Emotional Rescue Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Emotional Rescue's trilogy of obscure reggae-disco reissues comes to a close with another killer, this time from former Studio One session man Richard Ace. Those with a passion for the genre will no doubt already know Ace's cheery 1979 cover of "Stayin' Alive". "Jones Town Massacre", though, is arguably even more potent; a rolling, floor-friendly cover of a Prince Tony number full of punchy, rum-soaked horns, jangling pianos, rolling beats and a killer bassline. As with the previous titles in the series, the flipside features an extended contemporary re-edit, with in-house crew Apophenia (AKA boss Stuart 'Chuggy' Leath and Soft Rocks' Piers Harrison) emphasizing the killer groove in a tough, dubwise style.

Review: REPRESS ALERT! Stuart Leath's Emotional Rescue label is returning to the dance in a big way this Spring, with a couple of killer reissues of long forgotten Caribbean disco jams. This first one is, predictably, essential, with former Blue Beat chanteuse Lauren Aitken's 1978 disco-reggae killer "Sexy Boogie" being the centre of attention. Curiously, it was only a B-side first time around, but rightly deserves greater exposure. Aitken is in fine form singing over an undulating disco-reggae groove peppered with sweet guitars and twinkling pianos. Soft Rocks man Piers Harrison gets his scalpel out on the flip, turning original A-side "Hoochie Coochie Man" into a yearning dub disco chugger that largely dispenses with Aitken's vocals.

Review: Emotional Rescue is proud to reissue one of Germany's best - if most underrated - collectives Dunkelziffer. Formed of Dominik Von Senger, Reiner Linke and Helmut Zerlett, the floating line up also included contributions from Can's Damo Suzuki and Jaki Liebetzeit, as well as The Unknown Cases'
Stefan Kratchen and Reebop Kwaku Baah. This true "supergroup", over a 6 year period, made 4 ground breaking albums that covered the classic Krautrock blend of heavy, repetitive drumming, intricate, overlapping melody and sonic intonation, but expanded it to include heavy dub, soul and jazz elements.

Review: Emotional Rescue's latest reissue project sees them collect three separate EPs of collected material from Dunkelziffer, one of Germany's best - if most underrated - bands. Arriving at the end of the Krautrock explosion of the 1970s, Dunkelziffer was formed out of the original sessions that created the classic Phantom Band, and was centred around Dominik von Senger (Golf Channel), Reiner Linke and Helmut Zerlett, but with a cast of floating members that included Jaki Liebezeit, Damo Suzuki, Olek Gelba, Wolfgang Schubert, Stefan Krachten and Matthias Keul. Making four ground breaking albums over a 6 year period, the took their cue from the classic Krautrock triumverate of heavy repetitive drumming, intricate, overlapping melody and sonic intonation, Dunkelziffer added dub, soul and jazz elements to expand the sound into the new decade. The first part features four tracks all fully licensed and remastered; "This Is How You Came", "Q", "Klein Python" and "Network", which all perfectly introduce the group's expansive sound to the uninitiated.

Review: This second part of Emotional Rescue's Dunkelziffer reissue project sees the underrated Krautrock Supergroup formed of Dominik von Senger (Golf Channel), Reiner Linke and Helmut Zerlett, and the rotating cast that also included Jaki Liebezeit, Damo Suzuki, Olek Gelba, Wolfgang Schubert, Stefan Krachten and Matthias Keu get a second EP of carefully selected material, fully licensed and remastered. "Trailer II" comes from their 1986 album III, and is a proto psyche-disco number with a healthy does of live bass funk, while "Blieb Nicht So Lang Im Schatten" is a more frenetic number from the 1983 album Colours and Soul. On the flip, "Dark Number" provides a dubbed out combination of tribal rhythms and light synth textures, while "Oriental Cafe" is a dark, motorik jam with arid Middle Eastern melodies simmering to the surface.

