CD Releases: Feb/March 2002 updated:15/04/2003
VARIOUS The Electric Stew 2CD
(Electric Stew Recordings)
File Under: Eclectic Club / Leftfield / cooooool for cats
ES002CD
"You’d have to be a serious misery guts for this not to rock your world. Flawlessly ‘now’." 5/5 Compilation Of The Month, Jockey Slut
"A crowd gathers. Other crowds gather around the 12 other people – six boys, six girls – who are casually disrobing. Once naked they stand around for a bit…." GQ goes clubbing
"…a poised knowing album that, while, reeking of ‘cool’ from every orifice, provides a healthy alternative to both sanitised mainstream boshing and wilful experimental noise terrorism." 8/10 Ministry Mag
Since its inception in London over 3 years ago, club night the Electric Stew has become one of the cities most talked about club nights – its also the fave London club of none other than Madonna… It brings together DJ’s, live bands, photography, shows, fashion installations and short films. Musically the album brings together the tunes and bands Electric Stew have been championing through the clubs brief but ascending journey. Its an album of two parts, the first showcases the dancefloor side of things and brings together some of the hottest tunes from out of the European electro pop/synth core scene, with tracks from Peaches, Felix The Housekat, NERD, Playgroup, Dakar & Grinser, Golden Boy with Miss Kitten, whilst the second, Afterhours, CD includes household names Doves, PJ Harvey, Spiritualized, Turin Brakes, Sigur Ros, Vincent Gallo, Ian O’Brien amongst others, with both discs mixed by Pablo (Psychonauts) and Stew resident Mo Morris. Now this is a club I’d like to have a beer in….
PAPA WASHINGTON TRIO Trio De Janeriro CD/2x12"
(Paperecordings)
File Under: House / Dance / Paperecordings
PAPCD015/VPAPLP015
"Okay, so that means the tracks are better suited to dancefloors than your walkman… but then this is house, not an evening with the Ramones – what do you expect? 3/5 Muzik Mag
"a top selection of deep-and-dirty-heads-down-lose-yourself-on-the-dancefloor house music" 3/5 Jockey Slut
"This album will have you booking your train ticket to Glasgow before you can say "hurrah!"" 7/10 Ministry Mag
This is the debut album from Glasgow’s Papa Washington Trio, they are a collaboration between the renowned Sub Club resident Harri & Glasgow house producers DC Project. Harri, has released records via a variety of labels (using guises such as Daddy’s Favourite and Magpie Man as well as Harri) over his seven year production career such as Deconstruction, Island, Go-Beat and Shaboom, to Glasgow Underground and here on Paperecordings. DC Project musical output has been kept to their own Subconscious imprint and Chicago’s Undaground Therapy Muzik. The album itself is a straight up solid house album, with every track designed for the dancefloor. I would say it is fairly pumping. Standout tracks include Sound Boy which will be the follow up single to the album, with remixes from someone very good, we’re not going to tell you who it is yet, you’ll have to wait. This album has everything you’d expect from these excellent house producers, they have pulled their combined experience to create a strong, DJ / dancefloor friendly album, ranging from tough, tech edged, darker tracks through to throwing your hands in the air "I love you and I love rave" numbers. A great dance album made to make you dance – there’s a concept there… um, marketing…
DANNY KRIVIT Grass Roots CD/3x12"
(Strut)
File Under: Disco / Dance / Classics / Danny Krivit
STRUTCD014/VSTRUTLP014
Strut's Grass Roots series follows the musical paths of some of the world's most influential DJs. Following last year's debut with Ashley Beedle, we now turn to one of New York's finest and most established spinners, Danny Krivit. Known primarily as the resident at the celebrated Body & Soul session every Sunday at Club Vinyl, Danny has been a key part of the New York club scene for thirty years. Krivit played at the opening of The Roxy in '79 and, as Danny Rock, was resident there for the next four years alongside D.S.T, Bambaataa and Afrika Islam. Krivit spun at five to six clubs a week - Danceteria, Red Zone, Limelight, Save The Robots, even a guest spot at the Garage. And then there are the legendary Krivit re-edits. He's responsible for hundreds of disco edit 12"s including versions that have become better known than the originals. MFSB's Love Is The Message, Ecstacy Passion & Pain's Touch & Go and the legendary Rock The House cut up are all from the hand of Krivit. He boasts producer, edit and mix credits on over 45 albums. On Grass Roots you’ll find tracks by Hank Crawford, Gabor Szabo, Love Unlimited Orch, Voyage, Black Blood, Earth Wind & Fire, Nina Simone, Barrabas, Talking Heads, Marianne Faithful, War, Instant Funk, Donald Byrd, Yellow Sunshine, El Bario, Patrice Rushen, Positive Funk, Clark Sisters, Bill Withers and more…. Highly recommended!
