Back in stock: All genres

Review: There's certainly plenty to talk about here. British chart-topping and stadium-filling enigmas The 1975 return to prove you really can't predict what the troupe will do next, delivering what would be their most divisive and explorative album if it weren't for the fact they command so much loyalty from fans you could be forgiven for thinking dark forces were at play. 'Notes On A Conditional Form' is easily the furthest we've wandered from the formative years of a band that cut teeth doing teen-punk covers, and it's hard not to notice the subtle theme here. From 'Having No Head', which rides on a sharp house groove, through the garage breaks of 'Yeah I Know', low slung dub of 'Shiny Collarbone' and the shoegaze of 'Streaming', it plays out like a celebration of the breadth and diversity of UK pop culture.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


We're never short of new Ricardo Villalobos material and he's generous with his time as a mixer, but this project offers something different from the Chilean mad scientist of minimal. A Mountain Of One are a duo who deal in Balearic-leaning pop with a subtle charm and an adventurous spirit, and they initially approached Villalobos for a single remix of one of their tracks. As a fan of their sound, Villalobos ran with the project and it wound up as a full remix album of seven different versions. On the earlier tracks Ricardo takes a surprisingly light touch, while the later stages find us knee deep in the mesmerising roll of his minimal house, shot through with dubbed out ingredients from the original songs. It's surprising and satisfying in equal measure, showing Villalobos at his best and quite the scoop for A Mountain Of One.

Review: Three years after delivering a stunning debut album that cemented their position as this century's finest fusionists of Middle Eastern music and analogue electronic music, Acid Arab return with a sophomore set that's every bit as impressive. The basic ingredients remain the same - think Arabic vocals, instrumentation and percussion mixed with heavy drum machine rhythms, raw electronics and mind-altering TB-303 motifs - though the resultant tracks arguably draw on a wider range of electronic music influences. So as well as nods towards acid house and techno, the album also contains throbbing, dancefloor-centric workouts informed by EBM, Italo-disco, new wave, synth-pop and industrial. It's a subtle switch-up, but one wholly in keeping with the French quartet's distinctive vision.

Notes: Bumper case in extra rugged silicone. For extra protection on the go. Made from 100% recycled silicone.

Review: The story behind this one is that Vivian Yabby You Jackson once put together a tape that had been labeled The Best Of Patrick Andy but had never been put it out. On it was three unreleased tunes, one unreleased dub, and stereo mixes of several previously mono-only singles. For whatever reason it now sees the light of day and we're glad about it - this forms a fine tribute to a top singer and a legendary producer with some timeless dub. The horns pan, the rhythm tracks are heavy, the studio trickery is impressive throughout.

Review: Arutani's third album Who We Used To Be is a meditation on times passed and alternate lives lost, filtered through the decorative lenses of deep, minimal, tech and dub. As if to paint a character portrait of the artist himself, this is a measured, calm, light, mindful and modest album, replete with bulging concave chord undulations and synaptic percussive snaps for balance. Everything from electro's usual dotted rhythmic pattern to progressive house's woodblocky felicities are checked off here, plus the glissando'ing lead on 'In Case You Wondered What I've Been Doing' is a special highlight.

Review: Azymuth's Outubro is just one of the many vibrant and captivating albums in their oeuvre that embodies the essence of Brazilian jazz-funk fusion. Released in 1980, it features the cult collective's signature blend of infectious rhythms, intricate melodies, and soulful improvisation. The album's title track stands out as a shining example of the band's musical prowess with its irresistible groove and lush instrumentation and throughout the record, Azymuth showcase their mastery of blending traditional Brazilian rhythms with elements of jazz, funk and electronic music to create a timeless and immersive that remains a classic in the realm of Brazilian music.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


This official reissue of Bela Lugosi's Dead: The Bela Session comes on black and red splattered vinyl this time around and includes previously unreleased tracks that have been mastered from the original demo tapes of their first ever recording session together. The post-punk outfit's debut single was released initially in 1979. Bela Lugosi's Dead is not only their first single, but also often gets mentioned as the first goth record. It has since been covered by Nine Inch Nails, Massive Attack and Nouvelle Vague. The rest of the tunes from the demo session remain hugely innovative, reflecting their post-punk and dark-glam style with dub reggae influences that would further evolve in their output that followed and explain why the band went on to such cult status.

