Belleruche - Clockwatching / Mirror In The Bathroom
Belleruche will soon be releasing their third LP, '270 Stories', on Tru Thoughts Records on 11th October. The first single will be 'Clockwatching', which we've kindly pointed out to you before (you can see the video here). But, also worth pointing out, is the flip-side which is a blissed-out dub version of The Beat's 'Mirror In The Bathroom'.
The single is released on August 23rd.
Listen to 'Mirror In The Bathroom' by Belleruche
Ladi6 - Question?
New Zealand's Ladi6 is about to get a worldwide release (on BBE Music) for her 2008 LP, 'Time Is Not Much', on 19th July. You may have heard of her singing with fellow countrymen Fat Freddy's Drop, so you'll expect a great voice with a soulful, reggae vibe, which is exactly what the album delivers, thanks in great part to her musical collaborator, Parks.
This track, 'Question?', is a laid back number with a great, extended groove that, with the deep vocals, really pulls you into the song. To hear one of the reggae-influenced numbers, watch the video of 'Walk Right Up' here. Ladi6 is currently in Berlin recording her follow up LP.
Label Love - Free Compilation
Some of our favourite labels have got together to create a compilation of their songs and, wouldja believe it, are giving it away absolutely free. The labels include Ubiquity, Fania, Plug Research, ESL Music, Now Again, Tru Thoughts and Bastard Jazz. The tracks are re-issued classics or unreleased exclusives. There are names you will recognise from these pages such as Quantic, Belleruche and Shawn Lee, but also new gems such as Kako and Quadron.
You can download the whole damn thing from Bandcamp right now. Well...what are waiting for?
Three on the Floor
If you like your bass on the floor, or even in the basement, then we have three tunes just for you.
Shlohmo is a West Coast producer with connections at Low End Theory who will soon be releasing his debut LP at the tender age of 20. This track,'Naps', is off the Camping EP which is available now on FoF Music.
Another EP track ('Part 1'), this one from
Khalija on Force Intel, but apart from that, we know very little.
Finally, we have Spoek Mathambo, a new force in African-futurism, with 'War On Words', which is released on BBE Music at the end of August.
Boohgaloo Zoo - Boohgaloo Zoo (Love Monk)
This is worth looking out for if you like your grooves funky and hip-hop at the same time. Boohgaloo Zoo are K'bonus and U-Gene (from Belgium and Holland respectfully) who have managed to create an interesting mix of genres, led by hip-hop but including funk, house and electronica vibes. We prefer the smoother tracks such as 'Dead Wood' but you can listen to others on their MySpace page. The LP is released on 5th July on Love Monk Records. Also worth checking is this interview on Laid Back Radio.
Listen to 'Dead Wood' by Booghaloo Zoo
DJ Day Free Track
Word on the street is that DJ, producer and musician DJ Day is planning a change of direction, musically speaking. We don't know what the new sound and style will be, all we do know is that we will no longer be treated his trademark Californian soul vibe.
To remind you of what that sounded like, please listen to, and (oh, go on then) download, this track 'Learnin' To Fly' which he did in 2008 with Miles Bonny.
They Don't Want - Electric Wire Hustle (BBE Music)
Electric Wire Hustle are a band out of New Zealand, and have started to gain some real credibility through supporting acts such as Alice Russell and Sa-Ra Creative Partners. Their eponymous debut album is released next month, but you have a chance to listen to one of the tracks right now. 'They Don't Want' is typical of their heavy synth and drum layered sound, with the evocative vocals of Mara TK seeping through. 'Electric Wire Hustle' is out July 12th on BBE Music.
Listen to 'They Don't Want' by Electric Wire Hustle
Next Stop Soweto Vol. 3
You'll have seen our glowing reviews of Volume 1 and Volume 2 of this excellent series of music from the South African townships. The good news is that the final instalment maintains the excellent quality found in the first two. We still think Volume 2 is the best of the trio, but this volume, with a much jazzier feel, still holds its own. But this is a record, and the series in general, about survival - about those musicians who didn't leave South Africa during its very worst times, and managed to make superb music. It is a privilege to be able to hear these songs. Out 28th June 2010 on Strut Records.