GRANDMASTER FLASH The Official Adventures of… CD
(Strut)
File Under: Grandmaster Flash / Hip Hop / Classics / Strut
STRUTCD011
"We salute you, sir Flash, for your invaluable contribution" 4/5 Comp of the Month 2 Jockey Slut
The arrogant world of hip hop still finds many DJs boasting about having shaped the face of the genre. However, very few actually have. Joseph Saddler - aka Grandmaster Flash - can boast the rare distinction of being one of these DJs, after arguably having originated the art of imaginative mixing with twin decks. Many will know the name from his association with genre-defining tracks like White Lines and The Message but, before all that came about, ‘Flash was and to many still is the king of the block-rockin' party. This collection finds 'Flash delving into his enormous record collection, recreating the kind of old skool set (nu skool then) which he could be heard spinning back in the mid-70's and unveiling a kind of history of classic breakbeats in the process. In between some tasty, new 'Flash morsels come scratched-up gems like Kraftwerk's Trans Europe Express, Mandrill's Honey Butt and Computer Games by the manic Yellow Magic Orchestra. There are also plenty of vintage excerpts of 'Flash in his heyday, performing live at 1982's Grandmaster Flash At Disco Convention and spinning tunes at The T Connection in 1979. All of this is rounded-off nicely with a splendid, 28-page booklet, which includes photos and a comprehensive biography of one of the planet's greatest DJs.
VARIOUS Afro Art Greatest Hits 2CD
(Afro Art)
File Under: Afro Art / Dance
AFRCD002
So you like your dance music a bit more earthy, do ya? The rhythms on this double album are stocked with all sorts of rippling hand percussion, spiritual spoken word and horns aplenty, as each song seems intent on bridging rare groove, electro and house. Not surprising considering Afro Art has slowly but surely chiseled out a name for itself as one of the most interesting and musical labels on the block over the last few years. Set up by Simone Beedle for her former husband Ashley's projects, the diversity of musical experience shines through from the very first track, the chilled Jazz Techno of Space and Time mixed by in demand DJ/producer Phil Asher (refer to Nathan Haines) right through to the sublime organic Samba House of Paul Murphy and Marc Woolfords Jazz Room. Most of the tracks have been previously released on 12 inch vinyl format only, so this is a first time CD release for many of these tunes and as an added bonus there are included a couple of previously unreleased cuts which will only be available on the CD release. Headspace Lullabye by the now sadly defunct Black Science Orchestra as well as the Nice & Urlich popular classic Sunshine (here in a different mix) plus The Man featuring Ashley Slater with a re-edit of Question? (the Phillysophicalsoul version) and a little taster from the highly acclaimed Souldrummers album Medicine Man, E. Side Story/Lude No.7. Guaranteed to get the lamest crowd off its collective arses. Simply put, essential!VARIOUS More Shades 2CD/2x12"
(Black Vinyl)
File Under: House / Dance / Black Vinyl
BVRCD003/VBVRLP003
"An essential purchase for house DJ’s and purists." 3/5 Jockey Slut
"….this is downright lovely." 4/5 DJ Mag
"an excellent snapshot of a house label at the top of its form – go seek." 5/5 Comp of the Month iDJ
The second in Black Vinyl’s Best of.. series is another superb double pack vinyl and twin CD set that features all the classic Black Vinyl releases from 2001, plus unreleased versions and rarities. The Limited Edition double vinyl set contains full-length DJ friendly cuts of releases from Tedd Patterson, Brent Laurence, Paulo Rocha and Chus & Penn, plus remixes from Lenny Fontana and Blak Beat Niks. The twin CD features an unmixed disc with most of these gems plus three bonus tracks, along with a stunning mixed CD by label boss and DJ Alan Russell that features even more versions and mixed from the vaults. Superb!VARIOUS The Electric Stew 2CD
(Electric Stew Recordings)
File Under: Eclectic Club / Leftfield / cooooool for cats
ES002CD
"A crowd gathers. Other crowds gather around the 12 other people – six boys, six girls – who are casually disrobing. Once naked they stand around for a bit…." GQ goes clubbing
Since its inception in London over 3 years ago, club night the Electric Stew has become one of the cities most talked about club nights – its also the fave London club of none other than Madonna… It brings together DJ’s, live bands, photography, shows, fashion installations and short films. Musically the album brings together the tunes and bands Electric Stew have been championing through the clubs brief but ascending journey. Its an album of two parts, the first showcases the dancefloor side of things and brings together some of the hottest tunes from out of the European electro pop/synth core scene, with tracks from Peaches, Felix The Housekat, NERD, Playgroup, Dakar & Grinser, Golden Boy with Miss Kitten, whilst the second, Afterhours, CD includes household names Doves, PJ Harvey, Spiritualized, Turin Brakes, Sigur Ros, Vincent Gallo, Ian O’Brien amongst others, with both discs mixed by Pablo (Psychonauts) and Stew resident Mo Morris. Now this is a club I’d like to have a beer in….VARIOUS Brazilian Beats 3 CD
(Mr Bongo Recordings)
File Under: Latin / Mr Bongo
MRBCD021 $25.95
"Proper dance music, and a timely reminder of how much these Latin rhythms make people want to move." 3/5 iDJ
"This series from Mr Bongo’s has become THE compilation to look for if you want a decent range of great Brazilian tunes." 5/5 DJ mag