Notes: 100 of Befaco's unique screws designed specifically for Eurorack. These M2.5 screws can be secured by hand, all common screwdrivers and Allen Key. These are great for saving time when rearranging your synth.

Each Knurlie comes with a fitted plastic washer to prevent rack rash.

Review: The East Coast hip-hop scene has many giants and many seminal albums but Big Noyd's Episodes of a Hustla is one of the lesser known works to check out if you anen't already familiar. It is a gritty and raw portrayal of street life in Queensbridge, New York, released in 1996 and capturing the essence of the East Coast scene with its hard-hitting beats and vivid storytelling. Noyd's distinctive voice and uncompromising lyrics paint a vivid picture of survival and struggle in the urban jungle. With production from hip-hop luminaries like DJ Premier and Havoc, the album delivers a potent blend of boom-bap beats and menacing melodies as well as offering a glimpse into the harsh realities of inner-city life.

Review: Archeo Recordings bring us some more Balearic Italian treasure here with some gold initially recorded in Bologna almost two decades ago. It's a collaboration between friends Bottin and Lucio Dalla that has never before been on vinyl. 'Lunedi Cinema' was an ident that played before Monday night movies on of one of the main Italian TV channels for many years. This electronic version includes the Martedi Mix from 2008, a Minibar Bonus Track and also a mix by pioneering Italian dream house dons Leo Mas & Fabrice with a Bottin dub sealing the deal. It's a superb package of real Italo music history.

Review: Mr. Bongo takes us back to the release of Waltel Blanco's jazz-funk masterwork, 'Meu Balanco', first released in 1995. Noted for its accumulation of Blanco's various skills picked up over the course of his years as a session musician in Brazil - for the likes of Marcos Valle and Elis Regina, to name a few - this LP is a rollicking instrumental ride, just as suitable for film soundtracking as it is for home listening. Many-an electric piano, bass lick and buzzing horn cement the vibe of the boom in Latin cinema at the time of its release.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Slight surface marks ***


The Charlatans self-titled fourth album gets a lovely yellow make over for this reissue on Beggars Arkive. It's the first time for over 20 years new copies of this landmark album have been pressed, and Frank Arkwright at Abbey Road has taken care of the excellent mastering. The original release date was in 1995, and the album was the most ambitious of the band's career with plenty of number ones included along the way. The most successful of these of course was 'Just When You're Thinkin' Things Over'. It's a real piece of classic 90s indie that will always sound good.

Review: It goes without saying that 'A Love Supreme' is in the upper echelons of jazz history. A spiritual and emotional proclamation from American jazz saxophonist John Coltrane, the 32 minute runtime is a narrative of strife and struggle with addiction as well as the notable repetition of his riff in all 12 keys throughout the session in 'Acknowledgement'. In many ways you could say Coltrane's playing wasn't improvised at all, and you could argue that the session was better off for it. At the end of the half an hour, the narrative unwinds and Coltrane is declaring a faith to God, a musical thankyou to his faith that kept him true throughout his trials following a spiritual awakening in 1957 - what resulted was an undisputed musical masterpiece.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


You'll have to go a long, long way to find a more important record in the back catalogue of The Damned. Strawberries marked album number five for the New Wave-Goth-punks, arriving in 1982, initially through the now-defunct UK indie label Bronze, established by Gary Bron who - incidentally - also played a pivotal role in helping Uriah Heap realise their sound. Digressions aside, this LP at once marks one of the finest moments in The Damned's history, and one of their most turbulent times.

The band's creative confidence - Captain Sensible especially was enjoying a fair share of the limelight at this time as a solo artist - helped them expand and mutate in both subtle and crystal clear ways, introducing instruments like the sitar and cello to the mix. Fans got their beloved dark room masters, and much more besides. Behind the scenes, though, this was a point in time pockmarked by fallouts and disagreements. Still, who said greatness doesn't come at a price?

Notes: ***B-STOCK: Box opened, product in perfect working order***


Conductive Labs have turned complex music theory into a killer synthesizer-jamming MIDI controller with The NDLR.

With four parts that can play up to 8 synths, it's possible to make fantastic electronic music with this device.

These tools we use to compose and produce music are dear to our hearts. Dust, liquid and accidental impact have taken many a good unit down over the years - this is where Decksaver steps in.

Designed exclusively for perfect fit, whilst still accommodating cables, your NDLR arpeggiator can sit ready for operation.