Listen to 'Itumeleng' by Batsumi
Cocosuma - The Jar (Third Side Records)
This track really grabbed us because of its disco bass lines and sexy vocals from Amanda (no surname provided). Amanda, who also plays said bass and the synth, is the English third of this predominantly French trio, the other two members being Michel and Chab (also surname-less). The release is the first of the forthcoming LP, 'Le Début' (on Third Side Records), and includes three remixes from such luminaries as Clap Rules (retro-disco), Is Tropical (electro) and Sourya (heavy synths). But our favourite is still the original version. The good news is that you can listen to it right here, watch a video, and then download it for free from Bandcamp.
Listen to 'The Jar' by Cocosuma
Moby - Wait For Me
Whatever you think of Moby, you should have a listen to this song, which is the title track and most recent single from his last album. There's plenty going on on Planet Moby, including a remix album released this month (unsurprisingly called 'Wait For Me: Remixes') on Little Idiot Records, a free download of the acoustic version of 'Gone To Sleep' and a video competition for 'Wait For Me'.
In fact, it was the runner-up of this who seemed to get all of the attention - you can watch this and also listen to the original track right here (right now).
Listen to 'Wait For Me'
Tracey Thorn - Why Does The Wind (Buzzin' Fly)
This is the second single from Tracey Thorn's latest LP ,'Love And It's Opposite', and it tells the story of one person in a relationship being more committed than the other. Since it's the most 'dance-floor' out of all the tracks on the album, it was the one to be chosen for the remix treatment. Released on partner Ben Watt's Buzzin' Fly label, rather than the LP's Strange Feeling label, the EP contains remixes from Morgan Geist (electro-disco), Michel Cleis (latin groove) and, our favourite, André Lodermann (electronica).
We really enjoyed Tracey's album, and these tracks add another dimension to the whole mood of the thing. Released next month on Buzzin' Fly Records.
Listen to Why Does The Wind? (André Lodermann Remix)
Quantic Presenta Flowering Inferno - Dog With A Rope
Following the superb album 'Tradition In Translation' under his Quantic And His Combo Bárbaro guise, Will Holland is back - this time the music is from his reggae-influenced Flowering Inferno side project. On the EP there is the instrumental title track (which you can listen to below) with an exclusive reverb-heavy dub version, as well as a latin/reggae track 'Dub Y Guaguanco', all of which match the superb quality of music you can expect from Quantic.
'Dog With A Rope' is released on 7th June on Tru Thoughts Records.
Listen to 'Dog With A Rope'
Phuture Motion - 'The Thief' (Freestyle Records)
This is a great new album from Phuture Motion, combining a healthy range of genres, including latin broken beat, reggaeton, ragga and some dub-step leanings.
Phuture Motion are Danny Mager, Levi Bussue and Chris Welch, with some significant contributions on this album from Earl Zinger, La Bruja, Rubi Dan and Li Saumet from Columbia. Whilst the dominant genre is definitely latin, Phuture Motion give it a damn good run for its money to produce a highly enjoyable record. We'll have a full review soon, but in the meatime you can stream the whole LP using the SoundCloud widget on the right. 'The Thief' is released on 14th June on Freestyle Records.
Diesler 'Deepest Cuba' - Free Download
Electronic funkster, Diesler, has a new LP coming out soon called 'Tie Breakers'. The album is released on June 4th, but in the meantime we thought you'd like to listen and download one of the tracks, courstesy of Jus' Like Music.
You can use the SoundCloud widget on the right here, or just right-click on this link here.
'Tie Breakers' is out as a joint release from Dutch label Social Beats and German label Unique Records.
Saravah Soul - Alforria (Tru Thoughts)
This is the first single from the second LP from afro-beat funksters Saravah Soul. The good news is that this is a great song that really show-cases the forthcoming LP ('Cultura Impura'). The really good news is that Tru Thoughts will be giving this track away for free between the 27th May and the 5th July (when the album is released). Just go to the Tru Thoughts website to download for nothing / nowt / nada. In the meantime you can stream the track right here...
