All genres charts

Review: Tori Kelly's latest Tori, arrives amidst a tumultuous time as she battles a serious health scare. Despite this, she delivers a collection of r&b-tinged pop tracks that showcase her versatility and musical prowess. The infectious single 'Missin U' sets the tone, followed by the flirtatious 'Cit' featuring Timbaland's ad-libs. Tracks like 'Shelter' and 'unbelievable,' featuring Nigerian superstar Ayra Starr, highlight Kelly's ability to explore different genres seamlessly. While the album leans towards pop, songs like 'Alive Til I Die' and 'Young Gun' offer heartfelt lyrics and collaborations with Jon Bellion that delve into themes of love and loss. A promising new chapter for Kelly.

Review: Disco Discharge: Classic Disco Deluxe Edition, offers a refreshing take on disco's late 70s and early 80s heyday. Unlike typical compilations, it features both classics and hidden gems, showcasing the genre's diversity. From unlikely DJ favorites like Manhattan Transfer's 'Twilight Zone/Twilight Tone' to well-known hits like Cheryl Lynn's 'Got to Be Real' the collection caters to seasoned disco enthusiasts. Tracks like Change's 'Paradise' sit alongside lesser-known gems like 'It Burns Me Up,' providing a deeper dive into disco's rich history. This double-disc set serves as a reminder of disco's enduring influence and offers a treat for those looking beyond the mainstream hits.

Review: The summer is almost here which means this is exactly the sort of record we want to be reaching for. It's a lush and tropical work of idealised disco grooves, deepest house, Balearic, smooth jazz and Mediterranean cool that cries out to be played loud while you sip on cocktails and dream of being somewhere utterly blissful and classy. Dreamy textures define each cut with nice fresh rhythms, glistening chords and lush melodies all sprinkled with delightful percussive detail. Big up to A Vision Of Panorama for serving up a beautiful album that is sure to soundtrack the warmest months of the year for many.

Review: Any new album from deep house pioneer and all-round legend Larry Heard is good news, but especially so when it's credited to his best-known and best-loved alias, Mr Fingers. Around The Sun Pt 1 is Heard's first album under the alias for four years and, unsurprisingly, it's as musically expansive, evocative, and atmospheric as they come. Naturally, it's rooted in the warming, dreamy, subtly jazz-flecked deep house style he's been tweaking and improving over decades, with occasional forays into sun-kissed downtempo grooves ('Touch The Sky'), angular acid tracks, Heard's take on dub house (the deliciously deep, micro-house influenced 'Marrakesh') and summery Balearic house ('Shimmer'). All in all, it's another masterpiece from deep house's most significant pioneer.

Notes: The elegance and luxury feel of real American hardwood that cannot be matched. GrooveWasher's handcrafted Walnut Record Cleaning Kit cleans your vinyl records with beauty, style and ease.

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Solid milled 5 inch American Walnut handle with a hand rubbed waterproof oil polyurethane finish
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G2 Record Cleaning Fluid Mist Spray (4 oz)
Record Label Protector Mask

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GrooveWasher Solid Walnut Wood Handle Design

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G2 Record Cleaning Fluid

The GrooveWasher G2 Record Cleaning Fluid is the result of years of research and testing. The selection of ingredients was guided by the formulations of the D series fluids of the 1970s. G2 Fluid is designed for maximum cleaning effectiveness of the delicate vinyl surface and microgroove, without the need for rinsing. Anti-static action on contact. Honest cleaning to release the honest sound of the recording.

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Replaceable Cleaning Pad Design

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Review: Popular Hull-based shoegaze quartet bdrmm are building up to their latest tour with the release of single 'Standard Tuning, arriving hot on the heels of their critically acclaimed second album, 'I Don't Know'. Written and recorded during those same sessions and very much similarly flavoured, it continues a fine vein of form right now, with high praise coming in from the likes of Rolling Stone and Consequence. This special 10" also comes with a remix of the live favourite 'Alps' by Ninja Tune/Cambria Instruments electronica specialist Nathan Fake.

Review: The Lafayette Afro Rock Band's superb Malik is a vibrant fusion of funk, soul and Afrobeat rhythms that was initially released in 1974 and now, alongside some of their other works, is getting reissued. The iconic track album showcases the band's infectious energy and dynamic instrumentation. It is packed with driving basslines, intricate percussion and hypnotic grooves that captivate from start to finish and transport you to the heart of a steamy dance floor. The band's mastery of blending African and Western musical elements shines through to make for an enduring musical document that is still widely celebrated for its infectious rhythms and influence on the funk and Afrobeat genres.