For ears battered by the aggressive beats of jungle and garage, there's something warm and inviting about the relaxed, slinky rhythms of Mr Bongo's third compilation of modern Brazilian grooves. Reacting to the airwave dominance of Anglo-American rock, locals have revitalised the old samba-pop tradition to effect a renaissance equivalent to the Tropicalismo movement of the Sixties and Seventies. Figures such as the one-time street-urchin Seu Jorge, represented here by the laid-back Chega No Suingue, and the former soap star Pedro Martins, of the balanca group Bazeado, are the inheritors of the mantle of such as Jorge Ben and Caetano Veloso, their streetwise lyrics swept along by more contemporary variants on the samba rhythms. In the case of Bazeado's Maria, the percussion bed is studded with staccato vocals and driven by striding funk bass, swinging along like a chimpanzee on crack. Despite the reliance on similar beats, there's a surprising range in styles. The whole album is so suffused with sunshine and smiles; it brings a warm glow to the chilliest outlook. Wake up its summer, get outside and enjoy the weather!CHICANE Jet A-1 CD
(Chicane Music)
File Under: Chicane / NZ Music
D747
This is the sound of Auckland 4-piece rock outfit Chicane, which takes in a multitude of quicksilver guitar sounds and evokes clear days, cool nights and a desire to fly away to points unknown. Seven tracks are presented here, all of which – bar one - were recorded in an extended session of activity at Earwig Studios in Auckland. The recordings are challenging and fresh, in that they are set down live with minimal overdubs. Dead Star is the odd one out, recorded at the Lab Studios with Chris van de Geer a few years back. A old fave on B.Net, it still shines with excellent hooks and makes an intriguing counterpoint midway through the disc to demonstrate the distance the band has travelled from their structured song beginnings to the stretched out leanings of recent times. Other tracks like Jet A-1 and Are You On Board rise from a slow burn to tempered fury, giving the listener a sense of movement and dynamics. Four people in a room, performing & recording music together - you can’t beat that feeling of discovery, of joyfulness. Long may it run….SCHMOOV! While You Wait CD
(DIY Discs)
File Under: Schmoov! / House / DIY
DIYCD50
"The kind of sax-heavy deep house groove that made Deep Dish famous" Muzik magazine
Schmoov! are John Buckby, Andre Bonsor and Andrew Tytherleigh. They have released material under various other guises for labels including Paper, Repap, Tag and 4th Wave. Their tracks have featured on acclaimed compilations such as Guidance’s High Fidelity Lounge Vol.1, Groove Armada’s critically acclaimed Back To Mine mix CD and Paper’s Splinter 3 to mention a few. This brand new debut album for DIY features eleven spectacularly diverse cuts that range in style from exotic lounge music through to the deepest of house and exquisite new school jazz. Music for you mind, your body and your soul…MATEO & MATOS Classic Inspirations CD
(Glasgow Underground)
File Under: Mateo & Matos / Disco / Classic
GUCD027
"Fabulous" 5/5 DJ mag
Classic Inspirations is the second volume in Mateo & Matos’ Inspirations series. The first focused on their current, Saturday night sound while this long-player finds. them in a more retrospective frame of mind. Classic Inspirations is all about that part of the record box, normally right at the back, where a DJ keeps his or her favourite tools and prized cuts. This album tells the Mateo & Matos’ story like no other could. Jam packed with old school floor-fillers from disco to funk and back again, this is the soundtrack to their early years on the dance floor and a mix of music that formed the benchmark for their current studio sound. Just looking at the tracklisting, it’s obvious that they cut their DJ-ing teeth in a variety of situations. The huge, Studio 54 -sytle floor fillers are there (T Connection, Billy Ocean) but so are records broken at Jellybean’s fun house (Cat Stevens) as well as the Paradise Garage (Montana Sextet), Zanzibar (Blaze) and Louie Vega’s Heartthrob (Kasso). Add to that cuts from seventies street jams in the lower east side (Mandrill) and spacey moments from the loft (Devadip Oneness) and Classic Inspirations offers a unique, wide-angled soundtrack to growing up and grooving in New York city. Take a lesson from our favourite masters, Mateo & Matos.PAPA WASHINGTON TRIO Trio De Janeriro CD/2x12"
(Paperecordings)
File Under: House / Dance / Paperecordings
PAPCD015/VPAPLP015
"Okay, so that means the tracks are better suited to dancefloors than your walkman… but then this is house, not an evening with the Romones – what do you expect? 3/5 Muzik Mag
This is the debut album from Glasgow’s Papa Washington Trio, they are a collaboration between the renowned Sub Club resident Harri & Glasgow house producers DC Project. Harri, has released records via a variety of labels (using guises such as Daddy’s Favourite and Magpie Man as well as Harri) over his seven year production career such as Deconstruction, Island, Go-Beat and Shaboom, to Glasgow Underground and here on Paperecordings. DC Project musical output has been kept to their own Subconscious imprint and Chicago’s Undaground Therapy Muzik. The album itself is a straight up solid house album, with every track designed for the dancefloor. I would say it is fairly pumping. Standout tracks include Sound Boy which will be the follow up single to the album, with remixes from someone very good, we’re not going to tell you who it is yet, you’ll have to wait. This album has everything you’d expect from these excellent house producers, they have pulled their combined experience to create a strong, DJ / dancefloor friendly album, ranging from tough, tech edged, darker tracks through to throwing your hands in the air "I love you and I love rave" numbers. A great album.FREAKS Present: Meanwhile Back At The Disco CD
