lelli e Masotti archive.

 

PRICE: $23.00

CAT #: IDEA 027LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

2023 restock. Mike Cooper's Blue Guitar is a collection that first appeared on Cooper's Hipshot CDr label in 2010 in a limited edition. It is presented here on Idea Records, for the first time on vinyl. Upon its initial release Cooper wrote: "For the past couple of years I have been collating a body of text culled (mostly) from Thomas Pynchon's novels Gravity's Rainbow and V and making cut-up collage pieces in the spirit of William Burroughs, Kurt Schwitters, Tom Phillips and others. Those two particular novels interest me because they are set in the period that I was born, however no reference to that period is intended in my pieces. Hopefully a more contemporary comment was found lurking within the words, lines, pages and paragraphs. Recently my interest in playing the guitar in a more or less 'traditional' manner, but still incorporating various 'extended techniques' (as opposed to using it purely as a sound source) has been re-kindled along with a renewed interest in blues, Greek rembetika, flamenco, Portuguese fado and other traditional and improvised music around the Mediterranean which in turn brought out the singer in me again... I have lived in the Mediterranean region for 30 years and listened to its music and I wanted to make something that would hopefully have some of its spirit without making reference to any of it musically." "Things as they are / are changed upon the blue guitar" --Wallace Stevens, Man With The Blue Guitar (1937) "Sometimes when you cut into the present the future leaks out." --William Burroughs. Mastered by Rashad Becker. Cover design by Tom Recchion. Comes on 180 gram vinyl; Includes a lyrics insert; Includes a postcard insert; Linen Wrapped/Foil Stamped; Comes in an Old Style Tip-On jacket.

 

PRICE: $14.00

CAT #: IMPREC 337CD

FILE UNDER: EXPERIMENTAL

2023 restock. "Transamorem - Transmortem was premiered on March 9, 1974 at The Kitchen in NYC, where the music programmer at the time was Rhys Chatham - this was right before his guitar phase. During this period, Transamorem - Transmortem was presented along with other compositions by Eliane Radigue in a linear mode of listening, although the piece had originally been conceived, during its composition, as a sound installation. Of course, both modes of listening are possible, and each works marvelously in its own way."

 

PRICE: $9.50

CAT #: IMPREC 513CS

FILE UNDER: EXPERIMENTAL

Repressed. A quiet, intense and deeply personal new collection from Lambda Sond. Waglands 1921 exists in a vacuum somewhere between Pauline Oliveros, spiritual jazz, analog drone, and heavy new age. Unlike the first two Lambda Sond cassettes on the Cassauna label, (2011's Chronological Compression and 2014's Chronological Compression II) this work is characterized by unrepeated melodies, unforgettably understated harmonies, timeless drones and feelings made musical. This poetic music contains vignettes of emotion, memory and melancholy that are as uplifting, hopeful and grounding as a deep breath. Waglands 1921 exists at the verge of inspiration where hesitation is withheld and truths are articulated once but felt forever. Waglands 1921 is Lambda Sond's first recording for Important Records.

 

PRICE: $23.50

CAT #: INCIENSO 014LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

The debut album of Istanbul born, Berlin and Copenhagen based artist Nene H (real name Beste Aydin) titled Ali ???. In this record, Aydin has used her background as a classically trained pianist and her deep, foundational knowledge of musical theory to synergize contrasting electronic compositions and the mental process of mourning the death of a loved one. Born as a tribute after the passing of her late father, Aydin has found catharsis through a personal odyssey, the reflection of which can be seen through these eight tracks. Raised in a traditional Turkish family and now living in Germany with its westernized lifestyle, informs the intersections of identity and duality that Aydin exists and creates from within. This consolidation of identity has pushed her to seek solitude and confidence in the power of being able to represent the process of her existence in the scene as a Middle Eastern woman with Muslim upbringing.

 

PRICE: $14.50

CAT #: IF 1082CD

FILE UNDER: WORLD

African Singer-songwriter Blick Bassy is back with a fifth album, again sung in the Baasa language of Cameroon. Madíbá brings together twelve songs in the form of fables, dedicated to the theme of water, in which his high and angelic voice dominates, carried by delicate guitar, synthesizer melodies, and sober brass arrangements. The cuts are diaphanous and nevertheless modernist songs, which testify to a contemporary and poetic Africanity at the crossroads of soul, folk, and electro. Blick Bassy's albums have a humanist and universal dimension. His fifth and new solo album, titled Madíbá, which means water in the Douala language of Cameroon, comes in the form of songs close to the fable, in which Bassy explores "a theme shared by all" of water, the source of life. The fables of the album, all born in the imagination of Blick, explore in a more concrete way different themes related to water, its rarity, its necessity, its energy or its vital power. The twelve songs all bring together a series of figures, animals, or various characters, embodied in turn by Blick Bassy. "I have fun stepping into the shoes of a bird, a cat conversing with an elephant, a flower worrying about its declining beauty, a monkey looking for a spring or a storyteller with his grandchildren. In these texts, water can even take on a human appearance." Beyond the tale, the texts of the album also refer to our climate crisis, or to the problems of access to water, a way for the artist to approach serious subjects through a poetic form which avoids didactic or moralizing speeches.

 

PRICE: $33.00

CAT #: IF 1082LP

FILE UNDER: WORLD

LP version. African Singer-songwriter Blick Bassy is back with a fifth album, again sung in the Baasa language of Cameroon. Madíbá brings together twelve songs in the form of fables, dedicated to the theme of water, in which his high and angelic voice dominates, carried by delicate guitar, synthesizer melodies, and sober brass arrangements. The cuts are diaphanous and nevertheless modernist songs, which testify to a contemporary and poetic Africanity at the crossroads of soul, folk, and electro. Blick Bassy's albums have a humanist and universal dimension. His fifth and new solo album, titled Madíbá, which means water in the Douala language of Cameroon, comes in the form of songs close to the fable, in which Bassy explores "a theme shared by all" of water, the source of life. The fables of the album, all born in the imagination of Blick, explore in a more concrete way different themes related to water, its rarity, its necessity, its energy or its vital power. The twelve songs all bring together a series of figures, animals, or various characters, embodied in turn by Blick Bassy. "I have fun stepping into the shoes of a bird, a cat conversing with an elephant, a flower worrying about its declining beauty, a monkey looking for a spring or a storyteller with his grandchildren. In these texts, water can even take on a human appearance." Beyond the tale, the texts of the album also refer to our climate crisis, or to the problems of access to water, a way for the artist to approach serious subjects through a poetic form which avoids didactic or moralizing speeches.

 

PRICE: $33.00

CAT #: EXIT 910LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Synth Soundtrack is a re-work of Sick Soundtrack (EXIT 905LP, 2021), the first album by Gaznevada, the legendary new wave no wave rock dance punk band of the '70s-80s. The Sick Soundtrack multitrack no longer exists, it was lost many years ago: no multitrack no remixes. And, in fact, Synth Soundtrack is not a remix. No possibility of removing or correcting sounds, synthesizers, rhythms, it was only possible to add. Basically, today's Gaznevada played together with original Gaznevada. A time machine jam session. A kind of techno-musical psychoanalysis. Synth Soundtrack moves away from Sick Soundtrack to take its own original path. Was there ever anyone in the history of rock whoever did something like this? Hmm... Oh... So... Maybe... No... No, definitely not. Nobody.

 

PRICE: $22.00

CAT #: KALLISTA 001LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

2023 restock. LP version. Carla dal Forno announces her second full-length album, Look Up Sharp, on her own Kallista records. Dal Forno beckons a bold new era in her peerless output pushing her dub-damaged DIY dispatches to the limits of flawless dream-pop. In a transformative move towards crystal clear vocals and sharpened production, Look Up Sharp is an evolutionary leap from the thick fog and pastoral stillness of her Blackest Ever Black missives, You Know What It's Like (BLACKEST 015CD/LP, 2016) and The Garden EP (BLACKEST 068EP, 2017). Three years since her plain-speaking debut album, the Melbourne-via-Berlin artist finds herself absorbed in London's sprawling mess. The small-town dreams and inertia that preoccupied dal Forno's first album have dissolved into the chaotic city, its shifting identities, far-flung surroundings and blank faces. Look Up Sharp is the story of this life in flux, longing for intimacy, falling short and embracing the unfamiliar. In her own territory between plaintive pop, folk and post-punk dal Forno conjures the ghosts of AC Marias, Virginia Astley, and Broadcast through her brushwork of art-damaged fx and spectral atmospheres. The first half of the record is filled with dubbed-out humid bass lines, which tether stoned hazes of psychedelic synth work, as on "Took A Long Time" and "No Trace". These are contrasted with songs like "I'm Conscious" and "So Much Better" that channel the lilting power of YMG and are clear sequels-in-waiting to dead-eyed classics like "Fast Moving Cars". The second half begins with the feverish bass and meandering melody of "Don't Follow Me", which takes The Cure's "A Forest" as its conceptual springboard. It's the clearest lyrical example since "The Garden" of dal Forno's unmatched ability to unpick the masculine void of post-punk and new wave nostalgia to reflect contemporary nuance. Look Up Sharp reaches its satisfying conclusion with "Push On" -- dal Forno's most explicit foray into an undiscovered trip hop universe between Massive Attack and Tracey Thorn. Adding further depth to Look Up Sharp are the instrumentals, which flow seamlessly between the vocal-led pieces. "Hype Sleep" and "Heart of Hearts" drink from the same stream as The Flying Lizard's dubbed-out madness and the vivid purple sunsets of Eno's Another Green World (1975). While "Creep Out of Bed" and "Leaving For Japan" funnel the fourth-world psychedelia of Cyclobe's industrial-folk into the vortex of Nico's The Marble Index (1968). A deeply personal but infinitely relatable album its many surfaces are complex but authentic, enduring but imperfect, hard-edged but delicate.

 

PRICE: $26.00

CAT #: KALLISTA 002LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

2023 restock; LP version. Carla dal Forno resurfaces with the news of plans to release her third album, Come Around, via her own Kallista Records imprint. Now, based in the township of Castlemaine, Central Victoria, the Australian artist returns self-assured and firmly settled within the dense eucalypt bushlands. Dal Forno grapples with ideas of home, disorder and insomnia in the swift pop structures of her DIY/post-punk forebearers such as Young Marble Giants, Virginia Astley, and Broadcast. Three years since the launch of her label, Kallista Records, dal Forno finds stability in Castlemaine (pop. 6,750), her third home city in as many albums. After nearly a decade of moving, recording and touring out of Berlin and London, Come Around embodies a newfound solitude born of/in elemental pop hooks and enlightened songwriting. The title track, "Come Around," offers the best example of this confident, fresh candor. It's an elegant invite into dal Forno's sharp new focus beckoning old friends, relationships and audiences into her resettled home. This meandering pop hit strikes between the melodic simplicity of Anna Domino and YMG and the arrangement hooks of The Cannanes and Movietone, capturing dal Forno at her most welcoming with arms wide open. Other tracks like "Mind You're On" recalls the bass driven heft of dal Forno's previous work but where past albums projected the pastoral idyll from the urban jungles of Berlin and London, the lyricism and production on Come Around embody her current lived experience in the Australian regions where space, strong bonds and solitude are in high supply. Returning to rekindle relationships with people and places and joining in trysts amidst the foreboding badlands cuts through the whole record, as on "The Garden of Earthly Delights," a cover of The United States of America's 1968 track. There is joy if you look for it but, as dal Forno warns on "Caution": "I sell caution word of you." Mistrust and doubt are not completely vanquished. Having embarked on such a radical physical and creative journey since the last record, dal Forno lays bare the passing of time and the oscillating waves of energy and ennui that go with it. This is plain to see on "Stay Awake" and instrumentals like "Deep Sleep" and "Autumn," which gives rise to anxiety and insomnia in her new sunburnt home. Yet "Slumber" offers a glimmer of respite sitting within the chaotic circus of production that channels Kendra Smith, General Strike, and The Flying Lizards. This track, a duet with English artist, Thomas Bush, searches for solace in the arms of another. Nothing is left unsaid on Come Around. Having finally found limitless time and space, dal Forno does well not to waste any bit of it.

