Back catalogue: Disco/Nu-Disco

Review: Whether or not you head the first one, Jon Savage's second exploration of the diverse sounds of the post-punk era is another eye (or ear?) opening listen that will teach you plenty and join many dots you might not have done otherwise. Spanning electronic music, disco, experimental, and proto-techno, Do You Have The Force Volume 2: Jon Savage's Alternative History Of Electronica 1978-82 is a masterfully curated compilation that showcases an eclectic range of genres and influences all handpicked and well sequenced by the renowned cultural commentator, writer, and filmmaker that is Savage. This is a double LP version which comes with a 12 page digisleeve booklet.

Review: Spacetalk Records returns from a period of hibernation with something special: a new collection of ultra-rare, little-known nuggets from label co-founder Danny McLewin AKA Skyrager. Unlike his previous compilations as part of Psychemagik, there's no killer concept behind Traces of Illusion, just a desire to share some of the dusty obscurities he's found during years of determined crate digging. Musically, it's a mixture of psychedelic folk, leftfield synth-pop oddities, blue-eyed soul, acid-fried blue-eyed soul, Balearic boogie, Americana, ambient jazz, AOR, late 80s dancehall-soul and even a spot of grizzled progressive rock. In other words, it's as educational as it is entertaining, and packed to the rafters with private press treats and impossible-to-find curiosities.

Review: Even the Forest Hums: Ukrainian Sonic Archives 1971-1996 is an extraordinary collection from Light in the Attic Records, releasing the diverse musical evolution of Ukraine during pivotal decades. Spanning genres like folk, rock, jazz and electronic, this compilation highlights Ukraine's rich sonic history, from the Soviet era through to independence. With tracks reflecting resilience and cultural preservation, the album provides an insightful lens into the country's underground scenes, including must-hear contributions from artists like Kobza, Vodohrai, and Cukor Bila Smert'. Accompanied by detailed liner notes from Vitalii Bardetskyi, with the CD features bonus material in a deluxe, hard-back book sleeve.

Review: The guys over at Stones Throw did us a massive favour this year by compiling these long-forgotten experimental pieces form the 80s and 90s. This is the second chapter and we couldn't have expected any better from Peanut Butter Wolf's imprint. There's plenty of rarities and gems here, starting with with the opener by Hard Cops, "Dirty" an italo-influenced electro stomper with an unmistakable 80s edge to it. Philippe Laurent's "Distortion" is another massive track, with those wavering lyrics falling apart over the grinding beat beneath it; "HSTA" by Das Ding is also unmissable and worthy of any collectors shelf. To be honest, there isn't a single average piece here and if you haven't got this compilation already, you're making a huge mistake...

Review: Compassion Cuts Sins & Dollar Bins is a fully licence new compilation across four sides of vinyl in a nice gatefold package. It is the Second Chapter in the Compassion Cuts compilation series and it brings more forgotten, overlooked or hidden gems to light and in doing so spans a wide variety of genres, including gospel, house, zouk, experimental, techno, disco, folk, and electro. Each track showcases the diversity and creativity of the artists from Henry Hektik & Thomas W Sutter's lo-fi and eerie 'Missionary' to Kevin Owens's blissed out proto-house delight 'Starting Over Again.'

Review: The latest volume in DJ soFa's renowned Elsewhere series is here to celebrate. Elsewhere CC is the ninth installment and is always a jam packed tribute to summer and groove, curated by the Brussels-based DJ and producer known for his eclectic taste and unique musical style. Elsewhere CC is a full of tropical gems spanning from Trinidad to Brazil, Poland, Dominica, and beyond. The compilation features a diverse mix of tropical-wave, Calypso, multi-rhythmic beats, lo-fi disco jams, and more, all curated by DJ soFa. This collection is perfect for setting the mood on a sunny, secluded beach with a cocktail in hand. It includes rare tracks and some of DJ soFa's own productions and collaborations, featuring hard-to-find tunes from the 70s to today, including Jeannette Azzouz's sought-after Calypso record, 'So Close to Me.' DJ soFa, also known as soFa Elsewhere, is celebrated for his boundary-pushing curation and storytelling through music. "Elsewhere CC continues his mission to expand musical horizons and showcase hidden gems from around the world.

Review: Gomma played a vital role in the popularisation of the indie-dance explosion that happened some 20 years ago now. Best known for being spearheaded by US indie outfit LDC Sound system, it combined dance, disco, wave, post-punk and more into a party-ready sound that found favour with both ravers and guitar heads. This second collection from the German label highlights the best of music they put out back then with names like In Flagranti, label co-founder Munk, Nancy Whang & Bonar Bradberry and many more all present and correct.

Review: For the last ten years Japan's reissue market has blossomed into one of the most fruitful for western listeners eager to explore very rare Japanese releases and artists from the 70s and 80s specifically. In no other genres has this been most displayed then in the new age, ambient, folk and synth realms. Alfa/Yen Records 1980-1987: Techno Pop & Other Electronic Adventures In Tokyo follows this fantastic era of passing on to a new generation. This compilation features many luminary figures in the Japanese scene with an extra emphasis of it honing in on Yellow Magic Orchestra and its members. After the popularity of similar compilations in the past five years, this looks to be one of the most successful reissues of Japanese electronic music in 2024!