(Music For Freaks)
File Under: Freaks / House / Dance
MFFCD003
For five years, die-hard house-heads have sought out the productions of Justin Harris and Luke Solomon, better known as Freaks. The twosome has released a slew of singles on notable labels like Pagan, Guidance and Playhouse (as well as their own MFF imprint), and remixed underground artists including Mateo & Matos and Derrick Carter, plus a handful of lucky pop acts (Pulp, Soft Cell). It's tough finding a common thread between the eight cuts on the London duo's second full-length, clever rhythms, oddball vocal snippets (JFK discusses space travel on Fly With Me [Pt. 1]), and arrangements that are minimal yet never skimpy are recurring elements, yet each track is a unique entity. The opening of Things Just Ain't the Same recalls Yello's eccentric You Gotta Say Yes to Another Excess, while the skittish We Feel for You would mix neatly with several of Isolee's glitch-driven tech-house offerings. Harris and Solomon aren't wary of toying with beats (Electric Imbalance kicks the disc off with a bossa nova shuffle) or trying different tempos. And despite the complete lack of any pretense of using "real" instruments, there's an obvious warmth and sense of humour to their creations. They may be Freaks, but in a perfect world their inspired approach to house would be the norm.MAURICE FULTON Presents: Stress ‘Why Put Me Through It’ CD
(Transfusion)
File Under: Maurice Fulton / Dance
TFCD01
Maurice Fulton is one of house music’s true originals, a brilliantly eccentric ex-pat American (currently living in Melbourne) DJ and producer who never fails to surprise and delight his listeners. His first album since the leftfield Stories Of A Broken Heart And Recovering which he recorded as Ladyvipb (for Nuphonic) is an altogether more accessible and dancefloor friendly affair... Maurice Fulton has been round the block in more ways than one, not only did he have a hand in producing Gypsy Woman by Crystal Waters, one of the most successful house tunes of the early ‘90s; he is the darling of both the underground house and leftfield scenes with an enviable back catalogue, he also has a capacity for landing himself ‘in the soup’. Maurice is one of those hapless individuals to which trouble swarms like wasps to a honey pot. His most recent ‘situation’ saw him arrive home to find his record collection had been sold by his jealous girlfriend who, after discovering an unsolicited e-mail from a lady fan, suspected him of playing away from home. If it’s going to happen to someone, it’s going to happen to Maurice Fulton. Which explains the title of this album, Stress: Why Put Me Through It. His propensity for getting into sticky situations and the unconventional nature of his music are inextricably linked, both being borne from a disregard for rules. Or maybe, just maybe, he doesn’t know the rules. For a start, bar the odd live flute from Jimi Tenor, Stress... was composed entirely on Fulton’s laptop. Not unusual in electronica circles but surely a first for a house producer. The result is that Stress isn’t like other house albums. There’s masses of experimentation going on; check the almost electro Space and the mid-paced, late night jam of Look In The Mirror, where an impossibly gruff bass growl plays tag with a double bass bassline a Brown Paper Bag-era Roni Size would have killed for. Most of all, check My Gigolo, the funky-as-fuck highlight of the album, with its trouser-stirring female vocal and ass-wiggling bass.DANNY KRIVIT Grass Roots CD/3x12"
(Strut)
File Under: Disco / Dance / Classics / Danny Krivit
STRUTCD014/VSTRUTLP014
Strut's Grass Roots series follows the musical paths of some of the world's most influential DJs. Following last year's debut with Ashley Beedle, we now turn to one of New York's finest and most established spinners, Danny Krivit. Known primarily as the resident at the celebrated Body & Soul session every Sunday at Club Vinyl, Danny has been a key part of the New York club scene for thirty years. Krivit played at the opening of The Roxy in '79 and, as Danny Rock, was resident there for the next four years alongside D.S.T, Bambaataa and Afrika Islam. Krivit spun at five to six clubs a week - Danceteria, Red Zone, Limelight, Save The Robots, even a guest spot at the Garage. And then there are the legendary Krivit re-edits. He's responsible for hundreds of disco edit 12"s including versions that have become better known than the originals. MFSB's Love Is The Message, Ecstacy Passion & Pain's Touch & Go and the legendary Rock The House cut up are all from the hand of Krivit. He boasts producer, edit and mix credits on over 45 albums. On Grass Roots you’ll find tracks by Hank Crawford, Gabor Szabo, Love Unlimited Orch, Voyage, Black Blood, Earth Wind & Fire, Nina Simone, Barrabas, Talking Heads, Marianne Faithful, War, Instant Funk, Donald Byrd, Yellow Sunshine, El Bario, Patrice Rushen, Positive Funk, Clark Sisters, Bill Withers and more…. Highly recommended!GRANDMASTER FLASH The Official Adventures of… CD
(Strut)
File Under: Grandmaster Flash / Hip Hop / Classics / Strut
STRUTCD011
"We salute you, sir Flash, for your invaluable contribution" 4/5 Comp of the Month 2 Jockey Slut