 

PRICE: $26.00

CAT #: LANR 028EP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

First time vinyl reissue. Originally released in 1982. The seminal EP In Rhythm is the sole 1982 release by post punk/mutant disco wizards Scream And Dance. A necessary addition to the influential Bristol scene dominated by Rip Rig and Panic, Pop Group, and the likes. Originally recorded and released in 1982 on Recreational Records, this maxi single was produced by Steve Street, who began his career in 1976 on the Bristol music scene by recording demos for The Pop Group, and later in 1978-9 for Glaxo Babies. This dub-inflicted takes on classic indie/funk/wave still sounds refreshing today. Fully remastered and licensed; edition of 500.

 

PRICE: $30.50

CAT #: LANR 029LP

FILE UNDER: WORLD

Reissue, originally released in 1984. The soulful reggae singer Best of! Originally released on Empire (Channel One's sub label). Hits from late '70s to 1984, recorded at Channel One studio with Sly & Robbie, Earl Chinna Smith, Dean Fraser, Deadly Headly, and many more... Delroy George Wilson (October 5, 1948 - March 6, 1995) was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer. Wilson is often regarded as Jamaica's first child star, having first found success as a teenager. His youngest son, Karl "Konan" Wilson, has found success as part of British duo Krept and Konan. His voice matured as he left his teens, around the time of ska's transition to rocksteady and this period in the late 1960s produced many hits including one of the first rocksteady records, "Dancing Mood", "Jerk in Time" (with the Wailers), "Feel Good All Over", I'm Not a King", "True Believer in Love", "Rain From the Skies", "Conquer Me", and "Riding for a Fall". "Won't You Come Home", a duet with Ken Boothe on a rhythm originally cut by The Conquerors for Sonia Pottinger has become one of the most-versioned Jamaican tracks ever. After leaving Studio One he recorded for other labels, with varying degrees of success, and set up his own short-lived W&C label. He enjoyed success with Bunny Lee in the late 1960s and early 1970s with tracks such as "This Old Heart of Mine", "Footsteps of Another Man", and "Better Must Come". His double A-side "It Hurts"/"Put Yourself in My Place" was a skinhead favorite and narrowly missed UK chart success. He recorded a version of "Run Run", a song he had originally recorded for Dodd, for maverick producer Keith Hudson. Wilson toured the UK and recorded for Trojan Records in 1970. Fully remastered and licensed; edition of 500.

 

PRICE: $30.50

CAT #: LANR 030LP

FILE UNDER: WORLD

First time vinyl reissue. Originally released in 1983, this reggae lover's album was recorded by Scientist, produced by Bunny Lee, with the best of Jamaican musicians like Sly & Robbie, Jackie Mittoo, Winston Wright, Earl Chinna Smith, and more... Edwards was born in Jamaica in 1938 where he was raised with fourteen siblings. Strongly influenced by Nat King Cole, he began performing at the age of 14. He came to the attention of Chris Blackwell in 1959. Edwards had four number one singles in Jamaica between 1960 and 1961, all self-written ballads with Latin-influenced music. When Blackwell set up Island Records in London in 1962, Edwards travelled with him. Edwards worked as a singer and songwriter for Island, recording as a solo artist and also duets with Millie Small, as well as performing duties such as delivering records. He wrote both "Keep On Running" and "Somebody Help Me", that became number one singles in the United Kingdom for The Spencer Davis Group. He continued to work as a recording artist himself, with regular album releases through to the mid-1980s. Much of his later work was produced by Bunny Lee, and he also worked with The Aggrovators. Fully remastered and licensed; edition of 500.

 

PRICE: $17.50

CAT #: LAD 069EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Semi Delicious label boss Demi Riquísimo is set to release his latest EP via DJ Tennis's renowned Life & Death imprint. The release, entitled the Proto Call EP, features a double helping of cross genre, hands in the air jams sure to set the day party and club scene alight this coming summer. The release opens with the titular "Proto Call". A thoroughly diverse track "Proto Call" melds disco percussion with elements of vintage Italian house, squelching acid and progressive all whilst chugging along with propose, a key feature of many efforts in Life & Death's back catalog. On "Talk To Frank" sensual vocals set the tone for this bonafide hip shaker. A rhythm that implores you to dance, an inviting organ top line gives way to subtle acid grooves with both then working in unison over a classic house bass line. DJ Tennis has long been known for his impeccable taste in music and his ability to spot talent. The pair have shared the stage in a series of recent back to backs and the Proto Call EP is another touch point in the burgeoning creative relationship between the pair.

 

PRICE: $17.50

CAT #: LAD 071EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Sicilian musician Luigi Orofino delivers his debut single Amsterdam for Life and Death records. The song features regular Erlend Øye collaborators La Comitiva, and comes together with a dancefloor friendly remix by DJ Tennis. Amsterdam might sound effortless, but the laid-back groove and easy atmosphere that Luigi has conjured up isn't something you can just pluck out of thin air. It's taken everyone involved several years of playing together to get just the right marinade of Brazilian rhythm and Mediterranean musicianship. It's a flavor they've mastered while on the road with Erlend Øye as La Comitiva, and their touring schedule has become a way of life. When the travel ban was finally lifted, Luigi headed straight to his friends in Amsterdam, and that freedom to travel once more inspired this song. That trip put the color back into life, and the result was this timeless slice of sunny samba rock. The song has many collaborators, all operating under the gentle guidance of Luigi. Players from La Comitiva and I Calafatari gelled in the studio, also accompanied by Lucio Aquilina (NuGenea) and Luigi Scialdone (Fitness Forever), while the lyrics were written together with Alberto Locatelli. A breezy piece of Brazilian-tinged funk and easy soul, Amsterdam is more than the sum of its parts - it's the sound of friends playing together and simply enjoying life. The single is topped off with a remix by Life and Death chief Manfredi Romano aka DJ Tennis, who boosts the kicks while keeping the loose samba magic. The pair met in Mexico, and the kindred spirits immediately hit it off. After bouncing versions back and forth between Siracusa and also a studio in Paris, the final version was realized, full of floaty Rhodes chords and cavaquinho thrills that will lighten any dance. It's a testament to Amsterdam's catchiness that many of Luigi's friends are involved -- the song is reflected in the people it brings together, and in this sense, it's as much about the art of encounters as it is about the city.

 

PRICE: $14.50

CAT #: LY 002CD

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Three years after the original release date of Caterina Barbieri's career-defining album Ecstatic Computation, the Italian artist reissues the record on her newly found own label light-years. The reissue features a beautifully reworked version of the original cover art. Caterina Barbieri is an Italian composer who explores themes related to machine intelligence and object-oriented perception in sound through a focus on minimalism. Ecstatic Computation revolves around the creative use of complex sequencing techniques and pattern-based operations to explore the artifacts of human perception and memory processes by ultimately inducing a sense of ecstasy and contemplation. Computation is turned from being a formal, automatic writing technique into a creative, psychedelic practice to generate temporal hallucinations. A state of trance and wonder where the perception of time is distorted and challenged. Equally nervous and ecstatic, the fast permutation of patterns can create a state where time stands still whilst simultaneously being in motion. Is this propulsive music moving forward or backward? As long as the perception of the present is constantly enhanced and refreshed in an endless sense of loss, re-discovery and the search for self-orientation this question lies mute aside the thrilling and perplexing moment of the matter at hand. CD version includes a previously unreleased song. "Caterina Barbieri uses music to bend time and space around her. It's a warp-speed jump where everything seems to move slower and faster all at once." --Pitchfork

 

PRICE: $16.00

CAT #: LIMP 005EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Two tracks, two remixes and a "one track out of two remix" included. Shamanic call from the ethereal field where all shapes fluidly come to one. Inspired by the multilevel constant dynamics of slowed down and pushing forward energies of one frequency. "Diamond Director" with clear edges and smooth surfaces turns slowly glittering like the transparent stone under the sun or the spots in the club. "Ruby Director" is steady colored going deep into a simpler way of movement without losing its pressure of serious laziness. Shayde's remix means the state of trance after the glitter of the turning diamond occupying the personal view with little sparkles. Dan Bay's remix is the consequence of the deep slowed down original bringing the slow pressure back to faster laziness again. Le Rubrique's remix is a fusion of the two originals shows how different similarity can be and rolls up everything in a new way. Red vinyl with full inside out cover.

 

PRICE: $11.00

CAT #: LION 669CD

FILE UNDER: ROCK

2023 restock. "Some came to make records. Others did not leave any recorded evidence -- they have been reduced (at best) to the testimony of a blurred photograph in an old magazine. But it was a generation of bands from Chile which gave shape to a stream of permeating rock, beat, folk, and psychedelia music influences radiating from the 'first world.' And on that list of pioneers of Chilean rock, Los Vidrios Quebrados ('The Broken Glass') are unanimously considered as the greatest. They had a certain intellectual arrogance. They considered that rock 'n' roll could only be sung in English and refused to sing in their native language, arguing that a cueca (the Chilean national dance) could not be sung in English. They also made their own instruments -- creating their own guitars and amplifiers from furniture and loudspeakers. On one guitar, they replaced a pick-up with a record player needle. It gave an extraordinary sound. That sort of creativity flows freely throughout the music on their only album, the now-legendary Fictions (RCA Victor/UES, 1967). The LP is an excellent collection of songs, recorded in just nine hours, with intimations of psychedelic rock amidst the influence of bands like The Byrds, The Beatles, and The Kinks (with nods to Bach and the classics), all while maintaining a fresh beat sound; Fictions is an album that can compare with the best works of psychedelic pop bands from England and America. Los Vidrios Quebrados is one of a handful of Chilean groups to receive attention around the world; and their songs 'Oscar Wilde' and 'Fictions' are considered among the all-time best tracks in South American rock history. We're pleased to kick off our forthcoming series of crucial Chilean reissues with this bi-lingual, 32-page booklet, which explores the story of Los Vidrios Quebrados in the context of the rich Chilean rock music scene. For the language squeamish -- the song titles are in Spanish, but the songs are in English."

 

PRICE: $11.00

CAT #: LION 673CD

FILE UNDER: ROCK

2023 restock. "Impossible to find jazz/soul/funk monster by Fusión, issued in Chile in 1975 by ALBA (ALD-041) -- a fulsome combination of funk, electric jazz, and soul, with Latin roots. Bassist Enrique Luna had lived and studied art in New York, and knew first-hand the last, avant-garde years of John Coltrane, and Miles Davis' mutation from hard bop trendsetter into an electric jazz pioneer; Matias Pizarro had appeared on the scene in the mid-'60s as a young pianist of outstanding technical ability and advanced ideas. Together they formed a band around a core of Peruvian musicians, with soloists including David Estánovich (tenor sax) and Lautaro Rosas (guitar), plus a rhythm trio of Mario Lecaros (electric piano, former Village Trio), and Orlando Avendaño (drums), with guest appearances by trumpeter Daniel Lencina, and young percussionist Santiago Salas (Santa y su gente). Censorship during the Chilean military regime meant heavy restrictions on artists. Thus the Fusión album was pressed in a very limited quantity, and never legally re-issued -- until now. Comes with a bi-lingual booklet which explores the story of Fusión in the context of the rich Chilean rock music scene."