Slides straight into a flight or soft case, or rucksack for maximum protection during transportation.

Shields delicate controls, ports and internal components from damage at home, on the road and on stage.

Dimensions

Weight: 0.399kg
Length: 23.2cm
Width: 15.9cm
Height: 3.4cm

Notes: ***B-STOCK: Without original box, product in perfect working order***


Introducing the Decksaver cover designed specifically for the Pioneer DDJ-XP1 and DDJ-XP2 performance controllers. Engineered with precision and crafted to perfection, this cover is the ultimate companion for DJs who want to protect and preserve their valuable gear.

Custom-molded in the UK, the Decksaver cover is expertly crafted to perfectly fit the contours of your DDJ-XP1 or DDJ-XP2. Made from super-strong polycarbonate, it forms an impenetrable barrier, shielding your controller from dust, spills, and accidental impacts, ensuring its longevity and pristine condition.

With the Decksaver cover securely in place, you can have peace of mind knowing that your DDJ-XP1 or DDJ-XP2 is always protected, whether you're in the DJ booth, studio, or on the road. No more worrying about scratches, liquid spills, or dust accumulation that can affect the performance and lifespan of your equipment.

Designed with functionality in mind, the Decksaver cover allows easy access to all the key features and controls of your DDJ-XP1 or DDJ-XP2. The precision molding ensures that buttons, pads, and faders remain fully accessible, allowing you to navigate your performance effortlessly and without any compromise.

Transportation is a breeze with the Decksaver cover. Its rugged construction and form-fitting design provide a secure fit, allowing you to pack your DDJ-XP1 or DDJ-XP2 into your gear bag without worry. Whether you're heading to a gig, a studio session, or a jam with fellow DJs, your controller will be protected throughout the journey.

Join the ranks of professional DJs worldwide who trust Decksaver for superior gear protection. The Decksaver cover for the Pioneer DDJ-XP1 and DDJ-XP2 is a testament to the brand's commitment to quality and innovation. Rely on its robust build, sleek design, and reliable durability to keep your gear safe and sound.

Elevate your DJ performance and keep your DDJ-XP1 or DDJ-XP2 in pristine condition with the Decksaver cover. Experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your valuable equipment is shielded from potential hazards. Trust in the industry-leading protection provided by Decksaver and focus on delivering outstanding performances every time.

Fits: DDJ-XP1, DDJ-XP2

Dimensions

Weight 0.62 kg
Length 33.5 cm
Width 23.8 cm
Height 4 cm

Material: Smoked clear polycarbonate.

Review: When Dinosaur Jr. were recorded live in Paris the iconic garage punk outfit were undoubtedly at the very top of their game. Three years after adding Jr. to their name, the creative output at this point was incredible, carving out a position for themselves as purveyors of powerful noises that were as raw and gnarly as they were complex and intelligent. A band that could turn rough and ready chords into walls of sound capable of tearing the roof off and lifting us all into the stratosphere. Never before released, this companion piece to 2022's best-selling live-on-MTV EP, Seventytwohundredseconds, is exemplary of the stuff they built that reputation on. From the gnashing riffs of 'Just Live Heaven', to the wasp-in-jar-energy and cacophonous peaks of 'Drawerings', and 'Keep The Glove' erupting into mind-blowing guitar work, and 'Budge' arguably taking that to greater heights, this is Dinosaur Jr. at maximum roar, and it will never not be impressive.

Review: For their sixth full length album 'Violence', melancholic Birmingham alt-rockers Editors have adopted a grander synth-pop sound to frame their typically dark songwriting in. This change in direction comes from collaborating with the album's producer Leo Abraham and composer Blank Mass, who helped the band hone their electronic craft. The songwriting pairs grandiose stadium riffs with assertive synth-work; 'Hallelujah (So Low)' goes straight for the jugular with fat synth leads and lo-fi drums, and the chorus of lead single 'Magazine' balances sections of punchy electronic swagger with singalong melodic euphoria. On 'No Sound But The Wind', there's a glimpse of an earlier Editors sound, more atmospheric and spacious than the tracks that surround it - unsurprising as it's a song the band first debuted back at Glastonbury 2008 and have been re-working since. Following 2015's somewhat confused 'In Dream', Editors sound reinvigorated and confident in the direction 'Violence' is taking them in.