Review: This third part of Emotional Rescue's Dunkelziffer reissue project sees the underrated Krautrock super group formed of Dominik von Senger (Golf Channel), Reiner Linke and Helmut Zerlett, and the rotating cast that also included Jaki Liebezeit, Damo Suzuki, Olek Gelba, Wolfgang Schubert, Stefan Krachten and Matthias Keu get a third EP of fully licensed and remastered material from the six year career. The A-side is given over to the 13 minute "Retrospective" from 1984's In The Night, an improvisational Krautrock jam with elements of dub and jazz, while the B-side sees the smoother, Balearic tones and soulful vocals of "See It" from their final album, 1989's Songs For Everyone. Finally, "Colours and Soul", the title track from the group's 1983 debut provides a fitting end to the three EPs, its almost pop sensibility encapsulating just how wide ranging Dunkelziffer's music was.

Review: Emotional Rescue is proud to reissue one of Germany's best - if most underrated - bands.
As the Krautrock explosion of the 1970s came to an end, a new collective was formed from the embers of
the 1970's explosion of experimention and openness.
With an ideal that all members had equal rights to composition and decision making,
Dunkelziffer was formed out of the original sessions that created the classic Phantom Band.
Centred around Dominik Von Senger, Reiner Linke and Helmut Zerlett, the flating line up also
included contributions from Can's Damo Suzuki and Jaki Liebetzeit, as well as The Unknown Cases'
Stefan Kratchen and Reebop Kwaku Baah.
This true "supergroup", over a 6 year period, made 4 ground breaking albums that covered the classic
Krautrock triumphrat of heavy, repetitive drumming, intricate, overlapping melody and sonic intonation,
but added in to the melting pot heavy dub, soul and jazz elements to expand the sound in to the new
decade.
A secret for the likes of DJ / Collectors such as Phil South (Golf Channel / No Ordinary Monkey) and Tako
(Redlight Records / Music From Memory) this timely reissue is as always fully licensed and remastered.
Split across 3 separate 12"s to fully cover the highlights and varied styles of their career, this limited
repress allows a second chance to collect a piece of German Krautrock history. Danke.

Review: Emotional Rescue is proud to reissue one of Germany's best - if most underrated - bands.
As the Krautrock explosion of the 1970s came to an end, a new collective was formed from the embers of
the 1970's explosion of experimention and openness.
With an ideal that all members had equal rights to composition and decision making,
Dunkelziffer was formed out of the original sessions that created the classic Phantom Band.
Centred around Dominik Von Senger, Reiner Linke and Helmut Zerlett, the flating line up also
included contributions from Can's Damo Suzuki and Jaki Liebetzeit, as well as The Unknown Cases'
Stefan Kratchen and Reebop Kwaku Baah.
This true "supergroup", over a 6 year period, made 4 ground breaking albums that covered the classic
Krautrock triumphrat of heavy, repetitive drumming, intricate, overlapping melody and sonic intonation,
but added in to the melting pot heavy dub, soul and jazz elements to expand the sound in to the new
decade.
A secret for the likes of DJ / Collectors such as Phil South (Golf Channel / No Ordinary Monkey) and Tako
(Redlight Records / Music From Memory) this timely reissue is as always fully licensed and remastered.
Split across 3 separate 12"s to fully cover the highlights and varied styles of their career, this limited
repress allows a second chance to collect a piece of German Krautrock history. Danke.

Review: Emotional Rescue is proud to reissue one of Germany's best - if most underrated - bands.
As the Krautrock explosion of the 1970s came to an end, a new collective was formed from the embers of
the 1970's explosion of experimention and openness.
With an ideal that all members had equal rights to composition and decision making,
Dunkelziffer was formed out of the original sessions that created the classic Phantom Band.
Centred around Dominik Von Senger, Reiner Linke and Helmut Zerlett, the flating line up also
included contributions from Can's Damo Suzuki and Jaki Liebetzeit, as well as The Unknown Cases'
Stefan Kratchen and Reebop Kwaku Baah.
This true "supergroup", over a 6 year period, made 4 ground breaking albums that covered the classic
Krautrock triumphrat of heavy, repetitive drumming, intricate, overlapping melody and sonic intonation,
but added in to the melting pot heavy dub, soul and jazz elements to expand the sound in to the new
decade.
A secret for the likes of DJ / Collectors such as Phil South (Golf Channel / No Ordinary Monkey) and Tako
(Redlight Records / Music From Memory) this timely reissue is as always fully licensed and remastered.
Split across 3 separate 12"s to fully cover the highlights and varied styles of their career, this limited
repress allows a second chance to collect a piece of German Krautrock history. Danke.

