dj diamond is 24 year old karlis griffin from the west side of chicago. he has been producing music since the age of 13 and djing since 20, heading the -flight muzik- clique of footwork producers. you might recall his two tracks from our -bangs & works vol.1- footwork compilation of last year. in addition hes also released several mix cds in chicago, but this, his first international album showcases his unique style of footwork music. dj diamond is a unique producer with his own distinct style and an unusual ear for unexpected sonic and rhythmic combinations within the footwork template. often he thoroughly edits samples into tiny trance-inducing, techno-like stabs. combining this with a penchant for neon synths and loose, broken drums (that are often more effect-laden and freeform than those of of his peers) and you have a sound which has an intriguing, deeper, dreamlike feel. the breadth and quality of his production is clear when you listen to this album. take opener -rep yo clique-s woozy drawling synths and tribal tom patterns next to -speakerz n tonguez- with it-s snapping snares, minimal, repetitive voice samples and martial, detailed drum work. then a track like -torture rack- which is like grime in outer space: a minimal bassline and some samples from a computer game, while a bass kick stumbles at half time, swarms of percussive detail giving it drama. its a brilliant exercise in wonky tension. the extraordinary -decoded- comes across like a kind of amalgam of trance and prog rock bombast at 160bpm while -wreckageÕs- high pitch saw noise is like a strange metallic bird-call, over light cymbals, gabba-like kicks and metallic claps. -digimons- harmonic microedits could even be an snd track transported to chicago. finally the albums closer -i choose you- rolls out over a heavily edited and processed soul sample, its drums rolling off at odd angles to almost seasick effect.

driver drive faster are a new band from manchester, but you wouldnt necessarily tell. this masterful debut album presents a rich, timeworn sound that exists somewhere between americana and spectral indie rock. its crafted song-writing at its best, hinging on stirring chord sequences and moments of fragile beauty. -a review described us as misfits,- says singer/ guitarist dylan giles. -we took it as a compliment.- named open house and recorded in the shared digs in which the entire band reside, the album was a labour of love begun in late 2009, poured over in 2010 and set for release in 2011. the result is a lush, layered record that slowly draws you into its world. think mercury revs deserters songs for a new generation.

nice price deal !!! hyper modern pop songs mit tiefgang... chapeau

travis stewart is a producer whos always been admired by the electronic cognosenti, both as a solo producer in his project machinedrum and also as one half of sepalcure on hotflush recordings. after a break from producing he started to resurface in a major way last year with the -many faces e.p.- on glasgows luckyme label. however, for -room(s)-, his latest album on planet mu, he s well ahead of the curve, approaching the album in a way he s never worked before.the tracks on room(s) were started on the spur of the moment, often whilst traveling and finished in the studio, with the notion in mind that great moments of inspiration are fleeting so its best to grab on to that moment when it happens and squeeze it for all its worth. travis says of this process, -i feel like the energy of a song is lost the longer you spend working on it. this experiment in becoming less attached to my work essentially lead to a lot of songs that are connected sonically and aesthetically.-

yuri mendez jr. has an amazing gift for composing good songs. he arranges them and records them brilliantly, and then groups them together on an album in an unpredictable yet cohesive way (his last album had 22 tracks. this one only has 8). uri mŽndez jr. is a true artisan in the best sense of the word. this is pajaro sunrises third album, and although the essentials havenÕt changed (good songs, great songs), the rest has certainly evolved. yuris voice sounds more and more emphatic, and with an extensive register full of nuances, he sings a story in every song. in doing this, he covers a stunning vocal range that dazzles from the first listen. yuri has been playing together with the same fantastic band for some time now. with them, he has rehearsed the tracks (many of which they were already playing in concerts), and then gone into the studio where almost everything was recorded with everyone playing live. the benefits of having a group that has already travelled together, as well as shared stages and life experiences are evident. and, if this disc breathes anything, its travel, highways, and familiar stories stolen from faraway places that also feel nearby. its a grandiose yet intimate album that thrills and grows with each listen.