Review: Easily outgrowing the original perception of them as stadium-indie bringers of gloom, Editors have evolved steadily with each record, and seemingly found themselves increasingly more comfortable each turn along the way. 'In Dream', the fifth from the Birmingham outfit, finds them expanding on the widescreen sweep of their sound, experimenting further with electronics, yet still maintaining a core of intimacy and introspection that has become their trademark. Thus, perversely, what may be their darkest record to date is also their most uplifting, with indelible songwriting, synth filigree and nocturnal atmospherics colliding to provide a black-clad tour de force.

Review: Industrial music formed amidst the concrete decay of post-war Berlin, Einsturzende Neubauten emerged as pioneers of genre. Their sonic alchemy fuses unconventional instruments crafted from scrap metal and construction tools with traditional ones, creating a raw and unsettling symphony. Their new double album "Rampen (APM: Alien Pop Music)" showcases their sonic prowess. Despite the abrasiveness of their sound, the group's music is imbued with a sense of theatricality. Blixa Bargeld's stoic vocals narrate surreal tales of urban decay and existential unease, while the band's live performances evoke industrial rituals. Over the years, the band's music has evolved, incorporating elements of ambient and even pop into their sound. Yet, their core ethos remains intact: to challenge musical boundaries and create a sonic tapestry that reflects the harsh realities of the modern world. This album still helps cement the band moving forward but still respecting their past.

Review: Fred Frith is simultaneously a singular musical figure and a collection of musical lifetimes. He's the composer who wrote fragile avant-garde music in the tradition of John Cage and Earle Brown, the innovator who created new concepts of underground rock with his colleagues in the band Henry Cow, and the improviser who developed his very own language on the guitar. The many facets of Frith's musical oeuvre shimmer in vibrant and unique colors, but stand as one rainbow monolith of musical creation, never disintegrating into esoteric eclecticism. Always musically curious and unbiased, he develops his ideas in the moment, demonstrating in real time how his creative process, while free of old hat conventions and tricks, creates an immediate yet unrandom and committed music. At the core is his unique guitar playing, which is on full display across these two records. His debut, Guitar Solos (1974), opened up a space beyond rock and improvised music and now, 50 years later comes Fift (2024), a new solo guitar album that sounds completely different and yet familiar, adding to his monolith of musical creation with another new vibrant color.

Review: Without a doubt, one of the most anticipated reissue compilations of the year is this collection of Future Sound of London side projects. In 2007 this was a CD-only compilation of early 90s tracks as well as unreleased ones from the same age. As the lore of FSOL continues to grow over the past 30+ years, their side projects have gotten more and more attention from the people who love those early rave sounds. Now for the first time, a vinyl version of it with no less than a 3x12 to harness all this early 90s techno goodness. All the tracks are by Dougans and Cobain and the aliases are the same. This 2007 album however has a wealth of new material from the same time period as Earthbeat. It is amazing that one release like this by two producers can be such a prime example of the UK sound that changed dance music forever. If you want the 90s UK rave reissue of the year, here it is!

Review: "As a long-time fan of soundtracks and library music, I was thrilled by the opportunity to see just how much emotion I could compress into the brief connecting links that would augment a furtive kiss, a painful psychic vision, or a breeze across the bones of a scorched landscape," says Timmi Meskers, the North Country, New York-based artist behind Garden Gate. "The first glimmer of Magic Lantern flickered over the kitchen sink, if memory serves. I was cleaning up with a dear friend, author Roan Parrish, and we were discussing how we could collaborate creatively. "Our first idea was that she would share prose to inspire my themes, and inversely, I would share a few original themes to inspire her writing. Before we knew it, what started as a handful of stories and songs, damp with soap suds, ended up becoming a fully scored audiobook anthology." In practice, that sounds like achingly beautiful compositions packed with a sense of wonder and mystery, adventures and experiences waiting for a narrative, blissed out stargazing scores and spectacular ambient movements.

Review: Light In The Attic do the preservative god's work of reissuing the rare Going To My Baby's Place by West Coast funk and soul singer Vernon Garrett. His debut album, released in 1975, this is a dynamic, un-fluffed funk breakthrough, following an extended panhandle of 45s that characterised his rarefied career for almost a decade before he moved onto full-lengths. Expanding the bittersweet mood that had characterised his career until this point in time, we hear the likes of 'Something Went Wrong', 'Don't Do What I Do', 'One Man's Loss' and 'Going To My Baby's Place', across which we hear a consciously stoic Garrett duly acknowledge the natural peaks and troughs of life, through which he recognises that it's all necessary for one well lived. Vernon's wild and powerful songs come backed by incandescent performances by members such as Jimmy Gough and Leon Kittrell, who would later form L.T.D. and David T Walker.