Listen to Alforria (Album Version) from Saravah Soul
Music For Jazz Dancers (Freestyle Records)
This is an album where Adrian Gibson (Jazz DJ and boss of Freestyle Records) has compiled his favourite be-bop, nu-jazz, big band and samba/jazz fusion tracks, based on his sets at the 'Messin Around' club (which he runs with DJ Perry Louis). This could lead to a unconnected mess o' songs, but it is the 'jazz dance' theme that pulls it all together very nicely into an energetic set. Highlight for us is actually one of the more down-tempo numbers - the beautiful piano work of Kenichiro Nishihara on 'Nebulosa', but all are worth a listen.
Released on 31st May on Freestyle Records.
K-Bana - Chemistry
We get a lot of deep house records arriving at Meme Towers, so it takes quite a bit for any one to stand out from the crowd, particularly as we're not really a deep house site. So, here's one that's managed to get our attention. Hailing from Chichester on the south coast of England, K-Bana has just released Chemistry
on the East German label, Night Drive Music. We've the original plus (our preferred) Scope remix for you to have a listen to.
Listen to Chemistry from K-Bana
Listen to Chemistry (Scope Remix) from K-Bana
The Amplifetes We like things a bit different at Meme Magazine, so when we heard The Amplifetes for the first time, our ears pricked up. Not easily associated to any specific genre (again, good for us), this Swedish band claim influences from Velvet Underground, Roy Wood, The Electric Light Orchestra, David Bowie and Chicago House. So, what the hell does all this sound like? Well, have a listen to the new single, a couple of remixes of it and the B-side, then, if you agree with us that this is a sweet new band that is worth keeping an eye on, download all four tracks for free (just right click over the links). If your into looks, then check out the video here.
Lady Daisey - In My Pocket To accompany our review of Lady Daisey's debut solo LP, 'In My Pocket' on BBE Music, have a gander at this video where the lovely Lady tells you all about it in her own words.
Randa & The Soul Kingdom - More Than Enough Love
More excellent funky soul music from down under, this is 'More Than Enough Love' from Randa & The Soul Kingdom. It will come as no surprise that this latest single from their eponymous new LP was produced by The Bamboos' Lance Ferguson who can put no foot wrong at the moment. And, as it's backed with a remix from Lack Of Afro (another in-form artist), then you can't possibly go wrong in adding this to your already superlative music collection.
Out now on Freestyle Records.
Tony Allen - 'Black Voices' Revisited To mark the release of the forthcoming 10th Anniversary re-working of the 'Black Voices' LP from afro-beat impresario Tony Allen, his label, Comet, have produced a short film entitled 'Black Voices Are Everywhere'. We'll hopefully get a full review of the LP for you soon.
Tape Loops Vol. 1 - Skeewiff ft. Finley Quaye
We're slowly introducing more and more reggae into Meme Magazine, and what better way to continue this trend than with this set of tracks which feature Finley Quaye on vocals. Two producers better know as Skeewiff put together some deep dub tracks and managed to persuade Finley to front them. Out on 7th May on Jalapeno Records. Buy at Soul Seduction. Volume 2 promises more from Finley Quaye and remixes from Smoove and Featurecast. Can't wait.
A couple of interesting things about this track for us: firstly, it is one of the completely new songs that will be featured on the 'Tru Thoughts Funk' LP that will be released on 17th May; secondly, it is the solo project of Simon Hill who founded Baby Charles (who did that brilliant cover of 'I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor'). For us, though, the track doesn't quite work, mainly because of the excessive drums and psychedelic guitar riff.
The other tracks on this packed 7" (by Quantic, Broken Keys and the Bamboos) easily make up for this and worth the purchase price if you don't have them already. Make up your own mind though, and listen to Payback here. Out on 26th April on Tru Thoughts.
Lady Daisey - Magical
A very welcome antidote to the ubiquitous Lady Gaga; Lady Daisey provides 'soul funk sunshine' through her lilting vocals over a musical backdrop provided by husband / producer Batsauce.