you can forgive a band who set out to create something even just a little bit different and get it horrendously wrong, but its tough to have sympathy for a band who shy away from the challenge altogether. such was the case with autokratz on their first album, animal, which, apart from a passable opening track, consisted of a series of bland electronic pastiches Ð dance music that conversely made the listener want to sit and wait it out. that didnt stop the hype building around the duo, though, thanks in no small part to the fact that the album was released through in-vogue french label kitsunŽ music. the confusing positivity surrounding the lp suggesting, perhaps, that style overcomes substance once a record company has received the hipster seal of approval.this time around, however, kitsune has stepped aside, with autokratz releasing the follow-up on their own label, bad life. but has the sense of responsibility that surely comes with this step made them re-evaluate their direction? has it inspired them to inject a much-needed shot of creativity into their work? not a hope. if anything, autokratz descend even further into mediocrity on self help for beginners. once again, their best tunes are loaded towards the front of the album, starting with the lead single, -opposite of love. its far from outstanding, helped in no small part by the terribly contrived lyrics, but does possess a catchy synth melody Ð enough to earn it a place on club playlists, at least. its a similar story with -becoming the wraith, which has peter hook on hand to deliver an overtly new order-esque bassline. beyond that, however, the quality dips dramatically. tracks like -the seventh seal and -r.i.s.e. are typical of the selection on offer, underwhelmingly vapid, derivative tunes which show up a disappointing, but not totally unexpected, scarcity of guile on the part of their creators.where autokratz do excel is as producers Ð a quality evident not only in their own work, but also in their remixes for other artists. unfortunately, this only serves to exacerbate their deficiencies on the other side of the control room desk. ultimately it may mean that, having failed to address the shortcomings of their debut, autokratz will be fated to be filed under -also rans in the annals of music history. thats assuming, of course, that someone out there will actually remember them at all.

heidis-run jackathon parties have been hitting cities internationally since late 2009, now with residencies in london, berlin, paris, miami, manchester and amsterdam Ð jackd house is truly taking a fair slice of the scene. the compilation isnt an add on, a supplement to the nights: its deep grounded sound and thoughtfully crafted line-up backs up the global club-motion that is emerging within heidis control.mix favourites step up as the deep and bassy foundings of deetrons the juggler, funk-told incoming bitch by soul clap and move-strong whiff it yawl from jamie jones. although the first mix this year to really engage in houses history, its freedom status Ð it escapes cliche, avoiding big cheez for serious deep, electronics: heidi keeps the listing real. the especially-recorded vocal drops of house-legend derrick carter also make the record what it is, his infamous chicago-born vox gives residence to what heidis trying to do: resurrect the old school.dancefloor destruction is on pause, the club is still a playground, still moving hard theres just more room to play now, as steve bugs last track titles: jacks back.

following up to last years successful debut of playa -del lounge-, pedro del mar returns this summer with vol. 2 of his already prestigious chillout mixcomp series.

gil scott-heron is one of the most influential and important singer/songwriters to have come out of america in the second half of the last century. much can be said about why this gil s lyrics are so original and powerful but ,it is important not to overlook his utterly singular voice which is so distinctive and rough and tender. it is a voice of experience. a new record from gil scott-heron, forty years after his first solo album, is a cause for major celebration and something that the world needs now more than ever.

rising up to take his place as king of the underground, dj w!ld, one of the key residents at circo loco opens the doors to >palace<, his debut artist album that is bursting with raw layers of funk and pure jacking beats and perfectly captures the infectious sound he is renowned for

detroit legend robert hood!! following last years triumphant >omega< album that saw robert hood envisage the 1971 film >the omega man< as a techno science fiction opus he now translates the suspense and tension of charlton hestons last man on earth battle for survival into the frenetic energy of his own new live show. in 2011, omega comes aliv

ministry of sound continue explore the softer side of music by releasing the latest edition in the chilled series. afterhours is an alternative take on previous albums combining a mixture of genres & introducing new artists to create a brand new laidback listening experience.its on a chillout dance tip, showcasing fresh new talent in the form of jamie xx (including his hugely hyped remix of adele) plus brand new exclusives from skream & yasmin (both radio 1 playlisted). cd2 features the best of the bands including radiohead, hurts, beach house & mgmt to name but a few.

in the context of electronic music, 12 years is damn near eternity, and though those who have lived it may not remember all the stops along the way, the ones who have kept on top of scott monteiths deadbeat music project will tell you he has been no slouch. through 6 critically acclaimed albums for scape and wagon repair, as well as countless singles, remixes, compilation appearances, and last years radio rothko dj mix, monteith has explored the art of dub in a staggering array of contexts, and staked his claim as one of it s strongest champions. and while the last few years have seen him concentrate on the more dance floor oriented side of things, his latest album and first release on his new blkrtz imprint sees monteith returning to his roots in the headiest and heaviest of dub business.

