[Smallfish-releases-text] Smallfish Mailout 09/12/05
mike oliver
mike@smallfish.co.uk
Fri, 9 Dec 2005 13:46:17 -0000
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Smallfish Mailout 09/12/05
Hello, hello, hello!
Couple of weeks to Christmas and still the releases keep coming. Short =
and sweet this week but with a couple of really tasty bits going on...
EU - Colder - Cactus Island - 3" CD
Yes, it's here. The final Residents Association release before Christmas =
is the long-awaited second release from EU. A chilled out and =
atmospheric collectiopn of tracks that are engagin, warm and a little =
bit odd at times... sounds like a perfect combination to me. As ever =
these are strictly limited to 100 worldwide and we can only sell 1 per =
customer in the interests of fairness. My advice is get in there quick!
Fortdax - Horizon Seven-Seven - Static Caravan - CDr
We're really pleased to have got hold of some copies of this excellent =
little CDr in Static Caravan's limited series. As the description says, =
it's rather an epically put together couple of tracks that have all the =
hallmarks of Fortdax's earlier work. This is limited to 100 copies so =
you'll absolutely want to snap it up before it flies out of the store! 1 =
per customer only, of course.
Pub - Do You Ever Regret Pantomime? + Live - Ampoule - 2xCD
Still one of those albums that I go back to on a regular basis... Pub's =
'Do You Ever...' is a wonderfully put together slice of warm-hearted yet =
distant and ethereal sounding Electronica par excellence. Deep, gorgeous =
and incredibly hypnotic it features dense textures, sculptural moments, =
cleverly realised rhythmic tracks and an overwhelming sense of delicate =
beauty. To have copies of the Japanese only issue with the huge bonus of =
a live CD recorded at The Bunker in Germany is truly a great thing. The =
live CD features unreleased tracks and mixes including a superb version =
of the legendary 'Summer' originally released on Vertical Form. Not many =
copies of this around, by all accounts, so you'd be advised to get it =
sooner rather than later.
Please note that the Pliiant double 3" CD is in fact out of stock. Sorry =
about that.
Those are definitely some real highlights and to have them this late in =
the year gives me a really warm feeling!
Go check the website and see if there's something that tickles your =
fancy!
Wrap up warm and take care until next week.
Peace.
The Fish.
Smallfish Records | 329 Old Street | London | EC1V 9LE | +44 [0] 20 7739 =
2252 | www.smallfish.co.uk=20
New Releases (Vinyl): Electronica
BIO-MUSE - OCCASIONALLY IN A WAY / DON HUM YES - BIO-MUSE - 7" + DVD =
(NL01-7DVD)
Hugely distorted electro-breaks with a grungy vocals and some
more distortion for good measure. Distorted. The main player here
is ....... distortion. Comes with a free teabag and a DVD (which
i have yet to see). You should check it out if you like it because
in many ways it is beyond describing.....
DAEDELUS FEATURING MF DOOM - IMPENDING DOOM - NINJA TUNE - 12" =
(ZEN12171)
Wicked new 12" from the ever reliable Daedelus, with guest vocals
from MF Doom. Side one is full of those now trademark Daedelus
string samples and loops, with MF Doom's lyrical dexterity whipping
up an additional storm. "Just Briefly" has to be one of his best
tracks yet, reminiscent of Luke Vibert at his grooviest - if this
doesn't get people moving, nothing will! Remixes on side two (both
from Domu) are surprisingly strong and diverse; one is a hyperactive
frenzy of beats, the other smooth and downtempo. Boy, do i wish
all Ninja Tune releases were this good!=20
GASMAN, THE - HARDLINE - TERMINAL DUSK - (TD005)
Frenetic drill & bass mayhem with a wonderful comedy rave track
on the flip that is about 1000 BPM! Six tracks that will appeal
to fans off drop the lime, anything on Tigerbeat etc etc....
SHUBAKA - F*CKIN' A EP - UXB - 12" (UXB012)
Superbly freaked-out electronic funk by this newly signed artist
on Broom and Hill's UXB label. Phat (and yes, I deliberately use
the HipHop spelling for this) grooves with lots of jerky synth
spasms, and those tight claps, that always do it for me on those
electronic beats. Excellent vocal arrangaments on some of the
tracks not too far away from some of Telefon Telavi's second album,
but with a whole lot more bounce to the ounce in the rhythm =
department.
VARIOUS - WHERE THE SEA MEETS THE SKY - EARWORM - CD (EGS04CD)
Lovely comp of tracks from 11 artists on the Earworm roster. A
mix of electronica and singer songwriter with the electronica
tracks making up the larger portion. Many great names here; Tunng,
Woodcraft folk, Fuxa, Echoboy, The Besnard Lakes (whose 10" release
on Static Caravan is not to be missed!), The Earlies, The Hidden
Cameras, Kinski & more.....=20
New Releases (Vinyl): Techno / Electro
AN-2 - SUNSET FEVER (COMMON FACTOR REMIX) - WAS NOT WAS - 12" (WNW009)
Great track this. Has a funked-up House feel but with an element
of Techno to the chord sounds. Overtly groovy and very bumpy indeed,
this is what good dancefloor sounds should be like in my opinion.
The Common Factor remix is not that different from the original,
essentially, but it's still a great slice of club-friendly music.
Nice.=20
BENJAMIN BRUNN - DE-ESCALATE - BINE - 12" (BINE009VYR)
This is another serious piece of work from Benjamin Brunn who
continues to impress with some staggeringly deep and lush music.
As a follow up to 'Music Under Pin' it's about as perfect as you
could imagine and features three divine slices of very playable
minimal, dubbed out and warm Techno plus a gorgeous, more downbeat
cut. The main track is a prime example of how to do reduced grooves
without resorting to glitched-up noises whilst retaining a depth
and beauty that shines. A seriously excellent EP that's highly
recommended for fans of great electronic music.=20
BENJAMIN DIAMOND / CONNECTIVE ZONE - INNER CYCLE PART 1 + 2 / FUNCTION =
- IMMER - 12" (IMMER001)
The first release from kompakt's new offshoot label, Immer, is
a fabulous piece of retro-tinged excellence. Two old-school Techno
tracks with hints of Electronica licensed from UXB and Diamond
Traxx which absolutely stand the test of time. One to snaffle
if you like to keep up with the influences of the current Techno
sounds. Top.
BUTANE - ON THE KET - DUMB UNIT - 12" (DU-025)
It's really good to see Butane getting out there with some releases
after his sterling work on the net.label scene. This has a nicely
ironic title and is packed full of the kind of crispy, hi-tech
Techno funk grooves that regularly get minimal fans in a lather.
Deep, reduced tracks that are full of nice little production touches
and a wiggly, heads down nature. Most excellent.
DAVE SHOKH - CIELO ED INFERNO - PLAYMATE MUSIC - 12" (PLAYMATE09)
Dave Shokh delivers a quintessential Electro-House sound here
over four tracks. Simple, but very effective synths and springy
basslines are the order of the day and as dancefloor orientated
music it should easily do its job. Very perky and very playable.
DOMINIK EULBERG - EINE KLEINE SCHMETTERLINGS-HOMMAGE - TRAUM - 12" =
(TRAUMV67)
Big tune here from Mr. Eulberg which we've been asked about pretty
constantly for weeks now. Two tracks of pumping and surprisingly
heavy grooves with chunky beats and a quite hypnotic and heads
down sort of sound. Got to be absolutely massive on the dancefloor
and I imagine this one'll be devastating it on a regular basis
very soon indeed. Class and definitely recommended.
EGOEXPRESS - EVERYBODY - LADOMAT 2000 - 12" (LADO2180)
Egoexpress are clearly on a roll and this is another slab of crisp,
funky and slightly minimalistic Techno par excellence. Driving
beats and basslines with an old school feel along with a nicely
technical feel to the sounds. B-side contains superb remixes from
both Lowtec and Jackmate for a more reduced and funking flava.
Top stuff.
FAIRMONT - I WANT TO SEE THE SUN COME UP - ECHOCORD - 12" =
(ECHOCORD016)
Nice to see Fairmont back on vinyl with this great EP on Mikkel
Metal's Echocord label. Three tracks of solid, very playable minimal
Techno with a warmth and dubbiness (which you'd expect, obviously)
that easily equals Fairmont's work on Traum. Melodic, sweet grooves
with a nicely hypnotic feel and a range of lovely chord sounds.
As ever, you can't go wrong with this brilliant label and this
comes highly recommended.
FRANKLIN DE COSTA - VIOLETT - KARMAROUGE NOIR - 12" (KR_NOIR01)
First release from Karmarouge's offshoot label here. Similar in
style to his EP on Trapez Limited with a much darker edge than
the usual Karmarouge records. Heavy bass sounds with a synthetic
style plus rock solid minimal 4/4 beats. Up there with the best
of them and featuring 4 tracks as well. One to check!=20
HELL - TRAGIC PICTURE SHOW - GIGOLO - 7" (GIGOLO168)
A diversion of sorts for our Hell. Co-produced by James Murphy,
this funky electro-breakbeat number with spoken word vocals is
not what one would normally associate with Gigolo (it all sounds
a bit fraught and the ghost of LCD looms large). Single sided
7", presumably limited.=20
HUG - THE HAPPY MONSTER - K2 - 12" (K2/05)
John Dahlback once again provides a tip-top selection of reduced
Techno grooves for Kompakt's K2 offshoot. This is absolutely solid
and the B-side in particular contains two of the finest quality,
Chicago influenced tracks that are stripped and downright funky
as hell. Absolutely spot on. Recommended.
JOHN TEJADA - VOYAGER - PALETTE - 12" (PAL-38)
John Tejada back on super form here with a rough and tough workout
that has a distinct Chicago flow to the percussion and a big =
building
synth line. Heavy and old-school sounding at times this EP is
full of flava and will smash it on the dancefloor. Will this man
ever stop producing excellent records? Doesn't seem like it does
it?
MARTINI BROS - TRACKS FROM THE LAB PART 2 - POKER FLAT - 12" (PFR65)
Poker Flat just don't seem to stop releasing top records and this
Electro / House / Techno hybrid from the Martini's is absolute
quality. Perky, lively and featuring the sort of wiggly bleeps
and bass that do it for virtually everyone these days, you =
absolutely
can not go wrong. Fresh!
NICO PURMAN - CIUDAD DE NUBES - MODELISME - 12" (MODEL11)
The Modelisme stuff is functional, groovy and very playable Techno
/ House and this is absolutely on that tip. Maybe a slightly more
Electro-House touch than usual on one side, but essentially this
is great dancefloor material that easily stands up against the
competition. quality sounds.=20
NOONCAT - TIME FOR... - TRENTON - 12" (TRENTON009)
Nooncat takes a break from Treibstoff here with a tasty four track
EP of smooth, nicely produced Techno grooves that sit somewhere
between House and Techno. Melodic and deep, but infinitely playable
sounds that will slot nicely into the not-so-minimal part of your
set. Good quality gear.
REPEAT REPEAT - BLIPPY / CITY OF ANGELS - SOMA - 12" (SOMA187)
The deeper end of minimal techno here, and yet again an apt title
- "Blippy" is just that, but then it equally be called "Bubbly"
and "Droney". Lush, and hypnotic, this is a perfect example of
sleepy techno. "City Of Angels" is a bit more upbeat, but still
fairly soporific. I don't think i'm playing this at the wrong
speed, although it would help if labels listed this information
- if i'm wrong, i'm sorry Soma, it's your fault!=20
SERGEI - BIT BY BIT - REGULAR - 12" (REGULAR018)
Heavy and nicely deep sounds on Regular which, in my opinion,
is a real return to the sort of form they were in a year ago.
Techno meets House with a tough A-side and driving basslines and
a much smoother and more melodic flipside which grooves along
beautifully. Well worth checking.
T.RAUMSCHMIERE - VERY LOAD LULLABY - NOVA MUTE - 12" (12NOMU161)
I'm sorry to report that the decline of Si Begg continues (not
to mention Trisha Raumschmiere) with this frankly execrable comedy
rave/breakcore remix (in fairness to him, the original is terrible
faux glam metal nonsense that i'm sure i'm supposed to find funny,
but don't). Not even Apparat can save the day, i'm afraid. Sorry
(they should be).=20
TIGERSKIN - DESPERATE MOUSELIVES - OPOSSUM - 12" (OPSM005)
Dub Taylor aka Alex Kruger aka Tigerskin. e's a busy man and with
this release he's really got stuck into a slighly more minimalistic
groove than his House stuff. A dark-ish synth line and some proper
solid beats along with a moody set of bleeps combine to create
a dancefloor filler that's full of atmosphere. O ne of my faves
by him so far, as Tigerskin, anyway.
