Because Music France 黑胶唱片和CD

Review: Here's something you don't come across that often: a "live" album that captures straight-to-tape (literally) studio recordings rather than a performance in front of the paying public. In Parcels defence, the results are impressive, in part because their chosen location, legendary Berlin institution Hansa Studios, boasts the kind of analogue recording and mixing equipment that neatly fits their warm, mixed-up trademark sound (think West Coast rock, blue-eyed soul, funk-ruck fusion). Many of the songs segue into each other as they would during a live performance, with new interludes and previously unheard songs adding a frisson of disco-fired dancefloor goodness to proceedings. It might not be a pure live album, but it's a hugely enjoyable listen.

Review: Originally from Australia, now based in Berlin, Parcels are the consummate live disco-house band. In the past four years they've demonstrated that on their studio recordings, but they're the kind of outfit which really make sense on the stage, as all the players vibe off each other and the crowd in pursuit of dancefloor perfection. After their widely celebrated first live album back in 2020, they're back with another volume which captures the set they've been playing out in more recent times. If you need an instant portal to peak-time, glittery festival magic, this live album is your dream ticket.

Review: Belgian singer and producer Bolis Pupul releases his first solo debut album 'Letter to Yu' following his smash success with fellow DEEWEE artist Charlotte Adigery 'Topical Dancer', a satirical, yet hard-hitting, exploration of spirituality, racism and identity that the two experienced in Ghent as children of immigrant families. If you're a fan of the production of songs like 'Mantra', then this project is for you. Still keeping the witty elements from 'Topical Dancer' the LP, a reference to a great emperor of Chinese history, 'Completely Half' opens up with Pupuls hallmark 80s synthpop style, partnered with the typically Belgian cerebral approach to music and allusions to his mixed-race heritage. Pupul's beats feel pensive, yet danceable and the more deep-in-thought cuts like 'Goodnight Mr Yi' benefit from they dynamic contrast with more in-your-face cuts like the blaring 'Kowloon' and its siren-like supersaws.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Slight dent om the edge, otherwise in perfect condition***


Second time around for Volume 2 in the Shaolin Soul series, which first appeared in stores way back in 2002. Like its 1998 predecessor, the collection gathers together tracks sampled by compiler RZA and other members of the extended Wu-Tang Clan organization. As you'd expect, there's some absolute belters to be found across the 38-track double album, which also comes bundled with a CD containing the same tracks. Highlights come thick and fast and include the hard-spun ghetto soul of Baby Huey and the Baby Siterres' "Hard Times", the organ-heavy, heart-aching brilliance of Syl Johnson's "I Hate I Walked Away" and the low-slung, bluesy growl of Southside Movement's "I've Been Watching You".