fresh sytem 7 - steve hillage electronic album, with ambient / techno, electronica and post rock elements.. tip !

rench dj-producer tom pooks releases a very special mixed compilation, bringing to your ears the kazantip unique atmosphere. the kazantip republic invites tom pooks each year, so he decided to release a mixed compilation to share his experience. last year, tom pooks opened for carl cox performance and the idea of this compilation became really serious, with the support of mike spirit, the then minister of songs and dance of the kazantip republic. now, french techno expert reveals a deep and strong mix, with 13 underground tracks and nothing but good vibes. without any big names nor big hits, tom pooks delivers a brillant mix, evolutive and mental as he loves. this mix sounds like the freedom and magic of kazantip, which is a strong experience in tom pooksÕs life : Çmy first time at kazantip was something weird, arriving in the midlle of nowhere, kind of lost in south of ukraine, even a bit scared : not my language, not the same food, not the same cultureÉ but after being welcomed by mike and his team, i found out the real spirit of kazantip !È no doubt, this compilation is a real tribute to the kazantip way of clubbing

have you ever been >motorcitysouled<? matthias vogt and christian >c-rock< rindermann form the deephouse syndicate motorcitysoul. after their debut (did you expect it? / infracom 2004), their mix-cd (back up / infracom 2007), and their last studio album (technique / simple 2008) the two djs and producers present their first selection of remixes that have been released between 2004 and 2010. the >remix< is one of their favourite dishes so its no wonder that more than 30 artists or labels have asked for a motorcitysoul remix treatment since the duo joined forces in 2004. all of their remixes have been regarded as high quality by the media and djs worldwide. so far artists like chez damier, ian pooley, abdullah ibrahim, brett johnson, solomun & stimming, and johannes heil have ordered the extra motorcitysoul polish. motorcitysoul remixes have found their way to labels like cocoon, dessous, freerange, liebedetail and junior boys own/defected. creating a remix is a versatile production practice built around various philosophies - what is the remix meant for? how should it sound? should it be an addition for the club heads or a musical adventure that takes the listener on a journey? every motorcitysoul remix has its own vibe and is meant to respect the idea behind the original track. motorcitysoul merge their trademark sounds and styles with the original track. vogt and rindermann communicate in a musical way with the original artist.

nice price deal !!! four years since osunlade has graced us with an original full length house album. his next release and self-proclaimed last house release is nearing the gate. pyrography is an evolution incorporating the signature yoruba soul sound, bridging organic and electronic. braced with more vocal songs than any of osunlades previous house offerings, he has created an innovative endeavour. tracks including idiocyncracy, the infectious envision, and the yoruba chant of ser al santisimo showcase the wonderful palette of the musical diversity encompassed here. in addition to the album itself, osunlade has teamed up with the amazing talent of pyrography artist scott marr to create an original art experience harking back to the days when these two art forms were one and showcasing the synergy between them. the result is a very special selection of >fire paintings< created for each track making up the artwork for pyrography.

finally dessous key-artist vincenzo is back in the spotlight with his third full length album. some 9 years after âwelcome to zanarkandÕ, his last long-player, the berlin based producer has been making magic in the studio, crafting what is sure to be his greatest work yet.âwherever i lay my headÕ is a glorious journey through 14 tracks of rich, spiritual and stunningly crafted electronic sounds. vincenzoÕs cristal clear production and years of writing experience have culminated in this heroic new work.

bullet train is the brainchild of marc thomas one of the hottest properties in dubstep at the moment. currently riding high with the massive wave of interest surrounding his i-dj coverage, marc s consistent bullet train label has been a revelation since its inception 2 years ago. this cd celebrates what the label stands for, taking in remixes & tracks from the likes of unicorn kid, borgore, bertie blackman, roska & last japan. for existing fans & newcomers to the label this cd provides a snapshot of all that is good in the world of dubstep.

from the catwalk to the club! 2cd mix plus bonus disc! staring avicii,simian mobile disco, mark knight, laidback luke, atfc, chris lake, roiksopp, alx gaudino, daddys groove ..