 

PRICE: $28.00

CAT #: LBM 021LP

FILE UNDER: WORLD

Take part in the sound of Bogota's eclectic cumbia scene that permeates the ritual sonido of Noches de Media Luna, the latest album by Conjunto Medialuna out now on Little Beat More. Enter the labyrinth that transcends the danceable and psychedelic, guided by the Colombian accordion and ecstatic percussion of their slow-pitched beat. A tribute to the power of guacharaca, and the street parrandas where each song becomes a discovery of new archetypes of what has always been traditional but today makes part of the urban tribes of Latin America and the world. Collaborations with artists such as N. Hardem, Mismo Perro, Son Rompe Pera, MC Hydro, or the Japanese-Latin connection with percussionist Muupy elevate this musical journey to a universal level that transcends cultural boundaries.

 

PRICE: $28.00

CAT #: LBM 022LP

FILE UNDER: HIPHOP

The debut album by Magnetic Tailors. The self-titled LP showcases the diverse influences that have shaped the style of this emerging project straight from Marseille's deepest underground, in a perfect blend of two unique sounds that represent the very soul of the group. Half hip-hop and soul, half reggae, the album features some of the most talented African artists such as Bhekiwe, Indigo Saint, and Adam Raad, as well as leading exponents of underground hip-hop such as Blurum13, DJ Vadim's partner in the Oneself project, and Blacc El, protagonist, among others, of an exceptional duet with the amazing voice of Giulietta Passera, from Sweet Life Society and Mangaboo. A sound that reflects the influences and roots of the Magnetic Tailors and their city, a vibrant place of encounter and contamination for very different cultures and realities that come together in a unique and original artistic expression. Take a trip into the energy of vibrant Marseille enjoying this album that translates the vibe of its winding alleys and lively street markets into music. Published by Four Flies Records. Edition of 500.

 

PRICE: $36.50

CAT #: LOG 080LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

At the essence of this album is Ark & Pit's supreme happiness, and freedom, from adhering to the rules of arrangements and musical clichés. The delicacy in which these ten tracks are made seems at first listen to be almost breakable, like a painting on a spiderweb. Each track flows into each other like a downward bound slinky -- intentionally scattered and unpredictable. The only musical rules adhered to here are those which are pure and good, all others have been discarded... This is punk by day and house by night. This is summersaults, '90s hip-hop, skateboarding in LA, and hands in the air. This is truly how a duo, or brothers (which they are), work. Text by Bruno Pronsato. Features Kool Keith, Xavier, Juan Rozoff, and Sandro Ceyte.

 

PRICE: $25.00

CAT #: MIG 153CD

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

"Re-Launch of the successful and partly out-of-print La Vie Electronique series by Klaus Schulze in a new jewel box. MIG will gradually make the out-of-print volumes available again. CD 1, on the one hand, contains the second part of the Oberhausen-concert, with 'Schwanensee' on the other: two solo pieces which were recorded in 1976 in the studio in Hambühren. 'Fear at Madame Tussaud's' was recorded in April, 1977 in the London planetarium -- at that time a novelty, for it was the first time that a concert was held in a planetarium. 'Zeitgeist' is a concert which was recorded on October 17th, 1977 in front of 5500 people in the Saint Michael cathedral in Brussels, while 'Inside The Harlequin' is the encore of this evening. The recording date of 'La Vie Secrète' cannot be accurately determined. Recorded either in 1977/78 or 1975, this piece remains a very quiet, almost meditative jewel. In contrast to this stands 'Barracuda Drum,' recorded about 1978 with Harald Grosskopf on drums. Last but not least at the end of the third CD we encounter the Klaus Schulze of 1979: in October and November of that year Klaus Schulze was on tour with Arthur Brown ('Fire'). 'There was Greatness in the Room' is a fragment of the encore of concert from October, 29th 1979 in Brussels. Besides the voice of Arthur Brown, the vocoder-voice of Klaus Schulze can also be heard on this recording."

 

PRICE: $25.00

CAT #: MILS 001LP

FILE UNDER: JAZZ

"This is the first in a series of music library releases, with future volumes produced by DJ Muggs, J-Zone, and Karriem Riggins, among others. The series starts here, with JJ Whitefield's Ethio Meditations/Drama Al Dente. The Madlib Invazion Music Library Series was created by Madlib and Egon to give their creative friends a chance to stretch out and indulge in whatever type of music they wanted. This music was created for easy, one-stop clearance in film and television synchronization usage and for sampling. You can also enjoy these albums in the way that many do with the best of the best vintage library catalogs -- listen, ponder, repeat."

 

PRICE: $36.00

CAT #: MMS 007LP

FILE UNDER: HIPHOP

"In 2010, Madlib launched an ambitious series of releases known as the Madlib Medicine Show, which allowed the prolific producer to release new material on a monthly basis. The series touched on all the genres Madlib digs, and that's just about any genre you can consider -- from jazz to rock, soul to disco, myriad African musics, Brazilian and reggae. The seventh entry in the series, High Jazz being an all-new Madlib jazz production. High Jazz, the name itself a tribute to the landmark jazz-fusion album released by Stanton Davis's Ghetto Mysticism in 1976, shows a marked development in Madlib's craft. Among the tracks on High Jazz you'll find collaborations with the extraordinary jazz/hip-hop drummer/ producer Karriem Riggins - together with Madlib as Jahari Masamba Unit; the debut of groups Generation Match, The Big Black Foot Band, and RMC, a Madlib, Riggins & James Poyser collab; and a fifteen-minute live piece by Yesterdays New Quintet (recorded at a secret show in 2000)."

 

PRICE: $22.50

CAT #: MTY 009EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Schacke releases Looks Are Deceiving, the 11th release on Anetha's label, Mama Told Ya. Already invited on the second compilation Contre Tous, Toutes Et Tous, La Terre Demeure (MTY TERRE, 2022), Schacke is now casting his own spellbinding EP, entrancing your world. Looks Are Deceiving includes one overwhelming vinyl and four surreal tracks. Three are produced by Schacke and one is co-produced between Schacke and Anetha. Looks Are Deceiving embarks you into one metaphysical truly mental journey: go forth.

 

PRICE: $19.00

CAT #: MM 001EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

A tale of two Indians recorded in Cologne, Stockholm, and Berlin. Anurag Choudhary and Pawas Gupta are Non Solo. Friends from more than two decades, these gentlemen decided to bring together their knowledge of music at Anurag's apartment in Stockholm back in 2008. Anurag's life journey took him to Stockholm, Sweden, and Pawas's culminated in Berlin, Germany; both cities a cultural and a musical powerhouse in their own right. Anurag, a professionally trained Flautist (bamboo Flute or "Bansuri") in the traditional Hindustani classical music and Pawas, someone who has been exploring the realms of electronic music since 1997 as a DJ and releasing records under different monikers since 2007 decided to bring in their forces on a gloomy Stockholm afternoon.

 

PRICE: $47.00

CAT #: MOV 3413COL-LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

"Joplin in Concert is a double-LP live album originally released in 1972 by rock & roll icon Janis Joplin. The first record contains performances with Big Brother and the Holding Company, recorded at various locations in 1968 and 1970. The second record contains performances with the Full Tilt Boogie Band, recorded at the Festival Express in Toronto and Calgary in Canada in June and July, 1970. The album features live versions of classic Joplin hits such as 'Ball and Chain', 'Down On Me', and 'Piece of My Heart'. On its initial release, it appeared in different charts, including the US Billboard 200 where it peaked at #4. This special double-LP release of Joplin in Concert is available as a limited edition of 1500 individually numbered copies on black & white marbled vinyl, housed in a gatefold sleeve. "

 

PRICE: $38.00

CAT #: MOV 3415COL-LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

Turquoise marbled vinyl. "Farewell Song is a 1982 collection by rock & roll icon Janis Joplin, featuring live performances and alternate studio outtakes. The album includes recordings with her bands Big Brother and the Holding Company and the Kozmic Blues Band. Some of this collection's highlights include a studio recording of ''One Night Stand'' (produced by Todd Rundgren) and a rendition of Sam Andrews' poignant 'Farewell Song (Live)'. It also features the song 'Catch Me Daddy,' taken from a Cheap Thrills recording session. For this release, the producer enhanced the original tracks by replacing the band's original instrumental recordings with those of studio musicians to highlight what can be considered some of Joplin's most inspired studio vocals."

 

PRICE: $17.50

CAT #: NACHT 004EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Fresh off the critically acclaimed Capichone EP on Peach Discs, Nachtbraker takes you on a blazing journey. The tight drum patterns, vigorous and heartwarming pads, bolstered with his signature bass lines, will have you reminiscing on '90s Dutch house music. In the driver's seat, anthemic title track "Dondoni" gears up with a vivacious synth pad and galvanic bass line whilst, in the passenger seat, "Barkuchi Fus" goes full throttle on multi-layered melodies and pads. In the back seat you find the original mix of "Don't Worry" with a cleverly alternating arrangement and intricate sound design. Rounding out the package, you'll find Treviso (IT) based Slow Life affiliate Paolo Mosca flips "Don't Worry" into an epic feast of arpeggios and melodies on some nifty and steadfast drum work.

 

PRICE: $15.00

CAT #: NSD 180CD

FILE UNDER: JAZZ

"Acclaimed producer, songwriter, and vocalist Shafiq Husayn has been a vital force on the Los Angeles music scene for decades. A member of trendsetting trio Sa-Ra Creative Partners, Shafiq has produced tracks for a staggering spectrum of talent, including Erykah Badu, Ty Dolla $ign, Pharoahe Monch, Robert Glasper, Ice T, Bilal, Jurassic 5, and many more. Over the last few years, the Grammy winner has also become the leader of The Dove Society, an expansive L.A. musical collective. Now, Shafiq Husayn and The Dove Society are debuting the new album So Gold, an eclectic masterpiece emerging from sessions Shafiq describes as 'pure love, magic, inspiration!' A worthy follow-up to Shafiq's acclaimed 2018 opus The Loop, the album features contributions from Anderson .Paak, Syd (of The Internet), Peyton, Thurz, Jimetta Rose, Speed Walton, and many more. Bursting with the kinetic energy of vibrant creative collaboration, the album synthesizes disparate styles into a cohesive tapestry of lush cosmic soul. 'It's new age everything and above,' Shafiq explains. 'Focused and direct in the songwriting and production, but still adventurous and refreshing.'"

 

PRICE: $31.00

CAT #: NSD 180LP

FILE UNDER: JAZZ

Double LP version. "Acclaimed producer, songwriter, and vocalist Shafiq Husayn has been a vital force on the Los Angeles music scene for decades. A member of trendsetting trio Sa-Ra Creative Partners, Shafiq has produced tracks for a staggering spectrum of talent, including Erykah Badu, Ty Dolla $ign, Pharoahe Monch, Robert Glasper, Ice T, Bilal, Jurassic 5, and many more. Over the last few years, the Grammy winner has also become the leader of The Dove Society, an expansive L.A. musical collective. Now, Shafiq Husayn and The Dove Society are debuting the new album So Gold, an eclectic masterpiece emerging from sessions Shafiq describes as 'pure love, magic, inspiration!' A worthy follow-up to Shafiq's acclaimed 2018 opus The Loop, the album features contributions from Anderson .Paak, Syd (of The Internet), Peyton, Thurz, Jimetta Rose, Speed Walton, and many more. Bursting with the kinetic energy of vibrant creative collaboration, the album synthesizes disparate styles into a cohesive tapestry of lush cosmic soul. 'It's new age everything and above,' Shafiq explains. 'Focused and direct in the songwriting and production, but still adventurous and refreshing.'"

 

PRICE: $15.00

CAT #: NSD 229CD

FILE UNDER: HIPHOP

"As a member of seminal hip-hop group The Pharcyde, Fatlip helped expand the boundaries of the 1990s L.A. rap scene, releasing classic albums steeped in eccentric creative excursions rather than hard-edged gangsta bravado. Following in those footsteps, acclaimed emcee Blu has been at the forefront of the independent hip-hop landscape since the late 2000s, narrating the full range of experience in the City of Angels with impressive lyrical ingenuity. These two famed artists recently joined forces for the collaborative album Live From The End Of The World, a dazzling rhyme whirlwind boasting an overwhelming collection of West Coast lyrical talent, including Del The Funky Homosapien, Gift Of Gab, MC Eiht, and Ras Kass, along with members of iconic groups Jurassic 5, Tha Alkaholiks, Souls Of Mischief, Freestyle Fellowship, and Digital Underground. With production by Madlib, Nottz, Sa-Ra, Knxwledge, and Exile, the album is now available in physical form for the first time ever. This deluxe release includes two new bonus tracks featuring Slimkid3 (of The Pharcyde) and Pigeon John."