Review: Emotional Rescue continue their exploration of the cult Miami label Dancefloor Records with this slice of sensual deep house heaven from the obscure Eighth Ray. Originally released in 1991, this is tripped out dance music of the highest order that, as the press release rightly says, aligns with the honey-coated grooves that were emanating from Italy at the time. With its effortless joie de vivre and warm, clear production, "Axis Of Love" is a perfect warm up or melt out jam. "8th Ray" is a more bleepy affair that wouldn't sound out of place rubbing up against some of the early Warp Records jams.

Review: Emotional Rescue is delighted to present the first of two EPs from British '80s band Furniture, starting with their much sought-after, six-song "mini-album" - as they were known then - which has recently been rediscovered by a new generation of DJs and collectors.

"Transatlantic Cable" compares the cliches of a certain type of American romance - Bogart, Sinatra, Dean - to the reality of life in West London. "They're On Me" is probably one of very few pop songs to feature double bass and the word "newsagent", while "Robert Nightman's Story" is powered by a riff on marimba and abrasive rhythm guitar.

"I Miss You", a torch song so good you'd think Julie London might have cut it. A highlight for many is "Why Are We In Love". This track is a key reason for the revival of interest in the band, with pattering rhythm part and the sweet clarinet melody, creating an atmosphere that has attracted a following among discerning DJs. "A Letter To Myself" introduced the band's new, expanded line-up adding Sally Still (bass, vocals) and Maya Gilder (keyboards), which would endure until the band stopped in 1990.

Review: Said to be discovered and championed by a young Daniele Baldelli, this track from 1983 has been defined as a cosmic classic. The work of producer Steve Coe and his partner Sheila Chandra as Monsoon, they combined elements of dub, dance and ethnic music, mainly released through their Indipop label. Their mesmerising and majestic track 'The Dream' is featured on this reissue by Emotional Rescue, as well as an edit of original B-side cut 'Meditasian' featuring a sublime sitar solo which will hypnotise you into submission, but cut down by a good 20 minutes compared to the original.

Review: REPRESS ALERT: As Emotional Rescue continues to deliver the goods for those who love discofied rarities from the 70s and 80s, here comes this EP from Kevin Harrison, originally released in 1982 and worth a pretty penny second hand. It's a wistful, proggy kind of groove that finds Harrison's voice lost in an alien phaser while the live band feel gels with synthesiser parts for a fluid kind of cosmic goodness. There's simply no arguing with the plush melodic wonderment of "Views Of The Rhine", while "Fly" is the jam the party DJs will reach for, not least for its slinky bassline. Amazing.

Review: REPRESS ALERT! If you read interviews with Stuart Leath, you'll probably be aware of the amount of work he was put into tracking down Trinidadian husband-and-wife team Carl and Carol Jacobs. Some 24 months later, the fruits of his efforts have materialized in this superb reissue of their obscure (and ludicrously hard to find) 1986 electro-calypso gem "Robot Jam". It's one of those records that shouldn't work - it's effectively a fusion of replayed and re-sung bits from records by Santana, Rock Master Scott and Rappin' Duke - but still sounds brilliantly futuristic nearly 30 years after its' initial release. The two-part original is joined on the flip by a brilliantly fitting, echo-laden "re-rub" from Nick The Record and Dan Tyler, better known as one half of the Idjut Boys.

Review: Forever faithfully mining the past to keep your shelves stocked with gems that might have otherwise been consigned to history, Emotional Rescue turn their attention towards Carl & Carol Jacobs' cult slice of early house music, and what a treat it is. "Yonge Street Jam Band" comes in the form of two mixes that serve as impeccable examples of late 80s club music in all its culture spanning glory. The playful sample slicing and triggering of the second mix is the winner, although the vocals on the original version are equally on point if you want a little more soul in the mix. Jonny 5 then steps up on the flip for a bold but measured re-rub that stretches the vibe out for nine minutes of perfect party fodder.

