|
|
| Aloe Blacc - Shine Through So. Cal native Aloe Blacc began his recording career as an MC back in 1995, when he joined up with hip-hop producer Exile to form the mainstay indie rap group, Emanon. A few years later, Aloe would “stow away” on a Lootpack European tour and become fast friends with Oh No – a relationship which led to many fruitful collaborations as a solo artist. These days, Aloe Blacc has evolved into a true Renaissance man – dubbed “the indie R. Kelly” by online retailer Turntable Lab. Recordings like his Latin cover of John Legend's “Ordinary People” prove that – not only can this multi-instrumentalist produce, rap and sing – but he can flip it in Spanish, too. With an amazingly broad set of influences ranging widely from the acoustic guitar stylings of folk artist Cat Stevens, to the soul-stirring sounds of the Negro Spirituals, Aloe prides himself on the spectrum of his musical roots. His sound often forays into the digital R&B realm, but always grooves with a tinge of Latin and the pulse of hip-hop. |
 |
||
Pick it up on I-Tunes! 1. Whole World |
|||
| Exit Music - Songs with Radio Heads - Various Artists Hail to the Thieves! Exit Music taps into the genre-crossing potential of Radiohead, translating well-known tracks into a new vision through the eyes of 14 producers. With such well-respected and stylistically diverse compositions, it was necessary that the artists on this project both embrace Radiohead's songwriting and instill the reworkings with their own flavor. People get confused about cover versions. They are a labor of love, not some sort of disrespectful treatment of the classics. Everyone involved in the Exit Music project love the music of Radiohead. Songs with Radio Heads doesn't attempt to replace the originals as "definitive versions". Instead, like the Futureheads cover of Kate Bush or the Slits cover of Marvin Gaye, this is an exercise in translating well loved tracks into a different genre. Exit Music also taps into the dance-floor potential of Radiohead, long recognized by DJs ranging from Paul Oakenfold to the Scratch Perverts. The band themselves are devotees of both hip-hop and dance music--commissioning remixes from respected figures such as Madlib, DJ Shadow and Four Tet. With an increasing number of under the counter remixes beginning to surface, BBE thought it was time to collect together the finest hiphop and dance cover versions of Radiohead songs. Ranging from gentle acoustic treatments to raw funky versions, BBE have taken the songs of Thom Yorke into realms even he couldn't imagine... |
 |
||
|
|||
|
Quantic - Mishaps Happening Ubiquity will release the 3rd solo Quantic LP in the USA, Canada, Spain, and South Africa. It's a simultaneous release with the UK based Tru Thoughts label taking care of the rest of the world. Building on the success and popularity of his first 2 albums "Mishaps Happening" sees Will Holland aka Quantic take it to the next level with the aid of guests like U.S. funk legend Spanky Wilson and Quantic right-hand woman Alice Russell. From the explosive Brazil tinged title track to the enchanting soul of "Sound of Everything" and the Afrobeat flavored "Furthest Moment" album #3 continues to join the musical dots, Quantic style. Jazz, funk and Afrobeat blend with tight breaks and distinctive production that happily nods to the past but sounds like the future. At only 23 years old, Holland has established himself as one of the most talented and prolific artists in the world of underground dance music. Recording under various guises he |
 |
||
first found acclaim as Quantic, fusing jazz sensibility with dance floor orientated grooves and intelligent breaks. Exploring the worlds of jazz and deep funk his second project, the Quantic Soul Orchestra, is a group of highly talented players that pays homage to the funk explosion of the early seventies that has always been an inspiration to Holland. The 1st Quantic album "The 5th Exotic" was released in summer 2001 and was hyped by some of the biggest DJs worldwide: Richard Dorfmiester, Mr. Scruff, and LTJ Bukem rated it very highly and tunes like "Common Knowledge" and "Life in the Rain" blazed across dance floors all over Europe. He built on this acclaim with the release of "Apricot Morning" less than a year later, dispelling any talk of the difficult 2nd album. Collaborating with the incredible Alice Russell, MC EQ, and Bristol's freshest hip hop crew Aspects. The album was a perfect snapshot of everything that was happening at the jazz end of the underground in 2002 - Gilles Peterson ranked it amongst his albums of the year. Holland has been invited all over the world to deejay, encompassing gigs throughout the USA, Canada, Japan, Europe and Scandinavia amongst many other destinations. His music has been featured on countless compilations and appeared in TV soundtracks. He has remixed Bonobo, our own Greyboy, plus Nitin Sawhney, and Roy Hargrove amongst others and collaborated on a joint release smash single with Mr. Scruff. |
|||
|
........................................................................................................................................................................................................... |