 

PRICE: $26.00

CAT #: NSD 229LP

FILE UNDER: HIPHOP

LP version. "As a member of seminal hip-hop group The Pharcyde, Fatlip helped expand the boundaries of the 1990s L.A. rap scene, releasing classic albums steeped in eccentric creative excursions rather than hard-edged gangsta bravado. Following in those footsteps, acclaimed emcee Blu has been at the forefront of the independent hip-hop landscape since the late 2000s, narrating the full range of experience in the City of Angels with impressive lyrical ingenuity. These two famed artists recently joined forces for the collaborative album Live From The End Of The World, a dazzling rhyme whirlwind boasting an overwhelming collection of West Coast lyrical talent, including Del The Funky Homosapien, Gift Of Gab, MC Eiht, and Ras Kass, along with members of iconic groups Jurassic 5, Tha Alkaholiks, Souls Of Mischief, Freestyle Fellowship, and Digital Underground. With production by Madlib, Nottz, Sa-Ra, Knxwledge, and Exile, the album is now available in physical form for the first time ever. This deluxe release includes two new bonus tracks featuring Slimkid3 (of The Pharcyde) and Pigeon John."

 

PRICE: $28.00

CAT #: NA 5191C-LP

FILE UNDER: WORLD

Blue vinyl. "Ayalew Mesfin stands aside the likes of Mulatu Astake, Mahmoud Ahmed, Hailu Mergia and Alemayehu Eshete as a legend of 1970s Ethiopia. Mesfin's music is some of the funkiest to arise from this unconquerable East African nation. Mesfin's recording career, captured in nearly two dozen 7" singles and numerous reel-to-reel tapes, shows the strata of the most fertile decade in Ethiopia's 20th century recording industry, when records were pressed constantly by both independent upstarts and corporate behemoths, even if they were only distributed within the confines of this East African nation. Though Mesfin was forced underground by the Derg regime that took control of Ethiopia in 1974, he has returned almost 50 years later with this triumphant set albums -- the first time that his music has been presented in this form. These albums give us a chance to discover a rare and beautiful moment in music history, in anthologies built from Mesfin's uber-rare 7" single releases and from previously unreleased recordings taken from master tapes. Good Aderegechegn gives us a chance to discover a rare and beautiful moment in music history, in an anthology built from his uber-rare 7" single releases. Contains an oversized 11" x 11" 16-page book that tells the story of modern Ethiopian music and Mesfin's role within it."

 

PRICE: $33.00

CAT #: NA 5209C-LP

FILE UNDER: JAZZ

Orange vinyl. "The Tribe founders' collaborative debut, remixed from the original multi-track master tapes under the direction of its creators and lacquered by Bernie Grundman. Phil Ranelin's side has been pitch-corrected and restored to a suite, as was originally intended. Wendell Harrison's side contains extended, full versions of two songs. The definitive reissue of this Spiritual Jazz masterpiece. The Tribe label, one of the brightest lights of America's 1970s jazz underground, receives the Now-Again reissue treatment. This is your chance to indulge in the music and story of one of the most meaningful, local movements of the 20th Century Black American experience, one that expanded outwards towards the cosmos. In the words of the collective themselves, 'Music is the healing force of the universe.' Included in an extensive, oversized booklet, Larry Gabriel and Jeff 'Chairman' Mao take us through the history of the Tribe, in a compelling story that delves not just into the history of the label and its principals, but into the story of Black American empowerment in the latter half of the 20th Century. The booklet features never-before-seen archival photos and rare ephemera from Tribe's mid-1970s heyday."

 

PRICE: $28.00

CAT #: NA 5243LP

FILE UNDER: JAZZ

"First ever commercial releases of New Orleans' legend Alvin Batiste's Spiritual Jazz albums created with the college band he instructed and led in Baton Rouge - Goes To Africa With Love and Live at The 1971 American College Jazz Festival. Originally given away as souvenirs at Southern University, these albums contain deep Batiste originals and, on Live, are paired with excellent John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Freddie Hubbard covers. They are some of the most sought-after albums of Americas '70s jazz underground. Each album contains extensive booklet detailing Batiste's life and his time spent honing and recording this remarkable band of young students. That one of the great Spiritual Jazz albums of the era could be found in duplicate New Orleans thrift store in the 1980s goes a long way in illustrating the lack of acclaim this special and overlooked album maintained, even in a city where the Batiste name is musical royalty. The Southern University albums Alvin Batiste offered the world were novelties, not worthy of serious consideration, a moment captured, but not necessarily worthy of being collected or preserved by anyone not immediately involved in its creation. That changes now. With the release of the two Southern University albums, Now-Again continues a conversation begun with the late Kashmere Stage Band director Conrad O. Johnson and the issue of his high school students' music as Texas Thunder Soul, and the continued belief that beautiful music created by youth -- even under the most adverse circumstances -- can always inspire us."

 

PRICE: $34.00

CAT #: NA 5244LP

FILE UNDER: JAZZ

"First ever commercial releases of New Orleans' legend Alvin Batiste's Spiritual Jazz albums created with the college band he instructed and led in Baton Rouge -- Goes To Africa With Love and Live at The 1971 American College Jazz Festival. Originally given away as souvenirs at Southern University, these albums contains deep Batiste originals and are some of the most sought after albums of Americas 70s jazz underground. Each album contains extensive booklet detailing Batiste's life and his time spent honing and recording this remarkable band of young students. Goes To Africa With Love was mixed from the original multi-track tapes and is now presented as a 2xLP with never-before-released instrumentals. That one of the great Spiritual Jazz albums of the era could be found in duplicate New Orleans thrift store in the 1980s goes a long way in illustrating the lack of acclaim this special and overlooked album maintained, even in a city where the Batiste name is musical royalty. The Southern University albums Alvin Batiste offered the world were novelties, not worthy of serious consideration, a moment captured, but not necessarily worthy of being collected or preserved by anyone not immediately involved in its creation. That changes now. With the release of the two Southern University albums, Now-Again continues a conversation begun with the late Kashmere Stage Band director Conrad O. Johnson and the issue of his high school students' music as Texas Thunder Soul, and the continued belief that beautiful music created by youth -- even under the most adverse circumstances -- can always inspire us."

 

PRICE: $16.50

CAT #: OSR 095CD

FILE UNDER: ROCK

Reissue, originally released in 1971. Powerful and melodic hard-rock by this US power-trio: ultra-loud Quilter amps, killer leads, fuzz bass, furious drumming and vocals. Recorded at the legendary Sonobeat Studios in Austin (home of Mariani) and originally released in 1971 as a private demo album, now impossible to find. Originally formed in California in the late '60s, Wildfire consisted of Randy Love (guitar, vocals), Danny Jamison (bassm lead vocals), and Donny Martin (drums). Famous for powerful live shows, they packed the clubs with lines around the block of fans waiting to enter, becoming the house band for Finnegan's Rainbow and the favorite group of The Hessians Motorcycle Club, who became the unofficial guardians of the band. Soon, they got in touch with Pat Quilter from Quilter amps. Tired of blowing up amps when playing, Randy told Pat to design an amp that couldn't blow up. And he did it. Following Wildfire's input, Pat designed for the band the famous "Master Volume Dial" amp. In 1969, a Texas promoter heard the band in Southern California and brought them to Austin, becoming an instant hit locally in the Austin area. While in Texas, Wildfire shared the stage with Freddie King, the Allman Brothers, Johnny Winter, and ZZ Top. It was in Austin that the eight-song demo was cut at Sonobeat Records (home also of Mariani and Cold Sun), released in 1970 as a private pressing housed in a plain white cover with a Wildfire sticker, each one numbered. The demo album was never sold other than at a small record store in Southern California and it's now one the rarest hard-rock albums from the US. First bootlegged in the '90s and then officially reissued by Shadoks in 2006, here's a welcomed new vinyl edition. Master tape sound; includes booklet with liner notes and photos.

 

PRICE: $22.00

CAT #: PEACE 021LP

FILE UNDER: WORLD

The long-awaited vinyl LP reissue of Lluvia Con Sol by Puerto Rico's Orquesta El Macabeo. Originally released in 2013, the record was a hard-to-find item because it was released by a European label with limited distribution at the time. A decade later, Peace & Rhythm brings you a special tenth anniversary edition of the LP with a new insert featuring song lyrics and photos. All original "salsa dura" (hard salsa) tunes great for dancing, with thought-provoking lyrics and progressive arrangements. Contains the popular tracks "Lluvia Con Sol" and "Macacoa" sone it a top-quality jacket and pressing.

 

PRICE: $26.00

CAT #: PERMVAC 282LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

A famous anthem once begged: "Don't Make Me Wait." Sometimes, though, it's good to make 'em wait -- even just a little bit. Case in point: The production duo of Fabrizio Mammarella and Phillip Lauer, known to clubbers, DJs, and music heads as Black Spuma. Three years after their last EP -- and nearly a decade into their production existence -- the duo have finally given us a full-length manifesto. Sure, there have been a smattering of remixes and EPs over the years on labels like Futureboogie, International Feel, and Live At Robert Johnson. But on their new LP No No No, the Spumas at last get to stretch out and give us their full-meal-deal. The pair birthed the tracks at Lauer's famed Pyramide III studio, with ten tunes finalized and selected remotely, thanks to the wonders of high-speed Internet. While the Spumas are well-known (both together and as solo acts) for their melodic, '80s-tinged club workouts, the album format has allowed the guys to push their sound into parts unknown. The album distils all the things you love about the duo: the melody, the playfulness and the musicianship of two veterans in full command of their powers. Take the tune "Obereggen," which expands a punchy, staccato bassline into that sweet spot where trance and Italo can play next to each other. Or the cut "Fracture," which is built on a Detroit-like chassis but makes room for gorgeous pads, subby bass and a nimble breakbeat. For the established fans, there'll be plenty to latch onto, including the title cut (and first single), which sounds like something Robocop may have produced if he'd taught a violence diversion program. Meanwhile, cuts like "Dillingen" are reminiscent of one of those lost Eurythmics B-sides that show up in the dark corners of MixesDB. The album was mixed and mastered by Lopazz, and boasts a colorful cover from Berlin-based artist, Ilja Karilampi. So, 17 years after initially meeting, we finally have a full album from these Spuma Men. And in the end, it was worth the wait.

 

PRICE: $21.50

CAT #: PINYON 004LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Spirals goes back to the roots of jazz, funk, and disco and brings elements of these music streams into house music. In the appearance of swing, jazz was originally a dance music genre, which later developed in many directions. Various other genres were born from it. Even electronic music streams like house belong to those genres. Bearing this in mind, Spirals connects different points in the history of these genres. Bringing this fusion to life, the MIMIKOTO Project works with electronic elements (analog synths, drum computers, electronic modulations) as well as acoustic instruments (saxophones, keys, trumpet, bass, drums and percussions). The MIMIKOTO Project was founded in 2019 by Fabio Kumori as a collective of musicians related to jazz, funk, soul, and electronic music, after a certain period of composing and playing as duo, trio and quartet. One of the central goals of the MIMIKOTO Project is to include people from different backgrounds -- to be inclusive regarding the music and the musicians themselves. May the sound of Spirals be a social room in which everyone is invited to participate, and may this idea be spread everywhere where it will be played.