TOM DEMAC - NEW BEGINNINGS EP - ELECTRONIQUE AUDIO - 12" (EA02)
Excellent second release from this great little label. Tom Demac
delivers four solid tracks of rolling, deep Techno sounds with
a dubby, warm feel throughout. Equally at home in the clubs as
it is at home, this one comes highly recommended.
UNKNOWN - RUNNER NOISE - APPLICATION - 12" (APRO01)
Straight-Up, No-Nonsense Techno for the big floor, that keeps
it quite stripped, and would run very nicely alongside the likes
of Millls and Surgeon. The A-side keeps it strictly 4 to the Floor,
while the flip has a long off-beat cut. First release for this
new label.
UNKNOWN - HIGH SCHOOL RECORDS 01 - HIGH SCHOOL - 12" (HIG01)
Another new addition to the tribal techno-family on this new label
from Spain. Full-on offbeat assault on the a-side, and 2 heavy
workouts with all the right assets on the flip. It works....trust
me...!=20
UNKNOWN - WAVE SOUND - PAINFUL MEMORIES - 12" (APW01)
Merciless Techno from Spain with distinct industrial influences
and a more broken-down feel, that reminds me strongly of The British
Murder Boys / Surgeon. Unfortunetaly, once again, there isn't
any information on the artists whatsoever...(seems that they might
have a big techno factory in Spain, that just automatically produces
this material...) You like to play rough? Then play with this...
WARMDESK - CAPRICORN RISING EP - A TOUCH OF CLASS - 12" (ATC016)
I love the Touch of Class stuff and this new release from Warmdesk
is a delicious snack of wholesome House / Techno grooves. Warm
sounds and funky beats along with lovely chord work give it a
soulful feel but it has enough edge to work its way into the more
minimal Techno sets as well. A perky and splendid record all round.
Restocks (Vinyl): Techno / Electro
CHRISTOPHER + RAPHAEL JUST - DISCO 128 - COMBINATION - 12" (CORE033)
Retro, fun, bouncy, lively sounds from this two man team-up. Chris
and Raphael get it going with a nicely progressive build-up and
a selection of authentic sounding old-school sounds and basslines.
Kicking beats top it off. Electro-Disco of the very best kind.
New Releases (Vinyl): US Techno / Electro
CARL CRAIG - SPARKLE / HOME ENTERTAINMENT - PLANET E - 12" (PE65283)
2 cuts from 'The album formerly know as...' here. Sparkle is the
favourite for me, and although Both cuts are nice i have to say
that they are not really single material? still, what do i know?
I'm only a fat bloke from essex.........
VARIOUS - HOLLERTRONIX 3 - N/A - 12" (MS022)
Vol 3 continues in the same vein with obscure Booty/electro/hip
hop cuts with both singing & rhymes by diplo, Mad Decernt & more.
A real hard one to pigeon hole this as it goes all over the =
place......
New Releases (Vinyl): House
BANDA UNAIO BLACK - BEEN SO LONG - COMMONFOLK - 12" (CFR2)
Although this is not really a disco tune, it's on that scene that
it really means anything to be honest. A sort of disco/rock tune
that would be played by say, harvey for instance. Not that he
does play it, but it is certainly the sort of thing he would spin
from time to time. On the flip is a re-edit by Tim Love lee, =
maximising
its disco/cheese potential. Check it out....
SKYY - HIGH - PLAZA - 12" (PLG2009)
Super chunky remixes by Ken here, although i have to say i prefer
the original. The remixes are very club friendly and will work
an a more commercial level, but the original has the funk for
me. Check it out and see what you think.
New Releases (Vinyl): Hip Hop
COMMON - BE - GEFFEN - 2xLP (B0004670LP)
After the excesses of Electric circus, this back to basics LP/CD
from the man is a real breat of fresh air. " beats from the =
recovering
J-Dilla, and the rest by man of the moment Kanye West, all with
bags of soul and suiting commons rhymes as if he was back making
music with NO I.D again. best Hip Hop LP?CD of the year for me,
a must have........
DJ SPINNA - COMPOSITIONS 1 - FEMALE FUN - (FF00012)
So good to have this back again. Originally from about 1999 and
then with only 4 tracks, this featured instrumental versions
of remixes that Spinna had done for MC Eight, Das Efx, De La Soul
& one that escapes me at the moment. This reissue on female fun
has 2 extra tracks, one of which is the instrumental for the first
Network reps 12" he did. The other is a new one on me. Super phat,
smoothed out NYC Hip Hop for those who like it on a chilled tip.
Highly recommended........
JUNGLE BROTHERS - DONE BY THE FORCES OF NATURE - WARNER BROTHERS - =
2xLP (126072LP)
First time ever that this fine lp has been on double vinyl! Classic
LP from what many people call the golden age of Hip Hop. Cant
argue with that now can I !!
KEV BROWN - LIFES A GAMBLE - UP ABOVE - 12" (UA3114)
2 more cuts from the kev brown LP/CD here, one with a nice remix
by Kev himself. Smooth, soulful Hip Hop but still retaining that
certain edge in the production. nice!
N/A - SCARFACE BREAKS - N/A - LP (TMLP3157)
Battle weapon with purely dialouge from the movie. great for budding
DJ's & producers everywhere....
Q-BERT - BREAKTIONARY - DIRTSTYLES - LP (BREAK001)
Stupendously huge comp of breaks from the main man here. All edited
together and ready for action, 2 copy style. Superb cover artwork
as well, recommended....
SELF SCIENTIFIC - CHANGE - UP ABOVE - 2xLP (UA3116LP)
Wide ranging bag of styles on this LP, with mixed results. Some
Kanye, Ayatollah style speeded up soul beats sit alongside some
with a much more raw indie feel, as well as some cuts that try
to straddle the indie/jiggy divide. The good news is that there
is enough quality to recommended it, so check it out baby!
TALL DARK & HANDSOME - S/T - B-BOY - LP (BB51588LP)
Another great period reissue of this tough LP from 1988 on the
infamous B-Boy label. Big clattering beats with big loops, a real
sign of the era here, with equally suited rhymes.=20
Restocks (Vinyl): Hip Hop
STEVE SPACEK - LET THE DOLLAR CIRCULATE - STUDIO DISTRIBUTION - 12" =
(SIC009)
Deep & soulful jay-dilla production here. beautiful beat chopped
to perfection. recommended......
New Releases (Vinyl): Eclectic Beats
ONE SELF - CHILDREN OF POSSIBILITY (INSTRUMENTALS) - NINJA TUNE - 2xLP =
(ZEN94INST)
An instrumental version of this LP from One Self is a very welcome
surprise. Along with a bunch of accapellas, this light, breezy,
refreshingly subtle yet challenging blend of nu hip hop from DJ
Vadim goes down a particular treat in vocal free form.=20
New Releases (Vinyl): Guitar Based
FOLLER - FOLLER / HOME - VARIOUS - 7" (VAR008)
One side of this little beauty is a straight folk number with
beautiful female vocals over what sounds like a lute. The other
is the sam in the vocal department, but musically its electronica
of the soft and warm variety with touches of crunch in places.
Beautiful, highly recommended music for everyone.
New Releases (Vinyl): Funk / Jazz / Soul
BUDOS BAND, THE - S/T - DAPTONE - LP (DAP005LP)
Tasty new outfit on the kings of the new funk sound Daptone here.
After just the one 7" release (to our knowledge at least) comes
this tight, brassy affair that features Neal Sugarman (from the
Sugarman 3 of course!) amongst a big group of musicians playing
a very funky Afro-Soul sound. 11 tracks in all to get your teeth
into.......
RECORD PLAYER - FREE YOUR MIND / YOUR FANTASY - SOUL CAL - 12" =
(SCR106)
2 wonderfully big disco cuts with big arrangments and lots of
punch. Strong horns, loose claps, a real funk feel to things,
the disco that i reasllly like basicly. Recommended....
THE ADDERS AND D.C. DRUMS - THE "SOLI" / THE NPANLOGO - PIE TONES - 7" =
(PIE002)
Superb little afrobeat 7" here, from Sheffield. Side A is a potent
mixture of Fela Kuti sensibilities with an almost electronica
like funk topping. The flip side sports a stripped down drums
and percussion cut that is a must for adventerous dj's and sample
feeders everywhere.
Restocks (Vinyl): Funk / Jazz / Soul
EL MICHELS AFFAIR - SOUNDING OUT THE CITY - TRUTH & SOUL - LP =
(FSLLP44)
Debut lp from this fine funk outfit. horn lead rhythms o the highest
order here. check the cut "Musings to myself". Serious stuff.
recommended.....
VARIOUS - WORLD PSYCHEDELIC CLASSICS 3 - STONESTHROW - 2xLP (STH2112)
SUBTITLED "LOVES A REAL THING: THE FUNKY FUZZY SOUNDS OF WEST
AFRICA" AND THAT KIND OF SUMS THIS UP. FUNK / AFROBEAT / =
PSYCHEDELIA
FROM A LOAD OF TALENTED AN ENTIRELY UNKNOWN TO ME ARTISTS - HIGHLY
DANCEABLE AND REALLY GOOD. RECOMMENDED. =20
New Releases (CD): Electronica
EU - COLDER - CACTUS ISLAND - 3" CD (CACT013)
The latest in this highly collectable series on Cactus Island
is the second from the brilliant EU. Eleven tracks of beautifully
understated beatless electronica full of warmth, detail, intensity
and musicality. Imagine the Expanding / early Toytronica sound
remixed by Brian Eno, Pete Namlook or Selected Ambient Works II
era Aphex (or Anthony Rother if his new album is anything to go
by!) to ambient perfection. 100 copies only in existence, we'll
only ever see 25... on your marks, get set, go!=20
FORTDAX - HORIZON SEVEN-SEVEN - STATIC CARAVAN - CD (VAN84)
When it comes to celebrating the festive season, Static Caravan
don't just deck the halls with boughs of holly, they release an
incredibly limited stocking filler of a single! A mere 100 copies
only of this brand new two-track CD single from Fortdax, his first
material in a few years. This is wonderfully epic stuff, slightly
more subtle and twisted than before but still unmistakably Daxian.
The packaging might not blow you away, but the music will - snap
one of these up before it's too late.=20
HARALD SACK ZIEGLER - PUNKT - STAUBGOLD - CD (STAUBGOLD59)
An unusual album in every respect. It sounds like Harald Sack
recorded these 22 tracks in real time - most are under the =
two-minute
mark and are generally trashy, childlike, shouty lo-fi bubblegum
punk pop. Whatever Harald wanted to get off his chest, i hope
he succeeded!=20
PLIIANT - SOOTHE THE WOUND - AMPOULE - 2x3" CD (TALENT003)
The third release in Ampoule's limited edition Talent series is,
once again, brought to us by Pliiant on a delightfully packaged
double 3 CD format. And, once again, it's limited to 100 copies
only so bear this in mind and snap it up as quickly as possible.
Pliiant delivers a selection of beautiful, lovingly crafted =
Electronica
which bears all the hallmarks of an Ampoule release... deep =
textures,
cleverly constructed rhythms and acres of warmth and melody. It's
all there and it's all absolutely delightful. Seriously, you need
to pick this up! Recommended.
PUB - DO YOU EVER REGRET PANTOMIME? + LIVE - AMPOULE / MOAMOO / ART =
UNION - 2xCD (ARTMOA-002)
A very, very special release, this. Pub's 'Do You Ever Regret
Pantomime?' is an absolutely classic and wonderful album which
for a long time has been unavailable. This is your chance to pick
it up on Japanese label Moamoo / Art Union, with the added bonus
of an exclusive live CD recorded at The Bunker in Germany which
features tracks from the album plus several unreleased cuts. To
say that this is a mind-bogglingly excellent selection is =
underplaying
it quite a lot. The combination of Chain Reaction / Basic Channel
style dubby depth and incredibly deep soundscapes is still totally
fresh and sounds easily up there with any of Pub's output. Bear
in mind that this is a limited edition release and is a one off,
i.e. we won't be getting any more copies, so snap it up now or
you'll regret it for a long, long time! Truly a top notch package.
highly recommended.