The first single from her forthcoming debut album ('In My Pocket') is 'Magical', which generously contains remixes from DJ Vadim, Paten Locke, Batsauce and Supa Dave West. Out on 7th May on BBE Music.
Lack of Afro - Special Baby 12"
This is a treat - Adam Gibbons, aka Lack of Afro, will release a new 12" featuring two new songs with remixes by Flevans and Funkshone. LoA is a multi-instrumentalist who knows a good groove when he hears it, so both tracks here are chock full of soul, jazz and funk sounds from the 60s and 70s but with a fresh contemporary feel.
Released on Freestyle Records on April 26th, but you can listen to the the original version of Special Baby right here.
Sound Iration: In Dub
Always big fans of reggae music, we liked this particular offering of dub tracks that was originally released in 1989 on WAU! Mr Modo Records. Put together by West London DJ, producer and radio presenter Nick Manasseh, the LP has some deep roots tunes from the time when new digital technologies were being introduced, but before they had stripped away a lot of the spiritualism in the music. Also on the CD are unreleased tracks intended for the follow up album and rare remixes of the original tracks that have only previously been heard on the acetates that were used in the Manasseh Sound System. To get a feel of that, turn up the volume and hit
. Released on Year Zero on April 26th.
Oscillations Part 1 - Free Album
Gotta big this up: fellow music writer Gavin Handley from music blog Jus' Like Music has just gone and published an album. In his own words "Oscillations is a FREE digital compilation designed to help spread the word of amazing music by amazing artists from the genres of hip-hop, electronica, neo-soul, dubstep and anywhere in between! Featuring primarily exclusive, or at least previously unreleased material, the release is availalble as a free download via Bandcamp from March 29th." We like how the boundaries between roles in the music industry, such as artists, producers and crtics are getting more blurred, which can only be a good thing.
You can hear a taster from the album, with song snippets, here:
Suff Daddy - The Gin Diaries
It was only just the other day we were talking about Suff Daddy's free remix download, and now we're already going on about his forthcoming LP on Melting Pot Music, entitled 'The Gin Diaries'. The reason is that it all sounds rather good. With a strong hip hop backing, these are songs with a groove. Just listen to 'Konnopke' which samples one of our favourite soul tracks; Darondo's 'Didn't I'. Out on 16th April on MPM. Full review to follow shortly, but meantime listen to a couple of tracks right here...
Listen to Feelin' Fly feat. Mariama
Listen to Konnopke
Al Kent - Disco Love
Must admit, we're a bit late on this one, but at least it means we've been able to give it a good, long test on the Meme monitors.
This is sub-titled 'Rare Disco and Soul Uncovered' and, unlike some 'crate digging' compilations we've come across, this one, compiled by Al Kent, definitely delivers. Highlights for us include 'I Just Can't Help Myself' from Sweet Daddy Floyd (
Listen), 'F.Minor Disco' from Ross Carnegie & Co, and 'Trivialities' from Nombres.
The album includes a full-length mix as well as the individual tracks. Out now on BBE Music, and available on iTunes and DJDownload. Soundcloud mini-mixes here.
Mulatu Astatke - Mulatu Steps Ahead
Good news if you liked the recent 'New York - Addis - London' LP on Strut from Mulatu Astatke, the master vibraphonist and bandleader from Ethiopa, or his collaboration with the Heliocentrics, because the good man is releasing an album of new material on the 29th March, called 'Mulatu Steps Ahead'.
For the album, tracks were recorded with members of Either/Orchestra in Boston, with contributions by traditional Ethiopian musicians in Addis, members of The Heliocentrics and some of the UK’s leading jazz and African players during the final sessions in London in November 2009.
The Phenomenal Handclap Band - 'Baby'
We featured this track in our MemeMix010, and it has just been released as a single on Tummy Touch Records. To hear the excellent Virgil Howe remix that's on the B-side, head on over to the News page.