Review: Nick and Astro, known collectively as Potatohead People, join forces once again on a tantalising teaser 7" from their upcoming album, Eat Your Heart Out'. Featured on 'Paradise' is the highly hyped Canadian artist Diamond Cafe, whose velvety vocals grace this early 80s-inspired blend of digital sex funk that will remind you of Sade, El Debarge, and Prefab Sprout. Describing his music as "bathing in a cloud of honey on a very foggy night," Diamond Cafe's performance is nothing short of magic here. On the flipside, Nick Wisdom puts his spin on the track, infusing it with dub elements and enhancing the bassline.

Review: It would be fair to say that post-disco outfit Unlimited Touch's 1980 single "I Hear Music In the Streets" is one of the greatest boogie/electrofunk records of all time. Louie Vega clearly agrees, because late last year he decided to gather together the remaining members of Unlimited Touch and record a fresh 2020 version. The A-side "Touch Mix" is the bomb. It features a more organic-sounding disco-boogie groove than the 1980 original, with delicious guitars, bass and electric piano/organ underpinning seriously good group vocals from the sometime Prelude-signed outfit. Over on the flip, Vega serves up an electric piano solo-laden dub mix, as well as a "Classic Boogie" take that naturally sounds very similar to the band's much-loved original version.

Review: Out as a reissue through the same label that put it out way back in 1971, the aptly named Dig, Friday, Saturday & Sunday appear on our shelves like nothing's happened, and we're still here wandering what the hell happened! "Potato Salad" is a hard nugget to find as an original, but its also such a groovy, light-hearted tune that is a perfect example of why disco was what it was, and why it was so fun - a super recommended tune. "There Must Be Something" is equally good and powerful when played out, and although it doesn't have the same charm as the A-side, it's still a rocking soul classic.

Review: Delia Recordings is a new micro-label from Nottingham that launches into the world with this very tidy new album, Then Horizon Is On The Horizon. It's a various artists collection of absorbing works curated, mixed and produced by lifelong gear collector Matt Horobin and it comes on vinyl and CD and includes postcards. The tracks are all taken from three upcoming albums the label is working on by artists Brown Fang, Torn Sail and Shrinkwrap, and bridge the gap between the local evolving Balearic scene and Laurel Canyon escapism. Gentle grooves, downbeat dub and delicate drones all feature.

Review: Much loved doom monger emo kids Depeche Mode have always been ripe for remixing by new generations of electronic music artists and so it is that there 'My Favourite Stranger' gets a series of re-rubs here on Columbia. Tech house mainstay Boris Brejcha remixes first and elongates the grooves with mournful pads up top. The Ela Minus remix of the same tune brings some extra textured and darker moods and the best is saved till the last if you ask us. The Lond Island Sound remix is high speed and tinged with electro synth work as the moody vocals echo about the mix to trippy effect.

Review: The cheeky junglist mash-ups continue unabated on Vibez 93 as the Dutch label very clearly spells out its plans on the r&b vs d&b 12". On the A-side we're treated to some crisp and direct flips of Blu Cantrell's 'Breathe' and TLC's 'No Scrubs', and the original songwriting content of the all-time classics is kept well and truly intact. All you need is a snappy, rolling beat dropped into the blend, and crowd-pleasing dancefloor magic is right there in the palm of your hands. On the flip Mary J Blige and Queen Latifah get the treatment too, giving you lot of bang for your buck on this big bad and bold record.

Review: Christopher Ledger continues to broaden the scope of his sound as a producer by bringing unabashed breakbeat acid into the folds of his broader tech house trajectory. There's still a pervasive deepness to 'Access Denied', no matter how big the beats or how wriggly the synth lines are. 'Nala's Groove' has a proggy tint to it, and 'From Above' rolls along in gorgeous blooms of synth work and deft percussion. Clearly the inspiration of classic 90s-styled beats worked their way into Ledger's production process, and he's made them his own.