| RJD2 - Since We Last Spoke Record release: May 2004 RJ is back with his long-awaited follow-up to the critically acclaimed "Dead Ringer", with his official sophomore release on Definitive Jux Recordings, ‘Since We Last Spoke’. 12 brand new tracks of trademark instrumental funk-rock hip-hop that take the blueprint from "Dead Ringer" to an entirely new level. Contrary to popular belief, heroes sometimes lurk behind the curtains, actively choosing to elude visibility. Make no mistake, though-if the mystery man behind the boards is the man behind a classic beat, you'll soon know his name. In the late 90's, producers crept from the shadows to seize the spotlight of mainstream hip-hop, as well as the pop charts. In the last few years, one man shows such as Moby, DJ Shadow and Timbaland have proved what underground hip-hop fans have known since Marley Marl's heyday-a talented producer |
 |
||
can shine solo. Enter RJD2. In 2000, the praise only continued for RJD2, producing Copywrite's debut single "Holier Than Thou" on Rawkus Records. The work certainly didn't stop there; spring of 2001 was RJD2's formal introduction to hip-hop as a solo artist on Def Jux Presents, a compilation showcasing the roster of his record label, Definitive Jux Records. Having to hold his own next to NYC underground legends such as Company Flow, Cannibal Ox, and Aesop Rock, RJD2 did no less. That summer he followed up this string of releases with his own twelve inch entitled "June", which featured fellow MHz member Copywrite laying down two incredible book-end verses. Melding the hip-hop tradition of raw, gritty samples with a more classical approach to song structure, he has concocted a style of production that pleases the most discerning hip-hop scholar without compromising that old dance floor aesthetic. 2002 saw RJD2 release the critcally acclaimed debut "Dead Ringer", which not only solidified his spot as one of the underground's top producers, but also caught the ears of Grammy-man ?uestlove of The Roots who called the album one of his favorite of the year. Not to mention even landing the track "Ghost Writer" in a Saturn ad, with juggling solo ventures, producing rappers, and DeeJaying, the man is certainly in the hot seat at the moment. It has been said by many legendary producers that the ultimate goal is to move a crowd-not just to dance, but sometimes also to feel and think. In this vein, RJD2 is only continuing a time-honored tradition. |
|||
|
........................................................................................................................................................................................................... |
| Savath & Savalas - Apropa't APROPA'T the new album from Scott Herren's (aka Prefuse 73) Savath & Savalas project was released on 26th January. Warp and Hefty records previously released his Folk Songs for Train Trees and Honey album back in 2000, an understated and beautiful classic. "Just as Scott Herren starts getting the acclaim he deserves as leftfield hip hop producer Prefuse 73, the Atlanta native and Barcelona resident shifts identities. Savath & Savalas were last spotted in 2000 as pensive, decent post-rockers. Now though, Herren has a new partner – Catalonian singer/songwriter Eva Puyeulo Muns - and a gorgeous new sound. So hazy Latin songs emerge out of discreet electronic flutter, acoustic guitars trace shapes around Muns' and Herren's androgynous harmonies, odd bits of Tortoise go about their business in the background. And the whole thing emerges as an enchanting update of the dreamier end of 70s Brazilian pop - as good a record, in fact, as anything this gifted polymath has ever released." 4/5 John Mulvey, uncut. |
 |
||
Scott’s quest led him to unknown Catalan singer/songwriter Eva Puyuelo Muns - their meeting resulted in instant musical connection, despite Eva having never previously been involved with any music projects. From those first months in the spring of 2002 impressions, ideas, different lifestyles and a lot of music were exchanged. They shared the same passion for South American music, especially early 1970s Brazilian psychedelia, the simple production techniques, the very sad melodies also found in Spanish folk music, Afro/Cuban/Puerto Rican/NYC fusions and… tortilla de patatas. From Milton Nascimento and Maricio Lo Borges passing through Paco Ibañez and Música Dispersa, the story of two people finding themselves and each other in music is Apropa't. "With Prefuse, living in Spain hasn’t affected me at all. With that, it’s best for me to work in the environment I’m used to ‘making beats’ in, which is Atlanta. But as far as Savath & Savalas, the environment has affected my music greatly. The whole project has become an almost straight-up, Catalan/Castellano vocal-based folk steez." Indeed, Apropa't could not be more different to Scott’s work as Prefuse 73, or previous Savath & Savalas recordings. On the album you will hear both Scott and Eva singing, on all the tracks, with a cornucopia of gentle, melodic sounds from classical guitar, harmonium, concertina, bajo sexto, guitarron, harps and accidents thrown in. Recorded at home, on the outskirts of Barcelona, Apropa't captures a mood of dreamy intimacy, candlelit reverie and emotional intensity. Scott describes Apropa't as an exploration or acknowledgement of the relationship between himself and Eva, and of what is left by the search. Mid-2003, Scott took the mostly sketched songs to Tortoise’s SOMA Studio in Chicago and mixed the tracks with John McEntire, with additionally recorded drums parts from Johnny Herndon, bass by Town & Country’s Josh Abrams, some vocals from Azita Youssefi (Bride of No No) and two horn players in Paul Mertens (Brian Wilson, Stereolab) and Dave Max Crawford (Poi Dog Pondering, The Sea and Cake). |
|||
|
........................................................................................................................................................................................................... |