The arrogant world of hip hop still finds many DJs boasting about having shaped the face of the genre. However, very few actually have. Joseph Saddler - aka Grandmaster Flash - can boast the rare distinction of being one of these DJs, after arguably having originated the art of imaginative mixing with twin decks. Many will know the name from his association with genre-defining tracks like White Lines and The Message but, before all that came about, ‘Flash was and to many still is the king of the block-rockin' party. This collection finds 'Flash delving into his enormous record collection, recreating the kind of old skool set (nu skool then) which he could be heard spinning back in the mid-70's and unveiling a kind of history of classic breakbeats in the process. In between some tasty, new 'Flash morsels come scratched-up gems like Kraftwerk's Trans Europe Express, Mandrill's Honey Butt and Computer Games by the manic Yellow Magic Orchestra. There are also plenty of vintage excerpts of 'Flash in his heyday, performing live at 1982's Grandmaster Flash At Disco Convention and spinning tunes at The T Connection in 1979. All of this is rounded-off nicely with a splendid, 28-page booklet, which includes photos and a comprehensive biography of one of the planet's greatest DJs.RICHARD SEN PRESENTS Powercuts CD
(Obsessive)
File Under: Electro / B-Boy Classics / Dance
EVSCD27
"..these dancefloor curios still have a contemporary impact." 3/5 Jockey Slut
"There’s no shortage of fun here." 4/5 iDJ
A collection of raw wired pioneering original hip-hop electro funk from the late 70's and 80's. Twelve cuts on one CD compiled by Bronx Dogs man Richard Sen. Some of those classic (almost nostalgic) sounds that provided the background to illicit train tagging and those GLC South Bank hip-hop jams. This album is worth grabbing hold of just to hear Newtrament's classic London Bridge Is Falling Down - one of the most revolutionary influential pieces of hip-hop ever. The album actually opens with another classic, Automan by electro superheroes Newcleus, you've also got tracks from The Knights Of The Round Table, Information Society, that rebirthing of New Order's Confusion worked by Arthur Baker. Paul Hardcastle's Sound Chaser - a track that borrows heavily from Hawkwind's Sonic Attack, there is space funk B-Boy moves from Pieces Of A Dream, you’ve got Ice T And The Time, Cybotron and a whole bag more - it sounds refreshing here at the start of 2002, it actually sounds as groundbreaking as ever - an excellent compilation or electro hip-hop and b-boy funk and a hell of a good starting point sound you need to fill some holes in your musical knowledge. RecommendedFELIX DA HOUSECAT What Does It Feel Like CDS
(City Rockers)
File Under: Felix Da Housekat / Röyksopp
ROCKERS8CD
"Unsurpassable package" 5/5 DJ Mag
What Does It Feel Like is the new single taken from Felix Da Housecat's award winning album Kittenz And Thee Glitz. This fiery, edgy slice of fabulous electro pop features Melistar and Miss Kittin on vocals and sees Felix in his most adventurous production mode combining breakbeats with funky guitar licks. This quality release includes a fabulous remix by Röyksopp and a blistering No Ears re-edit of dancefloor favourite Control Freaq, touched by the hand of Rob Mello (Classic Recordings). A video has been shot for What Does It Feel Like, which features naked women, Miss Kittin undergoing plastic surgery and cameo appearances by Adam Ant and Arthur Baker – which won’t be appearing on your screens anytime soon, damn…VARIOUS NRK Singles Collection 4 2CD
(NRK Sound Division)
File Under: House / NRK / Jamie Anderson
NRKCD011
NRK is one of the UK's premier house labels, since their inception they have built a solid reputation for releasing cutting edge house music from around the globe. Singles Collection 4 gathers the most momentous NRK selections from the last 18 months and presents them on a double CD compilation, the second CD mixed by Jamie Anderson and includes all the unmixed tracks from the first CD and an additional six cuts from the NRK catalogue. With tracks from Nick Holder, Akabu, Miguel Migs, Jamie Anderson, Twisted Pair, Joeski, Sirus and plenty more. This is 100% deep and soothing house music that exudes quality and class. Anyone looking for some quality house this is a good start. Triple pack vinyl to come…. Wicked!VARIOUS 10.100.02 2CD
(Peace Frog)
File Under: House / Techno / Dance / Electronica
PF10002CD
"…not a duffer to be seen anywhere…all this from a label based in sleepy old St Alban’s who still don’t even have a website. Wonderful Stuff." 5/5 Compilation Of The Month IDJ
Peacefrog bring you 20 more rare and sought after gems from their vaults to celebrate their 10 year anniversary. From their early techno releases from the likes of Stasis, Apogee, Dan Curtin, DBX through to the deepest sounds house has to offer from the likes of Moodyman, Theo Parrish & Roy Davis Jnr. Worthy of note here are some of the most frequently requested tracks from some long deleted releases. The Shake track Sonar 123, a classic slice of Detroit techno funk, Someday by Roy Davis Jnr, not only a big track house wise but also created some stirrings on the soul scene! Dbx's City On The Edge Of Forever which was co-written with Maurizio is taken from the Alien EP which changes hands for a substantial sum. Outstanding…..VARIOUS Feneitk Music Vol 2 – The Sounds Of Music CD
(Soma Records)
File Under: Downbeat / Dance
SOMACD026
"An album for those who like their beats deep, laidback and funky." 4/5 IDJ
After a stunning 2001 for Soma Recordings, little sister label Fenetik Music comes of age in early 2002 with it's second compilation of hard to find, but must have vinyl only 12’s. Conceived to complement big brother Soma's club oriented output with a more post club left field sound. Fenetik Music is continuing to develop it's own identity separate from Soma, and has given Glasgow yet another facet to it's incredibly diverse music scene. The Sounds of Music takes up where the first critically acclaimed compilation, The Word in the Sound left off. Following a similar idea to volume one this album compiles the best tracks from the last six 12" EP's and also has a few exclusives for the project. There are also tracks here from three new Fenetik signings who will have their debut releases out early 2002. With the likes of Light Sleepers Parallel a jazzy, swirling track brimming with keys and percussive attitude. Pablo Roll Call brings big bang swaggering funk to the blend, high energy, low tech, maximum effect sounds. Daniel Ibbotson, Anthony Teasdale both appear a couple of times amongst a less well know but highly entertaining line up.AIM Hinterland CD