new tradition is the debut album of alexis tyrel also known as gideon. his album is full of big and small anthem tracks which are highly melodic and full of original sounds and yet great for a broad variety of dancefloors. every track has been produced as if it was a single in its genre, so do not expect any lose ends. with this 40th release on the lessismore label alexis tyrel gives another interpretation of what less is more is, as the label has displayed in its releases so far. new tradition can therefore be seen as the starting point of a new direction already announced by lessismore. this album is a melodic roller coaster taking you all over the place with deep and housy grooves, tribally beats, chordish minimalistic detroit, funky techno, deep progressive and lovely melodies. the arrangements are classic and give a timeless feel to this unique debut albumthe album will be released on cd and vinyl. both the vinyl and digital release will contain remixes by gui boratto, heiko laux, estroe, gideon, ferreck dawn and mbc. early plays by:luciano, steve bug, laurent garnier, heiko laux, estroe, mark henning, luigi madonna..

mikael feels very lucky that he had the chance to work with artists who he admires and trust.etten is the voice of this project, however, in a mysterious way her voice sounds like the listeners inner voice .billie ray martin in her also excellent performance confesses to us her oedipal relationship with her mother, this constant bond we are all prisoners of. tech me away is an album made of sounds and references to good old techno. mikael didnt follow whats in fashion in music at all. he only followed his instinct.

supremely catchy and insanely haunting, the work of 23 year old self trained singer /musician claire boucher is one of lifeÕs great mysteries. itÕs been a good time for music in the last year or so, weÕve been loving the new psychedelic sound sometimes called hypnagogic pop at other times chill wave, glo fiÉ..zzzzzz. for us no other act captured the fractal flow better than canadian singer claire boucher aka grimes

in february 2010, gil scott-heron released >i m new here<, his first album in thirteen years. produced by xl recordings head richard russell during various studio sessions in new york, the album was enthusiastically received by fans andcritics alike. meanwhile, the last eighteen months have been meteoric for jamie xx. his band the xxs debut album (which jamie produced) received huge acclaim, picking up 2010s prestigious mercury music prize, while jamie garnered respectfor his remixes (in particular florence & the machines >you ve got the love<) and solo productions (forthcoming single >far nearer< on numbers).
so what happens when one of the most exciting young producers around reworks one of the most acclaimed albums from a true legend? the result is gil scott-heron and jamie xxs >we re new here< which sees jamie xx remixing thirteen tracks from the original >i m new here< album sessions.

a brand new selection of house,dubstep and drum & bass! incl. skream, afrojack, nero, eric prydz--

welcome to the latest edition of hed kandis ever popular location-led release world series.next on the roster is one of the most glamorous, stylish and fashionable capitals of the world. featuring the best upfront house from kandis worldwide dancefloors, hed kandi will be taking you on a journey to the worlds most iconic and cosmopolitan fashion houses, clubbing hubs, home of the party elite and of course the birthplace of kandi hq in world series: londonhed kandi in-house fashionista, resident maddox dj and latest addition to the hed kandi roster, marie claire, is responsible for the mixes over two cds,defining the sound of our london events. this release also brings you a bonus third cd featuring the soundtrack to the major fashion houses this year.

mean,moody, magnificent, mangled mayhem - with loud guitars and swirly organs. 25 years of bad attitude.

so sound recordings is proud to present the highly anticipated album from toomy disco: bedroom tricks. following on from the 1976 ep and the age of the jaguar ep, which have drawn praise from djs including: annie mac, m.a.n.d.y., dubfire, rayko, dana bergquist and tensnake. here comes toomy discoss debut album: bedroom tricks. the full album is charged with infectious nu disco grooves countered by ominous and emotional synth notes

the remastered and expanded 20th anniversary edition! incl. four never -before heard morrissey songs!

mark mcguire operates chiefly as guitarist in the legendary emeralds. however he also has racked up an impressive set of solo releases over the last few years (albeit mainly in small to micro print runs). living with yourself is his new album and we at editions mego hope to meet any demand which may arise from this fine selection of modern crafted guitar tunes. focusing on his family, early friendships and the problems that inevitably develop through years of knowing someone, it takes mcguires sound even further out, and contains some his most accomplished songs to date. the opening track is fine example of mcguires magic technique of taking a lone acoustic guitar then transforming the track into bliss-out electro wash looping off into the distance. and tracks like clouds rolling in and brain storm take off where such mcguire classics as the marfa lights (which incidentally is planned for a future reissue) left off. while connoisseurs of his sound will find all they desire in here, many superb surprises await around every corner. these are songs that cruise, bubble and rise to the top.