| REWIND! 3 - Original classics, re-worked, remixed, re-edited and rewound vol. 3 The Rewind concept is simple - a selection of our current favorite artists, producers, and bands record new versions of tunes that inspired them to make the music you love 'em for now. On volume 3 artists like Louie Vega , Greyboy , Antibalas , Swag, P'taah , Jeremy Ellis (aka Ayro) , This Kid Named Miles (of Breakestra) , John Arnold , Nobody , Damon Aaron , Spiritual South and others pay tribute to classic songs and underground cult tracks by the likes of Herbie Hancock, Cymande, Gil Scott-Heron, Sun Ra, The Chakachas and even Johnny Cash and AC/DC. Rewind III, unlike the first volumes (and the copy-cat comps that followed), includes no remixes or re-edits of the originals this time - just 100% cover versions made from scratch, with love and dedication by artists from Italy, England, Sweden, Portugal and the USA. 6 tracks are completely exclusive, 2 are as yet unreleased |
 |
||
| anywhere else, and 2 more were previously unavailable on CD... Tracklisting  Click
on highlighted tracks to listen via mp3 format.1. Louie Vega: Jungle Fever (Chakachas) 2. Greyboy w/Bart Davenport: Genevieve (Cymande) 3. Antibalas: Che Che Colo (Makossa mix) (Willie Colon) 4. Elsa: Open Your Eyes (Betty Carter) 5. Paolo Fedreghini: Please Don't Leave (Sahib Shihab) 6. This kid named miles: Ring of Fire (Johnny Cash) 7. Damon Aaron: Willing (Gil Scott-Heron) 8. Spiritual South feat Aurora Dawn: Stars and Rockets (Peter Thomas Sound Orchestra) 9. Spaceboys: Space Is The Place (Sun Ra) 10. John Arnold: Rough (Herbie Hancock) 11. P'taah: Baltimore Oriole (edit) (Lorez Alexandria) 12. Swag: Riot In Lagos (edit) (Ryuichi Sakamoto) 13. Nobody: Porpoise Song (The Monkees) 14. Jeremy Ellis: Chameleon (edit) (Herbie Hancock) 15. Bing Ji Ling: You Shook Me All Night Long (AC/DC) Rewind! 3 12" Tracklisting A1. P'taah - Baltimore Oriole A2. Swag - Riot in Lagos B1. Jeremy Ellis - Chameleon Critics praise Ubiquity's Rewind! series: "Straight on my radios playlist. Suppa funky shit." - LAURENT GARNIER "Top stuff to throw on and chill out." - WATER "What remixes should aspire to." - URB Wall of Fame - FADER "Enjoyable in every sense of the word." - SBC SKATEBOARD "With a little bit of Latin, a touch of house, plenty of funk, and a lot of love, this one's stuck on repeat." - SAN FRANCISCO BAY GUARDIAN "Deeper in depth and scope..." - LOUISIANA WEEKLY "Raises the bar... piling up talent upon genius, the new versions become classics in their own rights." - THE BOOK LA "A fresh, gamut-running taste of music's hallowed yesteryear." - SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER "The beat barons of Ubiquity have served up another dose of reworked classics." - BREAKZ4DAYZ.COM "A solid compilation of grooves." - IMPACT PRESS |
|||
|
........................................................................................................................................................................................................... |
| Adventure Time - Dreams of Water Themes Adventure Time's "Dream of Water Themes" is a perfect concept album. AT are Daedelus and Dublab's Frosty, together they've created a great hip-psych soundtrack to a life at sea. Littered with vocal and musical samples that reinforce their theme and motif, it becomes a swaying, coasting, bobbing ride that combs vast and open programming with mood driven, and tastefully placed and deconstructed world music samples. The album is mostly instrumental with a great slice of a sea lorn Saul Williams on "Sent from Sandy Shores," his duet with Sacajaqwea (?) -- she sounds mighty close to Mia Doi Todd. The tracks are composed and arranged with an ear to nearly make you sea sick with the waves of piano echo, faintly flying flutes, slight guitar and strings, with sweet rolling drum patterns (lots of cymbals and snares). Full of character and personality, check the Nyahbinghi sampling, "Eel Sand Witch." Pure genius. |
 |
||
| If you're a fan of Daedelus, Prefuse 73, or Nobody (who gets credit here for Foamy Fine Tuning), this is one of the best examples of what their sound is about. Nearly flawless and a great listen. Recommended. [DG] http://www.othermusic.com/2003november19update.html ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... www.turntablelab.com Spam! After the tasty Adventure Time 7" that preluded this album, I was licking my chops for the full length. Lick, lick. Like the Kozyndan cover illustration details, the combination of Daedulus and Dublab's Frosty is full fantasy embodied through downtempo beats and doublethunk atmosphere. Immediately, the opening track "Age of Aquarius(1)" kills it with the dubbiest of dub lines, and a thick musk of cymbal work. I couldn't have imagined a better opening. For the second act, the duo enlists Pigeon John of LA Symphony for "Whetting Whistles(2)," a potent leftfield hip hop track. Check for the whistling breakdown, a perfect signature to the track, and a hint of the creativity within. "Water Signs(3)" is another instrumental that finds its way to the bullesye, hitting with a rock hard backing and an unidentifiable lead instrument. Now that they got the can't miss beats out of the way, the guys go Coltrane, and let their spirits roam free. "Eel Sand Witch(4)" marks this shift, a track with so much gusto and spirit, it seems impossible that it was sequenced on a computer rather than a pow wow. "General Midi vs Rusty 4eyes(5)" has to be heard to be understood, it's where Charlie Brown and the Beastie Boys drown out in the ocean and go to heaven. Scorcher! Now that I have guided you through the first 