Review: Believe In You by Knoe1 featuring George JJ Flores is a soulful electro funk track that exudes the essence of the early 80s. The vocal version opens with disco claps and a smooth, sultry vocal, complemented by groovy keyboard work. The instrumental version showcases the track's infectious rhythm and tight arrangements, offering a dynamic and engaging listening experience. Overall, Believe In You captures the essence of boogie and electro funk, showcasing the talents of Knoe1 and George JJ Flores.

Review: Black Key return from a four year hiatus in style, with 4 sublime tracks from Australian ultra deep house don, Planisphere, aka David Swatten. Following an incredibly well received LP on reissue label, For Those That Knoe, Swatten returns here with more expansive, smokey and utterly consuming deep house cuts, stamped with his unique sound but offering a different flavour from his Definitive Transmission LP - one which immediately stands out from the crowd. Being only his third release in 20 years, there's an understandable sense of anticipation around Swatten's output. This release undoubtedly puts Black Key firmly back on the map, picking up their deserved reputation for releasing only the very best deep house, aimed well and truly at the heads.

Review: Talented LA producer 1morning makes his debut on the well regarded Character label here and brings plenty of the know how he has picked dup while laying down his superb vinyl DJ sets around the world. He fuses new school funky and tribal techno with subtle hints that suggest he has a love of 90s originators like Ben Sims and Dave Angel. 'Samba De Verao' is a dense, high intensity sound with skewed synths and dusty hi hats while 'Flux' is more deep and has throbbing drums and smeared pads fleshing out the groove. On the flip are two more emotionally intense and fantastically engaging techno cuts.

Review: What more needs to be said about this timeless disco hit? A staple of DJ sets by everyone from Derrick May and Laurent Garnier to James Murphy, this Harvey Fuqua and Patrick Cowley production from 1979 is a truly timeless classic whose spirit still lives to this day on modern dancefloors. Here we are treated to a rework by Britain's undisputed king of funky house Michael Gray (Full Intention) on his Sultra label. With full respect to the original, Gray's rework injects some dancefloor dynamics for the modern sound system. You even get a bonus instrumental "Dub Mix" on the flip!

Review: UK Northern soul-food wholesalers Kent Dance are experts in procuring and supplying and continue to stick their necks out in this regard with a brand new reissue of The Soul Children's 'Standing In The Safety Zone', backed up by Sylvia And The Blue Jays' 'Put Me In The Mood' on the flip. The former track is an androgyne vocal soul, car-stereo'ed burst of joy, on which, despite the overarching feel of ecstasy, we hear duetting singers Anita Louis' and John Colbert's lyrics sing of remaining in one's comfort zone, which depending on the interpretation could either be heard as sardonic or earnest. Sylvia and co.'s B-side sounds as great as ever, being the breathy, flirtatious number it always was, yet with its best elements fleshed out ever-further by this 7" pressing.

Review: London never really came close to matchign Manchester in the baggy stakes, but Flowered Up's album A Life With Brian and its unique fusion of indie rock, dance, and psychedelic influences, is as close as it got. Originally released in 1991 and now reissued on limited orange vinyl, the classic 90s record is a vibrant exploration of youth culture and urban life in London with infectious grooves, catchy hooks, and anthemic choruses all present and correct and ready to deliver a dynamic and energetic listen. The album's title track stands out as a definitive highlight with its distinctive sound and lyrical depth, but really all of these tunes offer a nostalgic journey back to the early 90s and celebrates Flowered Up's enduring legacy.

Review: Speak Like A Child by Herbie Hancock is a groundbreaking album that defies categorization, blending elements of post-bop, modal jazz, and funk into a cohesive and forward-thinking sound only to be slotted into a wide spanning genre like Jazz-Fusion. The title track, 'Speak Like A Child', is a standout composition that highlights Hancock's signature piano playing, characterized by its lyrical melodies and inventive harmonies. The album features intricate arrangements and complex rhythms, with each track offering a unique sonic journey for the listener. Hancock's ability to push the boundaries of traditional jazz while maintaining a deep respect for the genre's roots is clear throughout the album. 'Speak Like A Child' remains a landmark recording in Hancock's discography, cementing his status as one of the most influential figures in modern jazz.

Review: Acclaimed UK duo Jungle bring to Volcano the same sense of free-spirited energy that made their previous album Loving In Stereo such a hit. Much of this one was written while the duo was on tour, staying in an airbnb in Los Angeles, before they head to record it back in London at their favourite Studio B in Metropolis Studios. There is a wider variety of voices on this record with Erick the Architect as well as a reunion with Bas for 'Pretty Little Thing' who was last heard on the single 'Romeo.' As well as that, Roots Manuva, Channel Tres and Jnr Wiilliams also feature.