RANDOM NUMBER - GOLDEN ACRE SLEEPS - HIGHPOINT LOWLIFE - CD (HPPL015)
Random Number you may (or may not) remember from their (underrated)
releases on Rocket Racer, Catmobile and Rock Action, and this
new album on Highpoint Lowlife sees them treading a slightly =
different
path yet again. Traces of early Autechre with a large doses of
all things shoegazetronic (eg. Ulrich Schnauss, albeit a little
more low-key than his work). Warm, approachable, enjoyable music
that many of you will enjoy.=20
RUSUDEN - FORMULAE REMIXES - TERMINAL DUSK - CD (TD002CD)
Remixes here from Wisp, Ochre (Toytronic), Enduser, Multiplex
(Toytronic!), Line 47, Doofgoblin (no, i didn't just make that
one up), The Gasman (Planet Mu) and Rusuden him/themselves. All
manner of contemporary electronic styles from ambient to crunchy
glitch it is then!=20
VARIOUS - CRIMSON - TERMINAL DUSK - CD (TD001CD)
13 tracks of drum&ravecoremashupbreaks from all the big hitters
of the scene. Doormouse, Exillon, Enduser, Duran Duran Duran,
Pale, Eight Frozen Moudlues to name a few.=20
Restocks (CD): Electronica
ARPANET - QUANTUM TRANSPOSITION - REPHLEX - CD (CAT161CD)
The very deepest in detroit electronica and techno, courtesy of
that master of the genre, the late James Stinson of Drexciya.
Presumably this is a collection of previously unreleased tracks
but don't think for a minute this is one of those token gestures
milking the fans - the quality of this stuff is exceptionally
high, and sounds so current it's uncanny. Ranging from minimal,
beatless electronica to prime detroit analogue techno, this is
perhaps even better than the Arpanet releases on Source a few
ago. Total class.
BOARDS OF CANADA - HIGH SCORES - SKAM - CDS (SKA008CD)
Absolute classic masterpiece six-track EP from the Boards. Amongst
the finest electronic music ever made, the opener ("Hi Scores")
still sends shivers down the spine, likewise "Everything You Do
Is A Balloon", which is arguably their best ever track. If you
still don't have a copy of this, frankly it's about time you did.
=20
BOHREN & DER CLUB OF GORE - SUNSET MISSION - WONDER - CD (WON01CD)
This awe-inspiring debut (at least, to my knowledge) from the
wonderfully named Bohren And Der Club Of Gore (dating from 2000)
finally gets a much needed repress. If you've never heard this
deep, ambient blend of sax and Noir-esque atmospherics , you need
to. The only suitable comparison I've ever been able to think
of is the dreamy incidental music to Twin Peaks. Other than that,
their sound is completely unique. A must for anyone's collection.
HAROLD BUDD / ERALDO BERNOCCHI - MUSIC FOR 'FRAGMENTS FROM THE INSIDE' =
- SUB ROSA - CD (SR239)
Anything to do with Harold Budd bears listening to as he's an
incredibly influential musician. This is simply divine and conjures
up a really filmic, soundtrack feel throughout with some delectable
pianos and well thought out beats and downbeat moments. Sounds
a little bit like Murcof at times, which I guess is ironic as
we should really be saying exactly the opposite! Stunning stuff
that comes highly recommended.
MITCHELL AKIYAMA - SMALL EXPLOSIONS THAT ARE YOURS TO KEEP - SUB ROSA =
- CD (SR238)
THE RETURN OF MITCHELL AKIYAMA (BEST KNOWN FOR HIS RELEASES ON
RASTER NOTON AND EAT THIS) HERALDS ANOTHER APT TITLE. A SLIGHTLY
DISSONANT BUT UTTERLY COMPELLING BLEND OF STRINGS, CLICKS, PIANO,
BELLS AND OCCASIONAL HANDCLAPS THAT IS SURPRISINGLY WARM AND =
MUSICAL.
I HAVE TO SAY ANYONE INTO THE LIKES OF RUNE GRAMMOFON, GREG DAVIS,
CONSTELLATION, TZADIK, KARAOKE KALK, THRILL JOCKEY AND ALL MANNER
OF INTERESTING WORLD BASED CONTEMPORARY ELECTRONICA/LIVE CROSSOVER
STUFF SHOULD CHECK THIS OUT AT ONCE - IT'S ABSOLUTELY TOP NOTCH.
MONOLAKE - POLYGON_CITIES - MONOLAKE - CD (ML015)
It's that time again ladies and gentlemen. I always get excited
about anything new from Monolake and this is no exception. I was
interested to see what it would sound like now that Robert Henke
has a new collaborator in the form of T++. It's still definitely
a Monolake CD, but it has this extra edge which really =
differentiates
it from the earlier releases. A less crunchy sound, I would say,
but it comes across as a more melodic piece of work. All the =
hallmarks
are still there... the dense layers of sound, the incredible =
attention
to detail on the rhythms and the spooky, atmospheric overall design.
It just has a, dare I say it, slightly fresher feel. Stunning,
brilliant, awesome... everything you'd expect from this unique
artist. Essential.
MONOLAKE - MOMENTUM - MONOLAKE - CD (ML011CD /10961-2)
I'm sure Monolake won't need a huge introduction to Smallfish
customers, so I shall simply cut to the chase. This is a fabulous
album that takes his unique Electronica sound and develops it
into an even darker, more rhythmic style without losing any of
the stunning atmosphere we've come to expect. Frankly, this is
brilliant and your collection won't be complete without a copy.
A truly essential purchase.
MURCOF - REMEMBRANZA - LEAF - CD (BAY47CD)
Regular customers of ours will remember what a huge success Murcof's
debut album ("Martez") was here, and i have to say, with that
album having delivered so much back then, i wondered if Fernando
could top or even come near to repeating that achievement. But
you know what? To my ears, this is an even more successful piece
of work. The whole Murcof sound, despite being instantly =
recognisable,
has become a whole lot darker and deeper - exactly the direction
i wanted him to go in. An intensely moody affair, this makes the
previous album sound pretty light and frothy by comparison but
fear not, you will love this, it's the perfect progression. One
of the key albums of any month, this comes quality assured.=20
THOMAS BRINKMANN - LUCKY HANDS - MAX ERNST - CD (MAXERNSTCD9)
Generally speaking too downbeat and introverted to be filed under
Techno/Electro, this combines moody vocals, subtle musicianship,
songwriting and deep production to strong effect. Reminiscent
of Tarwater, To Rococo Rot, Static and that whole Stefan Schneider
stable of artists, this contains a barely recognisable, ultra
post-modern cover of Morrissey's "The More You Ignore Me, The
Closer I Get" (oh, Schneider TM, so much to answer for)....=20
THOMAS FEHLMANN - VISIONS OF BLAH - KOMPAKT - CD (KOMCD20)
QUITE SIMPLY A WONDERFUL PIECE OF WORK FROM THIS EX 3 PHASE AND
SUN ELECTRIC (TO NAME BUT A FEW) MAN. DEEP, PULSATING, A BUT GALLOPY
AT TIMES (BUT THEN YOU'D BE SHOCKED IF A RECORD FROM COLOGNE DIDN'T
HAVE AT LEAST ONE GALLOPY TRACK ON IT), THOUGHTFUL TEXTURAL GEAR,
IT'S ALL HERE, IT'S ALL BEAUTIFUL AND IT'S HIGHLY, HIGHLY =
RECOMMENDED.
VARIOUS - AI SAMPLER 5.00 - A.I. - CD (AI010CD)
CRACKING ROUND UP OF CLASSIC TRACKS FROM THE BACK CATALOGUE AND
SOME FORTHCOMING GOODIES FROM THE EXCELLENT AI LABEL. CLARO'S
ON THERE AS ARE YELLOTONE, NORMAL, FZV, MONTAG AND CONFUTATIS.
NEW TRACKS COME FROM THE LIKES OF JECAN SOLO, YUNX, SINNER DC,
MIKE MANNING, NORMAL AND SUBSIDE. INDESPENSIBLE ELECTRONICA SOUNDS
FROM THE MOST CURRENT OF LABELS.
VLADISLAV DELAY - THE FOUR QUARTERS - HUUME - CD (HUUME05)
Deliciously simple and icy cool new release by the highly talented
Vladislav Delay. These four tracks surf the line between =
experimental
electronics and deep, warm and textural music that is more =
accessible.
The sounds, tones and textures combine with deep bass noises
and rhytmic pulses in perfect unison. Very atmospheric and =
beautiful
- proper electronics that comes highly recommended.
VLADISLAV DELAY - DEMO (N) TRACKS - HUUME - CD (HUUMECD01 / MDM20512)
Long-awaited album project from Vladislav Delay. I thought he
would just do Luomo material from now on, such is the success
of that project. Thankfully this is a whole world away from Luomo
with deep, Chain Reaction-style textures, icy cold stabs and sounds
and minimalistic rhythm structures. The sounds penetrate your
mind and carry you away on a journey that's full of intricate
dicovery A wonderful piece of work that's highly recommended.
New Releases (CD): Techno / Electro
SENDER BERLIN - UNEQUAL ARTS - UNGLEICH - CD + DVD (MDM23692)
A "dual disc" package from Sender Berlin (ie. you get the CD on
side, and a DVD on the other. Covering a variety of techno bases,
"Theory's Dead" features Jay Haze, plus there's a collaboration
with DJ Luke. A bit of a departure from the seriously banging
stuff they used to put out on Tresor. The DVD features a =
retrospective,
a Peel Session and a set at Tresor, Berlin.=20
Restocks (CD): Techno / Electro
MATIAS AGUAYO - ARE YOU REALLY LOST - KOMPAKT - CD (KOMCD44)
So, here's the album. Closer Muzik's Matias Aguayo delivers a
full set of songs that defy any kind of obvious categorization.
Yes it's Cologne Techno but in a much more thoughtful way and
featuring some absolutely brilliant vocal tracks that are proof
that there's life in this sound even if you really were getting
a bit jaded with it. Downbeat, upbeat, funky, fun, moving and
emotional all at once. A consumately produced piece of work that
really shows how much Kompakt have diversified their sound over
the years. You're probably witnessing a future classic in the
making I reckon.
MODESELEKTOR - HELLO MOM! - B PITCH CONTROL - CD (BPC115CD)
Modeselektor's album has been eagerly anticipated because of their
knack for putting out dancefloor tracks that are anything but
ordinary. Weirdo sounds and chopped up vocals meet Electro, Techno
and Electronica on this eleven track selection that will confound
as well as delight. There's some serious programming going on
on here and these guys clearly like the occasional rave sound...
which makes for a very fun album indeed. Mutant!
VARIOUS - TOTAL 6 - KOMPAKT - CD (KOMCD42)
Kompakt. Purveyors of quality throughout their back catalogue
and increasingly essential thanks to a diverse range of Techno,
Electro and House releases. This sixth Total compilation is =
absolutely
on the money and features a broad and very comprehensive collection
of tracks that have been released recently and even includes a
few unreleased tracks for good measure. Tracks from DJ Koze, =
Tocotronic,
Michael Mayer, Ferenc, Heib, Mikkel Metal, Justus Kohncke, Jurgen
Paape, Reinhard Voigt, Rex The Dog, Thomas Fehlmann and many,
many more exude class from beginning to end making this yet another
indespensible release from our favourite Cologne label. Top stuff.
VARIOUS - KOMPAKT 100 - KOMPAKT - 2xCD (KOMCD34)
IT'S A DIFFICULT TASK TO STATE JUST HOW INFLUENTIAL COLOGNE'S
KOMPAKT LABEL HAS BEEN OVER THE YEARS. SEEMINGLY, THEY STARTED
JUST ABOUT EVERY WORTHWHILE MUTATION OF THE TECHNO SOUNDS WE TAKE
FOR GRANTED EVERY DAY. TO SAY THAT THIS ALBUM IS A MAMMOTH AND
ESSENTIAL BEAST GOES WITHOUT SAYING BUT WHEN YOU CONSIDER THE
TRACKLISTING, WHICH FEATURES ALL THE KEY PLAYERS FROM KOMPAKT'S
HISTORY, BE IT TRACKS OR REMIXES, YOU CAN GUARANTEE THAT THIS
IS ONE VERY SPECIAL DOCUMENT OF A LABEL FIRMLY AT THE FOREFRONT
OF ELECTRONIC MUSIC. QUITE STUPENDOUS AND, OF COURSE, RECOMMENDED
WITHOUT HESITATION. HERE'S TO ANOTHER 100!