5 tracks of the album, it's time for your host to leave the narrative. This is some of the most inventive, fun, and powerful downtempo / electronica you'll hear, ever. Proceed with space traveling in mind. 12 tracks in all. Recommended. BPM Magazine Plug Research continues to uphold its high standards of musical innovation with the debut release from LA's newest dashing duo, Adventure Time. Consisting of Daedelus and dublab.com founder, Frosty, Adventure Time culls audio from untold numbers of sound sources to create some of the most infectious grooves ever known to man, woman, or child. Whether it's a dusty old funk loop, a rusty sitar or a musty sea captain, these characters know how to link them all together and get your head nodding in time. Funky and utterly refreshing, you'll find a blend of musical styles ranging from funk and soul to hip hop and straight up African chanting. Vocal talents are also given special attention as Pigeon John, Saul Williams and Mia Doi Todd make memorable appearances. Although there is plenty of silliness going on, the attention to detail and overall production showcased here is stunning. Dreams of Water Themes is truly an audio adventure for the listener; A whimsical soundtrack for a movie in your mind. I can't wait to find out where they will take us next! - Dean DeCosta CMJ Adventure Time's Daedelus and Frosty cut the line between whimsical and cloying with a pirate's sword. Dreams Of Water Themes, the first full-length product of the team of DJ-producers, is brimming with airy flutes and exotic strings. But instead of coming off as a twee hip-hop concept album, Dreams is a journey of heedless invention. There's no narrative in sight, as the set's water "themes" are actually just motifs. Buoy bells ring in "Rusty Anchors Wrestling Waves," while beats shift like tides and moods change from optimistic to ominous. "Sent From Sandy Shores" walks just like a samba until tentative electronic beats throw it and guests Saul Williams and Sacajawea (a.k.a. Mia Doi Todd) overboard into uncharted territory. But the two best tracks are also the pair that have the least-detectable water association. "Eel Sand Witch" cuts and pastes tribal percussion and winds into a breakbeat symphony, while "General Midi Vs. Rusty 4eyes" meshes frenetic breaks with a jazzy piano and sounds like ex-Pizzicato Fiver Yasuharu Konishi at his most berserk. The difference here, though, is that Daedelus and Frosty refuse to just groove, opting instead to push the track as far as it can possibly go within its two-and-a-half-minute running time. That Dreams doesn't always live up to its titular concept is forgivable, since Adventure Time never stop making good on their moniker. - Richard M. Juzwiak: CMJ New Music Monthly: Dec 03 http://www.cmj.com/articles/display_article.php?id=545414 BUY NOW: Adventure Time's Dreams of Water Themes @ Amazon.com |
|||
|
........................................................................................................................................................................................................... |
| Nobody - Pacific Drift Record release: February 25th Nobody's new album "Pacific Drift: Western Water Music Vol. 1" unfolds a new West Coast psychedelic sound. It salutes the Byrds, Beach Boys, and Love while shaking hands with Manitoba, DJ Shadow, and Prefuse 73. Featured collaborators include members of the Postal Service, Beachwood Sparks, Dntel, Languis, Athalia, and the Mars Volta. Nobody is the 25 year old somebody named Elvin Estela. He is an LA vinyl junkie hypnotized by analog waves and creates albums mirroring phases of his stereo obsessions. His debut album, "Soulmates" was a hip-hop/cosmic jazz statement springing from early studio days and back alley freestyle sessions. Now Estela shows listeners a different shade of his soul. The concrete streets of "Soulmates" have melted into the flowing dreams of "Pacific Drift." "Pacific Drift" is pure sampler psych wrapped in golden gauze. |
 |
||
| Nobody flips his favorite 60's psychedelic masterpieces into new expressions. Sunshine melodies ride on heavyweight rhythms as acoustic textures sparkle into dub. Using a prehistoric sampler and sequencer Elvin excavates precious notes from wax, stretching them into his own multi-hued palette. |
|||
|
........................................................................................................................................................................................................... |
| Spacek - Vintage Hi-tech Whatever became of the highly praised south London trio Spacek (not to be confused with Swayzak!), which some bright spark once very fittingly described as the "Radiohead of soul" following their epochal 2001 debut ("Curvatia")? With "Vintage Hi-Tech", the second album, they once again furnish evidence of just how much visionary vibes require musical uniqueness. A new opportunity for everyone with a taste for spiritual music to discover Spacek. Music that digs deep rather than spreading out. The incredible hypnotic sound architecture, on which Steve Spacek and Morgan Zarate have been working, together with Edmund Cavill, since the mid-90s and which they now take up once again for "Vintage Hi-Tech", has never been heard so definitively: the stripped-to-the-bone R&B, harmonious downbeats and the soft but nevertheless strongly evocative floating vocal style have earned Spacek comparisons with |
 |
||
| Massive Attack through to D'Angelo, but
their sound essentially remains beyond explicit classification. Just like
good design, nothing more can be squeezed out of this music.