Review: To any funk digger worth their salt, Cymande have been a staple since their 70s heyday, but the Brit funk cult legends are enjoying a renewed presence since their triumphant return with reunion shows which cemented their legacy after decades being overlooked. Their story tracks back to this seminal album, a scintillating fusion which could only have occurred in Britain in the 70s as communities and cultures joined together to create one harmonious groove the likes of which had never been heard before. The whole album feels like a run of hits, from the celestial swirl of 'Dove' to the life-affirming horn blasts of 'Bra'. If you don't already have this track in your bloodstream, now's the time to catch up.

Review: After 1972's seminal Ege Bamyasi, the German Krautrock legends released what is one of our personal favourite Can LPs. Aside from being the last work of theirs to feature the vocals of Damo Suzuki, it's a seriously deep and full-bodied piece of work, as you'd expect from the band. The title track itself is a hypnotic, visceral journey through space and time, but all the tracks on this are pure classics. You even get their poppier of moments in the form of "Moonshake". Don't ask any questions, just cop it. Essential gear.

Review: There are seemingly no limits to the music Emotional Rescue will put out. This time they look back to the post punk scene of Bristol in the early 80s. Mouth was a short-lived outfit that put out just a couple of releases, but each one blazed a trail though leftfield percussive sounds, wave, weird jazz and electronics. Andy Guy and Rob Merrill were the main members with the likes of Nellie Hooper also in the band's orbit. This record is packed with tribal drumming and floating horns, broken dubs and avant-jazz but all with a proudly DIY attitude. It's packed with heady moments and wild steppers that havent aged a bit and still sound future.

Review: One of many of IRMA Records' jazz-funk compilations, Acid Jazz Funk is a sixteen-track compilation full of delights; but should not be confused with many of their prior, albeit similarly titled titles, including Acid Jazz & Funky Grooves and Acid Jazz Classics. Clearly, we're in the presence of connoisseurs; cuts from Black & Brown, Funky Destination, The Smoke Orchestra and Jestofunk appear as standouts on this as-ever supremely selected V/A on 2xLP, once more centring on the tasteful proclivities of the c.1990 Bolognan dance music fan; their preference for hard breaks and quiet-stormed funk calms overlaid.

Review: In keeping with other reissues from the Echospace archives, CV313 have revisited and remastered their 2010 classic 'Infinit-1'. The single leads with some quintessential immersion from Rod Modell and Stephen Hitchell, all metallic chord pulses billowing through steely ambience guided by deep-ploughing rhythms. The 'Remodel' takes a more subliminal approach as the chord becomes a low frequency sonic just below the surface. The B-side is given over to STL, whose singular approach to stripped and sublime dub techno is never better than on this beautifully hazy early morning twist on 'Infinit-1'.

Review: Was anyone ready for one of the most talked-about albums of the year to be Andre 3000 going ham on the flute? Probably not, but in a post-reality world New Blue Sun just slots right in. Of course the legions of Outkast fans are going to be split when an artist of such prominence takes a wild swerve into experimental musical pastures, but for those with an open mind or a pre-existing appreciation of ambient and leftfield music, this album is an easy sell. Teasing the tension between acoustic and electronic, ancient and hypermodern, grounded and ethereal, Andre has been bold and honest in presenting this album to the world and his gamble has paid off.

Review: Ghost are sadly an easily confused band - doubly so, for the fact that there is now a wildly popular masked metal troupe of the same name, *and* because there is, uncannily, a 1984 film named Ghost, also rather well known. This confounding is apparently so prevalent that the obligatory Wikipedia entry on *this* Ghost is titled
'Ghost (1984 band)'. We wouldn't usually mention it, save for the fact that this perhaps not so wilful obscurantism actually works in their favour. With Drag City's reissue of Ghost's first album on griseous vinyl here, it's safe to say that this Japanese experimental psych/acid record's aura as a hidden gem feels rare to come by. It's almost as if Ghost (1984) is 'haunting' the other aforementioned cultural touchstones of the same name. Don't get it twisted, though: Ghost formed in the early 80s, but this debut recording didn't make it to the pressing plant until 1990. What explains the gap in their CV, you ask? Legend has it that the band led a truly nomadic existence - as a "band" should, in all senses of the word - roving, drifting from ruined ancient temples to disused subway stations near Tokyo. With that all checked, the album itself is truly free-spirited and eerie, and not what you'd expect from contemporary notions of space rock, with prepared tinkerings and strange readymade detritus seeming to fill each piece at every twist and turn.