New Releases (CD): Hip Hop
DJ SPINNA - COMPOSITIONS 1 - FEMALE FUN - CD (FF000CD)
So good to have this back again. Originally from about 1999 and
then with only 4 tracks, this featured instrumental versions
of remixes that Spinna had done for MC Eight, Das Efx, De La Soul
& one that escapes me at the moment. This reissue on female fun
has 2 extra tracks, one of which is the instrumental for the first
Network reps 12" he did. The other is a new one on me. Super phat,
smoothed out NYC Hip Hop for those who like it on a chilled tip.
Highly recommended........
New Releases (CD): Guitar Based
CAST KING - SAW MILL MAN - LOCUST - CD (LOCUST74CD)
Born 1926 in Alabama, Cast King was amongst a stable of artists
to record for Sam Phillips at Sun Studios, Memphis yet made no
further recordings - until now. These twelve tracks were made
in a small shack beside Cast's house, with Matt Downer on electric
guitar. All i can say if you like Johnny Cash (especially the
later material), you're gonna love this.=20
COLONIE, THE - A SHIPFUL OF CHANDERLIERS - SHIPWRECKORDS - CD =
(STCD001)
An interesting new band that seem to draw from a number of =
influences.
To me, they really sound like (if you can imagine this) a cross
between Nick Cave, The Go-Betweens and A House (if you can remember
them!). Smoky, moody indie guitar action and not at all bad with
it.=20
KEIJO - PALLA, BLOWN FROM HERE - EARWORM - CD (DIGI016CD)
Not to sure where this artist is from but the Instrumantals here
have an eastern european folk feel to them. Just the one vocal
cut and the rest are quite beautiful instrumentals. Lovely hand
made packaging here as well!!
LANDING - BROCADE - STRANGE ATTRACTORS - CD (SAAH037CD)
Supreme quality instrumental electronic / post rock-esque crossover
gear from the much undervalued Landing. Moments of Eno-esque=20
WOLF PARADE - APOLOGIES TO THE QUEEN MARY - SUB POP - CD (SP655CD)
As if further proof was needed that Sub Pop are as relevant now
as they've ever been (see Sleater-Kinney, Iron & Wine, Low), along
comes this simply brilliant new signing. Hailing from Montreal,
it won't surprise you (also seeing as they supported them on tour
recently) that this is a bit Arcade Fire-esque (you can add =
Interpol,
TV On The Radio and The Walkmen to that list, too) but somehow
they have a sound of their own. One of those albums you need to
listen to a few times (there's a lot going on) and then suddenly
it clicks into place. Hugely recommended.=20
Restocks (CD): Guitar Based
ALEXANDER TUCKER - OLD FOG - ALL TOMORROWS PARTIES - CD (ATPRCD15)
There's a lot of nu / alt-folk releases around at moment meaning
some are bound to get overlooked, but check this out if you can.
Weird how everything sounds like Six Organs Of Admittance today!
This would also be comparable to ATP labelmates Fursaxa, Songs
Of Green Pheasant or James Yorkston if he went a bit psychedelic.
Our Steve (a sixties/seventies psyche folk expert if ever there
was one) spots similarities to Bobby Calendar and Mellow Candle
(to give you some old-school reference points, which are more
deserving to be honest). Really nice - recommended.
DEERHOOF - THE RUNNERS FOUR - ALL TOMORROWS PARTIES - CD (ATPRCD19)
It really seems as if Deerhoof's time has come at last. Several
albums in, and suddenly everyone's paying attention, which is
great as they've compromised nothing about themselves. Packing
many tracks (and as many styles) into a comparatively brief time
period, this veers from cute guitar pop to psychedelia to outright
sonic madness and back. There's no excuse for anyone buying the
new Animal Collective album to at least not give this a listen.
=20
DEERHOOF - GREEN COSMOS - ALL TOMORROWS PARTIES - CD (ATPRCD17)
I don't know how Deerhoof do it, but they just manage to pack
in so many different styles on every release. This bargain 7 track
mini album is full to brimming with splendid guitar sounds taking
the form of heavy Indie, perky and lively poppier sounds and some
cracking tunes. One minute they're rocking out, the next they're
delivering gentle, beautiful songs with the ever-present vocals
forming the centrepiece of the whole thing. A well executed and
engaging set of tracks. Bravo.
New Releases (CD): Experimental
NURSE WITH WOUND / CYCLOBE - PARAPARAPARALLELOGRAMMATICA - ANGERY E =
EELECTRIC F - BETA LACTUM - CD (MT086BCD)
Superb soundscapes here on this, the 2nd in the series so far
of these collaborations between Nurse with Wound and friends.
Some wonderful sounds here created with everyday instruments,
guitars, various keyboards etc making some very otherworldly sounds.
NURSE WITH WOUND / IRR.APP.(EXT.) - MUTE BELL EXTINCTION PROCESS - =
ANGRY EELECTRIC PRO - BETA LACTUM - CD (MT087BCD)
3rd in the series continues with more tonal landscapes of varying
moods. Sightly more electronic input on this one to my ears at
least. Who knows how many will be in this series? Answers on a
postcard.....
NURSE WITH WOUND / JIM O'ROURKE - TAPE MONKEY MOOCH - ANGRY EELECTRIC =
FINGER 1 - BETA LACTUM - CD (MT085BCD)
2 long soundscapes here crafted from live instrumentation with
a touch of melody to the proceedings. Some lovely flute work amongst
the drifting scapes that whilst have some bit in places are on
the whole quite pleaant to the ear (well, to my conservative ears
at least!) lovely stuff....
SONIC YOUTH - KONCRETAS STAN BRAHAGE PRISIMINIMUI - SONIC YOUTH - CD =
(SYR06CD)
One 65 minute soundscape split into 3 sections here from the Youth.
Using electronic & acoustic instruments to create a rather cold
desolate sound that reminds me of winter mornings in suffolk!
TOD DOCKSTADER / DAVID LEE MYERS - BIJOU - ReR MEGACORP - CD =
(RERTDDM2)
A year on from their last collaboration, Tod and David return
with a nightmarish soundtrack. 27 short, sharp, intense, =
claustrophobic
scenes with suitably rough production values. Some interesting
guitar work and use of effects make this a surprisingly successful
and accessible project. An album that's difficult to find =
comparisons
to, so have a listen.=20
VARIOUS - LABYRINTH & JOKES - HANSON - CD (HN050CD)
Originally released in 1998 on vinyl comes this CD of pure =
Experiments
in the distrorted electronic vein. Although not exclusivley as
it veers between distorted bands (and i mean distroted) bizzare
throat warbbling and the like. Completely mad, completely out
there, completely fun.=20
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<DIV><STRONG><U><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Smallfish Mailout=20
09/12/05</FONT></U></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><U><FONT face=3DVerdana =
size=3D2></FONT></U></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Hello, hello, hello!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Couple of weeks to Christmas and =
still the=20
releases keep coming. Short and sweet this week but with a couple of =
really=20
tasty bits going on...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>EU - Colder - Cactus Island - =
3"=20
CD</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Yes, it's here. The final Residents =
Association=20
release before Christmas is the long-awaited second release from EU. A =
chilled=20
out and atmospheric collectiopn of tracks that are engagin, warm and a =
little=20
bit odd at times... sounds like a perfect combination to me. As ever =
these are=20
strictly limited to 100 worldwide and we can only sell 1 per customer in =
the=20
interests of fairness. My advice is get in there quick!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Fortdax - Horizon =
Seven-Seven -=20
Static Caravan - CDr</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>We're really pleased to have got hold =
of some=20
copies of this excellent little CDr in Static Caravan's limited series. =
As the=20
description says, it's rather an epically put together couple of tracks =
that=20
have all the hallmarks of Fortdax's earlier work. This is limited to 100 =
copies=20
so you'll absolutely want to snap it up before it flies out of the =
store! 1 per=20
customer only, of course.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Pub - Do You Ever Regret =
Pantomime? +=20
Live - Ampoule - 2xCD</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Still one of those albums that I go =
back to on a=20
regular basis... Pub's 'Do You Ever...' is a wonderfully put together =
slice of=20
warm-hearted yet distant and ethereal sounding Electronica par =
excellence. Deep,=20
gorgeous and incredibly hypnotic it features dense textures, sculptural =
moments,=20
cleverly realised rhythmic tracks and an overwhelming sense of delicate =
beauty.=20
To have copies of the Japanese only issue with the huge bonus of a live =
CD=20
recorded at The Bunker in Germany is truly a great thing. The live =
CD=20
features unreleased tracks and mixes including a superb version of the =
legendary=20
'Summer' originally released on Vertical Form. Not many copies of this =
around,=20
by all accounts, so you'd be advised to get it sooner rather than=20
later.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2><STRONG>Please note that the Pliiant =
double 3" CD=20
is in fact out of stock. Sorry about that.</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Those are definitely some real =
highlights and to=20
have them this late in the year gives me a really warm =
feeling!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Go check the website and see if =
there's something=20
that tickles your fancy!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Wrap up warm and take care until next =
week.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>Peace.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2>The Fish.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D2><FONT size=3D1>Smallfish Records | =
329 Old Street |=20
London | EC1V 9LE | +44 [0] 20 7739 2252 | </FONT><A=20
href=3D"http://www.smallfish.co.uk"><FONT =
size=3D1>www.smallfish.co.uk</FONT></A>=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D1></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D1></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D1></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DVerdana size=3D1></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>New Releases (Vinyl): Electronica</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BIO-MUSE - OCCASIONALLY IN A WAY / DON HUM =
YES -=20
BIO-MUSE - 7" + DVD (NL01-7DVD)<BR> Hugely distorted=20
electro-breaks with a grungy vocals and some<BR> more=20
distortion for good measure. Distorted. The main player=20
here<BR> is ....... distortion. Comes with a free =
teabag and a=20
DVD (which<BR> i have yet to see). You should check it =
out if=20
you like it because<BR> in many ways it is beyond=20
describing.....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DAEDELUS FEATURING MF DOOM - IMPENDING DOOM - =
NINJA=20
TUNE - 12" (ZEN12171)<BR> Wicked new 12" from the ever =
reliable Daedelus, with guest vocals<BR> from MF Doom. =
Side=20
one is full of those now trademark Daedelus<BR> string =
samples=20
and loops, with MF Doom's lyrical dexterity =
whipping<BR> up an=20
additional storm. "Just Briefly" has to be one of his =
best<BR> =20
tracks yet, reminiscent of Luke Vibert at his grooviest - if=20
this<BR> doesn't get people moving, nothing will! =
Remixes on=20
side two (both<BR> from Domu) are surprisingly strong =
and=20
diverse; one is a hyperactive<BR> frenzy of beats, the =
other=20
smooth and downtempo. Boy, do i wish<BR> all Ninja =
Tune=20
releases were this good! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> GASMAN, THE - HARDLINE - TERMINAL DUSK =
- =20
(TD005)<BR> Frenetic drill & bass mayhem with a =
wonderful=20
comedy rave track<BR> on the flip that is about 1000 =
BPM! Six=20
tracks that will appeal<BR> to fans off drop the lime, =
anything on Tigerbeat etc etc....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SHUBAKA - F*CKIN' A EP - UXB - 12"=20