 

PRICE: $15.50

CAT #: PSSSH 003X-EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

PSSSH 003x enlists a diverse range of producers to reimagine the labels third offering. DJ Plead, Huerta, and Aubrey all turn in stellar remixes along with two new remixes from Dauwd himself. DJ Plead kicks things off with his signature bass heavy sound on his version of "The Yuzer", setting a high bar for what's to come. Accompanying him on the A-side are a couple of cuts from label founder Dauwd. The first, "Electronic Live Mix" of "SpaceSamba" is inspired by Dauwd's live performance at Mutek 2022 while his "Deep Dub Mix" of "The Yuzer" could be some of his best work to date on the imprint. On the flip, Huerta houses up "SpaceSamba" which an excellent dancefloor ready remix and Aubrey rounds things off with a solid groove interpretation of "The Yuzer".

 

PRICE: $13.50

CAT #: RADCD 014CD

FILE UNDER: ROCK

Innovative East LA Chicano punk rockers The Brat formed in 1978 when lead guitarist Rudy Medina and his guitarist nephew Sidney met singer-songwriter Teresa Covarrubias. Together they began penning songs that addressed social inequalities while fusing hardcore sounds with reggae undercurrents and a hint of girl group pop. A gig at the Vex in 1980 put them in the orbit of Los Illegals and The Plugz, whose frontman Tito Larriva produced their debut EP Attitudes, making it the first release on his own Fatima Recordz label. A killer set from start to finish, this fully authorized limited edition remastered reissue comes with rare bonus tracks. Essential!

 

PRICE: $17.50

CAT #: RM 4192CD

FILE UNDER: EXPERIMENTAL

In a radical re-approach to his musical output, Yann Novak devises his most dynamic sonic offering to date. The Voice of Theseus, expands his mode of operation, inviting in key contributions from vocalists Dorian Wood and G.Brenner, both of whom contribute to the core compositional elements of the record. Starting at voice as a point of departure, The Voice of Theseus traces sensation and sense making as a primary means to understanding the reality you find yourself within, a reality that is fraught by, and forged by, physiological and psychological ways of being. This record significantly expands Novak's oeuvre and in doing so opens an entirely new chapter in his practice.A note from Yann Novak: "In Greek mythology, the legend of Theseus describes how the king-founder of ancient Athens rescues the children of his city from King Minos' minotaur on the island of Crete. In commemoration, Athenians began a pilgrimage to honor his victory, taking the ship of Theseus and sailing it from Athens to Delos. It was with this tradition that a philosophical paradox about the historic ship was raised: As the ship was repaired, piece by piece, until it was no longer composed of any original parts, at what point could the ship no longer be considered the same entity? In recent years, I've become interested in exploring the perceptual differences I experience. While some of these differences? partial color blindness and dyslexia -- have been with me my entire life, tinnitus caused by hearing damage is a relatively new change to how I experience the world. It is these sensory challenges which have shaped my artistic practice by creating what I call a perceptual insecurity -- an uncertainty of how accurately I discern the world around me. The Voice of Theseus is my attempt to explore the obstacles I face in processing external sensory information. If I have trouble perceiving reds and greens, if I have trouble hearing certain frequencies, if I don't interpret written language in a standard way, how closely can I experience reality in the way that others experience it? The album asks the listener to question how their unique means of perception and interpretation might differ from that of others. For The Voice of Theseus, I asked two of my favorite vocalists to assist with this experiment. Both Dorian Wood and G.Brenner recorded vocals for me to manipulate throughout the album . . . The myth of Theseus' ship allowed me to tease at the nuances of how reality can be observed, interpreted, and altered in an indeterminate number of ways; it can be dismantled and rebuilt, many times over..."

 

PRICE: $15.50

CAT #: RM 4193CS

FILE UNDER: EXPERIMENTAL

A note from Valerio Tricoli: "It is always very, very difficult for me to write about the music I was personally involved in making. As a matter of fact, a good reason for me to make music is precisely that I don't want to be a writer, and also to be able to shut up... for once. Yet, once a record is finished, invariably arrives the request from the publisher - in this case the great Lawrence English -- asking for a 'press sheet', a very weird, but apparently necessary form of literature in which you (me, in this case) have to say something about the record, and this something will then be taken up by those who will eventually write about the record in fanzines specializing in avant-garde or electronic music, so that this text -- this miserable text that stinks so much of an exercise in style and that you are unfortunately reading and I'm unfortunately writing -- will be repeated, again and again, in different forms for as long (generally not very long) as someone else writes about it (the record? Or perhaps only this wretched text in Italo-English?). And so happens that all those tales of more or less real influences and half-read epiphanic books; of networks of poetic and political references and off-hand quotations from Mark Fisher will be repeated ad libitum while the music is hiding in shame from the paper (or from the screen-paper-simulacrum or whatever we might call that thing). We have a special word in Italian for this stuff: supercazzola. If I think about all the supercazzole I wrote, this one included, I want to hang myself. And yet, I'll have to write more. And so, dear listeners of the avant-garde, I say what's there's to say: all that matters to me in that elusive fact we call music, hear hear, is its unspeakable. What digs a crater in my soul, and settles somewhere in the neuronal circuit, is a nameless spirit. Anyway. That dreaded moment, the press-sheet-request moment, took the form of a message from Werner: 'Lawrence needs a press sheet. I am full with work. Can you write something about our nightmares?' Yes Werner, I can: I don't want to, but I can. And by the way, you've already done all the work. Thanks and bis bald. And so, I leave you, dear listeners, with Der Krater, recorded live in an improvised fashion and then re-composed in the Bavarian autumn: two nightmares -- Werner says -- for double bass, synthesizer and live-manipulated Revox tape recorder, which we hope you'll enjoy as much as we do."

 

PRICE: $17.50

CAT #: RM 4211CD

FILE UNDER: EXPERIMENTAL

To understand tuning systems, to peer into the infinity of microtonal compositional strategies, is to imagine a sense of musicality that extends far out beyond the familiar harmonies of the western ear. Iranian composer Siavash Amini, a self-confessed tuning obsessive, has dedicated much of his musical investigations over the past half decade to unlocking new relationships between harmonic events. Moreover, he has sought new timbral relations too and in doing so has honed a particular sonic-aesthetic that is increasingly haunting and spectral in nature. Amini's music is vertical, it reveals itself in ways which are unexpected and requires a certain auditory availability in its listener. Eidolon goes further than any other composition he has completed. It creates a contoured landscape in sound that is equal parts beautiful and overwhelming.A note from Siavash Amini: "Let me get this out of the way; I'm obsessed with Safi-al-din Urmavi's theory of tuning, rhythm, and maqam. It started in my last year of high school, at the time there was a lot of back and forth between Iranian music scholars about his 17-tone scale and whether it had any use or relevance to Iranian music of that day. I've been thinking about those discussions and more general discussions of tuning in the maqam system of the 13th century a lot in the past half-decade. I didn't know how to approach these tunings, but I started to get a sense of it while making A Trail of Laughters (RM 4144CD, 2021). I decided that the relevance of these tunings couldn't be explored with conventional instruments and composition techniques. I do not want to approach them in a historical sense, either. I want to use these as my raw material and find my approach, borrowing from experimental and electronic music of our time. The apparition, an image appearing and disappearing, taking shape in an instant and gone in the next, something you're not sure you've seen, needs a particular setting to be experienced. Something seen or felt in an undetermined space like Redon's drawings. I tried to see if these tuning systems (mostly Urmavi's 17-tone scale) could be a starting point for creating such a space for myself by letting their frequencies and intervals roll over each other, and letting the resulting sound and textures float, crash, spill and bleed. Maybe my other obsessions, namely darkness, light, and death, can be at least in some sense contemplated in this shadowy undetermined space and just maybe something here and there makes its presence felt."

 

PRICE: $17.50

CAT #: RB 120EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Ever since the release of his masterpiece Winona it's hard to imagine modern electronic dance music without DJ Boring. A progressive traditionalist DJ Boring finds new ways in old maps. Just like "Beautiful Strangers". The lead single to his correspondent debut EP for Running Back illustrates his kaleidoscopic sound aesthetic and refreshing style. Harking back to the aural palette of Boring's formative years in the early 2000s it manages to bridge infatuation and lovesickness, wistfulness and bliss, as well sundowns and sunrises dancefloors and living rooms -- and that is no mean feat. "When I'm With You" features Jasper Tygner.

 

PRICE: $26.00

CAT #: SELE 8514LP

FILE UNDER: COMEDY

"Select Records is proud to present the 30th anniversary edition of this 1993 comedy classic by The Jerky Boys, on deluxe colored vinyl with a limited OBI strip. Hailing from Queens, New York, childhood friends Johnny Brennan and Kamal Ahmed collaborated on a series of prank telephone calls that eventually circulated in classic grassroots fashion (before being 'viral' was a thing), travelling from teenager to teenager via cassette dub after cassette dub. The duo's work eventually earned legendary status among those lucky enough to get their hands on it. When the compilation of calls was finally officially released via Select Records, who were mostly known for their hip-hop acts ranging from Kid n Play to AMG, it reached #1 on Billboard's Heatseekers list by amazingly bumping Radiohead's Pablo Honey, which coincidentally took its title from a Jerky Boys sketch, out of the top spot. What followed was a few more platinum albums, a hilarious movie, and a legion of lifetime fans that can repeat these prank calls verbatim, even 30 years later. The Jerky Boys created a true movement, and inspired an entire generation of improvisational prank-style comedians. Re-live the hilarity now with the deluxe vinyl pressing! Pressed on limited white and purple colored vinyl with numbered OBI strip."

 

PRICE: $12.50

CAT #: SS 013

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

2023 restock; 2001 release. "Theo Parrish featuring Jerry the Cat (percussion), John Douglas (trumpet), and Trent Mitchell (bass). Includes 'Suns of Osiris' and 'Violet Green'."

 

PRICE: $12.50

CAT #: SS 017

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

2023 restock. Featuring a group consisting of: Theo Parrish, Warren Harris, Marcellus Pittman, Bill Beaver, Jerrald James, & Mellissa Botts.

 

PRICE: $12.50

CAT #: SS 020EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

2023 restock. New artist on Sound Signature; for the record, the cover shows "Warren Harris" as the artist, the label shows it as "Hanna" -- have it your way. "Warren Harris, better known as Hanna, is an incredibly prolific producer and multi-instrumentalist from Cleveland, Ohio who has released a string of consistently respected singles and albums over the past few years. Between 1999 and 2002, he released four full-length albums as Hanna (Severance, Scarlet Manifesto, Amen, and Contemplating Jazz) that have stretched and blurred the boundaries of house, techno and jazz. Preferring content to fads and current musical trends, Hanna tries to avoid spending too much time listening to what his peers are producing; instead he looks back to the pioneering spirit of his favorite musicians like Carmen McCrae, Bill Evans, Thomas Whitfield, and Thelonious Monk for his inspiration. The result is a sound that brings their philosophies into electronic music -- the artist not being awed into futility by his heroes, but awed into creating something unique, fantastic and more than a little bit out there! Imagine a Sun Ra-inspired club on some distant planet where futuristic melody and harmony sit on top of the deepest funk-filled grooves and you're halfway there!"

 

PRICE: $12.50

CAT #: SS 064EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

2023 restock. Theo Parrish with Duminie Deporres and Waajeed on "Warrior Code" and "Leave the Funk to Us".