Review: Emotional Rescue has had this reissue in the works for a while, but it was delayed by the sad passing of Steve Coe after the rerelease of The Ganges Orchestra's The Dream. Finally, though, the right time has come for this one to be bacon the racks and it is a much-loved reminder of Coe's wizardry in the studio. It comes with plenty of Eastern flavours to bring something new to the dance floor, not least thanks to tabla disciple turned teacher, Jhalib (Millar), who helped Coe on this one back in 1982. The likes of Danielle Baldelli and chug dons like Andrew Weatherall long favoured it, and if it's good enough for them...

Review: Emotional Rescue do the right thing and tap up the Konduko label - an oft overlooked gem of the Miami bass scene - for one of the biggest tracks in Noel 'King Sporty' Williams' back catalogue. "Haven't Been Funked Enough" is an absolute battering ram of proto electro, staggeringly advanced for its time (it was originally released in 1982). There's also a "Rapstrumental" mix with some life-affirming instructive speech across the jam, but the real icing on the cake is Idjut Boy Nad's wild and ranging "Discomix" on the B side. It's a truly spaced out affair that sounds like it was mixed live on the desk with its rugged FX sends and woozy atmosphere.

Review: The Konduko label was a gem of early 80s Miami groove, playing host to a range of projects from Noel Williams. "Rock Attack" was originally credited to J. Griffith, but resurfaces here on Emotional Rescue with Williams' King Sporty & The Ex Tras billed at the helm. It's a firecracker of a tune, revolving around a stuttering electro bassline and the loosest, funkiest set of drums, sounding fresh as a daisy with a new lick of mastering paint. Meanwhile Faze Action sprinkle a little contemporary magic on the track, making a beautifully tripped out "Discomix" that sounds more like a cosmic dub extravaganza to these ears.

Review: REPRESS ALERT: Emotional Rescue's Miami groove revival continues with the latest instalment in their celebration of Konduko Records and the work of Noel 'King Sporty' Williams. Following the stellar "Rock Attack" and "Haven't Been Funked Enough" comes one of the strongest outings from The Ex Tras, "Do You Wanna Dance?" It's everything an early 80s Florida jam should be, all tough electro basslines, limber funk instrumentation and dubby touches in all the right places, not least on the instrumental version. Felix Dickinson comes on board for a "Discomix" that stretches the original out in all the right places for an extended pleasure ride through some of the best dance music to come out of the Sunshine State.

Review: REPRESS ALERT: Emotional Rescue continues its Dancefloor series apace with this choice reissue of an early deep house gem outside the usual thoroughfare of Chicago house history. Produced by Andrew Komis, "It's You" is a 1989 update of the ESP classic of the same name, and its various mixes have been cult favourites with all kinds of DJs for many years. The "New York - London Mix" is a stripped back slice of sensuality with a killer bassline and lean and mean drums behind the sultry vocal, whereas the "Free House Mix" takes a turn into bubbling electro and acid without losing that smouldering sassiness. The "NU Style Mix" is an added treat that places the emphasis on the drums, screaming out for some seriously creative mixing.

Review: Emotional Rescue certainly laid a claim for the most esoteric of reissue endeavours last year, and they are maintaining this approach in 2013. This release sees the label dig further into the cassette archives of Kevin Harrison, focusing specifically on the Neo project the Coventry musician did in cahoots with fellow electronic explorer Peter Every from Neophyte Records. As you can tell from the primitive drum heavy tone of the music, Neo surfaced in 1985 with the 8 track cassette release Global Network. This twelve presents five of those tracks, all of which echo the pulsing electronic rhythms of the Fly EP, Emotional Rescue's previous Harrison reissue, and will find as much favour with those who sleep on the left side of disco as fans of cold wave.