(UXB012)<BR> Superbly freaked-out electronic funk by =
this=20
newly signed artist<BR> on Broom and Hill's UXB label. =
Phat=20
(and yes, I deliberately use<BR> the HipHop spelling =
for this)=20
grooves with lots of jerky synth<BR> spasms, and those =
tight=20
claps, that always do it for me on those<BR> =
electronic beats.=20
Excellent vocal arrangaments on some of the<BR> tracks =
not too=20
far away from some of Telefon Telavi's second =
album,<BR> but=20
with a whole lot more bounce to the ounce in the rhythm =
department.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - WHERE THE SEA MEETS THE SKY - =
EARWORM - CD=20
(EGS04CD)<BR> Lovely comp of tracks from 11 artists on =
the=20
Earworm roster. A<BR> mix of electronica and singer =
songwriter=20
with the electronica<BR> tracks making up the larger =
portion.=20
Many great names here; Tunng,<BR> Woodcraft folk, =
Fuxa,=20
Echoboy, The Besnard Lakes (whose 10" release<BR> on =
Static=20
Caravan is not to be missed!), The Earlies, The =
Hidden<BR> =20
Cameras, Kinski & more..... </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>New Releases (Vinyl): Techno / Electro</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> AN-2 - SUNSET FEVER (COMMON FACTOR REMIX) - =
WAS NOT WAS=20
- 12" (WNW009)<BR> Great track this. Has a funked-up =
House=20
feel but with an element<BR> of Techno to the chord =
sounds.=20
Overtly groovy and very bumpy indeed,<BR> this is what =
good=20
dancefloor sounds should be like in my opinion.<BR> =
The Common=20
Factor remix is not that different from the =
original,<BR> =20
essentially, but it's still a great slice of club-friendly=20
music.<BR> Nice. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BENJAMIN BRUNN - DE-ESCALATE - BINE - 12"=20
(BINE009VYR)<BR> This is another serious piece of work =
from=20
Benjamin Brunn who<BR> continues to impress with some=20
staggeringly deep and lush music.<BR> As a follow up =
to 'Music=20
Under Pin' it's about as perfect as you<BR> could =
imagine and=20
features three divine slices of very playable<BR> =
minimal,=20
dubbed out and warm Techno plus a gorgeous, more =
downbeat<BR> =20
cut. The main track is a prime example of how to do reduced=20
grooves<BR> without resorting to glitched-up noises =
whilst=20
retaining a depth<BR> and beauty that shines. A =
seriously=20
excellent EP that's highly<BR> recommended for fans of =
great=20
electronic music. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BENJAMIN DIAMOND / CONNECTIVE ZONE - INNER =
CYCLE PART 1=20
+ 2 / FUNCTION - IMMER - 12" (IMMER001)<BR> The first =
release=20
from kompakt's new offshoot label, Immer, is<BR> a =
fabulous=20
piece of retro-tinged excellence. Two old-school =
Techno<BR> =20
tracks with hints of Electronica licensed from UXB and=20
Diamond<BR> Traxx which absolutely stand the test of =
time. One=20
to snaffle<BR> if you like to keep up with the =
influences of=20
the current Techno<BR> sounds. Top.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BUTANE - ON THE KET - DUMB UNIT - 12"=20
(DU-025)<BR> It's really good to see Butane getting =
out there=20
with some releases<BR> after his sterling work on the=20
net.label scene. This has a nicely<BR> ironic title =
and is=20
packed full of the kind of crispy, hi-tech<BR> Techno =
funk=20
grooves that regularly get minimal fans in a =
lather.<BR> Deep,=20
reduced tracks that are full of nice little production=20
touches<BR> and a wiggly, heads down nature. Most=20
excellent.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DAVE SHOKH - CIELO ED INFERNO - PLAYMATE =
MUSIC - 12"=20
(PLAYMATE09)<BR> Dave Shokh delivers a quintessential=20
Electro-House sound here<BR> over four tracks. Simple, =
but=20
very effective synths and springy<BR> basslines are =
the order=20
of the day and as dancefloor orientated<BR> music it =
should=20
easily do its job. Very perky and very playable.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DOMINIK EULBERG - EINE KLEINE =
SCHMETTERLINGS-HOMMAGE -=20
TRAUM - 12" (TRAUMV67)<BR> Big tune here from Mr. =
Eulberg=20
which we've been asked about pretty<BR> constantly for =
weeks=20
now. Two tracks of pumping and surprisingly<BR> heavy =
grooves=20
with chunky beats and a quite hypnotic and heads<BR> =
down sort=20
of sound. Got to be absolutely massive on the =
dancefloor<BR> =20
and I imagine this one'll be devastating it on a regular=20
basis<BR> very soon indeed. Class and definitely=20
recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> EGOEXPRESS - EVERYBODY - LADOMAT 2000 - 12"=20
(LADO2180)<BR> Egoexpress are clearly on a roll and =
this is=20
another slab of crisp,<BR> funky and slightly =
minimalistic=20
Techno par excellence. Driving<BR> beats and basslines =
with an=20
old school feel along with a nicely<BR> technical feel =
to the=20
sounds. B-side contains superb remixes from<BR> both =
Lowtec=20
and Jackmate for a more reduced and funking flava.<BR> =
Top=20
stuff.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> FAIRMONT - I WANT TO SEE THE SUN COME UP - =
ECHOCORD -=20
12" (ECHOCORD016)<BR> Nice to see Fairmont back on =
vinyl with=20
this great EP on Mikkel<BR> Metal's Echocord label. =
Three=20
tracks of solid, very playable minimal<BR> Techno with =
a=20
warmth and dubbiness (which you'd expect, =
obviously)<BR> that=20
easily equals Fairmont's work on Traum. Melodic, sweet=20
grooves<BR> with a nicely hypnotic feel and a range of =
lovely=20
chord sounds.<BR> As ever, you can't go wrong with =
this=20
brilliant label and this<BR> comes highly=20
recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> FRANKLIN DE COSTA - VIOLETT - KARMAROUGE NOIR =
- 12"=20
(KR_NOIR01)<BR> First release from Karmarouge's =
offshoot label=20
here. Similar in<BR> style to his EP on Trapez Limited =
with a=20
much darker edge than<BR> the usual Karmarouge =
records. Heavy=20
bass sounds with a synthetic<BR> style plus rock solid =
minimal=20
4/4 beats. Up there with the best<BR> of them and =
featuring 4=20
tracks as well. One to check! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> HELL - TRAGIC PICTURE SHOW - GIGOLO - 7"=20
(GIGOLO168)<BR> A diversion of sorts for our Hell. =
Co-produced=20
by James Murphy,<BR> this funky electro-breakbeat =
number with=20
spoken word vocals is<BR> not what one would normally=20
associate with Gigolo (it all sounds<BR> a bit fraught =
and the=20
ghost of LCD looms large). Single sided<BR> 7", =
presumably=20
limited. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> HUG - THE HAPPY MONSTER - K2 - 12"=20
(K2/05)<BR> John Dahlback once again provides a =
tip-top=20
selection of reduced<BR> Techno grooves for Kompakt's =
K2=20
offshoot. This is absolutely solid<BR> and the B-side =
in=20
particular contains two of the finest quality,<BR> =
Chicago=20
influenced tracks that are stripped and downright =
funky<BR> as=20
hell. Absolutely spot on. Recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> JOHN TEJADA - VOYAGER - PALETTE - 12"=20
(PAL-38)<BR> John Tejada back on super form here with =
a rough=20
and tough workout<BR> that has a distinct Chicago flow =
to the=20
percussion and a big building<BR> synth line. Heavy =
and=20
old-school sounding at times this EP is<BR> full =
of=20
flava and will smash it on the dancefloor. Will this =
man<BR> =20
ever stop producing excellent records? Doesn't seem like it=20
does<BR> it?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MARTINI BROS - TRACKS FROM THE LAB PART 2 - =
POKER FLAT=20
- 12" (PFR65)<BR> Poker Flat just don't seem to stop =
releasing=20
top records and this<BR> Electro / House / Techno =
hybrid from=20
the Martini's is absolute<BR> quality. Perky, lively =
and=20
featuring the sort of wiggly bleeps<BR> and bass that =
do it=20
for virtually everyone these days, you absolutely<BR> =
can not=20
go wrong. Fresh!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> NICO PURMAN - CIUDAD DE NUBES - MODELISME - =
12"=20
(MODEL11)<BR> The Modelisme stuff is functional, =
groovy and=20
very playable Techno<BR> / House and this is =
absolutely on=20
that tip. Maybe a slightly more<BR> Electro-House =
touch than=20
usual on one side, but essentially this<BR> is great=20
dancefloor material that easily stands up against =
the<BR> =20
competition. quality sounds. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> NOONCAT - TIME FOR... - TRENTON - 12"=20
(TRENTON009)<BR> Nooncat takes a break from Treibstoff =
here=20
with a tasty four track<BR> EP of smooth, nicely =
produced=20
Techno grooves that sit somewhere<BR> between House =
and=20
Techno. Melodic and deep, but infinitely playable<BR> =
sounds=20
that will slot nicely into the not-so-minimal part of =
your<BR> =20
set. Good quality gear.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> REPEAT REPEAT - BLIPPY / CITY OF ANGELS - =
SOMA - 12"=20
(SOMA187)<BR> The deeper end of minimal techno here, =
and yet=20
again an apt title<BR> - "Blippy" is just that, but =
then it=20
equally be called "Bubbly"<BR> and "Droney". Lush, and =
hypnotic, this is a perfect example of<BR> sleepy =
techno.=20
"City Of Angels" is a bit more upbeat, but still<BR> =
fairly=20
soporific. I don't think i'm playing this at the =
wrong<BR> =20
speed, although it would help if labels listed this=20
information<BR> - if i'm wrong, i'm sorry Soma, it's =
your=20
fault! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SERGEI - BIT BY BIT - REGULAR - 12"=20
(REGULAR018)<BR> Heavy and nicely deep sounds on =
Regular=20
which, in my opinion,<BR> is a real return to the sort =
of form=20
they were in a year ago.<BR> Techno meets House with a =
tough=20
A-side and driving basslines and<BR> a much smoother =
and more=20
melodic flipside which grooves along<BR> beautifully. =
Well=20
worth checking.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> T.RAUMSCHMIERE - VERY LOAD LULLABY - NOVA =
MUTE - 12"=20
(12NOMU161)<BR> I'm sorry to report that the decline =
of Si=20
Begg continues (not<BR> to mention Trisha =
Raumschmiere) with=20
this frankly execrable comedy<BR> rave/breakcore remix =
(in=20
fairness to him, the original is terrible<BR> faux =
glam metal=20
nonsense that i'm sure i'm supposed to find funny,<BR> =
but=20
don't). Not even Apparat can save the day, i'm afraid.=20
Sorry<BR> (they should be). </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TIGERSKIN - DESPERATE MOUSELIVES - OPOSSUM - =
12"=20
(OPSM005)<BR> Dub Taylor aka Alex Kruger aka =
Tigerskin. e's a=20
busy man and with<BR> this release he's really got =
stuck into=20
a slighly more minimalistic<BR> groove than his House =
stuff. A=20
dark-ish synth line and some proper<BR> solid beats =
along with=20
a moody set of bleeps combine to create<BR> a =
dancefloor=20
filler that's full of atmosphere. O ne of my faves<BR> =
by him=20
so far, as Tigerskin, anyway.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TOM DEMAC - NEW BEGINNINGS EP - ELECTRONIQUE =
AUDIO -=20
12" (EA02)<BR> Excellent second release from this =
great little=20
label. Tom Demac<BR> delivers four solid tracks of =
rolling,=20
deep Techno sounds with<BR> a dubby, warm feel =
throughout.=20
Equally at home in the clubs as<BR> it is at home, =
this one=20
comes highly recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> UNKNOWN - RUNNER NOISE - APPLICATION - 12"=20
(APRO01)<BR> Straight-Up, No-Nonsense Techno for the =
big=20
floor, that keeps<BR> it quite stripped, and would run =
very=20
nicely alongside the likes<BR> of Millls and Surgeon. =
The=20
A-side keeps it strictly 4 to the Floor,<BR> while the =
flip=20
has a long off-beat cut. First release for this<BR> =
new=20
label.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> UNKNOWN - HIGH SCHOOL RECORDS 01 - HIGH =
SCHOOL - 12"=20
(HIG01)<BR> Another new addition to the tribal =
techno-family=20
on this new label<BR> from Spain. Full-on offbeat =
assault on=20
the a-side, and 2 heavy<BR> workouts with all the =