(Grand Central)
File Under: Hip Hop / Aim / Grand Central
GCCD112
"Despite the high expectations, Hinterland not only matches its predecessor but surpasses it, cementing, in the process, Aim as a talent to be treasured" 5/5 Album Of The Month Jockey Slut
"…quite, quite beautiful" 4/5 Album Of The Month IDJ
"When Aim’s debut album arrived in the Muzik office, little did we realise that it would become a word of mouth must. 30,000 album sales later, Manc Hopper Andy Turner is back with his second solo effort." 4/5 Muzik Mag
"This delightful, romantic reverie is soulful hip hop at its finest." 4/5 Mixmag
Well what can we say…. how bout… from the moment the first stick beats out the first rhythm on the first tree, landscapes have been a major influence on the work of musicians and writers the world over. Barrow-in-Furness, the hometown of the mind behind Aim’s - Andy Turner - may not feature amongst the most influential views of the century but to Andy, the dense and vast surrounds of his North Eastern (UK) homeland have added an irrepressible and fundamental dimension to his music. Envisaged in Barrow and recorded in New York and Manchester, Hinterland, a predominantly studio based project, takes in the airy and serene edge of the wilderness whilst shuffling amidst the hustle and ever-active vibes of a cityscape. Like it's predecessor, it crosses over from a standard hip hop album to cover the welcome depths of soul, jazz and funk, with further influences of classical and even folk. Guest appearances by Turner's deep throated rap hero Diamond D on The Omen - the first single to be lifted from the album - and the cheeky old skool edge of Souls of Mischief (No Restriction), alongside his own nubile vocal debut in A Twilight Zone mean a constant undulation of style. As a chiefly solo project - Andy Turner produced, mixed and engineered the thirteen featured tracks, and in the words of Turner himself, it is "a continuation of the first album", but it is also a notable improvement, and should see him aim a deserved step up the ladder of musical success. After one listen it's obvious you're listening to the work of a talented and musically aware mind - one that creates beyond the confines of the all too prevalent disposable dance music strata. Take Aim….. lift-offCHARLES WEBSTER Born on the 24th Of July CD
(Peace Frog)
File Under: Charles Webster / House
PF097CD
"This is a near-flawless collection of introspective, pillow-soft electric vistas. Born… wipes the floor with any of the ‘chill out’ albums filling the racks at HMV. A triumph of an album." 4/5 Jockey Slut
"..never veers too far from the path of being bloody fantastic." 8/10 Ministry
With production credits longer than your arm and an amazing ability to create cutting edge tunes seem effortless, Charles Webster delivers his most powerful collection of songs to date. An outpouring of deep emotional grooves fuelled along by a central energy that prevails throughout the entire listen. Born... is record that naturally lends itself a fine blend of ingredients ranging from classic Soul and R&B to Deep House and even Alternative. A deeply personal album rich with emotional subtleties, evocative song writing and truly skillful production. The album sees the long time House producer step out from behind his many pseudonyms, creating a unique fusion of technological textures, organic instrumentation, and song writing sensibility that sits somewhere between Blue Lines-era Massive Attack, a soulful version of This Mortal Coil, and Ultramarine’s 1992 album Every Man And Woman Is A Star. Having co-written all the lyrics for Born in collaboration with Del St. Joseph, Steve Edwards, Lisa Lindley-Jones and Massive Attack vocalist Sara Jay on the album’s ten songs, Charles Webster has taken the next step towards pushing electronic music to a new level. Like musical contemporary, collaborator, and good friend Matthew Herbert, Charles is proving that electronic music truly has a heart and a soul, and he has certainly made the connection on this album... Quick Reference: Charles Webster has previously recorded as Presence, Furry Phreaks, Love From San Francisco, and DJ Profile. Stunning!SAM MOORE Plenty Good Lovin’ CD
(Swing Cafe)
File Under: Sam Moore / Soul
SWING001
Grammy winning Sam Moore first came to prominence as the "Soul Man" - the lead singer of legendary duo Sam & Dave, whose songs, Hold on I'm Comin, I Thank You, When Something Is Wrong, and Soul Sister, Brown Sugar climbed both the pop and R&B charts internationally. Sam & Dave served as the inspiration for Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi's Saturday Night Live Parody The Blues Brothers, when they covered the duo's 1967 million selling Grammy winning Soul Man and exposed a new generation of fans to their music. Today having earned his own legs, Sam continues to perform and tour, repeatedly scoring critical acclaim for his work and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by Billy Joel in 1992. Artists from all genres of music including Don Henley, Bruce Springsteen, Phil Collins, David Sanborn, The Eurythmics, Travis Tritt, John Fogerty, Wynonna, Tom Jones, Elvis Costello, and Pink Floyd have all sought out Sam for the opportunity to perform or record with him. In 2000, Sam