 

PRICE: $12.50

CAT #: SS 077EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

2023 restock. "Stop looking back for something you left behind. The future holds the thing you need to find." "The new EP sees the Detroit house artist working with an array of musicians, including Lori (Laura Christoforidis) on vocals, Silentjay -- who released a collaborative EP on Rhythm Section -- on sax and three members of the popular neo-soul group Hiatus Kaiyote, Simon Mavin, Perrin Moss and Paul Bender, on keys, drums and bass respectively. There are two versions of the title track on the EP. Parrish's mix is on the A-side, with an alternate mix from Dego." --Resident Advisor

 

PRICE: $21.50

CAT #: SP IOTA

FILE UNDER: EXPERIMENTAL

From 1985, the beginning of their collaboration in Amsterdam, Peter Bosch and Simone Simons have been involved in performances, concerts and theater productions. Since 1990, however, they have focused in particular on the development of autonomous "music machines". All these machines are dynamic: sound and movement are constantly evolving. "The Krachtgever" is their best-known piece for its Golden Nica, received at Prix Ars Electronica, Linz, 1998. The other projects on the LP are "Cantan un Huevo", commissioned by the Ives Ensemble in 2000 and awarded in 2002 at the 29th edition of the International Competition of Electroacoustic Music and Sonic Art, Bourges, France, and one of their first installations, "Was der Wind zum Klingen bringt", from 1989/90, shown in the Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam, 1990, as part of the exhibition "Energieën", and in 1991 at the Multimediale 2, Z.K.M., Karlsruhe. The LP demonstrates that sound produced by the Bosch and Simons music machines can also be listened to as autonomous "music".

 

PRICE: $26.00

CAT #: SDR 134LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

LP version. Color vinyl version. "In 1982, D.O.A. was ready to record a new album on the heels of their first two alums: Something Better Change and Hardcore '81, which are still both musical landmarks to this day. But their legendary line up had changed, as Randy Rampage was ousted from the band. Chuck Biscuits' older brother Dimwit Biscuits stepped in on bass with Chuck still on drums, Joey Shithead on vocals and guitar and Dave Gregg on guitar. While this line up only lasted for three months, the band traveled to L.A. and recorded demos at Mystic Studios. Eventually Chuck quit, Dimwit took over on drums and Wimpy Roy became the bassist. So, as a grand way of celebrating the 40th Anniversary of War On 45, which many a critic and fan hailed as one of the most innovative albums of its time and on a par, quality wise with their first two albums. Sudden Death decided to add some bonus material. First off, now included is a 12-page booklet of unique photos, posters and an extensive history of D.O.A. at that time, written by Canada's godfather of punk Joey Shithead. Also, all eight tracks from the War On 45 1982 release are on side A and seven tracks from the pre-War On 45 demos that were recorded at Mystic onto Side B. So, one has the Montgomery brothers: Biscuits and Dimwit, two of the greatest drummers of all time on the same LP. All in all, this album will hit one hard, the way D.O.A. always has and it sums up one the best eras of these world-renowned punk pioneers."

 

PRICE: $24.00

CAT #: SDR 135LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

"In 1982, D.O.A. was ready to record a new album on the heels of their first two alums: Something Better Change and Hardcore '81, which are still both musical landmarks to this day. But their legendary line up had changed, as Randy Rampage was ousted from the band. Chuck Biscuits' older brother Dimwit Biscuits stepped in on bass with Chuck still on drums, Joey Shithead on vocals and guitar and Dave Gregg on guitar. While this line up only lasted for three months, the band traveled to L.A. and recorded demos at Mystic Studios. Eventually Chuck quit, Dimwit took over on drums and Wimpy Roy became the bassist. So, as a grand way of celebrating the 40th Anniversary of War On 45, which many a critic and fan hailed as one of the most innovative albums of its time and on a par, quality wise with their first two albums. Sudden Death decided to add some bonus material. First off, now included is a 12-page booklet of unique photos, posters and an extensive history of D.O.A. at that time, written by Canada's godfather of punk Joey Shithead. Also, all eight tracks from the War On 45 1982 release are on side A and seven tracks from the pre-War On 45 demos that were recorded at Mystic onto Side B. So, one has the Montgomery brothers: Biscuits and Dimwit, two of the greatest drummers of all time on the same LP. All in all, this album will hit one hard, the way D.O.A. always has and it sums up one the best eras of these world-renowned punk pioneers."

 

PRICE: $16.00

CAT #: SUE 028EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Acidoman hits Robotron featuring Enrico Demuro on bass.

 

PRICE: $25.00

CAT #: TMR 295LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

2023 repress. "Signed to Atlantic Records in the hubbub after Nirvana's Nevermind (1991) exploded, the Melvins' fifth album Houdini was a conscious attempt by the band to make a record that wouldn't alienate their fans but that the band members themselves would also enjoy. Their best-selling release by a country-mile, this album crested at number 29 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. Houdini would be most folks introduction to the band and songs like 'Honeybucket' received MTV airplay. First time on vinyl since 1993. Mastered directly from original analog tapes. Six tracks produced by Kurt Cobain. Cover art by legendary artist Frank Kozik. Includes the vinyl-only bonus track ''Rocket Reducer No. 62 (Rama Lama Fa Fa Fa)'' originally by the MC5. Gatefold sleeve. 180-gram BLACK VINYL."

 

PRICE: $17.50

CAT #: TMN 012EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

The 12th release on Tooman Records comes from Quadrakey and contains four beautiful tracks. House music with a deep passion. The artwork of talented collage artist Niels Kalk adorns the A-side.

 

PRICE: $18.00

CAT #: FREEDOM 001EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Freedom Party is a new born project with focus on the large universe that house music is selected tracks all licensed and fresh for today's community. Features Look One, Mederic Nebinger & Function, Steal Vybe, Rich Medina, and Underground Circuit.

 

PRICE: $27.00

CAT #: TURBO 093RE-EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Turbo celebrates the 10th anniversary of Gesaffelstein's seminal work on the Montreal-based imprint with a long-awaited repress of all three EPs: Variations, Conspiracy Pt. 1 (TURBO 099RE-EP), and Conspiracy Pt. 2 (TURBO 106RE-EP). Every track on Variations is a battle-tested bomb. Gesaffelstein's sound is clearly influenced by new wave and the Gigolo-era electro (2001-2) of fellow Frenchmen The Hacker and David Carretta, but it sounds like a fresh update rather than pastiche, revitalized and refined down to a modern and versatile core. These tracks work in Tiga's festival sets alongside some of the summer's biggest anthems, yet are equally at home in a more underground setting, e.g. Von Party's 5am warm-up before Ivan Smagghe at a London warehouse party. The title track has the most attitude, establishing a palette of dark staccato basslines, crunching hi-hats, hands-in-the-air cowbells and trippy synth leads. "Selected Faces" and "Atmosphere" are arguably even more straightforward club weapons, their breakdowns creating just enough "insanity" without getting annoying, their grooves dropping back in with a cool, restrained power that will win over hiss-weary DJs.

 

PRICE: $27.00

CAT #: TURBO 099RE-EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Turbo celebrates the 10th anniversary of Gesaffelstein's seminal work on the Montreal-based imprint with a long-awaited repress of all three EPs: Variations (TURBO 093RE-EP), Conspiracy Pt. 1, and Conspiracy Pt. 2 (TURBO 106RE-EP). Gesaffelstein's Variations EP set an all-time record for feedback at Turbo. For a new artist to attract that kind of attention from such a broad cross-section of DJs is extremely special and a clear sign that he's tapped into something very, very big. To the younger generation of clubbers and DJs for whom the funtastic era of 2001-2003 revivalism was a missed experience, Gesaffelstein represents a double-breasted jacket of nostalgia for everything from the power of Industrial and '80s new wave to the Gigolo-glam of early Kittin & the Hacker, Steril, Vitalic, Fixmer, and yes, Tiga. There should be no hesitation in declaring that he has single-handedly updated an entire genre, sharpened the edges, and notably traded in the camp and pastiche that made Electroclash a dirty word for a refined and stylish simplicity. The breakdowns are massive and very French, but never out of order. These are futuristic party bombs which skillfully draw from our favorite dance music of the last 30 years... and add more cowbell!

 

PRICE: $19.00

CAT #: UGM 019EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

A track first recorded by Felix Dickinson, DJ Shacra, and Blane Lyon in 2001 finally gets a release in Blane's memory with remixes from Ron Trent, Crazy P, and Brother Lee Love. "Felix's Dub" offers a stripped back, slouchy workout that previews Blane's lyrics in tastefully dubbed-out snatches. From this open canvas, Blane's voice melts into disco glitter and cool funk, courtesy of UK mainstays Crazy P. On track three, house royalty Ron Trent spotlights Blane's vocals underneath a steady groove, soaring into euphoria with passionate pads and colorful synths. Next, Brother Lee Love's "Heads Down" remix pulls the record into techy minimal territory: Blane's voice loops pensively, speaking to the sultry, eyes-closed part of the night.

 

PRICE: $28.00

CAT #: UMA 167LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

First time reissue, originally released in 1986. Solmania is a Japanese noise music project founded in 1984 by Masahiko Ohno. The hallmark of this amazing artist, who builds his experimental electric guitars from spare parts, is his freakish ability to use the stringed instrument by generating absolutely unique sounds, both in his live performances and recordings. The guitars used by Masahiko Ohno are multi-neck guitars and harp guitars and take on extremely bizarre shapes, using unconventional body shapes, extra-necks, strings, and pickups in unusual places, and various extraneous gadgets such as mics or tweets. Pushing far beyond expectations of free improvisation, Solmania weaves blistering passages that incorporate touchstones from progressive, punk, metal, noise, and drone, into more intricate movements of dystopian avant-gardism, culminating as a strikingly forward-thinking expanse of sonic creativity that pushing toward uncharted ground. Still, in all this, his advanced technical and interpretive skills are always evident, and his sense of lyricism in all music, quite profound. Traveling through the winding and jagged grooves of modified noise guitar, you come across Highdrophobia. Recorded and mixed in September 1986 and released the following month on cassette on Fatagaga Tapes FTC-08 in an extremely limited edition, this rare gem finally rears its ugly head in a new analog version on 12" vinyl. With his stunning modified guitar, Solmania uses tape, radio, metal, turntable, and vocals to create three incredible sound tracks of wild noise madness, offering the listener an excellent overview of his music's development. From side A single session, with its gumtree-shaking shimmer and mottled chords, through to the wildly sophisticated free noise sculpting of side B, divided into two tracks, where a horse-galloping guitar figure transform and uplift it from standard to something deeply original. A sublime, noisy effort of left field DIY minimalism constructed from recurring guitar pieces, vocal and a peppering of diverse object as turntables, radio and invisible effects, Highdrophobia illuminates a hidden but remarkable legacy of a great performer at the begin of his creativity and consciousness in the mid of the '80s. A masterpiece of guitar drone, its dense harmonics and overtones induce trance-like states, providing one of the most creatively thrilling, immersive experiences. New artwork by the artist himself; reverse cardboard sleeve plus 12" insert; edition of 199.

 

PRICE: $28.00

CAT #: UMA 168LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Reissue, originally released in 1996. Along with Merzbow, Incapacitants, and Hijokaidan, Masonna is one of the best (known) Japanese noise projects. A psychedelic touch, cascades of electronic noise and vocal belching mixed together constitute the ingredients of Mademoiselle Anne Sanglante Ou Notre Nymphomanie Auréolé, the double-barreled named for Masonna. Yamazaki "Maso" Takushi created Masonna in 1987 and simultaneously he started recordings on cassette tapes and seven inches for his own label named Coquette. His plentiful productions were presented in an ultra-limited edition, sometime totally confidential (one sole copy), and contributed to create a mythology based above all on the astonishing intensity with which "Maso" devastates and reprocesses the vocal cords, in a true total electronic song. In his impressive live performances, he created and electrically overcharged universe, punctuating the electric and vocal sonorous power with some quite moments and brief interruptions, conferring a very particular dynamic to his pieces. Inner Mind Mystique, released for the first time in 1996, includes seven studio recordings are making full use skillfully editing how to edit cut-up, in which elaborate lump-sum making has been performed with the effects, burbling electro noises, high-pitched twees, and other sci-fi sounds, erupting out to drown out the screams, as if to make full use of the ancestral vocal sound. With the "harshtronics", the extensive set of pedals that is used by Masonna to filter vocal and feedbacks, are surpassed all extremes with a full frequency violence that is as fast as it was psychedelic. Everything is scraped, cosmic, and beautiful and focuses an electrically overcharged universe, punctuating the thrilling and vocal sonorous power with some quite moments and brief interruptions, conferring a very particular dynamic to work. Each pieces display a vast array of electronic sound events meticulously sequenced to a complex vocal fusion symbolizing the entire spectrum of earthly and heavenly sounds. Dynamic extremes evoke a restless flight through space, or through the depths of human subconsciousness, between dream and reality. Ultimately the noise disappears, like a dot in the sky gradually fading into nothingness -- an "ascension" that closes the loop in a ritual of life that can begin anew again at any time. Truly stunning and historically monumental within the genre, it can't be missed by any fan of Japanese experimental music and noise. Faithful reproduction of the original 1996 release on Release Entertainment; includes A3 poster and cardboard insert; edition of 299.