Deep Street Soul - Straighten Out
This is a big, big song. Bringing together the instrumental funk prowess of Deep Street Soul and the vocal talents of fellow antipodean Randa Khamis (of Randa & The Soul Kingdom), this forthcoming 12" on Freestyle Records really hits the mark.
We challenge you not to move any part of your body whilst listening to this. Also on the 12" is the original instrumental version and a Lack of Afro remix of 'Greenbacks'.
Released April 5th on Freestyle Records.
This month we've gone all Hip Hop, mainly because there seem to be some swelteringly good new releases out, such as the first single from Ty's new LP 'Special Kind Of Fool', which is out today, 16th March on BBE Music, accompanied by remixes from Dego and Waajeed, amongst others. Sometimes you just gotta go with your heart...
The Phenomenal Handclap Band - Baby (Virgil Howe Remix)
The B-side to the recently released 'Baby' by The Phenomenal Handclap Band is a remix by Little Barrie drummer Virgil Howe. The original version is pretty bloody good, but this version is really growing on us. Available now from iTunes.
Party like it's, er, 1980... Thanks to @mersenne for finding this great video of Al Hirt playing the theme to Rocky. Don't you just wish life would stay like this forever?
Dimitri From Paris - 'Philly Sound' promo
We are very (very) excited by this forthcoming LP on BBE Music, which contains remixes of classic Philly disco tracks done by Dimitri From Paris from the original master tapes, with their original versions included on a second CD. To give you a taster, BBE have put out this little 35 minute long teaser. Trouble is, it only makes us hungry for more. We'll keep you informed as we get closer to the release date.
This lady, from Nigeria via Hamburg, is on the verge of mainstream success (even appearing on the BBC Radio 1 playlist), but we haven't let that stop us from allowing you hear this latest single from her second album 'No Longer At Ease' (released last August on Germany's Yo Mama's Recording Company). With a sample of Curtis Mayfield's composition 'Um Um Um Um' by Major Lance at it's heart, this is good, intelligent pop music, and shouldn't be ignored. Walking
Dark Room Notes - Elm
We raved a bit about the Irish four-piece Dark Room Notes previously, and now they have just released the second single from their debut LP 'We Love You Dark Matter'. This one is called 'Elm' and, whilst in our opinion not quite as good as 'Love Like Nicotine', is still a good track, and bodes well for the album, which is due to be released on BBE Music 'sometime in early 2010'.
Listen to 'Elm' by Dark Room Notes
3 Amigos - You Bring Me Love ft. Susu Bobien
This is pure house music, brought to you by John 'Jellybean' Benitez, Marlon D. and George Mena. But what makes this track out of the ordinary is the vocal performance from Susu Bobien (who is about as far away from the other SuBo as this website is from Robbie Williams). Susu can normally be found belting out Gospel House Music and is ideally suited to this song which, from a sultry start, builds itself up massively with the repetitive title to a full-on peak-time floor filler.
The record includes two remixes from 20 year old Guy Robin and Kenny Dope-remixers The Layabouts, both of whom hail from London Town.
Listen to 'You Bring Me Joy ft. Susu Bobien' by 3 Amigos
Afro Rock Volume One (Strut)
We've reviewed quite a few albums recently with a strong afro-beat influence, including Healer Selecta, The Souljazz Orchestra and Skeletons. If you want to know where it all began, then you could no worse than check out this compilation from Strut. Bringing together original '70s afro funk and soul, the LP was originally released in 2001, but has now been re-issued with additional bonus tracks. For us, the record is worth its price just from track 2 alone, a Hammond-driven delight called 'Heavy Heavy Heavy' from the brilliantly named 'Geraldo Pino and the Heartbeats', but the rest of the record doesn't disappoint at all. The first in the series is out on March 8th on Strut Records.
Listen to 'Heavy Heavy Heavy' by Geraldo Pino and the Heartbeats
How to make a top album...
This is the first in a short series of videos showing the making of The Bamboos' latest LP '4', to which we awarded a very rare 5 stars. The Tru-Thoughts album will be available on 29th March at Etch Shop.