was honoured with the coveted "Living Legend" award presented at the music industries largest conference and showcases, EATM in Las Vegas. Fast forward to 2002 or maybe that’s take a step backwards, as this isn’t the new Sam Moore album, it’s not a re-issue either, rather Plenty Good Loving is quite literally the lost Sam Moore album. Originally recorded in 1970, Sam’s solo debut was sentenced to 30 years in a tape vault for its connections to murder, drug addiction and shady record company dealings. Nobody was even really aware that Sam had recorded a solo album until his memory was knocked back into place one afternoon in Memphis. Recorded at Atlantic studios, New York, with a stella line up of musicians Aretha Franklin, King Curtis, Donny Hathaway, Bernard Prudie, Chuck Rainey, Cornelius Dupree and others. A stunning find - a real soul treasure.MILTON JACKSON The Bionic Boy CD
(Glasgow Underground)
"Potentially the most exciting thing to happen to UK house music… This simply puts the majority of US and UK house producers to shame" 4/5 Jockey Slut
"Stunning" Ashley Beedle
"off the hook" Ian Pooley
"Milton is the new Michael" Jori Hulkkonen
"Deep and cerebal, this "bionic Boy’ is more mature than you might think." 4/5 Muzik Mag
The Bionic Boy is the debut album from 20 year old Barry Christie, who has already had releases on Black Vinyl, Million Dollar Disco, Tronic Sole as well as some tasty remixes on Sole Music. His sound is best described as deep, electronic soul music. Staying clear of using straight sampled loops Barry prefers to use samples as tiny building blocks in the creation of the big picture for his tracks. Like his name (which comes from 70s vibes player Milton Jacks) Barry takes a lot of inspiration from the funk era, artists like Stevie Wonder, Leroy Hudson and Minnie Ripperton are big influences. The album starts off on a dark and moody break journey, showing Milton/Barry is no simple house producer (he’s a big fan of the Plump DJ’s and DnB artist Tee Bee), before progressing into raw tribal territory, add the wigged out electro of Bionic Boy and it finishes with four straight up monster floor fillers.AUDIO SOUL PROJECT Community CD
(NRK Sound Division)
Community is the remarkable debut album from Audio Soul Project, the production alias for Chicago’s rising star Mazi Namvar. A veteran DJ, a multi-faceted producer and the owner of respected new-school house labels Gourmet Recordings and Simple Soul Recordings, Mazi has rapidly become a sought-after underground house music producer and remixer. Community presents Mazi’s trademark Audio Soul Project sound, a haunting fusion of melodic deep chords, echoed voices, seismic bass lines and complex drum programming. Over ten tracks, Community combines an emotive survey of house music’s past with a promising glimpse into its future. It touches on all the different feelings and moods house music creates, from the sweaty, dance floor workouts of a Saturday night party to those transcendent, early-morning goose bump moments. Throughout the album, Mazi weaves together old-school sounds with cutting-edge production techniques, blending the organic and the electronic to create something entirely new. Ably shifting from tougher, denser tracks to quieter moments, Mazi proves that deep music doesn’t have to be soft.MIGUEL MIGS Underwater Sessions CD
(NRK Sound Division)
The San Francisco deep house don weighs in with a CD of pristine deep & tracky house music. Underwater Sessions comprises of four new tracks and two dubs, each one stamped with Miguel's unmistakable sound. Fans of the previous Soul Selecta and Inner Excursions EP’s on NRK are sure to dig.VARIOUS ARTISTS A Quiet Riot 2CD
(PIAS)
The profusion of chillout albums in 2001 just about reached saturation point, so its time for something different – enter A Quiet Riot, laid-back but coming from a different angle. Guitar music has always had its mellower side, perfect for that 3am post party come down on a Saturday night or a lazy Sunday morning, newspapers spread all over the floor – hell its starting to sound like a chillout album. So what’s the fuss? Well, A Quiet Riot contains 34 cool and thoughtful tracks to drift away to, leaving from the opening strings of Badly Drawn Boy’s The Shining the album winds its way through a journey of 2 ½ hours before finally arriving at the Icelandic soundscapes of Sigur Ros. Meandering through various dreamy stations and passing on its way the songwriting and tunesmith brilliance of Turin Breaks, Kings Of Convienance and Alfie. Taking in the best of contemporary Americana as captured by Lamchop, Wheat and Mojave 3. Great singer songwriters pop up in the form of Tom McRae and David Kitt as well as the timeless Nick Drake. A quick stop off in the 60’s and lounge influenced Baxter Dury, Lemon Jelly and The Bees all complimented by cinematic sweeps from Goldfrapp, Sigur Ros and the obligatory Moby. Other stop off points to consider eating your sandwiches at feature Oasis, Delgardos, Cousteau, Reindeer Section, Everything But the Girl, Pernice Brothers, Lemonheads, the Beta Band, Arab Strap and wait there is still more…. 34 tracks to save your life.VARIOUS ARTISTS Locations CD
(Global Underground)
The 4th release in the Global Underground sampler series, that brings together the highlights of big Global Underground and Nu Breed releases from 2001. Mixed expertly by the Forth once again, who has taken ten great tracks from - Digweed – L.A. (GU019); Emerson – Singapore (GU020); Deep Dish – Moscow (GU021); Sander Kleinenberg (NU004) and Lee Burridge (NU005) albums that definitely need another airing and at this price, who are we to argue. Featuring tracks by Slam, Circulation, Marshall Jefferson, Banco De Gaia, John Creamer & Stephane K plus more.VARIOUS ARTISTS This is Not a Soundclash CD