Notes: The top cover story this issue: the Futuristic Sounds of the Yardbirds; writer Peter Stanfield explores their change of direction in 1965, their rivalry with The Who and lots more. Also featured: Detroit rock pioneers the Chosen Few, the band that spawned future members of SRC and the Stooges, the compelling story of UK '70s punk outsiders the Subway Sect as told by guitarist Rob Symmons; '70s power pop princes the Paley Brothers; Viennese proto-punk anarchists Novaks Kapelle; the sixties adventures of Matthew and Daniel Moore (the Moon, Colours, Matthew Moore Plus Four); and a fascinating study of the beat music industry behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War. Plus: Moby Grape, the Ascots, Cyril Jordan on Little Richard, and our meticulous review sections, covering all the latest vinyl and CD reissues, and rock 'n' roll-related books. (152 pages)

Review: A selection plucked from Robert Smith and co's 1984 Washington show, with a neat collection of tracks from what many would see as the band in their prime. The contrast between raw, speedy new wave anthems like 'Boy's Don't Cry' and '10:15 Saturday Night', the epic gothfest 'A Forest' and the cuter pop idiosycracities of 'The Caterpillar' show how quickly the Crawley gang evolved in their early days. Obviously, they had a long way to go after this, but many would say this is The Cure at their absolute finest.

Review: Latest on Mute Records' reissuing arm is this wonderful eight-track LP from These Immortal Souls, who in 1992 proffered a bold declaration of immortality, spiritual or otherwise, with I'm Never Gonna Die Again. An atmospheric post-punk gem, reissued alongside the earlier 'Get Lost (Don't Die)', is released just as it was in 1995, though it is soon set to be complemented by a brand new ten-track collection of unearthed and yet to be released live recordings. All three releases serve as a remembrance triad for the band led by Rowland S Howard, as they'd cease to perform in 1998; this one hears them at the height of their powers, snarling, riffing and drawling away into a graveyard-shifting musical night.

Review: Japanese fuzzed out psych-tinged post-rock monoliths Boris never seem to rest on their laurels for long. Just last year, they repressed the first instalment of their three Heavy Rocks albums (originally released in 2002), and unveiled the grinding Bright New Disease collab LP with industrial hardcore outfit Uniform. That's before even mentioning the surprise Fade LP that landed at the tail end of 2022. Starting 2024 as they mean to go on, their latest endeavour is a years-in-the-making split album with Tokyo alternative space-rockers Coaltar Of The Deepers, featuring both re-recorded versions of older cuts as well as both acts covering one another's material. Boris member Takeshi has often cited COTD as a major influence, with the band even covering 'To The Beach' in 2019, which was, in turn, produced by COTD leader Narasaki. Now, finally arriving at Hello There, we have Boris providing an oppressive rendition of COTD's 2007 track 'Serial Tear', while the band return the favour with a more ethereal, aquatic re-imagining of Boris' 2014 single 'Melody'. That's before even touching COTD's cover of The Cure's 'Killing Another', which needs to be absorbed with as little outsider input as possible, so we'll shhh now and leave this long-gestating gem in your very capable hands and ears.

Review: Demon's 'Disco Discharge' series, originally released as 2CD collections from 2009 to 2012, is back in print. These compilations of extended disco originals were curated by the enigmatic "MrPinks" and featured detailed sleeve notes by disco expert Alan Jones. They have remained highly sought-after and here the revival begins with 'Disco Fever USA' in deluxe 2CD gatefold packaging. The album highlights 20 American Disco classics, including tracks from Fern Kinney, Gloria Gaynor, and Boys Town Gang. Notable rarities like an instrumental version of Earth, Wind & Fire's 'Boogie Wonderland' and Dennis Parker's 'Like An Eagle' are also featured, making it a must-have for disco heads.