right assets=20
on the flip. It works....trust<BR> me...! =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> UNKNOWN - WAVE SOUND - PAINFUL MEMORIES - 12" =
(APW01)<BR> Merciless Techno from Spain with distinct=20
industrial influences<BR> and a more broken-down feel, =
that=20
reminds me strongly of The British<BR> Murder Boys / =
Surgeon.=20
Unfortunetaly, once again, there isn't<BR> any =
information on=20
the artists whatsoever...(seems that they might<BR> =
have a big=20
techno factory in Spain, that just automatically =
produces<BR> =20
this material...) You like to play rough? Then play with =
this...</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> WARMDESK - CAPRICORN RISING EP - A TOUCH OF =
CLASS - 12"=20
(ATC016)<BR> I love the Touch of Class stuff and this =
new=20
release from Warmdesk<BR> is a delicious snack of =
wholesome=20
House / Techno grooves. Warm<BR> sounds and funky =
beats along=20
with lovely chord work give it a<BR> soulful feel but =
it has=20
enough edge to work its way into the more<BR> minimal =
Techno=20
sets as well. A perky and splendid record all round.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>Restocks (Vinyl): Techno / Electro</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> CHRISTOPHER + RAPHAEL JUST - DISCO 128 - =
COMBINATION -=20
12" (CORE033)<BR> Retro, fun, bouncy, lively sounds =
from this=20
two man team-up. Chris<BR> and Raphael get it going =
with a=20
nicely progressive build-up and<BR> a selection of =
authentic=20
sounding old-school sounds and basslines.<BR> Kicking =
beats=20
top it off. Electro-Disco of the very best kind.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>New Releases (Vinyl): US Techno / =
Electro</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> CARL CRAIG - SPARKLE / HOME ENTERTAINMENT - =
PLANET E -=20
12" (PE65283)<BR> 2 cuts from 'The album formerly know =
as...'=20
here. Sparkle is the<BR> favourite for me, and =
although Both=20
cuts are nice i have to say<BR> that they are not =
really=20
single material? still, what do i know?<BR> I'm only a =
fat=20
bloke from essex.........</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - HOLLERTRONIX 3 - N/A - 12"=20
(MS022)<BR> Vol 3 continues in the same vein with =
obscure=20
Booty/electro/hip<BR> hop cuts with both singing & =
rhymes=20
by diplo, Mad Decernt & more.<BR> A real hard one =
to=20
pigeon hole this as it goes all over the place......</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>New Releases (Vinyl): House</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BANDA UNAIO BLACK - BEEN SO LONG - COMMONFOLK =
- 12"=20
(CFR2)<BR> Although this is not really a disco tune, =
it's on=20
that scene that<BR> it really means anything to be =
honest. A=20
sort of disco/rock tune<BR> that would be played by =
say,=20
harvey for instance. Not that he<BR> does play it, but =
it is=20
certainly the sort of thing he would spin<BR> from =
time to=20
time. On the flip is a re-edit by Tim Love lee, =
maximising<BR> =20
its disco/cheese potential. Check it out....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SKYY - HIGH - PLAZA - 12"=20
(PLG2009)<BR> Super chunky remixes by Ken here, =
although i=20
have to say i prefer<BR> the original. The remixes are =
very=20
club friendly and will work<BR> an a more commercial =
level,=20
but the original has the funk for<BR> me. Check it out =
and see=20
what you think.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>New Releases (Vinyl): Hip Hop</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> COMMON - BE - GEFFEN - 2xLP=20
(B0004670LP)<BR> After the excesses of Electric =
circus, this=20
back to basics LP/CD<BR> from the man is a real breat =
of fresh=20
air. " beats from the recovering<BR> J-Dilla, and the =
rest by=20
man of the moment Kanye West, all with<BR> bags of =
soul and=20
suiting commons rhymes as if he was back making<BR> =
music with=20
NO I.D again. best Hip Hop LP?CD of the year for =
me,<BR> a=20
must have........</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DJ SPINNA - COMPOSITIONS 1 - FEMALE FUN =
- =20
(FF00012)<BR> So good to have this back again. =
Originally from=20
about 1999 and<BR> then with only 4 tracks, this=20
featured instrumental versions<BR> of remixes =
that=20
Spinna had done for MC Eight, Das Efx, De La Soul<BR> =
&=20
one that escapes me at the moment. This reissue on female=20
fun<BR> has 2 extra tracks, one of which is the =
instrumental=20
for the first<BR> Network reps 12" he did. The other =
is a new=20
one on me. Super phat,<BR> smoothed out NYC Hip Hop =
for those=20
who like it on a chilled tip.<BR> Highly=20
recommended........</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> JUNGLE BROTHERS - DONE BY THE FORCES OF =
NATURE - WARNER=20
BROTHERS - 2xLP (126072LP)<BR> First time ever that =
this fine=20
lp has been on double vinyl! Classic<BR> LP from what =
many=20
people call the golden age of Hip Hop. Cant<BR> argue =
with=20
that now can I !!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> KEV BROWN - LIFES A GAMBLE - UP ABOVE - 12"=20
(UA3114)<BR> 2 more cuts from the kev brown LP/CD =
here, one=20
with a nice remix<BR> by Kev himself. Smooth, soulful =
Hip Hop=20
but still retaining that<BR> certain edge in the =
production.=20
nice!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> N/A - SCARFACE BREAKS - N/A - LP=20
(TMLP3157)<BR> Battle weapon with purely dialouge from =
the=20
movie. great for budding<BR> DJ's & producers=20
everywhere....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> Q-BERT - BREAKTIONARY - DIRTSTYLES - LP=20
(BREAK001)<BR> Stupendously huge comp of breaks from =
the main=20
man here. All edited<BR> together and ready for =
action, 2 copy=20
style. Superb cover artwork<BR> as well,=20
recommended....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SELF SCIENTIFIC - CHANGE - UP ABOVE - 2xLP=20
(UA3116LP)<BR> Wide ranging bag of styles on this LP, =
with=20
mixed results. Some<BR> Kanye, Ayatollah style speeded =
up soul=20
beats sit alongside some<BR> with a much more raw =
indie feel,=20
as well as some cuts that try<BR> to straddle the =
indie/jiggy=20
divide. The good news is that there<BR> is enough =
quality to=20
recommended it, so check it out baby!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TALL DARK & HANDSOME - S/T - B-BOY - LP=20
(BB51588LP)<BR> Another great period reissue of this =
tough LP=20
from 1988 on the<BR> infamous B-Boy label. Big =
clattering=20
beats with big loops, a real<BR> sign of the era here, =
with=20
equally suited rhymes. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>Restocks (Vinyl): Hip Hop</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> STEVE SPACEK - LET THE DOLLAR CIRCULATE - =
STUDIO=20
DISTRIBUTION - 12" (SIC009)<BR> Deep & soulful =
jay-dilla=20
production here. beautiful beat chopped<BR> to =
perfection.=20
recommended......</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>New Releases (Vinyl): Eclectic Beats</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> ONE SELF - CHILDREN OF POSSIBILITY =
(INSTRUMENTALS) -=20
NINJA TUNE - 2xLP (ZEN94INST)<BR> An instrumental =
version of=20
this LP from One Self is a very welcome<BR> surprise. =
Along=20
with a bunch of accapellas, this light, breezy,<BR> =20
refreshingly subtle yet challenging blend of nu hip hop from=20
DJ<BR> Vadim goes down a particular treat in vocal =
free form.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>New Releases (Vinyl): Guitar Based</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> FOLLER - FOLLER / HOME - VARIOUS - 7"=20
(VAR008)<BR> One side of this little beauty is a =
straight folk=20
number with<BR> beautiful female vocals over what =
sounds like=20
a lute. The other<BR> is the sam in the vocal =
department, but=20
musically its electronica<BR> of the soft and warm =
variety=20
with touches of crunch in places.<BR> Beautiful, =
highly=20
recommended music for everyone.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>New Releases (Vinyl): Funk / Jazz / =
Soul</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BUDOS BAND, THE - S/T - DAPTONE - LP=20
(DAP005LP)<BR> Tasty new outfit on the kings of the =
new funk=20
sound Daptone here.<BR> After just the one 7" release =
(to our=20
knowledge at least) comes<BR> this tight, brassy =
affair that=20
features Neal Sugarman (from the<BR> Sugarman 3 of =
course!)=20
amongst a big group of musicians playing<BR> a very =
funky=20
Afro-Soul sound. 11 tracks in all to get your =
teeth<BR> =20
into.......</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> RECORD PLAYER - FREE YOUR MIND / YOUR FANTASY =
- SOUL=20
CAL - 12" (SCR106)<BR> 2 wonderfully big disco cuts =
with big=20
arrangments and lots of<BR> punch. Strong horns, loose =
claps,=20
a real funk feel to things,<BR> the disco that i =
reasllly like=20
basicly. Recommended....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> THE ADDERS AND D.C. DRUMS - THE "SOLI" / THE =
NPANLOGO -=20
PIE TONES - 7" (PIE002)<BR> Superb little afrobeat 7" =
here,=20
from Sheffield. Side A is a potent<BR> mixture of Fela =
Kuti=20
sensibilities with an almost electronica<BR> like funk =
topping. The flip side sports a stripped down =
drums<BR> and=20
percussion cut that is a must for adventerous dj's and=20
sample<BR> feeders everywhere.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>Restocks (Vinyl): Funk / Jazz / Soul</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> EL MICHELS AFFAIR - SOUNDING OUT THE CITY - =
TRUTH &=20
SOUL - LP (FSLLP44)<BR> Debut lp from this fine funk =
outfit.=20
horn lead rhythms o the highest<BR> order here. check =
the cut=20
"Musings to myself". Serious stuff.<BR> =20
recommended.....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - WORLD PSYCHEDELIC CLASSICS 3 - =
STONESTHROW -=20
2xLP (STH2112)<BR> SUBTITLED "LOVES A REAL THING: THE =
FUNKY=20
FUZZY SOUNDS OF WEST<BR> AFRICA" AND THAT KIND OF SUMS =
THIS=20
UP. FUNK / AFROBEAT / PSYCHEDELIA<BR> FROM A =
LOAD OF=20
TALENTED AN ENTIRELY UNKNOWN TO ME ARTISTS - =
HIGHLY<BR> =20
DANCEABLE AND REALLY GOOD. RECOMMENDED. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>New Releases (CD): Electronica</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> EU - COLDER - CACTUS ISLAND - 3" CD=20
(CACT013)<BR> The latest in this highly collectable =
series on=20
Cactus Island<BR> is the second from the brilliant EU. =
Eleven=20
tracks of beautifully<BR> understated beatless =
electronica=20
full of warmth, detail, intensity<BR> and musicality. =
Imagine=20
the Expanding / early Toytronica sound<BR> remixed by =
Brian=20
Eno, Pete Namlook or Selected Ambient Works II<BR> era =
Aphex=20
(or Anthony Rother if his new album is anything to =
go<BR> by!)=20
to ambient perfection. 100 copies only in existence, =
we'll<BR> =20
only ever see 25... on your marks, get set, go! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> FORTDAX - HORIZON SEVEN-SEVEN - STATIC =
CARAVAN - CD=20
(VAN84)<BR> When it comes to celebrating the festive =
season,=20
Static Caravan<BR> don't just deck the halls with =
boughs of=20
holly, they release an<BR> incredibly limited stocking =
filler=20
of a single! A mere 100 copies<BR> only of this brand =
new=20
two-track CD single from Fortdax, his first<BR> =
material in a=20
few years. This is wonderfully epic stuff, =
slightly<BR> more=20
subtle and twisted than before but still unmistakably=20
Daxian.<BR> The packaging might not blow you away, but =
the=20
music will - snap<BR> one of these up before it's too =
late.=20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> HARALD SACK ZIEGLER - PUNKT - STAUBGOLD - CD=20
(STAUBGOLD59)<BR> An unusual album in every respect. =
It sounds=20
like Harald Sack<BR> recorded these 22 tracks in real =
time -=20
most are under the two-minute<BR> mark and are =
generally=20
trashy, childlike, shouty lo-fi bubblegum<BR> punk =