Review: Emotional Rescue takes a look towards the danceflor sounds of Britain underground 80s electronic synth-pop scene for their next release. From Dallas' infamous ecstacy fueled Starck club to the Le Palace in Paris, it was such music that while not gaining wider pop recognition, become classics of their time and the secret fids for today's DJs.
With the synthesized sounds of Gary Numan, The Human League, Depeche Mode, New Order and Yazoo sweeping the pop charts between1980 and 1985, there were many electronic groups that never reached such heady heights. Up and down the country, clubs were mixing these revolutionary hits with an array of underground and experimental electronic dance tracks that never made it up to the surface of popular culture. While industrial groups like Chris & Cosey and Cabaret Voltaire developed from experimental tones towards a more pop and club orientated vision, a myriad of independent labels appeared to release literally hundreds of synth dominated groups vying for the spotlight. Long lost labels like Ink, Survival and Illuminated today offer many lost treasures and in one of these you'll fid the duo of Pink And Black and their one (miss) hit wonder. Rob Stroud and Michelle Yee-Chong worked with limited budget, rudimentary studios and temperamental equipment to create a piece of synth-pop history. While Sometimes I Wish was clearly aimed at the flor with it's nonchalant vocals, driving rhythms and uplifting lines, it was Miss Fortune - hastily recorded in leftover studio minutes that showed a true glimpse of (leftfild) genius. Wispy vocals, snap break beat and DX bassline all meet here in an unreleased extended form and show why it has become a secret play for the likes of Joe Hart (World Unknown), Veronica Vasicka (Minimal Wave) and Josh Coen (Dark Entries).

Review: REPRESS ALERT: After the series of Caribbean related releases, Emotional Rescue returns to the early 80's Downtown NYC post punk / new wave scene with Plus Instruments - collecting their best and rarest songs on one groove laden EP. 4 tracks of pure Downtown punk-dub-funk, all with the nonchalant Euro-style delivery of Truus de Groot. It doesn't get better than this. Coming with extended unreleased versions, the originals were collected from sought after EPs, an obscure compilation LP and fiishes with a never before released song - this is history. Licensed and remastered for aural pleasure.

Review: Emotional Rescue make no attempt to hide their love of classic 80s cutters Razormaid's remixes, and on this occasion they're shining a light on the pumped up dancefloor versions of cult Canadian synthwave concern Psyche. The "US Club Mix" of "Eternal" is a perfect, swooning synth pop belter with weight in all the right places to work on the floor. "Prisoner To Desire (Alcatraz Mix)" is a snarling stomper that almost touches on acidic synth lines underneath the impassioned vocals, and then an exclusive re-edit of "Unveiling The Secret" ups the tempo while letting the catchy pop edge to Psyche's sound shine through. The record finishes with the fevered intensity of Joseph Watt's extended mix of "Ecstasy".

Review: Hailing from the mists of the early 90s UK techno scene, Ramjac Corporation's "Cameroon Massif!" epitomises everything great about the anything goes spirit of the scene prior to firm genre boundaries being established. Emotional Rescue have done the right thing and brought the vintage curio back to light, and what a return it is. While it shows its age, it sounds in fine fettle, all rolling breaks, trancey zaps and mysterious vocal hooks that positively draw you into a transcendental rave headspace. Both the "Massive" and "Massing" mixes are essential, but then you also get the added bonus of a live version from a reunion gig back in 2009.

Review: Emotional Rescue once more on the hard to find party curio tip, this time tapping up the work of one Ken Ramm whose 1984 burner "Spark The Universe" was previously fetching handsome prices online, and with good reason. The funk is loose and limber on the track, not least when it comes to the bassline and psyched-out worldly percussion. The dub mix pushes out into trippier territory, and then Emotional bossman Chuggy takes the reins on the flip for his own Disco mix of the original. Whichever version you plump for, you're onto a winner.