Review: Mysticism's Dubplate series has got a couple of great drops lined up at the moment and this is one of them - a boule pack from German digidub pioneers TVS aka Trance Vision Steppers. This was a project that never made it out of the studio but still cooked up some brilliant sounds, which in the case of this collection come from their earlier period between 1995 - 1999, all of which land on vinyl for the first time here. Fans of Adrian Sherwood, Dennis Bovell and Mad Professor will be head over heels of these dub delights - they are deep and atmospheric, with lush ambient pads, downtempo vocals and stoner synths next to more twisted rhythms.

Review: Vampire Survivors Vol. 1, the soundtrack to Poncle's indie hit, receives a fitting tribute with this 2xLP vinyl release from iam8bit. Composed by Daniele Zandara and Will Davies, the music perfectly encapsulates the game's blend of roguelike bullet-hell action and gothic aesthetic. Drawing inspiration from classic vampire-slaying franchises while exploring modern soundscapes, the result is a synthesis of epic, nostalgic, and unexpected tunes filled with rad riffs and high-impact drum fills. The vinyl edition, pressed on Blood Splatter Red Vinyl, not only complements the game's theme but also adds a visual dimension to the auditory experience. Illustrator Nimit Malavia's cover art captures the essence of Vampire Survivors, elevating the release to a bodacious and badass masterpiece. iam8bit's commitment to nostalgia and new-wave sensibilities shines through in this release, appealing to fans of retro gaming and contemporary music listeners.

Review: It was big news this year when hip-hop legends De La Soul finally made all of their music available to stream on digital platforms. That move was backed up by them also dropping a load of reissues of their finest albums and now we have, for Record Store Day/Back Friday, this special coloured vinyl boxset featuring their most iconic LP, 3 Feet High and Rising, on seven individual 7"s, making them perfect for DJ deployment. The box set also includes a funky slipmat making this a perfect Christmas gift for the hip-hop head in your life.

Review: Purple Disco Machine is the alias of Tino Piontek, a German DJ and producer who has become quite the staple of Aussie label Sweat It Out! in recent years. Exotica is his third album to date, and features a bunch of scorching disco numbers all delivered in his renowned style; from the infectious vocoder funk of 'At The Disko' with Lorenz Rhode, the neon-lit Italo euphoria of 'Dopamine' (feat Eyelar) as well as a collaboration with Italian deep house heroine in the form of 'Loneliness' and bonus track 'Twisted Mind' featuring Agnes.

Review: The soul, funk and disco 7" community is a strong one. Besides garage rock and psychedelic rock, there might not be another genre that is so beloved on the small but mighty 45rpm format. So, it completely makes sense if you are a newer producer releasing music in these genres then definitely know your fan base. Cool Million is a Danish and German duo doing just that. Their track 'Stronger' is the track and the title of their sixth full length album from 2019. The album has gained such strong reviews that they put it now as a single along with the Dub version on the reverse side. 'Stronger' is a positive and upbeat anthem that is sure reign in the innocent bystanders to party. The Dub is a super-cool alternative version that reminds of us classic roller-skating funk track from Midnight Star or Kool & The Gang. Need a party starter? Get this!

Review: World class dronesmiths Zach Frizzell, Marc Ertel and Damien Duque unleash their first joint effort in several years, delving deeper into the patented 'dronegaze' formula characterising their first outing 'Liberamente'. Landing somewhere in a soothingly liminal zone between the lighter and more introspective tone floats of La Monte Young and Jefre Cantu-Ledesma's roomy feedback washes, the trio extract a vast array of sweet, soporific and unconventional timbres from instruments both acoustic and electrified to meditative effect. A perfect soundtrack to studious introspection and languid bliss-outs alike.

Review: Among the earliest wave of English punk's first wave were UK Subs, notably formed in 1976. Fronted on vocals by Charlie Harper, the band enjoyed a whopping career beginning with their debut album in 1979, in stark contrast to the flash-in-the-pan nature of many of their peers. New compilation Fear To Go! compiles the bulk of the band's rarities and B-sides, capturing the Subs' distinctive melodies, pop-out shreddings and lugubrious but somehow still lively lyrics.

Review: Originally released in 2019, Pachyman's Pachyman In Dub is a labour of love that pays homage to the early days of Jamaican reggae music. Inspired by the legendary Channel One Studios and Roots Radics band, Pachy Garcia set out to recreate the sonic experiments of Scientist, King Tubby, and Lee "Scratch" Perry, with the result being an album that captures the spirit of early dancehall, rub-a-dub, and rockers styles, all hypnotic rhythms, deep basslines, and ethereal melodies. With a focus on dub techniques and a heavy emphasis on the rhythm section, Pachyman In Dub is a must-listen for fans of reggae music.