Review: Muriel Grossman has already serve up her tune fusion album Union this month with the help from some fine talents including Radomir Milojkovi on guitar, Llorenc Barcelo on Hammond and Uros Stamenkovic's tight drums. But now the sax player is back on the same label with Natural Time, a double gatefold album that features some of the cuts off Union - namely 'Happiness' and 'African Dance' - as well as a few more that are just a s spiritual and sensuous. It is hard to pick a favourite between the two albums so you'll be best off just getting both.

Review: Contemporary spiritual jazz maestro Muriel Grossmann is a sax player, singer and composer who has already released plenty of well regarded albums, but is nowhere near done yet. Universal Code is her latest and is a bumper double that again finds her offering her own unique take on the spiritual jazz template. She once again recalls her recent band mates Radomir Milojkovic on guitar, Llorenc Barcelo on keyboards and Uros Stamenkovic on drums and Gina Schwarz on double bass and they slide into soul jazz sound with straight ahead sounds that soon soothe with breezy soprano motifs and bluesy walking basslines.

Review: Just as some of her older albums are being reissued, American singer-songwriter Beth Hart returns with a fascinating new album that has long been rumoured: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin is a profound work by the Grammy-nominated powerhouse vocalist that channels fellow legendary singer Robert Plant. It comes on two translucent orange vinyl and across the nine tracks the artist really manages to capture the wide spectrum of sounds the Zep were known for. Super-producer Rob Cavallo and engineer Doug McKean work don the record and helped bring everything from rock to psychedelia, folk to prog to jazz to the fore.

Notes: YouTubers, mobile journalists, and other content creators know the importance of great-sounding audio to stand out from the crowd. However, if you capture or stream using an iPad, iPhone or Android device, it's not always easy - especially on the go. We've all watched videos where the audio was compromised by background noise, wind or just annoying echoes.

Luckily, you no longer need to struggle to record crisp, clear audio on-the-go or on a budget. The iRig Mic Cast 2 is an affordable, pocket-sized microphone that easily attaches to your device and lets you sound your best anywhere, any time.

Capture noise-free audio:

iRig Mic Cast 2 is a tiny mic with big sound. The sequel to IK Multimedia's innovative iRig Mic Cast, it lets you record crystal clear speech anywhere using your iPhone, iPad or Android device. A new dual-capsule design lets you select front or rear pick-up patterns to reject off-axis noise whether you're recording yourself or someone else. You can also select both at once, for an omnidirectional pattern that's ideal for recording interviews and Q&As.

Ready when you are:

Weighing in at just a few ounces, this featherweight mic mounts securely onto your iPad or smartphone. Its innovative magnetic design lets you easily snap it right into place on your device in seconds (even with a case), for set-and-forget convenience. An included breakout cable also lets you use iRig Mic Cast 2 in both portrait or landscape orientation on phones and tablets.

Works with all your favourite apps:

iRig Mic Cast 2 works with any app that records audio, so you can shoot YouTube videos, Instagram live-streams, or even use it for Skype and FaceTime calls. The built-in headphone out can be used to listen to the signal in real-time to be sure you're capturing great audio. It's ideal for newer smartphone models without a headphone jack.

To get you started right out of the box, iRig Mic Cast 2 comes with iRig Recorder 3 LE (iPhone/iPad/Android) - an easy-to-use, high quality audio and video. Record, trim, edit and share, right from your device.

Travels anywhere:

No matter where your travels take you, iRig Mic Cast 2 is ready to come along for the ride. Its backpack portability makes it an ideal travel companion, and an included windscreen ensures high recording quality when outdoors. Best of all, there's no batteries required!

iRig Mic Cast 2 is the affordable, pocket-sized solution for all your audio needs. Get heard, get shared and get followed with audio that stands out from the crowd.

Includes:

- iRig Mic Cast 2 microphone
- TRRS 1/8" jack connection cable (20cm/7.87")
- Windshield
- 2x ferromagnetic plates

Notes: You're a visionary videographer, an intrepid journalist, a dedicated podcaster. And when you're out in the field, you want to be able to record high-quality audio for your projects with the hands-free convenience of a lavalier microphone, and you want to do it without breaking the bank.