moÕs ferry prod. presents dapayk solo - decade on (2000-2010) - abeautiful 2xcd album with a thick booklet of pictures taken on the roadover the last ten years. on cd#1 he once again masters the balancing actbetween techno, house and a hint of broken beats and combines brand newtracks with refreshed classics. cd#2 contains remixes by dominikeulberg, format:b, oliver koletzki, florian meindl, pan pot, heinrichs &hirtenfellner, exercise one and more.

material series starts the funky, wandering mix series,mixed by well known artist of this hipp pool. valiant and versatile character, a bright, cohesive mix that is inherently mihalis safras through and through. mihalis as the label owner is the 1st that will deliver the mix with teased throughout with samples from some of the latest materials plus some hot unreleased tunes. seventy minutes in a disc that leaves you feelings that will remind you the good old days. after a year of touring his debut album >cry for last dance< at trapez , this guy is taking things back to the beginning. material mix series 1 recaptures the same explosive dynamism, and ebullient enthusiasm of the material series releases. a glimpse into the future sound that material offers to the techouse fanatics. enjoy!

recoil selected ist eine werkschau von recoil, dem soloprojekt von alan wilder, dem langjŠhrigen depeche mode-bandmitglied. das tracklisting fŸr >recoil selected< hat alan wilder sorgfŠltig aus dem gro§en fundus an recoil material zusammen gestellt. er erklŠrt dazu: >es ist eine auswahl meiner persšnlichen favoriten, die ich neu gemastert und editiert habe, um eine meiner meinung nach umfassenden recoil hšrerfahrung zu bieten.< recoil selected wird als einfach- und doppel-cd erscheinen wobei die zweite cd des doppel-cd formates neue unveršffentlichte remixe und alternative versionen enthŠlt, die von alan wilder und paul kendall, der die letzten 10 jahre mit alan wilder an den recoil veršffentlichungen gearbeitet hat, ausgewŠhlt und editiert wurden. auf dem album sind als gastsŠnger diamanda gal‡s, joe richardson, douglas mccarthy, samantha coerbell, toni halliday und maggie estep zu hšren. zur unterstŸtzung der albumveršffentlichung wird recoil zum ersten mal in der karriere des projekts au§erhalb des studios agieren und auf tour gehen. unter dem titel >a strange hour with alan wilder & paul kendall< finden zwischen mŠrz und mai 2010 eine reihe veranstaltungen in europa und den usa geplant wobei jede veranstaltung mit auftritten von verschiedenen gastmusikern und befreundeten djs und kŸnstlern besetzt ist. die aktuellen termine finden sich hier: www.recoil.co.uk

nice price action!

focusing on a rich blueprint, with echoes of chicago house, detroit techno, and uk ambient techno flowing through its futuristic core, donnacha explores further his love for deep, hypnotising grooves, rich synth themes and emotive harmonies. colour in sound, space and clarity are at the centre of the wonderful production found in every track.

celebrating its 25th anniversary in full swing weve fittingly put together a selection of 44 tracks showcasing new talents and hot selections for the spring, and a teaser into some of this summers big ibiza tracks. including tracks from heavyweights such as cirez d with the massive hit >glow<, chuckie, sydney samson, paul harris vs eurythmics.

bbe records proudly presents you the sophomore album of recording artist the berlin based songwriterÕs latest offering of 11 brand new songs recorded over the last year, maintains the continuity of his sound which is a heartfelt blend of laid back pop, soul and dance.

the last few weeks have seen >nerve up< become the focus of widespread critical acclaim, with four star reviews from metro and q and a 9/10 review from nme, who called the record >a unique, brilliant debut<. with the album out this week, its time to judge for yourself.
in addition a number of new uk and european live dates and festival spots have been confirmed, including camden crawl and evolution festival.
praise for >nerve up<:
>a unique, brilliant debut... we should celebrate lonelady as the arrival of a fresh and invigorating voice whose talent transcends time and place and influence< 9/10 - nme
>a debut to be proud of< **** - metro
>striking< - **** q magazine

house music is about big names and big personalities, and none come much bigger than kenny dope gonzalez. you dont last 25 years in the industry without being short of a bit of talent, and time and time again kenny has proved that he is the man to beat. whether its his pioneering work as one half of masters at work and nuyorican soul, or his more recent endeavours with mass destruction, kennys beats take some serious beating.

one of the last remaining great french house labels, work it baby celebrates 10 years at the top in 2010.