(Nuphonic)
"Have they really passed the half decade already? Nuphonic – still the most soulful house imprint in London – celebrate their sixth birthday with 12 tracks of constantly fine quality… Bypassing the major label trend to make as much money in as little time as possible…. Essential in a word!" Compilation of the Month, 5/5 Muzik Mag
"This manages to satisfy both on the sunlit Sunday mornings and in the hot dark fug of the dancefloor." 4/5 Mixamg
Nuphonic Records celebrates its 6th Birthday next year with the release of This Is Not A Soundclash, a compilation album featuring some of the label highlights over the past six years. The album classic tracks such as Faze Action's In The Trees, Yellow Sox Flim Flam, Rollercone's Palais Mascotte through to more recent workings, Block 16's Morning Sun and Justin Robertson Presents Revtone The Brightest Thing.VARIOUS ARTISTS Splinter 4 CD
(Paperecordings)
"Eighty singles in seven years is an impressive sum for an indie… This is worth owning…" 6/10 Ministry Mag
Splinter is Paper Recordings compilation series, and this is the fourth one. The label was set up by DJs Miles Holloway, Elliot Eastwick and Ben Davis in 1995. This compiltaion includes tracks by Solaris Heights, Problem Kids, Kahuun, Future Rhythm Foundation and more.. from the labels huge and highly impressive catalogue.FAZE ACTION PRESENTS Abstract Funk Theory CD
(Obsessive)
"Essential Compilation" Seven Mag
"Real people playing real instruments, singing real songs – and if you don’t mind me saying, it’s about bloody time." 8/10 Ministry
"should be perfect for the disco-not disco crowd." 4/5 Jockey Slut
"It won’t change your life but it will make it a brighter place for an hour and a bit." 3/5 Muzik Mag
The latest in the broad-minded Abstract Funk Theory series sees Faze Action take a well-worn stylus to an eclectic array of astrological funk, intellectual disco, and metaphysical rock. As a showcase of the Lee Brothers’ Simon and Robin influences (the brothers that made disco fashionable again), it’s impressively diverse. Here we find them blending Disco, African, Latin, Jazz, Classical and Funk. From their second album for Nuphonic Moving Cities was more than just a follow up to their ground breaking ’97 debut Plans & Designs, it was a musical manifesto that summed up everything that made music the 20th Century’s most inspiring art form. This collection of tracks for the Abstract Funk Theory album is an example of the music that have inspired Faze Action while making their recent productions. Spanning some varied territory with tracks from Johnny Hammond, Azymuth, Brian Bennet, Space, Richard Evens and the Beach Boys. Stunning.TERRY FARLEY & BILL BREWSTER FAITH VOL 1 2CD
(Antidote Records)
"The boys behind Faith are getting a bit long in the tooth - they'd have to be to have this musical knowledge - but this is simply unmissable: beautiful, varied, at times even tear-jerking. Oh Lord, you've got to keep the Faith." Ministry Magazine – Album of the Month Dec.
"If you’ve chortled over the fanzine or boogied at the parties, you can now jolly well have a little faith of your own. Bonzer" 3/5 Muzik Mag
London Club Faith was set up to offer an alternative to the increasingly popular corporate way in which club land is now run; a reaction against sponsorship, super clubs, superstar DJs and soulless claptrap. Launched in early 1999 with a small party in London, the parties have since grown substantially, but the attitude has remained exactly the same – soulful dance music and a grass roots attitude. The Faith collective, which includes Terry Farley, Dave Jarvis, Bill Brewster Leo Elstob and Stuart Patterson bring you Faith Vol 1, compiled by Terry Farley (one half of the legendary Farley & Heller partnership) and Bill Brewster (resident DJ at Fabric and co-author of the acclaimed book Last Night A DJ Saved My Life). The first CD (mixed by Terry Farley) features current classics like Jon Cutler It’s Yours, Akabu Ride The Storm, Cevin Fisher Loving You, and Kings Of Tomorrow Finally, whilst the second CD (mixed by Bill Brewster) features past classics such as Terrence Parker Emancipation Of My Soul, Swing 52 Colour Of My Skin, Robert Aaron Sax In The Ozone, Murk Reach For Me, Mood II Swing Closer, and Ralph Falcon Every Now And Then. If you love Nice & Urlich, Joey Negro’s nite:life, and/or just great house music then Faith is sooooo you.NICK HOLDER Nite: Life 4 CD
(NRK Sound Division)
Nick Holder's debut mix is a breathtakingly eclectic affair, taking in the latin and jazz elements of Jazzanova and Richard Worth (Ron Trent), the deep house of Rob Mello and Solar House and the pumping club sounds of Marshall Jefferson, Funk D'Void and DJ Joeski. Nick Holder deftly mixes his selection that will appeal to a wide cross-section of house music lovers.IAN POOLEY Nite: Life 6 CD
(NRK Sound Division)
Ian Pooley ensures his debut mix CD comes out on NRK's Nite:Life. This 20 track CD catches Ian in a more deeper musical mood, working deep house tracks by Yann Fontaine and Needs into the minimal tech funk of Mood II Swing, Derrick Carter's remix of Blaze and Tom Middleton's mix of Ian's 900 Degrees. Filtered melodies from Ernest Saint Laurent and Nicholas ride into the jackin' beats of DJ Jes and Vincenzo. Essential!JOEY NEGRO Nite: Life 8 CD
(NRK Sound Division)
Number 8 in the series, Joey Negro, the man behind Akabu, Raiven Maize, Z Factor, Jakata and a million and one other aliases, compiles and mixes the latest Nite:Life. This deep disco selection includes cuts from Black Science Orchestra, Jon Cutler, Miguel Migs, Satoshie Tomiie and Blue 6. Simply brilliant!in music releases are available at all good record stores nation-wide