That's where iRig Mic Lav comes in, it's an ultra-affordable and compact professional-quality mobile lavalier microphone for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Android.

iRig Mic Lav is chainable. That means it can double your recording power by letting you easily chain up to two iRig Mic Lav's to the same device. Each iRig Mic Lav captures high-quality audio thanks to its omnidirectional condenser capsule and foam pop shield. And recording convenience is taken to the next level thanks to its on-board headphone monitoring output, secure mounting clip, generous cable length and durable roadworthy design. And best of all, you can have all these premium features at a price as small as the device itself.

iRig Mic Lav gives you the power to record great sounding audio anytime and anywhere. Designed to meet the exacting demands of broadcast professionals, its omnidirectional condenser capsule lets you capture a 30Hz - 16kHz frequency range of crystal-clear audio from all directions. It comes with a foam pop filter to eliminate vocal plosives, wind noises and other unwanted sounds. And like all good lavalier microphones, it comes with a durable mounting clip that you can easy mount on a t-shirt, lapel or other material for dependable and secure hands-free recording. Just clip it on, and you'll be ready to go.

Capturing great audio in the field requires more than just superior microphone technology. To get the best sound, you have to be able to monitor your source as its being recorded. Not all lavalier microphones come with on-board monitoring, but iRig Mic Lav does. In fact, among major brands, it's the first mobile lavalier microphone to offer this feature.

It comes with a combo 1/8" TRRS port that can be used to output audio to your favourite pair of headphones. Just set the toggle switch next to the port to "monitor" and plug in your headphones, and you'll be on your way to recording effortlessly amazing audio.

There's a saying that goes something like, "two heads are better than one."

The same can be said for microphones - when you're out in the field, sometimes you need to record more than one person.

iRig Mic Lav lets you chain and record with up to two iRig Mic Lav's on the same device thanks to the same dual-purpose 1/8" TRRS port used for headphone monitoring.

Simply set the toggle switch to "input," and then plug a second iRig Mic Lav in to record with two microphones.

To monitor a dual iRig Mic Lav setup, you just need to set the switch on the second iRig Mic Lav's jack to "monitor," and then you'll be able to plug in your headphones.

You never know what mobile device you'll have accessible while you're out conducting that next heated interview or spontaneous Youtube video. This can be a problem if a microphone is specifically made for one type of device. Fortunately, you'll never have that problem when iRig Mic Lav is in your pocket. It outputs its sound via an analog 1/8" TRRS output jack, and it captures the same high-quality audio no matter whether it's plugged into an iPhone or an Android device with a compatible TRRS input jack compliant with the CTIA/AHJ wiring standard.

In other words, with iRig Mic Lav you can make quality recordings anytime, anywhere and on any mobile device.

Pair iRig Mic Lav with VocaLive or EZ Voice and an iLoud portable speaker, and you'll have the perfect "hands-free" portable PA system that you can easily fit in a briefcase or backpack for trade shows, small group gatherings and other mobile presentations.

With iRig Mic Lav, you're ready to record right out of the box thanks to its powerful suite of included apps. You get iRig Recorder FREE for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch and Android, a straightforward audio capture app that is great for everything from recording journalistic interviews to making podcasts while on the go (and everything in between).

VocaLive is an expandable, powerful effects processor and multi-track recording app that's perfect for adding a creative touch to audio. EZ Voice for iPhone, iPad and Android is a streamlined and easy-to-use app loaded with vocal effects that make it easy to practice and record over any song stored in your device's music library.

Review: Some expansive, cinematic, orchestral spiritual jazz for you here, from the trio of talents that Fumio Itabashi, Kuniyiki and Henrik Schwarz. While the latter two are generally better-known for their deep and sometimes tech-tinged house and ambient productions, the original mix of 'Watarese' (featured here on side B) is a dense, immersive jazz soundscape laden with evocative Japanese vocals, improvised piano, moody orchestration and definite nods towards vintage free-jazz. Spiritual Life supremo Joaquin 'Joe' Clausell provides the remix and, somewhat predictably, steals the show. His take is gently rhythmic, sun-splashed spiritual jazz full of hand percussion, fluid piano motifs and rubbery double bass.