They haven't found it at all difficult to live up to their own high standards again. This has more than a little to do with the fact that after their rather frustrating experiences with a major label, which left them waiting in the wings for too long, the band are satisfied that they have found the right home with !K7 Records. They haven't let this prior bad episode put them off, though; they have calmly set up their own studio and pushed the timeless spirit of the Spacek sound into yet another dimension with "Vintage Hi-Tech". The ten tracks on "Vintage Hi-Tech" impressively emphasize Spacek's exceptional perspective. Extensively conceived and realized by just Morgan and Steve themselves, the second album more strongly accentuates the beats. In a world of its own: delayed, swinging tracks rooted in hiphop like the single "Motion Control", incredibly groovy cutting edge thrillers ("Amazing") and "I Know A Girl", where the beat is essentially just the slightest suggestion of funk. In between, there's the void, containing nothing but the occasional inimitable space, within which the vocals and swing make themselves right at home. At times, threads of brilliantly illuminating strings shine through and that's that, except for a superbly sung finale, "La Bougie" (with vocalist Mpho Skeef), which only serves to make it even more difficult to articulate in detail this album's overall fascination. It's not what you're given, but the secret lies rather in the spaces that it sets free. But what ultimately holds together Spacek's fascinatingly
fragile song structure in particular - how such an intense complexity
of heard and imagined resonance evolves from the restraint in the sound
and why everything (even the programming) sounds so infinitely organic
- remains unclear. Timeless and futuristic at the same time - you could
well call that magic. Spacek's magic won't jump up and slap you in the
face - but once you've seen the light, you can't do without it... cause
I know you got soul. ""South London's sonic soul scientists are back and sounding better than ever on this their far from tricky second album". "Vintage Hi-Tech' transcends the soul genre with its deep dark and edgy sounds and is all the better for it. Respect!" 5/out of 5" - iDJ, 04/03 ""Make love to it, get mashed to it........whatever but just listen to it" "If you're yet to experience the Spacek Magic this is a fine example of what you've been missing"" - Breakin´ Point, 01.03.03 ""They once again provide evidence of just how much visionary vibes require musical uniqueness"" - DJ, 07.02.03 ""The way forward."" - Jockey Slut, 01.02.03 ""A blinding return!"" - iDJ, 01.03.03 ""Vintage Hi-Tech is a downtempo musical masterpiece that draws no comparison"" - DMC Update, 09.04.03 "this is a group that gives new meaning to the phrase space funk." - Rolling Stone, 2003 "the most futuristic soul group of our modern age." - the FADER Magazine, 2003 "stitching classic R&B melodies, slightly
roughed up by some classic Jay Dee-style hip-hop beats, into the folds
of a delicate electronic tapestry" - XLR8R Magazine, 2003 |
|||
|
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
| Vikter Duplaix - International Affairs Record release: February 25th Vikter Duplaix has created a new sound with his debut album "International Affairs." The futuristic soul songs combine smooth R&B artistry (like Prince and D'Angelo before him) with modern dance floor beats. Duplaix has spent much of his music career behind the scenes, working as a producer with R&B luminaries like Erykah Badu, Jaguar Wright and Eric Benet. Hometown ties are strong, of course, and Duplaix's discography is filled with tracks he created with some of Philly's finest: Hip-hop maestro Jazzy Jeff and DJ/dance music producer extraordinaire King Britt. Duplaix has proven himself as a producer/DJ and "International Affairs" is sure to catapult him in to the spotlight as a multi-talented artist. Take a listen to this media player to hear a sample of Vikter¹s new brand of soul music. Tracklisting |
 |
||
| 1. Departure 2. What We Want 3. Lust For Life 4. I Got You 5. Looking For Love (Critical Point 58th Street Mix) 6. Morena 7. Yesterday's Pain 8. Fahmina Speaks 9. Wherever You Are 10. Come See Me 11. Tropical Girl 12. Desperately 13. Late Night Rendezvous 14. Looking For Love (Original) BUY NOW: Vikter Duplaix's International Affairs @ Amazon.com |
|||
|
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
| Donnie - The Colored Section Record release: November 5th Finally, Donnie's debut album "The Colored Section" is IN STORES NOW! Donnie's lyrics are a thought provoking modern day masterpiece about the true power of oneself. Like Marvin Gaye asking "What's going on?" or Sly Stone starting a riot, Donnie has a musical message of substance that needs to be heard. Championed by many DJ's worldwide, praised by press, and with an ever-growing fan base, Donnie is poised to rock the commercial mainstream. His song "Cloud 9" is currently featured in the movie Brown Sugar and "Our New National Anthem" is highlighted in BET's national ad campaign. In a voice that recalls Stevie Wonder at his most euphoric and Donny Hathaway at his most tortured, Donnie's music is an irresistible mix for any collection. Destined to be a modern soul classic, Donnie's "The Colored Section" is quickly making everyone's top of the year lists - support this new artist and buy your copy now! |