Review: REPRESS ALERT: Having worked with the likes of Don Cherry and Laurie Anderson, there's little doubting the credentials of Ramuntcho Matta. Emotional Rescue have tapped him up for some truly outernational jams that sport African percussion, skronky jazz tones and an engaging minimalism that's hard to resist. The fretless bass and exotic animal cries of "Ecoute" are especially appealing, while the squelchy sound design in "O Clapo" may well do funny things to all who hear it. It's a startlingly original record that serves as a perfect introduction to a lesser known figure in leftfield music with a great heritage behind him.

Review: Emotional Rescue's love affair with Dancefloor Records continues apace as they turn their attention to the staggeringly futuristic freestyle of Shavonne. Like much dance music of the era, Shavonne was something of a shortlived talent, but the production on "So, Tell Me, Tell Me" is next level for the original release date of 1989. On the "Clubhouse Mix" there are all kinds of classic rave samples knocking about in the mix while the "Trance Mix" pares things down to a sensual core, but it's in fact the bombast of the original "Vocal Mix" that really catches the ear. With it's pitched up vocals and nimble 808 beat programming it could easily align with Rustie and the like.

Review: Few records could sound better suited to Emotional Rescue's reissue remit than soft rock / synth pop artists turned sound healers Chris Spheeris and Paul Voudouris. "Passage" was a commission by a company doing biofeedback therapy who wanted a soundtrack for their clients' treatment, resulting in a gem of early American ambient music. Originally released in 1982 and now lovingly restored, artwork and all, Spheeris and Voudouris' three lengthy compositions are as soothing as the remit demanded. Whatever your internal ails, there's restorative qualities in these pieces that can't help but do good, even as a pure pleasure trip to let yourself melt into.

Review: REPRESS ALERT! Spearheaded by Stuart Leath, Emotional Rescue is a label committed to unearthing forgotten gems and giving them the exposure they richly deserve, with all releases officially licensed by the artist and remastered in full. This 12" sees two classic tracks by the world music collective Suns of Arqa take pride of place. Incorporating elements of raga and dub, "Brujo Magic" is a much more straightforward dancefloor number than its description would suggest, with its rolling bassline and vocoder effects fusing irresistibly with its psyche-rock styles. On the B-Side, "Ananta Snake Dance" combines traditional Indian percussion and harmonium with conventional drumming to create something completely unique. A strong start to what will no doubt be an indispensable label.

Review: Suns Of Arqa are back on Emotional Rescue with a new single that finds them building on their illustrious career fusing Indian classical approaches with dub energy. "Acid Tabla" works off a steppers thrust but equally capitalises on the textural, rhythmic delights of the titular tabla. Who better to remix such an outernational dub excursion than Adrian Sherwood? His treatment is a light, respectful tweaking that keeps the spirit of the original intact. "Asian Rebel" on the B side is a more confrontational track with its abrasive sonic splashes and unsettling bassline. Hyphen Collective then seek to make a more meditative brew out of such fiery ingredients, and their dub mix more than rises to the challenge.

Review: Clifford White is the kind of 80s curio that Emotional Rescue love so dearly - a bedroom keyboard warrior who happened to catapult to professional studio environs in the blink of an eye. The two tracks pressed up here previously appeared on a 1989 LP in an abridged version - White has returned to both tracks and stretched them out to enhance their playability in the dance. Both "Lifestream" and "Rain Trek" aren't your typical party starters though - rather they're lilting, uplifting synth expressions strapped to a mixable beat. That's exactly why they've been hot property on the Balearic scene for a long time, and now they're available in loud-cut, blissfully extended form for the modern heads to get dreamy to.

Review: In 2011 Jaki Whitren & John Cartwright's original International Times LP saw a release on Emotional Rescue after originally hitting the shelves in 1982. The pair are now part of a remix EP by Misericord and one-time Internasjonal producer Al Usher, who supplies two remixes and a dub, while a spacey Aphophenia dub to the track "Times" has been added for extra measure. Usher's first rework of "Stay Cool" sounds like a 2013 meeting between a purple-clad Prince and a young Diana Ross, while the Dub version sees Prince's funk make way for Giorgio Moroder sound design. On the flip is an acoustic-leaning and inspirational "This Time", which could easily soundtrack a mesmeric highway-driving scene from Thelma & Louise.