Review: For the very first time on vinyl comes Presents The Light Programme, Jah Wobble's extraordinary 1997 descent into downtempo and beat science. Released on his now-defunct 30 Hertz label, The Light Programme showcased an excellent cast of musicians, including Can drummer Jaki Liebezeit, Wire's Clive Bell, conga player Neville Murray, guitarist and synthesist Mark Ferda and the harpist Zi-lan Liao. The Light Programme is an intensely effulgent but at times vitreous record, with Wobble seemingly embracing the worldbeat vogue of the time with a keen, albeit naive fervour. When the tracks aren't so clear cut or obviously mixed, things get more interesting; 'One In 7' is the oddball of choice here.

Review: Like many veteran jazz artists, American pianist Keith Jarrett has amassed a vast discography. The 92 solo and collaborative albums he's notched up since 1968 cover many styles of jazz, making it tricky for newcomers to know where to start. We'd suggest beginning with this 1999 album, which is as pure as you'll get. Made up entirely of solo piano pieces - mostly covers, with a sprinkling of Jarrett's own compositions - "The Melody At Night With You" not only offers a brilliant introduction to Jarrett's trademark playing style, but also the breadth of material he's covered. More importantly, the whole collection is hugely entertaining and enjoyable, with Jarrett putting his own twist on everything from Duke Ellington classics and Oscar Hammerstein show tunes, to Gershwin ballads and traditional favourites.

Review: When Jesus & Mary Chain reunited in 2007 there were tons of questions about what this would mean for their music, music in general, and the planet. Well, OK, maybe more their music. The notorious 1998 on-stage implosion between brothers William and Jim Reid was a culmination of tension between the siblings that afforded the band their inimitable conflict of sound, but also seemed to call definite time. It would be another decade before they attempted to work together again, with a show at Coachella, then another ten years passed while they figured out where from there. In the end, Damage & Joy was the answer, 2017's album, co-produced by Youth in a bid to bring in a potential mediator should things go sour. They didn't, and the record was well received - somewhere between old JAMC and a new era. Now we have Glasgow Eyes, an extension of that. Rather than born of conflict, tracks feel united in a common goal, synths rising to the fore above guitars, combative tones receding in favour of comfortable juxtapositions and contrasts.

Review: Pete Jolly's Seasons, first released in 1970, is an early example of, one could say,'"environmental' cool jazz and ambient music. Seasons never saw a significant commercial release, though they say that if one successfully articulates the spirit of the time, one is rewarded with fame regardless: the ensuing cult following in the years after felt almost inevitable, and now that its flames are being fanned again, we can say with surety that the West Coast jazz pianist and accordionist's efforts will continue to be rewarded once more. Cycling through each season in a jumbled order, yet revelling in every possible sensory twist and turn characteristic of each season, we're met with an album that not only straddles the jazz and pop worlds in unprecedented ways, but also serves a premonitory rendition of hip-hop; the album is a favourite sample source of such greats as Cypress Hill, Jay Dee and Busta Rhymes.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


A highly collectible splatter 12" vinyl of this Martin Hannett-produced session groundbreaking gothic/post-punk band, Joy Division. Includes the band's best known composition 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' and a superb non-album B-side in 'Leaders Of Men', plus an extended mix of the A-side. Most music fans and their mothers will have had the former track firmly implanted into their grey matter by now, but it's the B-side that really gets the true-heads going, channelling a massive, cortex-cracking sound that is closer to punk than post. Boy, did Joy Division have a toothy side.

Review: After 16 years as a DJ and label owner, Kasra only released his debut EP in 2018. Now he's dropping albums dripping in high grade collabs. Gardna, Riko Dan, Yaano, Slay, VISLA, Killa P, T Man and Enei all play a role in this gully-fest as the Critical bossman rolls out a session of timeless styles. Highlights include the A.W.O.L style dark stepper 'Platinum', the Digital Soundboy flavoured 'Shatter' and the mesmerising smash of 2023 - 'BB.OO'. Dreamy. .