 |
||
Tracklisting CD Tracks: click on
highlighted tracks to listen via Real Player.courtesy of Giant Step Records 1. Masterplan 2. Cloud 9 3. Do You Know? 4. Heaven Sent 5. Welcome to the Colored Section 6. Our New National Anthem 7. You've Got a Friend 8. Rocketship 9. Beautiful Me 10. People Person 11. Big Black Buck 12. Wildlife 13. Turn Around BUY NOW: Donnie's The Colored Section @ Amazon.com |
|||
|
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
| Fluid Once: Unmeasured Ubiquity Records is delighted to announce a new partnership with super-hot UK-based Fluid Ounce label. Ubiquity will be releasing the Fluid Ounce “Unmeasured” compilation on August 6th on CD and exclusive double vinyl LPs - unavailable anywhere else in the world. Click
on highlighted tracks to listen via mp3 format.courtesy of Ubiquity Records 1. Come Party: Zero dB 2. Turn Off The Lights: Frank De Jojo 3. Click: Zero dB 4. The Snare: Zero dB 5. Never Come Back: The Vogado Projects
|
 |
| 6. Mas
Fuerte Que El Sol: The Vogado Projects 7. Future Vision: John Kong & Moonstarr 8. Nujazzkiller: Carmel 9. Harikiri Blues: Carmel 10. Man From Atlantis: Carmel Each release on this young label has been essential, whether it’s the infectious club sounds of Zero dB, the electro-inspired new breaks of Carmel, top Canadian DJ/producers Moonstar and John Kong, or the laidback pure chill-out vibe provided by the Vogado project - every one is a winner. So much so that in addition to nods of respect from all the right DJs (Gilles Peterson, Kruder and Dorfmeister and Rainer Truby have all charted Fluid Ounce releases heavily) the Fluid Ounce crew have been asked to provide remix treatment to Suba, the Peace Orchestra and even Sun Ra. As a brand new new indie-label with only vinyl releases they don’t have the muscle to sell more than a few 12”s in the USA and Canadian markets – but we’ve heard the quality, seen the European response and think it’s time to let the Fluid Ounce sounds loose on the general public! Other upcoming releases include the Zero dB remix album, and the highly anticipated Zero dB full-length album. Not even two years into their life as a label, Fluid Ounce Records has consistently challenged and provoked an international audience with 6 vinyl releases from as many artistes. Their aim, and undisputable achievement has been to explore new musical directions, rather than fester in any one particular vein. None of their growing network of fans ever know quite what to expect – except to be ever more thrilled by quality - substantiated by the high ranking of Fluid Ounce releases in the charts of such influential DJs as Gilles Peterson (on his Radio 1 ‘Worldwide’ show), Rainer Truby and Kruder & Dorfmeister. So now, to reach a wider and not entirely vinyl-friendly audience, it’s time for all these masterpieces to come out on fluid ounce’s first CD release – “Fluid Ounce: Unmeasured”. The album runs in chronological order of the vinyl releases, rewinding to 2000 for the opening track, the now legendary “Come Party” by the label’s main men Zero dB. This jazz-house anthem, with relentless and super-catchy (you’ll be whistling it for days!) bassline, chilled trumpet and dubby vocals, is still shaking up dance floors from Brighton to Zagreb. They thought they were hardened up by life in NE England where they met at music college, but nothing could have quite prepared Zero dB for the instant worldwide acclaim the track rightfully earned them. But taking it in their modest yet competent stride, they leaped into remixing tracks from all curves of the globe, punishing tracks with their distinctive pure fat analogue bass and frenzied percussion sequences. Their tech-latin remix of Suba’s “Samba do gringo paulista”, to name but one, is still a permanent fixture in every credible record bag. Their forthcoming remix releases of Sun Ra’s “Satellites are Spinning” (Mo Smog records) produced with DJ Hectic (Gilles Peterson’s alter ego), and of Peace Orchestra’s “Henry” (G-Stone Records) will cause even more turbulence The second track is another neo-classic, “Turn Off The Lights”, by Frank de JoJo (aka one half of Zero dB, Neil Combstock) and the extraordinary vocals of Terri Pace. Diverting from his former space disco roots in the French house scene, Frank re-created this funk classic with his signature lounging hip-hop beats. As well as being licensed to a number of prestigious compilations (including our own Rewind! compilation), it has been performed live all over the world to crowds always left shrieking for more. Zero dB also supply the next 2 tracks; “Click” won’t fail to arouse smiles and appreciation for its crackly jazz house madness, broken basslines and piano melodies, whilst “The Snare” is one hell of a jazzy jam featuring a rumbling double bass from Jazzy Jay Cox, and a sparkling yet muted trumpet performance from Paul Newton, altogether re-defining the parameters of ‘filtered