Dr Rubberfunk - Northern Comfort
Another cracking single from Dr Rubberfunk off his 'Hot Stone' album. This one is especially notable for two reasons - the marvellous vocal contribution by funk-hotshot John Turrell (he of Smoove & Turrell), and the superb remix by Australian nu-funk producer Slynk. The remix worked so well that John Turrell re-recorded the vocals specifically for the faster tempo. Out on April 5th on Jalapeno Records.
Listen to Dr Rubberfunk - Northern Comfort ft. John Turrell (Slynk Remix)
Tracey Thorn - Oh The Divorces!
Tracey has been entertaining us for donkeys years now, ever since her Everything But The Girl days.
Now you can play and download a track from her forthcoming LP 'Love and its Opposite' right here, using the SoundCloud widget on the right (just mouse over).
The record is released on May 17th on Buzzin' Fly's sister label Strange Feeling Records.
I Believe In Miracles - Mark Cappani This is the original version of the Jackson Sisters classic track. Apparently it's ultra rare on vinyl, so make the most of this digital version.
Three from Ninja Tune The guys at Ninja Tune seem to be on a bit of a roll at the moment. And, just to prove it, here's three tracks from recent and forthcoming releases, via the magic that is SoundCloud.
First up is the Nathan Fake remix of 'Muppet' by grasscut. This is Brian Eno dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st Century: lots of quirky samples (including, in this case, conversations recorded in a pub on a mobile phone) over casio keyboards. Believe me, it does work. Really well.
Next up is a preview of Bonobo's fourth LP, 'Black Sands' which is released on 29th March. This track, 'Eyes Down', is top-drawer electronica. Not much info available right now, so definitely one to keep an eye on.
Finally, we have an LP preview of Blockhead's 'The Music Scene' which is available right now. This is a half-hour mix of tracks off the record, which should be long enough to let you fall in love with this unique take on instrumental hip-hop.
Belleruche - The Liberty EP
Ahead of their third LP, the rather excellent vocal / guitar / turntable band Belleruche, are releasing a 12" EP which comes with a 10 track CD. The vinyl contains two brand new tracks, '56% Proof' and 'Gold Rush', which are then supplemented by remixes and acoustic versions of previous Belleruche tracks on the rest of the record and CD. The EP is out on Tru Thoughts on 1st March, but here's a taster of a couple of the tracks for you.
Gold Rush
Anything You Want (Not That) (Aldo Vannucci Presents The Cinnamon Kings Remix)
King Britt - Now (feat. Astrid Suryanto)
Apparently this is the last proper 'dance' LP that King Britt will do. 'Intricate Beauty' will be released on April 20th on New York's Nervous Records, but after that it's going to be 'experimental live improvisational performance' stuff.
Anyhoo, we've got one track from the LP for you to listen to right now - this is a soulful but beat-heavy number featuring Astrid Suryanto on vocals. All of the music on the album was put together using 'micro-sounds' from randon recordings and CDs that have been reconstructed into what seems like a promising record.
Listen to King Britt - 'Now (feat Astrid Suryanto)'
New Bamboos single - 'On The Sly'
A reminder that the first single from the Bamboos next LP '4' is out on the 8th February on Tru Thoughts. Hopefully you've already had a look at the video of 'On The Sly' which features the wonderful Kylie Auldist (see our interview with Kylie here), so we're given you, the listener, a chance to hear the flip side of the 12" - a deep funk version of 'Turn It Up' featuring Lyrics Born on vocals. We'll have a full review of the LP for you soon, but on this evidence, it's gonna be a corker.
Listen to 'Turn It Up' from the Bamboos, featuring Lyrics Born
The Kings of Drum & Bass - 4Hero and DJ Marky
We don't usually cover Drum & Bass at Meme Magazine. But, you know when it's worth stretching the envelope a bit if the music's good enough? Well, this is one of those moments. This is a double CD complied by 4Hero (who you will know through classic non-D&B tracks such as 'Les Fleur') and, from Brazil, DJ Marky, and includes tracks from artists such as Roni Size, Goldie and the two compilers themselves. This, to us, is the very best of D&B, so definitely worth a go if you want to spread your musical horizons. Out on the 16th February on BBE Music.
dan le sac Vs Scoobius Pip - 'Get Better' Ever since we heard 'Letter From God To Man', we've kept an eye on these guys. Their latest single is up there with that classic track - a welcomingly positive song from their forthcoming LP 'The Logic of Chance' on Sunday Best Records.