Review: A serious piece of soul sampling history right here. "Evil Vibrations" is instantly recognisable thanks to De La Soul's "A Roller Skating Jam Named Saturdays". Fast-paced boogie blessed with swooping sugar harmonies, it still sounds as smooth as it did when originally released in 78. Touching stargazing ballad "The Star Children" was even more popular with the hip-hop set scoring cameos on cuts by both RZA and Mobb Deep. Both cuts are taken from the album Help Us Spread The Message. Criminally it's their only LP!

Review: There are not many songs in the history of hip-hop that are more important than 'Hip-Hop Hooray'. The track single handedly helped catapult underground rap sounds into mainstream success. The song was a massive hit moving into the top ten on the Billboard and #1 on the hip-hop chart and with a memorable video directed by Spike Lee, it was in heavy rotation on every music and video platform. Naughty By Nature became household names and the single went on to sell platinum status. You could not escape this anthem of the streets. Now, the groundbreaking song is reissued on 7" for the first time in over 30 years.

Review: 'Everything You're About to Hear Is True' is a home for the now well-documented breed of 'unknown artist' seeking an outlet to release their disco edits and this second instalment by yet another mysterious figure hears a blitzing blend of electronic and acoustic parts, marrying tropes such as sports-game chants, reverb-drenched balearic boogie and funk across four tracks.

Review: Steve Bug is going on 30+ years of writing electronic music and travelling the world as a top DJ with no signs of letting up. It Just Happened is his latest and finds its way to the legendary and iconic Nu Groove records. It must be daunting to release music on such an amazing label. 'It Just Happened' has all the makings of a classic worthy enough for the Nu Groove logo. Veteran Cle who has worked on many projects with Steve is featured here as well. For those that really know Steve Bug's background, they know he is equally involved in house music as he is with techno. Tracks like 'Crew Thing' show his ability to make a standout house track while 'House Music Transcends' closes things out with your hands in the air. We respect Steve Bug so much for his work over the years. When he is old skool mode like he is on this EP, you just have to say respect to the man. Respect!

Review: Cleo Sol's long-promised debut album, which hit record stores in mid-2020, was a genuinely impressive set: a fine collection of soft-focus jazz, neo-soul and R&B songs that did a great job in showcasing her talents as both a singer and songwriter. Inspired in part by Sol's experiences as a new mother, it's another superb collection of deliciously sweet and soulful songs that should resonate far beyond Sol's growing band of fans. Musically sparse but detailed - think shuffling acoustic guitars, languid beats, ear-catching electronic melodies, twinkling painos and sumptupus bass - Mother is perhaps a more obviously "neo-soul"-themed effort than its predecessor, but that's no bad thing. It has the feel of an album that will be considered a British soul classic in years to come.

Review: Over the last couple of years, we've been treated to numerous reissues of classic cover versions by Japanese reggae/rocksteady combo Inokasira Rangers, including takes on Nirvana's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit', Pharrell's 'Happy' and New Order's 'Blue Monday'. Here we're treated to another, as the band's 2017 take on Underworld anthem 'Born Slippy' gets a fresh pressing. It's certainly a revolutionary revision, with Keichi Sokabe's surprisingly Karl Hyde-sounding lead vocal rising above a lusciously languid, sub-heavy reggae groove. Over on the flip they take on 'Groove Tube', a 1991 indie-pop-meets-acid house single from Japanese outfit Flipper's Guitar, reframing it as a baggy, glassy-eyed rocksteady number.

Review: It All Comes Down to This is the album latest release from Manchester icons A Certain Ratio, and it's a record that is helmed by producer Dan Carey from Speedy Wunderground. Somewhat returning to their origins, the record presents ten concise tracks with a hint of the group's signature electronic flair. Notably, it's the first recording featuring the core trio of Jez Kerr, Martin Moscrop, and Donald Johnson, without any additional collaborators. From their celebrated 1982 album and right up to their dynamic last EP in 2023, this album shows the band's still evolving and still committed to new musical advancements. A testament to their enduring legacy, It All Comes Down to This solidifies A Certain Ratio's place among Manchester's finest.

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