jazz’. The album then trickles into more chilled territory with two delicious down tempo bossa-influenced gems from The Vogado Projects (otherwise known as the other half of Zero dB, Chris Vogado). “Never Come Back”, hailed as “very special…for those introspective moments” by Straight No Chaser, is a hypnotising track featuring Lucy Gale’s enchanting vocal, some mad percussive workouts and one of the dirtiest double bass-lines known to man. “Mas Fuerte Que El Sol” appropriately translates as ‘stronger than the sun’ with its beginnings of dulcet sax tones climaxing in some pure chill-out bossa jazz action. The final four tracks are by fluid ounce’s most recent signings. John Kong & Moonstarr have been responsible for exploding the leftfield-jazz-electronic scene in their home town of Toronto, John as prolific DJ and co-founder of Canada’s DJ collective and club night ‘Movement’, Moonstarr for driving the Public Transit Recordings label which has put out his own releases including one of 2001’s most-charted jazz cuts ‘Dupont’. Created together, their track “Future Vision” ensnares listeners with its cheeky combination of double bass, tight drums, twinkling keys and deep-roasted organs. And finally to Carmel, (more widely known as Marcel, with earlier releases on UCMG and Nuphonic Records, now signed to LTJ Bukem’s Good Looking Records) - the talented young breakbeat Budapester whose updated definition of acid-jazz has sent DJs and their audiences into spasms of delight and disbelief. “Nujazzkiller” does exactly what its name suggests thanks to a greedy helping of ballistic beats and twisted samples - guaranteed to give you indigestion. “Harakiri Blues” goes into darker territory with its inventive concoction of cut-up operatic wailings, nagging analogue bass and stoned groove. In his third track, and the final track on this compilation, “Man from Atlantis” has Carmel serving up a potent brew of ragga beats, sci-fi synths, trumpet fanfares and bubbling acid. If this album doesn’t have the hairs on the back of your neck doing somersaults and have you reaching for large measures of something very strong, then you really should get out more. Should be heard to excess. Not for lightweights. |
|
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
| Recloose - Cardiology Press Release Those people reading about Recloose for the first time may not know the bit of techno folklore about how he got discovered, while those fans of the DJ and producer from his previous releases on Planet E have probably heard all about it. Both parties, however, should be interested to know that yes, the sandwich story is indeed true. Fact, even. Fresh from a college degree from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Recloose was slingin' lunch specials behind the counter of the Russell Street Deli in Detroit. One afternoon, the burgeoning DJ, who previously went under the moniker Bubblicious as a spry, young hip-hop teen, spotted Planet E poobah and techno ing?e Carl Craig in for a quick sandwich. In a crafty bit of fortuitousness, Recloose dipped into his backpack past the SoleSides and Pharcyde tapes to pull out one of his newly minted demo tapes. And in a triumphant bit of resourcefulness, he slipped the tape between some bread and into Craig's to-go order. Taken with the kid's deli-sized |
 |
||
| deftness, Craig listened to the tape and
loved what he heard. And so the story began. Produced by: Matt Chicoine Written by: Justin Chapman Matt Chicoine Vocals: Dwele Genevieve Justin Chapman Malik Alston Format: CD 2x12" Originally released 2002-05-13 Published by Cardiological Music Tracklisting 1. Ain´t Changin´ 2. Ghost Stories 3. Can´t Take It 4. Kapiti Dream 5. Up and Up 6. Procession 7. Get There Tonight 8. Permutations 9. M.I.A. 10. Absence of One 11. Cardiology |
|||
|
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
| The Cinematic Orchestra - Evey Day Press Release At a time when the chill out thing substitutes blandness for maturity and mainstream dance music seems to be searching for its dummy again, J. Swinscoe's Cinematic Orchestra return to blow all your expectations. Back in 1999, the group's debut record "Motion"set critical tongues wagging with its unique take on modern dance music production techniques and the sheer visual energy of its sound. Now the group return with a follow-up which is deeper than the ocean, packing a tremendous emotional punch, by turns mournful and celebratory and with a rigour that is so often lacking in contemporary cut and paste. Across seven sweeping, dramatic tracks, the group take youon a journey through classic soul, jazz, choral pieces, sinking horn riffs, throbbing harp b-lines, minimalism and more. All imbued with a contemporary edge and an intellect that keeps things as far as is possible from lazy wallpaper wank. And with guests of the calibre of Fontella |
 |
||
| Bass (the writer and performer of '60s
soul masterpiece "Rescue Me" and member of free jazz renegades
the Art Ensemble of Chicago) and Roots Manuva (whose contribution to "All
Things To All Men" involves the kind of lyrics that stay in your head
for weeks), you know that you're in for something special.