 

PRICE: $40.00

CAT #: UMA 169LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Reissue, originally released in 1990. Merzbow came roaring onto the Tokyo scene in 1979. To this day, the project remains one of the most prolific and aggressively forward-thinking acts in experimental music. Initially a duo of Masami Akita and Kiyoshi Mizutani, before settling as the moniker of Akita alone, the project took its name from German artist Kurt Schwitters's pre-war architectural assemblage, The Cathedral of Erotic Misery or Merzbau, and quickly set out to challenge entrenched notions of what music could be. Embracing technology and the machine, even in its earliest iterations, Merzbow broke boundaries and pushed toward new territories of the extreme, arriving at an unadulterated manifestation of sonic expression that has continued across the last 44 years, setting the pace for the entire genre of noise along the way. When it comes to Japanese noise, few projects have pushed boundaries or risen to a more iconic status than Merzbow. The mutant child of punk and experimental music, the project's blistering sounds -- as singular and wild as they are unique -- are among the movement's most important, definitive statements, continuously laying the groundwork for countless artists who have followed in its wake. Cloud Cock OO Grand marks a new era for Merzbow, the first of many CDs that will go in the direction we'd see in the '90s. It is also the first time that this seminal document from Merzbow's '90s period has ever appeared on vinyl. Composed and performed on synthesizers, metal devices, noise electronics, and string instruments, all recorded at extreme volumes, Cloud Cock OO Grand's five tracks present an enthralling sonic assault, deeply driven by the presence of electronic sounds, played against the sparse interjections of Akita's heavily processed strings, that push toward new territories of the extreme, while subtly nodding toward historical gestures from the early years of the avant-garde. On the double vinyl, the tracks are not only remastered by Merzbow, but are recontextualized and open up a new sense of his studio experimentation at the time. Cloud Cock OO Grand is a stunning feat of remarkable importance within the genre of noise, delivering this long unavailable masterstroke back into our hands, while further illuminating the project's crucial work from the 1990s. This is an absolute must for the indoctrinated Merbow fan as much as those just entering this incredible world. Cover faithfully reproduces the original artwork; includes a poster; edition of 299.

 

PRICE: $28.00

CAT #: UMA 170LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

In 1987, Nakahara Masaya founded the project Violent Onsen Geisha, which quickly became one of the most well-known and influential names in the Japanese noise music scene, distinctive among others for frequently displaying a bizarre, sarcastic, and mischievous sense of humor. The band's name, which translates to "violent hot springs geisha," is a reference to the traditional Japanese practice of hot spring bathing, as well as a nod to Nakahara's confrontational and irreverent approach to music. As Violent Onsen Geisha, he creates experimental music that blends elements of noise, industrial, and avant-garde styles. He is known for his use of unconventional instruments and sounds, including feedback loops, field recordings, appropriated or "found" music, in addition to (or even instead of) straight-ahead noise. As well as his work as a musician, Nakahara is also a prolific visual artist and writer. His artwork has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, and he has published several books on the subjects of art and music. He is known for his irreverent and humorous approach to art, which often subverts traditional Japanese imagery and cultural norms. Despite his underground status, Nakahara has been a highly influential figure in the Japanese art and music scenes for over three decades. His work has inspired countless musicians and artists both in Japan and around the world. Wagamama Na Ofukuro is a super rare 1993 cassette release by Nakahara's label, My Fiance's Lifework. The title translates to "Selfish Mother" in English, and the tape is known for its confrontational and irreverent approach to music. It consists of handful of tracks that features a barrage of harsh noise, feedback, and distorted vocals. Despite its abrasive nature, there is a sense of humor and playfulness to the music, with artist incorporating samples of children's songs and nursery rhymes into the mix. Nakahara's use of unconventional instruments and sounds, as well as his willingness to push boundaries and challenge established norms, make this cassette a standout in the noise genre. Reissued on vinyl for the first time. High-quality remaster of the original recording. A prime example of Violent Onsen Geisha's confrontational and irreverent approach to music. Inside-out sleeve featuring the original artwork by Nakahara Masaya with scattered collages added and includes a printed insert on felt-textured on both sides paper; edition of 299.

 

PRICE: $28.00

CAT #: UMA 171LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Monde Bruits is a Japanese experimental noise project formed in the early 1990s, from the brainchild of Iwasaki Sh?hei. The sound has been compared to other experimental noise acts of the time, such as Merzbow, Hijokaidan, or Incapacitants. However, Monde Bruits' approach to noise is distinct, incorporating elements of musique concrète, industrial, and free improvisation which raw and bristly aesthetic. Purgatory cassette, released on the G.R.O.S.S. Japanese tape label, founded and run by Akifumi Nakajima, in 1992, is a significant document of Japanese experimental noise music from the early '90s. The cassette's limited release on a legendary Japanese tape label adds to its underground and obscure appeal, making it a sought-after collector's item for fans of experimental noise music. The opening track, occupying the entire A-side of the vinyl reissue, "In to Purgatory," sets the stage with its distorted and unsettling sounds that build to a crescendo before giving way to the pounding noise. The track is a melancholic ode to the fleeting beauty of life, is a long and intense composition that seems to guide you through the levels of hell with its mix of distorted sounds and synthetic melodies, which creates a sense of unease with its eerie atmosphere and unsettling sounds. On the flip side, the second track "Out to Purgatory" is another highlight, with its throbbing beat and distorted feedback, its harsh and abrasive sound, unconventional approach and a lo-fi production that seem to be calling out from the depths of the underworld. Overall, Purgatory is an incredibly immersive and powerful release that showcases the unique talents of Monde Bruits. The use of distorted sounds, industrial textures, and electronic melodies creates a haunting and foreboding atmosphere that transports the listener to another world. If you're a fan of experimental music that pushes boundaries and explores new sonic territories, then this release is definitely worth checking out. This is a must-listen for fans of noise, industrial, and avant-garde music. Remastered at Audio Dissection from the original audio master by Emanuele Bonini. Original artwork and double insert with original credits and complete interview by Satoru Higashiteto, translated in English by David Hopkins (RIP) originally published on Bananafish magazine; edition of 199.

 

PRICE: $28.00

CAT #: UMA 172LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

C.C.C.C. (Cosmic Coincidence Control Center) is a legendary Japanese noise music collective that was founded in Tokyo in 1989. The group originally had four members -- Mayuko Hino, Hiroshi Hasegawa, Fumio Kosakai, and Ryuichi Nagakubo -- who are known for their unique approach to noise music, and quickly gained a reputation for their intense and chaotic live performances. The group's sound is characterized by its use of high-volume, distorted noise, feedback, and electronics, as well as their incorporation of unconventional instruments and objects. Beyond their music, members of C.C.C.C. has also been involved in a variety of artistic endeavors, including film, performance and installation art. C.C.C.C.'s Reflexive Universe cassette, released on the Japanese label Vanilla Records in 1991, is a must-have for fans of Japanese noise music. The cassette features one track intense and immersive noise, showcasing the group's unique approach to sound and experimentation. The album is a 23-minute epic that builds from a fast, almost hypersonic opening to a wall of noise that seems to encompass the entire universe. Recorded live at Maya in Kobe on September 15th, 1991 only with two members performing: Mayuko Hino at electronics and voice, plus Hiroshi Hasegawa at synthesizer and electronics. The performance is a testament to the group's innovative and boundary-pushing approach to sound, and a reminder of the enduring power of noise music as an art form and Vanilla Records label has done an excellent job of capturing the raw and visceral sound of the group's live performance. Whether you're a longtime fan of C.C.C.C. or a newcomer to their unique brand of noise music, this vinyl reissue of Reflexive Universe is an essential addition to any record collection. Reissue for the first time in vinyl. Includes an additional amazing live performance on other side, recorded one month before Reflexive Universe at Donzoko House in Kyoto with all four members. Housed in a deluxe sleeve with a glossy finish using original pictures by Hidenobu Kaneda and an insert with a photo of the band performing live; edition of 199.

 

PRICE: $28.00

CAT #: UMA 173LP

FILE UNDER: EXPERIMENTAL

First time vinyl reissue, originally released in 1989. Repo, the enthralling album by the Japanese experimental project Incapacitants, is a sonic masterpiece that pushes the boundaries of noise music to exhilarating heights. Originally released on vinyl in just 300 copies by Japan's legendary Alchemy Records, this record showcases the immense creativity and technical prowess of the man behind Incapacitants, Toshiji Mikawa, here still alone (Repo is the last album as a one-man project, as Fumio Kosakai, about two years after this release, became a permanent member). With its relentless cacophony and innovative soundscapes, Repo is a testament to the enduring power of noise as an art form. From the very first seconds, Repo grabs your attention with an onslaught of piercing high frequencies and distorted textures. Mikawa's ability to manipulate sound is immediately apparent as they create a disorienting and immersive atmosphere. The side A evolves, incorporating layers of chaotic noise, visceral feedback, and unexpected sonic surprises, leaving the listener captivated and intrigued. The other side explore the concept of rhythm within noise music, defying conventions and embracing experimentation. The pulsating beats and distorted tones create a captivating sense of momentum, while unexpected disruptions and bursts of dissonance add an element of unpredictability. The juxtaposition of rhythmic elements and abrasive noise creates a dynamic listening experience that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. Repo is an extraordinary album that drives the limits of noise music, showcasing Toshiji Mikawa mastery of sound manipulation and their unwavering dedication to experimentation. With its relentless energy and daring sonic exploration, Repo is a testament to the enduring power of noise as an art form, and a must-listen for anyone seeking an audacious and boundary-pushing musical experience. A highly sought-after milestone in noise music -- an absolute must for any Japanoise fan. Fully remastered by Lasse Marhaug. Includes four-page A3 folded insert with previously unpublished photos, notes from 2001 by JOJO Hiroshige (with an addendum by T. Mikawa), and new comprehensive notes made for this reissue by Lasse Marhaug. Edition of 300.