This is a new band from Dublin that have managed to produce a refreshingly different sound - kind of a mixture of FourTet, Battles and Pop Levi. They've supported Kraftwerk, Ladytron and Calvin Harris which should give you even more an idea of their sound, but, better still, have a listen to the Flood Remix of their debut single 'Love Like Nicotine' from their forthcoming LP.
The single is out on the 8th February on BBE Music.
Speechless! Three Cracking Instrumental Dance LPs
We love these three similar-but-different instrumental dance records and wanted to share them with you. They are all very good, but if we had to pick a favourite it would be the offering from DJ Devastate, just because it is more Meme-like than the others, but we know you'll make your own mind up.
DJ Devastate - 'Movement/Silence': Don't be fooled by the overtly aggresive moniker - this is a laid back and mellow LP with electronica and jazz themes going on around some deep beats. The first of two in the selection from BBE Music, DJ Devastate exploits turntables and analogue synths provided by his collaborators, most of whom are from Sweden like the good man himself.
Listen to 'Start Movin' '
Mr Chop - 'For Pete's Sake': Mr Chop is, apparently, the favoured instrumentalist for MF Doom and Pete Rock (on whose tracks this record is based) , and has released a number of LPs on Now-Again and Jazzman Records. This LP is out on Stones Throw, and includes a heady mix of funk, jazz and 'fuzzy psychedelia', all produced in his own Cheshire-based analogue recording studio.
Listen to 'Intermezzo 3'
DJ Bootsie - 'Holidays In The Shade': From Sweden to Hungary, courtesy of another BBE release. This, his second solo LP, is the heaviest of the three albums listed here, and also the most diverse. There are some strong hip-hop beats (and the odd vocal), some foreboding rhythms and even some Hungarian folk music thrown in to keep you on your toes.
Listen to 'Ballad Of The Space Ship Rigger Pt. 1'
Laroca - '125 Units' Remixes
This is the follow up single to the excellent 'Elevator Tester' from Laroca's second LP, 'Valley of the Bears' which we reviewed earlier this year. There are 4 remixes and the original album version of 'Unit 125' as well as a remix of 'Brassic'. The EP suceeds, not only because the original is a great song, but because each of the remixes, including dubstep, house and downtempo, manage to sound very different from the others.
Listen to our favourite track from the EP, the Harvey K'Tel Remix
Flevans - The 28th Devil
More 10th Anniversary delights from Tru-Thoughts - this time an LP of remixes from Flevan's '27 Devils'. We'll do a full review soon, but couldn't wait to let you hear a couple of the tracks. Released 14th December 2009.
Azaxx - Ooba Ooba (Flevans Rmx)
Hold On (Hint Rmx)
Now I'm gonna show you how to play a funky high-hat beat...
Please welcome Lord Newborn and the Magic Skulls with 'A Phase Shifter I'm Going Through'. From Ubiquity Records.
More Tru-Thoughts Birthday Releases
Carrying on the celebration of their 10th anniversary, the TT boys are releasing an EP of six of the rarer tracks from the third 'exclusives' CD that came with their limited-edition compilation. Artists include Quantic (click the button to listen to 'Only A Little While Here'), Hint, Barakas (aka Bonobo), Azaxx and Freddy Kruger. The 12" is released on the 23rd November but the download is available now on the Etch Shop.
Also released on 23rd of November is the 'Tru Thoughts 10th Anniversary Mix (Cut Up By JFB)', a mixtape of tracks from the 3CD set expertly executed by DJ JFB.
Learnin' To Fly
It's My Life
Never Do That feat. Finley Quaye
Payback
Baby (Virgil Howe Remix)
Walking