So sit back, close your eyes and be prepared to enjoy the
latest home movie from J. Swinscoe and his associates. It's anything but
everyday… |
|||
|
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
|
Smahila - Fischer-P & Dj Haul
with Le Ron |
|
 |
|
..........................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
|
Yesterdays New Quintet - Stevie vol.
1 Stones Throw and Triple 5 Soul have released a limited-edition promotional-only CD of Yesterdays New Quintet, "Stevie Volume 1". The album is a collection of songs written by Stevie Wonder. The cover is a tribute as well, based on Efram Wolff's illustration for Stevie Wonder's 1973 album "Innervisions". "Stevie vol. 1" is produced and arranged by Madlib
for Madlib Invazion & Jazz Cats Lifestyle, with Joe McDuphrey (Rhodes),
Monk Hughes (bass), Ahmad Miller (vibes), Malik Flavors (percussion),
and Otis jackson Jr. (drums). |
|
 |
|
| 5. Interlude One 6. Rocket Love Pt. 17. You've Got it Bad Girl 8. Interlude Two 9. Send One Your Love 10. Too High 11. I am Singing 12. Interlude Three 13. Golden Lady 14. Creepin' Pt. 1 & 2 |
|||
|
..........................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
|
Vikter Duplaix
- DJ Kicks |
|
|||||||||||||
| Jamiroquai, Me´Shell Ndegeocello,
Incognito, Esthero, Cherokee, Jaguar, Eric Benet and UK two-step MC Dynamite,
to name a few. Along with the aforementioned Britt, he is one half of SCUBA,
a self-described "aqua-house" endeavor. And his first 12-inch
as a soloist ("Messages") was released by no less than New Yorks
house gods Masters at Work and was included on The INCredible Sound of Gilles
Peterson compilation. CD Tracks: click on
highlighted tracks to listen via Real Player. courtesy of !K7 Records
For its highly acclaimed "DJ KICKS" series, !K7 is proud to present one of Philadelphia´s greatest talents: Vikter Duplaix. "makes other eclectic compilations seem rather half baked" - Mix Mag, 2001 "monstrously uplifting CD" - Straight No Chaser, 2001 "Lessons in how to mix start here" - Dazed & Confused, 2002 "Philadelphia´s smoothest export ain´t cream cheese – its the sound of Vikter Duplaix" - The Face, 2002 Format: CD 2x12" Originally released 2002-01-28 Artist Site: VikterDuplaix.com © 2001 !K7
Records |
||||||||||||||
|
..........................................................................................................................................................................................................
|
|
Giant Step Soul Sessions |
 |
||
| established legends. Most of the
tracks are taken from Giant Step's quality-driven catalog: Sultry song-vixen
Ultra Nate starts things off with the 4 Hero-produced "Twisted".
Reminiscent of classic Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway, Donnie makes an
appearance with his latest single "Our New National Anthem". Legendary
diva Jody Watley showcases her vocal gift as she rocks the listener with
the modern day lullaby "Saturday Night Experience". Nickodemus
& Osiris treat us to "Mariposa" featuring Carol C. from Si*Se,
who provides the most sexy of oral intonations on a track that is as cool
as they come. Atlanta soulsters Jiva and Seek weigh in with their tracks,
"Love Chooses Lovers" and "Ever After", respectively.
Revolutionary Carl Hancock Rux waxes poetic on the 'spoken word over phat
beats' track "Ground".
Giant Step also gets help from like-minded musical heroes: Herbie Hancock
puts it down with "The Essence" featuring the inimitable Chaka
Khan. Remixed by Joe Claussell (Body & Soul, NYC) "The Essence"
guides you across a cool drum and bass seascape landing on the proverbial
dance floor with an So go ahead, pop this into your stereo and enjoy the vanguard of the
new soul movement. |
|||