Review: This is a new record of unearthed delights by Leon Keita, a longtime singer and multi-instrumentalist from Mali. On the eponymous 'Leon Keita', we hear Malian music fused with sensibilities from Sudan-Guinea and Burkina Faso, with modern pop and electronic influences, impeccably played in a smattering of crisp guitars, love-sung lyrics and laboured rhythms. All laid to a fresh pressing, the A-side hears three rather relaxed beauties, while the B moves into more idealistic and hedonic directions, not least the conclusive 'Dakan Sate, Korotoumi'. Brought back to our attention by Analog Africa, 'Leon Keita' serves yet another top serving and reminder of Mandingue culture, the influence of which stretches across the world; 'Dalaka' was a recent hit, making it as far as the Colombian coast.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


Across a run of three outstanding EPs since 2017, Yazmin Lacey has slowly and steadily brought her cool and assured strain of neo soul into earshot, regularly popping up on festival line-ups and aligned with a resurgent UK jazz scene. Now we finally get to hear her stretch out on an album which takes its inspiration from the raw honesty of voice notes as a means of communication. Teaming up with the likes of Craigie Dodds, JD.REID, Melo-Zed and executive producer Dave Okumu, she's more than delivered on her promise with an outstanding, deep and nuanced album that hits true from the first beat to the last breath.

Review: The original Bridgit Mendler soundtrack to the citrine teen drama movie of the same name sees a full version on vinyl LP this spring. Notable not only for its inclusion in the contemporary musical film, but also for its chart-topping success, the ten songs that make up the many acts of this high-school drama were destined to charm the pubescent masses, coinciding with the film's overarching theme of the school's students transcending use of after-school detention to musical effect, in order to overcome their personal struggles. Imagine Glee meets The Breakfast Club; a cabal of songwriters including Ali Dee, Maria Christensen, Bryan Todd and Jeannie Lurie lay down an array of sure-to-be hits for Mendler to perform on behalf of the cast here.

Review: Late American rapper Lil Peep dropped his fourth mixtape on June 10, 2016, independently, but it was later added to streaming platforms in 2020 posthumously. Now it arrives on white vinyl for the first time thanks to Death Note Music and reminds us what a talent he was. Peep's raw lyricism and distinctive emo-rap style set him apart with haunting melodies and melancholic production. The record delves into themes of loneliness and despair, resonating deeply with listeners navigating the complexities of modern relationships and Peep's poignant delivery and introspective verses capture the essence of youthful anguish with bars that reverberate long after the music fades.

Review: Following our 70s Peruvian cumbia compilation by Ranil last year, we decided to return to Latin America to highlight the work of one of Peru's undisputed masters of the electric guitar: Manzanita. This 13th release in our Limited Dance Edition Series includes 14 mostly instrumental compositions of electrifying Peruvian cumbia and guaracha. Manzanita's unique guitar lines rest on confident foundations that shifts gears effortlessly.

Review: Johnny Marr's solo debut of 2013, The Messenger showed him channelling his love for classic guitar rock through post-punk dynamics and a sense of urgency apparently abetted by his time spent in Modest Mouse and The Cribs. Keen to establish himself as an artist in his own right rather than a sideman, Payland builds on that album's impact, delivering an impressive salvo of sparky intensity; 'Easy Money' may well be the catchiest and most immediate thing he's committed to wax for decades, whilst elsewhere he brings a chilly frissante to proceedings, seemingly inherited from the like of Wire and Gary Numan. After thirty years of wrenching new inspiration from six strings, it can be a powerful tonic to know that this curiously youthful figurehead is still as restless and driven as ever.

Review: This collaborative album from Rob Modell (Deepchord) and Taka Noda (Mystica Tribe) presents a brand new and compelling East-West dialogue in the mode of noir ambient dub. It also provides ample opportunity for these two greats of the genre to take a break from the monikers and operate under their own names - reflecting this one's specialness. Unlike the straight-up kick-centric and transcendentally meditative focus of either artist's solo releases, the pair have here conjured up something entirely beatless and a little more melodically advanced. Expect hurt, rainsoaked, and swamped soundscapes over a long four pieces.

Notes: Heavy-duty 100-capacity 12"/LP record box with hinged lid, aluminium frame, reinforced rounded corners and butterfly clasp.

Notes: Aluminium-framed 50-capacity hinged 12"/LP record box with removable lid, reinforced rounded corners and EVA lining.

Notes: Solid 7" aluminium-frame lockable record box with 50 capacity, EVA lining and hinged lid.

Notes: Aluminium-framed 100-capacity 7" record box with reinforced corners, hinged lid, EVA/egg foam lining, twin handles and supporting feet.

Notes: Solid aluminium-framed lockable 7" record box with 100 capacity, hinged lid, reinforced corners, twin handles and supporting feet.

Notes: 200-capacity 7" record box with aluminium frame, hinged lid, egg-foam/EVA lining and supporting feet.