pop.=20
Whatever Harald wanted to get off his chest, i =
hope<BR> he=20
succeeded! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> PLIIANT - SOOTHE THE WOUND - AMPOULE - 2x3" =
CD=20
(TALENT003)<BR> The third release in Ampoule's limited =
edition=20
Talent series is,<BR> once again, brought to us by =
Pliiant on=20
a delightfully packaged<BR> double 3 CD format. And, =
once=20
again, it's limited to 100 copies<BR> only so bear =
this in=20
mind and snap it up as quickly as possible.<BR> =
Pliiant=20
delivers a selection of beautiful, lovingly crafted=20
Electronica<BR> which bears all the hallmarks of an =
Ampoule=20
release... deep textures,<BR> cleverly constructed =
rhythms and=20
acres of warmth and melody. It's<BR> all there and =
it's all=20
absolutely delightful. Seriously, you need<BR> to pick =
this=20
up! Recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> PUB - DO YOU EVER REGRET PANTOMIME? + LIVE - =
AMPOULE /=20
MOAMOO / ART UNION - 2xCD (ARTMOA-002)<BR> A very, =
very=20
special release, this. Pub's 'Do You Ever Regret<BR> =20
Pantomime?' is an absolutely classic and wonderful album=20
which<BR> for a long time has been unavailable. This =
is your=20
chance to pick<BR> it up on Japanese label Moamoo / =
Art Union,=20
with the added bonus<BR> of an exclusive live CD =
recorded at=20
The Bunker in Germany which<BR> features tracks from =
the album=20
plus several unreleased cuts. To<BR> say that this is =
a=20
mind-bogglingly excellent selection is =
underplaying<BR> it=20
quite a lot. The combination of Chain Reaction / Basic=20
Channel<BR> style dubby depth and incredibly deep =
soundscapes=20
is still totally<BR> fresh and sounds easily up there =
with any=20
of Pub's output. Bear<BR> in mind that this is a =
limited=20
edition release and is a one off,<BR> i.e. we won't be =
getting=20
any more copies, so snap it up now or<BR> you'll =
regret it for=20
a long, long time! Truly a top notch package.<BR> =
highly=20
recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> RANDOM NUMBER - GOLDEN ACRE SLEEPS - =
HIGHPOINT LOWLIFE=20
- CD (HPPL015)<BR> Random Number you may (or may not) =
remember=20
from their (underrated)<BR> releases on Rocket Racer,=20
Catmobile and Rock Action, and this<BR> new album on =
Highpoint=20
Lowlife sees them treading a slightly different<BR> =
path yet=20
again. Traces of early Autechre with a large doses =
of<BR> all=20
things shoegazetronic (eg. Ulrich Schnauss, albeit a=20
little<BR> more low-key than his work). Warm, =
approachable,=20
enjoyable music<BR> that many of you will enjoy. =
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> RUSUDEN - FORMULAE REMIXES - TERMINAL DUSK - =
CD=20
(TD002CD)<BR> Remixes here from Wisp, Ochre =
(Toytronic),=20
Enduser, Multiplex<BR> (Toytronic!), Line 47, =
Doofgoblin (no,=20
i didn't just make that<BR> one up), The Gasman =
(Planet Mu)=20
and Rusuden him/themselves. All<BR> manner of =
contemporary=20
electronic styles from ambient to crunchy<BR> glitch =
it is=20
then! </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - CRIMSON - TERMINAL DUSK - CD=20
(TD001CD)<BR> 13 tracks of =
drum&ravecoremashupbreaks from=20
all the big hitters<BR> of the scene. Doormouse, =
Exillon,=20
Enduser, Duran Duran Duran,<BR> Pale, Eight Frozen =
Moudlues to=20
name a few. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>Restocks (CD): Electronica</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> ARPANET - QUANTUM TRANSPOSITION - REPHLEX - =
CD=20
(CAT161CD)<BR> The very deepest in detroit electronica =
and=20
techno, courtesy of<BR> that master of the genre, the =
late=20
James Stinson of Drexciya.<BR> Presumably this is a =
collection=20
of previously unreleased tracks<BR> but don't think =
for a=20
minute this is one of those token gestures<BR> milking =
the=20
fans - the quality of this stuff is exceptionally<BR> =
high,=20
and sounds so current it's uncanny. Ranging from =
minimal,<BR> =20
beatless electronica to prime detroit analogue techno, this=20
is<BR> perhaps even better than the Arpanet releases =
on Source=20
a few<BR> ago. Total class.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BOARDS OF CANADA - HIGH SCORES - SKAM - CDS=20
(SKA008CD)<BR> Absolute classic masterpiece six-track =
EP from=20
the Boards. Amongst<BR> the finest electronic music =
ever made,=20
the opener ("Hi Scores")<BR> still sends shivers down =
the=20
spine, likewise "Everything You Do<BR> Is A Balloon", =
which is=20
arguably their best ever track. If you<BR> still don't =
have a=20
copy of this, frankly it's about time you did.<BR> =20
</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> BOHREN & DER CLUB OF GORE - SUNSET =
MISSION - WONDER=20
- CD (WON01CD)<BR> This awe-inspiring debut (at least, =
to my=20
knowledge) from the<BR> wonderfully named Bohren And =
Der Club=20
Of Gore (dating from 2000)<BR> finally gets a much =
needed=20
repress. If you've never heard this<BR> deep, ambient =
blend of=20
sax and Noir-esque atmospherics , you need<BR> to. The =
only=20
suitable comparison I've ever been able to think<BR> =
of is the=20
dreamy incidental music to Twin Peaks. Other than =
that,<BR> =20
their sound is completely unique. A must for anyone's =
collection.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> HAROLD BUDD / ERALDO BERNOCCHI - MUSIC FOR =
'FRAGMENTS=20
FROM THE INSIDE' - SUB ROSA - CD (SR239)<BR> Anything =
to do=20
with Harold Budd bears listening to as he's an<BR> =
incredibly=20
influential musician. This is simply divine and =
conjures<BR> =20
up a really filmic, soundtrack feel throughout with some=20
delectable<BR> pianos and well thought out beats and =
downbeat=20
moments. Sounds<BR> a little bit like Murcof at times, =
which I=20
guess is ironic as<BR> we should really be saying =
exactly the=20
opposite! Stunning stuff<BR> that comes highly=20
recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MITCHELL AKIYAMA - SMALL EXPLOSIONS THAT ARE =
YOURS TO=20
KEEP - SUB ROSA - CD (SR238)<BR> THE RETURN OF =
MITCHELL=20
AKIYAMA (BEST KNOWN FOR HIS RELEASES ON<BR> RASTER =
NOTON AND=20
EAT THIS) HERALDS ANOTHER APT TITLE. A SLIGHTLY<BR> =
DISSONANT=20
BUT UTTERLY COMPELLING BLEND OF STRINGS, CLICKS, =
PIANO,<BR> =20
BELLS AND OCCASIONAL HANDCLAPS THAT IS SURPRISINGLY WARM AND=20
MUSICAL.<BR> I HAVE TO SAY ANYONE INTO THE LIKES OF =
RUNE=20
GRAMMOFON, GREG DAVIS,<BR> CONSTELLATION, TZADIK, =
KARAOKE=20
KALK, THRILL JOCKEY AND ALL MANNER<BR> OF INTERESTING =
WORLD=20
BASED CONTEMPORARY ELECTRONICA/LIVE CROSSOVER<BR> =
STUFF SHOULD=20
CHECK THIS OUT AT ONCE - IT'S ABSOLUTELY TOP NOTCH.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MONOLAKE - POLYGON_CITIES - MONOLAKE - CD=20
(ML015)<BR> It's that time again ladies and gentlemen. =
I=20
always get excited<BR> about anything new from =
Monolake and=20
this is no exception. I was<BR> interested to see what =
it=20
would sound like now that Robert Henke<BR> has a new=20
collaborator in the form of T++. It's still =
definitely<BR> a=20
Monolake CD, but it has this extra edge which really=20
differentiates<BR> it from the earlier releases. A =
less=20
crunchy sound, I would say,<BR> but it comes across as =
a more=20
melodic piece of work. All the hallmarks<BR> are still =
there... the dense layers of sound, the incredible=20
attention<BR> to detail on the rhythms and the spooky, =
atmospheric overall design.<BR> It just has a, dare I =
say it,=20
slightly fresher feel. Stunning,<BR> brilliant, =
awesome...=20
everything you'd expect from this unique<BR> artist.=20
Essential.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MONOLAKE - MOMENTUM - MONOLAKE - CD (ML011CD=20
/10961-2)<BR> I'm sure Monolake won't need a huge =
introduction=20
to Smallfish<BR> customers, so I shall simply cut to =
the=20
chase. This is a fabulous<BR> album that takes his =
unique=20
Electronica sound and develops it<BR> into an even =
darker,=20
more rhythmic style without losing any of<BR> the =
stunning=20
atmosphere we've come to expect. Frankly, this is<BR> =20
brilliant and your collection won't be complete without a=20
copy.<BR> A truly essential purchase.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MURCOF - REMEMBRANZA - LEAF - CD=20
(BAY47CD)<BR> Regular customers of ours will remember =
what a=20
huge success Murcof's<BR> debut album ("Martez") was =
here, and=20
i have to say, with that<BR> album having delivered so =
much=20
back then, i wondered if Fernando<BR> could top or =
even come=20
near to repeating that achievement. But<BR> you know =
what? To=20
my ears, this is an even more successful piece<BR> of =
work.=20
The whole Murcof sound, despite being instantly=20
recognisable,<BR> has become a whole lot darker and =
deeper -=20
exactly the direction<BR> i wanted him to go in. An =
intensely=20
moody affair, this makes the<BR> previous album sound =
pretty=20
light and frothy by comparison but<BR> fear not, you =
will love=20
this, it's the perfect progression. One<BR> of the key =
albums=20
of any month, this comes quality assured. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> THOMAS BRINKMANN - LUCKY HANDS - MAX ERNST - =
CD=20
(MAXERNSTCD9)<BR> Generally speaking too downbeat and=20
introverted to be filed under<BR> Techno/Electro, this =
combines moody vocals, subtle musicianship,<BR> =
songwriting=20
and deep production to strong effect. Reminiscent<BR> =
of=20
Tarwater, To Rococo Rot, Static and that whole Stefan=20
Schneider<BR> stable of artists, this contains a =
barely=20
recognisable, ultra<BR> post-modern cover of =
Morrissey's "The=20
More You Ignore Me, The<BR> Closer I Get" (oh, =
Schneider TM,=20
so much to answer for).... </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> THOMAS FEHLMANN - VISIONS OF BLAH - KOMPAKT - =
CD=20
(KOMCD20)<BR> QUITE SIMPLY A WONDERFUL PIECE OF WORK =
FROM THIS=20
EX 3 PHASE AND<BR> SUN ELECTRIC (TO NAME BUT A FEW) =
MAN. DEEP,=20
PULSATING, A BUT GALLOPY<BR> AT TIMES (BUT THEN YOU'D =
BE=20
SHOCKED IF A RECORD FROM COLOGNE DIDN'T<BR> HAVE AT =
LEAST ONE=20
GALLOPY TRACK ON IT), THOUGHTFUL TEXTURAL GEAR,<BR> =
IT'S ALL=20
HERE, IT'S ALL BEAUTIFUL AND IT'S HIGHLY, HIGHLY =
RECOMMENDED.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - AI SAMPLER 5.00 - A.I. - CD=20
(AI010CD)<BR> CRACKING ROUND UP OF CLASSIC TRACKS FROM =
THE=20
BACK CATALOGUE AND<BR> SOME FORTHCOMING GOODIES FROM =
THE=20
EXCELLENT AI LABEL. CLARO'S<BR> ON THERE AS ARE =
YELLOTONE,=20
NORMAL, FZV, MONTAG AND CONFUTATIS.<BR> NEW TRACKS =
COME FROM=20
THE LIKES OF JECAN SOLO, YUNX, SINNER DC,<BR> MIKE =
MANNING,=20
NORMAL AND SUBSIDE. INDESPENSIBLE ELECTRONICA =
SOUNDS<BR> FROM=20
THE MOST CURRENT OF LABELS.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VLADISLAV DELAY - THE FOUR QUARTERS - HUUME - =
CD=20
(HUUME05)<BR> Deliciously simple and icy cool new =
release by=20
the highly talented<BR> Vladislav Delay. These =
four=20
tracks surf the line between experimental<BR> =
electronics and=20
deep, warm and textural music that is more=20
accessible.<BR> The sounds, tones and textures =
combine=20
with deep bass noises<BR> and rhytmic pulses in =
perfect=20
unison. Very atmospheric and beautiful<BR> - =
proper=20
electronics that comes highly recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VLADISLAV DELAY - DEMO (N) TRACKS - HUUME - =
CD=20
(HUUMECD01 / MDM20512)<BR> Long-awaited album project =
from=20
Vladislav Delay. I thought he<BR> would just do Luomo =
material=20
from now on, such is the success<BR> of that project.=20
Thankfully this is a whole world away from Luomo<BR> =
with=20
deep, Chain Reaction-style textures, icy cold stabs and=20
sounds<BR> and minimalistic rhythm structures. The =
sounds=20
penetrate your<BR> mind and carry you away on a =
journey that's=20
full of intricate<BR> dicovery A wonderful piece of =
work=20
that's highly recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>New Releases (CD): Techno / Electro</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SENDER BERLIN - UNEQUAL ARTS - UNGLEICH - CD =