 

PRICE: $43.50

CAT #: UMA 174LP

FILE UNDER: EXPERIMENTAL

Reissue, originally released in 1997. Merzbow is the moniker of Japanese artist Masami Akita inspired by dadaism and surrealism. During the mid-1990s, the Japanese artist went through his most prolific and inspired period of the analog era, releasing masterpieces such as Noisembryo, Venereology, Hybrid Noisebloom, or Green Wheels. In that same period, one of his notable and iconic releases, Space Metalizer, released in 1997 under the Canadian label Alien8 Recordings on CD, stands as a testament to his ability to create immersive and mind-altering soundscapes. This album takes listeners on an otherworldly journey, fusing electro-psychedelic noise, EMS Synthesizer, filter and electronics with techno-oriented resonance into a unique sonic experience. Opening with a surge of swirling noise and cosmic echoes, "Space Metalizer Pt. 1" immediately establishes a sense of vastness and otherworldliness. Merzbow masterfully combines layers of distorted metallic sounds, oscillating frequencies, and disorienting textures, creating an immersive soundscape that feels like traversing the depths of the universe. The intensity builds gradually, capturing the listener's attention and propelling them into a sonic voyage. Closes the A-side of the first record of the vinyl reissue "Mirage" a sonic exploration of interstellar phenomena in non-silent way. This track features a swirling combination of celestial textures, shimmering frequencies, and cosmic bursts of noise. The B-side, that include the bonus track "Spaceout" introduces a more pronounced metallic element, intertwining with the dense layers of noise, filtered with techno resonance. Merzbow's intricate use of metallic samples and distorted textures creates an industrial, almost mechanical, atmosphere with an interspatial rhythmic patterning. The tracks on second vinyl pulsates with a relentless energy, akin to the cosmic machinery of the universe. The cacophonous climax leaves a lasting impact, cementing "Space Metalizer Pt. 2" as a standout moment on the album. Through a combination of cosmic atmospheres, metallic elements, the use of the EMS, the Theremin and the filters, Merzbow takes listeners on a transcendent journey through the depths of space. Reissue for the first time, in a doble vinyl in sole 199 copies, this album stands as a testament to Merzbow's artistic vision and his relentless pursuit of pushing the folds of noise. A must-listen for enthusiasts of noise music and anyone seeking a transformative and immersive sonic experience. Comes with original cover collage plus a bonus postcard and poster with amazing colored new and old collages by Masami Akita.

 

PRICE: $28.00

CAT #: UMA 175LP

FILE UNDER: EXPERIMENTAL

Reissue, originally released in 1998. Masonna, the rough noise project of the Japanese artist Yamazaki "Maso" Takushi, has long been revered for his uncompromising and extreme approach to sonic exploration. Vestal Spacy Ritual, initially released on CD by the Japanese label Alchemy Records in 1999, is a testament to Masonna's ability to create an overwhelming and mind-altering listening experience. Vestal Spacy Ritual starts with a cacophonous explosion of distorted noise and frenzied electronic manipulation. From the very start, Masonna immerses the listener in a relentless sonic assault, utilizing piercing high frequencies, distorted vocals, and a barrage of abrasive textures. The second track (all album's tracks are untitled) sets the stage for the tumultuous journey ahead plunges the listener into a maelstrom of sound, with waves of screeching feedback and distorted pulsations. Masonna's mastery lies in his ability to create a sense of disorientation and unease, as if the listener is navigating through a swirling vortex of chaos. The following handful of tracks that round out the first side of the vinyl reissue are a relentless onslaught of noise, pushing the boundaries of sonic intensity with a really psychedelic touch. The B-side delves even deeper into the realms of sonic extremity. Layers of distorted vocals, shrieking frequencies, and distorted electronic elements converge to create an atmosphere of sheer sonic psychedelic madness. The relentless assault on the senses is unrelenting, leaving the listener in a state of sonic disarray. As well as the usual use of "harstronics'", synth, ring modulator and echo chambers are employed here. Vestal Spacy Ritual can be considered the transition album to Yamazaki's cosmic phase, where the first analog "space" machines are tried out, combining elements of noise, distortion, and harsh vocals into an overwhelming "space" sonic experience. All the tracks showcase Masonna's ability to manipulate sound, creating an immersive and chaotic soundscape that is simultaneously captivating and unnerving. The cacophony builds to a crescendo, immersing the listener in a tumultuous cosmic sonic ritual. With its unrelenting intensity and psychedelic aesthetic, Vestal Spacy Ritual stands as a testament to Masonna's artistic vision and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of sonic expression. Original psychedelic artwork by Japanese designer and artist Masahiko Ohno. Includes twelve-inch insert format plus psyco-postcard using the same original CD art. Edition of 199.

 

PRICE: $160.50

CAT #: URA 048CS

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

Mind-blowing and space-expanding, an absolute spectacular object. Tape after tape, from degeneration to degeneration, with the sole help of an analog synthesizer Sequential Circuits Six-Trak, a microphone connected with a Yamaha multi-effect, tape decks and a mixer, Marco Corbelli blows up emotions and delusions, cutting out the hard way inspired portraits of phobias and deviation. With this minimal equipment Marco has created all his shocking early cassettes, always characterized by his cold, sick and querulous synthesizer; pitch perfect for the industrial movement into which he first emerged. These aspects of his practice are particularly drawn into the light by the main manifesto of Atrax Morgue -- the analysis of the death, his perfection and complete habituation: injections of death to continue to live! Beautifully brilliant, profoundly ambitious and crucial in constructing a more inclusive vision of Atrax Morgue's deep, extensive work, From Degeneration To Degeneration box set represents an absolute approach to the industrial and noise scene in the nineteens. The putrescence is palpable, and one could almost smell and taste the miasma of decay that pervades the entire box. Anxiety, alienation, and hypochondria turn into a deep paranoia in pain. Without hesitation, the bodies are emptied, leaving the field to an electronics purulence of rare power disconcerting. The psychopathological sound is white, painful and horrific; creates a mental alteration that initiates brutal operation of psychic surgery, neuroses and split personality. Crosses terrifying rooms lit by neon lights, corridors filled with gruesome tools, machines of blood and bits of human tissue floating in jars of formalin. The hum of the synth, the roar of noise and fights razor are often repeated loops, where each track has a compact structure, following the main theme (of death). An absolute triumph and essential on every count for fans of industrial and synth/experimental music and a hallucinatory and intense set of finely tuned and tectonic form pieces. A tour-de-force survey of Corbelli's remarkably diverse vision within the industrial and noise scene. Contains reissue of complete Slaughter Productions tapes titles. 12 cassettes in black wooden box 12" size; second edition of box set comes with a 40-page book with original credits from every cassette and Marco Corbelli's pics with some completely new shots, two A4 size inserts glossy coating with two unpublished Marco Corbelli self-portraits and never seen before, one postcard with unpublished Atrax Morgue self-inflicted wound pose, an official certificate hand numbered with silver ink in 99 copies and a big poster; includes download code.

 

PRICE: $15.50

CAT #: WRTA 004EP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

We R The Aliens is back featuring three intergalactic all-stars in Ohm Hourani and his cohorts Ricardo Villalobos and Amir Javasoul. On the A, Ohm presents "Barbara", a groove-laden with an infectious, plucky lead and tasteful vocal chops perfect for the early morning hours. On the flip, seasoned harbingers of party Ricardo Villalobos and Amir Javasoul give "Barbara" a floor-forward remix treatment with spacy FX, a thumping low end, and a Eurorack spin on the original's vocals.

 

PRICE: $31.50

CAT #: WWSLP 067LP

FILE UNDER: JAZZ

2023 restock; LP version. Wewantsounds announce a special edition of the legendary 1979 Masahiko Togashi album Song of Soil, recorded in Paris with Don Cherry and Charlie Haden and released on Japanese label Paddle Wheel. Supervised by Parisian producer Martin Meissonnier -- then Don Cherry's right-hand man -- Song of Soil reaches heights of spirituality mixing Eastern influences with jazz and deep ambient soundscapes. The album is reissued here with its original artwork and remastered by King Records in Japan. Masahiko Togashi's cult classic, Song of Soil was recorded just a few months after the Codona album release but unlike the landmark ECM album, Song of Soil was only released in Japan at the time. Thanks to Japanese pianist Takashi Kako, who was living in Paris at the time, a session had been set up with Don Cherry and Charlie Haden thanks to Martin Meissonnier, a young journalist and radio producer, who was starting to make an impression on the Paris music scene. Paris at the time was a buzzing city and one of the most active epicenters of jazz creativity. Masahiko Togashi was, at the time, one of Japan's most celebrated jazz musicians. He was a key exponent of the Japanese free jazz movement at the turn of the '60s. Despite an accident that had left him paralyzed from waist down, Togashi became more active than ever thanks to a special drumkit that enabled him to play like before. He came to Paris to record Song of Soil with the two American musicians who were touring Europe with their Old and New Dreams quartet (they'd played a concert promoted by Meissonnier at the Palais des Glaces on the July 31st). Always on the lookout for new inspiring adventures, Cherry agreed to do the session with Togashi and the musicians headed to the Ramses studio to record the album with Haden as the bassist. Comprised of six Togashi originals, Song of Soil is a superb blend of global improvisational interaction featuring Togashi's deep abstract drumming, Don Cherry's imaginary trumpet playing, and Charlie Haden's expansive basslines. Also present during the session was Don Cherry's friend, photographer Philippe Gras who'd shot the cult legendary short film Don Cherry in 1968. Gras shot the session for the album release and artwork. For Meissonnier, it was the beginning of a meteoric rise that would see him shape the global sound of the '80s with Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, and Rai musicians. A key album in Don Cherry's discography as well as an essential Japanese jazz album, Song of Soil is a unique meeting of the minds. Includes eight-page color booklet with liner notes by Jacques Denis/Martin Meissonnier and Paul Bowler plus unissued photos by Philippe Gras.

 

PRICE: $22.00

CAT #: WOODSIST 106LP

FILE UNDER: ROCK

LP version. "Born of a thousand nights lost in a surrender to stillness and contemplation, In The Air is Anna St. Louis' second full length album and her most considered work yet. It's an outlook on the world that was formed when her immediate one was small. The intervening years since her last album found St. Louis in a small one-bedroom cabin in the middle of the woods of upstate New York with a new love and time to think of what she wanted to express with her music. For weeks on end, the only trips she took were to and from her job as the front desk clerk at a nearby hotel. The previous years she had spent on tour and performing constantly in the venues of Los Angeles felt like they had occurred in another lifetime. St. Louis describes the writing period as one of a slow harvest; a fertile time but one that required a newfound patience. Instead of documenting her first thoughts, she spent more time with each song, going deeper with the themes and ideas she wanted to express. This slower approach also guided the sonic textures of the album. Working with producer Jarvis Taveniere (Purple Mountains, Woods) in two extended recording sessions in Los Angeles in 2021, St. Louis used the studio in a previously unexplored way, opening up her songs to more experimentation featuring brighter tones and a more orchestral sound to accompany her new perspective. To that end, she was aided by a cast of friends and collaborators including Jess Williamson, Kacey Johansing, Oliver Hill (Kevin Morby, Vagabon) on strings, Alex Fischel (Spoon) on piano, Josh Adams on drums (Bedouine, Tim Heidecker) and Keven Lareau (Cut Worms, Hand Habits)." --Justin Sullivan

 

PRICE: $40.00

CAT #: WRWTFWW 078LP

FILE UNDER: ELECTRONIC

WRWTFWW Records announce the first ever vinyl release for Pizza Hotline's brilliant 2022 full-length Level Select, originally only released on cassette and digital. The liquid drum & bass meets Y2K era video gaming aesthetics monster is now available in a limited-edition transparent vinyl double LP with a glorious 45rpm cut, packaged in a heavyweight 350gsm sleeve. Entirely written and composed by UK producer Pizza Hotline (apart from "GLACIER ZONE", a collaboration between Pizza Hotline and DJ Total 90), the stellar eight-song album was initially released as a limited cassette in January 2022 and quickly gained cult status -- making a full-on vinyl release quite the necessity. It's here now with the previously unreleased track "POLYGON DREAMSCAPE" (which sounds as magical as its title) and 45rpm cut for louder, bigger, deeper bass rumbling. Spellbinding, atmospheric, and beautifully melodic, Level Select is a large scope dreamy adventure of liquid DnB filled with ambient escapades, ethereal jungle, high vibe breaks, and a heavy loving dose of late '90s/early 2000s video game influences. Hypnotic late-night hype and pensive chill moods mesh with ease in a cinematic soundscape that re-contextualizes and gives a new life to a beloved music genre -- LTJ Bukem, Peshay, the Wipeout OST or Soichi Terada's Ape Escape come to mind, and sounds and soundtracks from the Sony Playstation, the Nintendo 64, and the Sega Saturn resonate from the speakers. It's all fresh with a subtle nostalgia and so much heart. An instant classic. Press start.