+ DVD=20
(MDM23692)<BR> A "dual disc" package from Sender =
Berlin (ie.=20
you get the CD on<BR> side, and a DVD on the other. =
Covering a=20
variety of techno bases,<BR> "Theory's Dead" features =
Jay=20
Haze, plus there's a collaboration<BR> with DJ Luke. A =
bit of=20
a departure from the seriously banging<BR> stuff they =
used to=20
put out on Tresor. The DVD features a =
retrospective,<BR> a=20
Peel Session and a set at Tresor, Berlin. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>Restocks (CD): Techno / Electro</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MATIAS AGUAYO - ARE YOU REALLY LOST - KOMPAKT =
- CD=20
(KOMCD44)<BR> So, here's the album. Closer Muzik's =
Matias=20
Aguayo delivers a<BR> full set of songs that defy any =
kind of=20
obvious categorization.<BR> Yes it's Cologne Techno =
but in a=20
much more thoughtful way and<BR> featuring some =
absolutely=20
brilliant vocal tracks that are proof<BR> that there's =
life in=20
this sound even if you really were getting<BR> a bit =
jaded=20
with it. Downbeat, upbeat, funky, fun, moving and<BR> =20
emotional all at once. A consumately produced piece of work=20
that<BR> really shows how much Kompakt have =
diversified their=20
sound over<BR> the years. You're probably witnessing a =
future=20
classic in the<BR> making I reckon.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> MODESELEKTOR - HELLO MOM! - B PITCH CONTROL - =
CD=20
(BPC115CD)<BR> Modeselektor's album has been eagerly=20
anticipated because of their<BR> knack for putting out =
dancefloor tracks that are anything but<BR> ordinary. =
Weirdo=20
sounds and chopped up vocals meet Electro, Techno<BR> =
and=20
Electronica on this eleven track selection that will=20
confound<BR> as well as delight. There's some serious=20
programming going on<BR> on here and these guys =
clearly like=20
the occasional rave sound...<BR> which makes for a =
very fun=20
album indeed. Mutant!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - TOTAL 6 - KOMPAKT - CD=20
(KOMCD42)<BR> Kompakt. Purveyors of quality throughout =
their=20
back catalogue<BR> and increasingly essential thanks =
to a=20
diverse range of Techno,<BR> Electro and House =
releases. This=20
sixth Total compilation is absolutely<BR> on the money =
and=20
features a broad and very comprehensive collection<BR> =
of=20
tracks that have been released recently and even includes=20
a<BR> few unreleased tracks for good measure. Tracks =
from DJ=20
Koze, Tocotronic,<BR> Michael Mayer, Ferenc, Heib, =
Mikkel=20
Metal, Justus Kohncke, Jurgen<BR> Paape, Reinhard =
Voigt, Rex=20
The Dog, Thomas Fehlmann and many,<BR> many more exude =
class=20
from beginning to end making this yet another<BR> =20
indespensible release from our favourite Cologne label. Top =
stuff.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - KOMPAKT 100 - KOMPAKT - 2xCD=20
(KOMCD34)<BR> IT'S A DIFFICULT TASK TO STATE JUST HOW=20
INFLUENTIAL COLOGNE'S<BR> KOMPAKT LABEL HAS BEEN OVER =
THE=20
YEARS. SEEMINGLY, THEY STARTED<BR> JUST ABOUT EVERY =
WORTHWHILE=20
MUTATION OF THE TECHNO SOUNDS WE TAKE<BR> FOR GRANTED =
EVERY=20
DAY. TO SAY THAT THIS ALBUM IS A MAMMOTH AND<BR> =
ESSENTIAL=20
BEAST GOES WITHOUT SAYING BUT WHEN YOU CONSIDER =
THE<BR> =20
TRACKLISTING, WHICH FEATURES ALL THE KEY PLAYERS FROM=20
KOMPAKT'S<BR> HISTORY, BE IT TRACKS OR REMIXES, YOU =
CAN=20
GUARANTEE THAT THIS<BR> IS ONE VERY SPECIAL DOCUMENT =
OF A=20
LABEL FIRMLY AT THE FOREFRONT<BR> OF ELECTRONIC MUSIC. =
QUITE=20
STUPENDOUS AND, OF COURSE, RECOMMENDED<BR> WITHOUT =
HESITATION.=20
HERE'S TO ANOTHER 100!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>New Releases (CD): Hip Hop</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DJ SPINNA - COMPOSITIONS 1 - FEMALE FUN - CD=20
(FF000CD)<BR> So good to have this back again. =
Originally from=20
about 1999 and<BR> then with only 4 tracks, this=20
featured instrumental versions<BR> of remixes =
that=20
Spinna had done for MC Eight, Das Efx, De La Soul<BR> =
&=20
one that escapes me at the moment. This reissue on female=20
fun<BR> has 2 extra tracks, one of which is the =
instrumental=20
for the first<BR> Network reps 12" he did. The other =
is a new=20
one on me. Super phat,<BR> smoothed out NYC Hip Hop =
for those=20
who like it on a chilled tip.<BR> Highly=20
recommended........</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>New Releases (CD): Guitar Based</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> CAST KING - SAW MILL MAN - LOCUST - CD=20
(LOCUST74CD)<BR> Born 1926 in Alabama, Cast King was =
amongst a=20
stable of artists<BR> to record for Sam Phillips at =
Sun=20
Studios, Memphis yet made no<BR> further recordings - =
until=20
now. These twelve tracks were made<BR> in a small =
shack beside=20
Cast's house, with Matt Downer on electric<BR> guitar. =
All i=20
can say if you like Johnny Cash (especially the<BR> =
later=20
material), you're gonna love this. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> COLONIE, THE - A SHIPFUL OF CHANDERLIERS -=20
SHIPWRECKORDS - CD (STCD001)<BR> An interesting new =
band that=20
seem to draw from a number of influences.<BR> To me, =
they=20
really sound like (if you can imagine this) a =
cross<BR> =20
between Nick Cave, The Go-Betweens and A House (if you can=20
remember<BR> them!). Smoky, moody indie guitar action =
and not=20
at all bad with<BR> it. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> KEIJO - PALLA, BLOWN FROM HERE - EARWORM - CD =
(DIGI016CD)<BR> Not to sure where this artist is from =
but the=20
Instrumantals here<BR> have an eastern european folk =
feel to=20
them. Just the one vocal<BR> cut and the rest are =
quite=20
beautiful instrumentals. Lovely hand<BR> made =
packaging here=20
as well!!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> LANDING - BROCADE - STRANGE ATTRACTORS - CD=20
(SAAH037CD)<BR> Supreme quality instrumental =
electronic / post=20
rock-esque crossover<BR> gear from the much =
undervalued=20
Landing. Moments of Eno-esque </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> WOLF PARADE - APOLOGIES TO THE QUEEN MARY - =
SUB POP -=20
CD (SP655CD)<BR> As if further proof was needed that =
Sub Pop=20
are as relevant now<BR> as they've ever been (see=20
Sleater-Kinney, Iron & Wine, Low), along<BR> comes =
this=20
simply brilliant new signing. Hailing from =
Montreal,<BR> it=20
won't surprise you (also seeing as they supported them on=20
tour<BR> recently) that this is a bit Arcade =
Fire-esque (you=20
can add Interpol,<BR> TV On The Radio and The Walkmen =
to that=20
list, too) but somehow<BR> they have a sound of their =
own. One=20
of those albums you need to<BR> listen to a few times =
(there's=20
a lot going on) and then suddenly<BR> it clicks into =
place.=20
Hugely recommended. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>Restocks (CD): Guitar Based</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> ALEXANDER TUCKER - OLD FOG - ALL TOMORROWS =
PARTIES - CD=20
(ATPRCD15)<BR> There's a lot of nu / alt-folk releases =
around=20
at moment meaning<BR> some are bound to get =
overlooked, but=20
check this out if you can.<BR> Weird how everything =
sounds=20
like Six Organs Of Admittance today!<BR> This would =
also be=20
comparable to ATP labelmates Fursaxa, Songs<BR> Of =
Green=20
Pheasant or James Yorkston if he went a bit =
psychedelic.<BR> =20
Our Steve (a sixties/seventies psyche folk expert if ever=20
there<BR> was one) spots similarities to Bobby =
Calendar and=20
Mellow Candle<BR> (to give you some old-school =
reference=20
points, which are more<BR> deserving to be honest). =
Really=20
nice - recommended.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DEERHOOF - THE RUNNERS FOUR - ALL TOMORROWS =
PARTIES -=20
CD (ATPRCD19)<BR> It really seems as if Deerhoof's =
time has=20
come at last. Several<BR> albums in, and suddenly =
everyone's=20
paying attention, which is<BR> great as they've =
compromised=20
nothing about themselves. Packing<BR> many tracks (and =
as many=20
styles) into a comparatively brief time<BR> period, =
this veers=20
from cute guitar pop to psychedelia to outright<BR> =
sonic=20
madness and back. There's no excuse for anyone buying =
the<BR> =20
new Animal Collective album to at least not give this a=20
listen.<BR> </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> DEERHOOF - GREEN COSMOS - ALL TOMORROWS =
PARTIES - CD=20
(ATPRCD17)<BR> I don't know how Deerhoof do it, but =
they just=20
manage to pack<BR> in so many different styles on =
every=20
release. This bargain 7 track<BR> mini album is full =
to=20
brimming with splendid guitar sounds taking<BR> the =
form of=20
heavy Indie, perky and lively poppier sounds and =
some<BR> =20
cracking tunes. One minute they're rocking out, the next=20
they're<BR> delivering gentle, beautiful songs with =
the=20
ever-present vocals<BR> forming the centrepiece of the =
whole=20
thing. A well executed and<BR> engaging set of tracks. =
Bravo.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>New Releases (CD): Experimental</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> NURSE WITH WOUND / CYCLOBE -=20
PARAPARAPARALLELOGRAMMATICA - ANGERY E EELECTRIC F - BETA LACTUM - CD=20
(MT086BCD)<BR> Superb soundscapes here on this, the =
2nd in the=20
series so far<BR> of these collaborations between =
Nurse with=20
Wound and friends.<BR> Some wonderful sounds here =
created with=20
everyday instruments,<BR> guitars, various keyboards =
etc=20
making some very otherworldly sounds.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> NURSE WITH WOUND / IRR.APP.(EXT.) - MUTE BELL =
EXTINCTION PROCESS - ANGRY EELECTRIC PRO - BETA LACTUM - CD=20
(MT087BCD)<BR> 3rd in the series continues with more =
tonal=20
landscapes of varying<BR> moods. Sightly more =
electronic input=20
on this one to my ears at<BR> least. Who knows how =
many will=20
be in this series? Answers on a<BR> =
postcard.....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> NURSE WITH WOUND / JIM O'ROURKE - TAPE MONKEY =
MOOCH -=20
ANGRY EELECTRIC FINGER 1 - BETA LACTUM - CD =
(MT085BCD)<BR> 2=20
long soundscapes here crafted from live instrumentation=20
with<BR> a touch of melody to the proceedings. Some =
lovely=20
flute work amongst<BR> the drifting scapes that whilst =
have=20
some bit in places are on<BR> the whole quite pleaant =
to the=20
ear (well, to my conservative ears<BR> at least!) =
lovely=20
stuff....</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> SONIC YOUTH - KONCRETAS STAN BRAHAGE =
PRISIMINIMUI -=20
SONIC YOUTH - CD (SYR06CD)<BR> One 65 minute =
soundscape split=20
into 3 sections here from the Youth.<BR> Using =
electronic=20
& acoustic instruments to create a rather cold<BR> =
desolate sound that reminds me of winter mornings in =
suffolk!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> TOD DOCKSTADER / DAVID LEE MYERS - BIJOU - =
ReR MEGACORP=20
- CD (RERTDDM2)<BR> A year on from their last =
collaboration,=20
Tod and David return<BR> with a nightmarish =
soundtrack. 27=20
short, sharp, intense, claustrophobic<BR> scenes with =
suitably=20
rough production values. Some interesting<BR> guitar =
work and=20
use of effects make this a surprisingly successful<BR> =
and=20
accessible project. An album that's difficult to find=20
comparisons<BR> to, so have a listen. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2> VARIOUS - LABYRINTH & JOKES - HANSON - CD =
(HN050CD)<BR> Originally released in 1998 on vinyl =
comes this=20
CD of pure Experiments<BR> in the distrorted =
electronic vein.=20
Although not exclusivley as<BR> it veers between =
distorted=20
bands (and i mean distroted) bizzare<BR> throat =
warbbling and=20
the like. Completely mad, completely out<BR> there, =
completely=20
fun. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
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