Nightmares On Wax - Shout Out! To Freedom...
Featuring: Shabaka Hutchings, Greentea Peng, Haile Supreme, Mara TK, Sabrina Mahfouz + Pip Millett
Shout Out! To Freedom Bio - By Don Letts
Where do you start with Leeds-born Ibiza based producer George Evelyn, the man from N.O.W that pioneered British electronic music? Well for those already hip to his world the following will serve as a timely reminder. For new arrivals it’ll provide a crucial guide to a musical ride that ends with ‘Shout Out! To Freedom’.
As Warp Records longest serving signing N.O.W opened doors to new sonic landscapes for countless producers and musicians. Via his father and juxtaposed with soca from the islands, young George’s imagination was captured by the likes of Curtis Mayfield, Sarah Vaughan and Quincy Jones. In his early teens, inner city bass heavy reggae sound systems would also make their mark. But it was the arrival of hip-hop in the UK, complete with its loop, sample, cut ‘n’ paste aesthetic that would provide the icing on the cake and a way forward. George alongside then writing partner Kevin Harper made his first contribution to the sonic continuum with two defining singles of the emerging rave scene, 1989’s ‘Dexterous’ and 1990’s ‘Aftermath’. This was closely followed by N.O.W’s 1991 debut album ‘A Word of Science: The First and Final Chapter’ for which George parked his techno sensibilities and mixed in more hip hop with a down tempo vibe. Its combination of loops and sample driven dubbed out funk, soul and hip hop would really establish the sound of N.O.W. 1995’s ‘Smokers Delight’ saw this downtempo vibe taken to a whole other level. Essentially designed to kick back and relax it pioneered what would become known as ‘chill’. To bookend the nineties came 1999’s ‘Carboot Soul’, the third chapter in a series of albums that for those of a certain persuasion perfectly captured the spirit of the decade – and you don’t stop…
N.O.W entered the 21st century with a whole new spin on things, 2002’s ‘Mind Elevation’ arrived with a combination of melody, beats and vocals that would see some serious success across radio airwaves with cuts like ‘Know My Name’ and ‘70’s 80’s. ‘In A Space Outta Sound’ released in 2006 was a veritable culture clash of musical influences, urban and international, informed by the travels of George’s alter ego DJ E.A.S.E. Recorded in transition between Leeds and Ibiza 2008’s ‘Thought So’ stayed true to his now distinctive style and seemed to mirror ‘95’s ‘Smokers Delight’ with raw yet typically well produced cuts featuring a splash of guest vocalists and his trademark dubbed out techniques. Whilst others chased the new 2013’s ‘Feeling Good’ pinned N.O.W’s colours firmly to the mast with another musical journey that continued to move forward without straying too far from the very path he’d paved. It somehow managed to tap into your emotions with a mesmerising laid back selection that earned George the reputation of being able to ‘bottle sunshine’. 2018’s ‘Shape The Future’ contained all the original ingredients, soul, dub, rap n’ reggae underpinned with some serious food for thought and George’s magical talent for creating something new whilst echoing so much our musical past. All these albums are an integral part of George’s musical journey and as such are essential but back to the matter at hand…
There’s no two ways about it, ‘Shout Out! To Freedom’ firmly establishes N.O.W as one of the most important and influential black British producers of his generation. This soundtrack for your soul feels like hooking up with a long lost friend. It’s immediately recognisable and wraps itself around you creating a world that’s unmistakably N.O.W. I’ve been a fan since way back when, yet I still find it almost impossible to vocalise my love for his sound ‘cause what George does can’t really be put into words, that’s why he does it on ‘wax’. But it was the advent of three unlikely and surprising events that would really set this particular record apart: personal trauma, time a by-product of the Covid pandemic and Black Lives Matter. It was a period during which the world stopped but in a way time also sped up for George against a backdrop of constant negative global noise.
What was happening on the outside was more than self-evident but what was the inner voice saying? That is the question George asked when he embarked on the creation of this, his 9th studio album. To seek answers he was forced to make the most of lockdown initially accessing voices from around the world via the net. Finding his feet as a bandleader, he formed creative bonds with new and upcoming talent that somehow connected with the history of N.O.W. The likes of Shabaka Hutchings, Haile Supreme, Mara TK, Sabrina Mahfouz. Greentea Peng, OSHUN and Pip Millett got the call, heard the brief and got on board with their own personal take on the very idea of freedom and ultimately that is what this record is all about. The enforced lockdown naturally led to a period of reflection and George himself sure had a lot to think about. Ten years on the road constantly touring didn’t leave a lot of time to ponder the ups, downs, sacrifice and success that comes with the territory. This personal re-examination came into sharp focus when a serious health scare saw him hospitalised. Vibrating between life and death it brought his own mortality into the mix. He emerged from this very private episode free and somehow more connected to himself and the planet - and then there was/is BLM. So what is freedom? Obviously many things to many people. We all know the problems but who’s brave enough to offer a way forward? Not necessarily an answer, just a medium to facilitate dialogue, a step towards the light. That was the driving force behind the making of ‘Shout Out! To Freedom’. For George that freedom came in the form of a return to family, a deep appreciation of his musical circumstance and the realisation that he was his best friend. Written with the gift of time each song comes from somewhere else literally, mentally and geographically. This cinematic selection of tracks are typified by cuts like ‘Imagineering’ which seems to perfectly set the scene as we emerge into a new cultural landscape - such is the power of N.O.W - rearranging the past to create new and brighter futures. ‘Breathe In ft. OSHUN’ was written and recorded during the first peak lockdown in NYC and shortly after George Floyd’s murder. The soul and hip-hop duo from NYC continue to explore the theme of freedom backed by a beat n’ bass heavy rhythm designed for you to look within and without. Continuing the movie vibe comes ‘3D Warrior’, an emotional horn driven piece straight from the heart courtesy of UK saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings and complemented by the haunting tones of Brooklyn sonic shaman Haile Supreme. By way of contrast the absolutely gorgeous ‘Wonder’, which also features Supreme n’ Hutchings, goes straight to your head with a galactic groove and an echoing refrain that you know will be with you for the rest of your life. With the final offering ‘Up To Us’ N.O.W leaves us with a soul-soothing soundtrack and positive lyrics to help you on your way.
At the end of the day all of the songs on this record are a call, a chant, a yearning for freedom in whatever form it may take. So ditch your emotional baggage for the journey and recognise the fact you’re not alone in your want. ‘Shout Out! To Freedom’ gives musical licence to set yourself free and acknowledge we’re in this thing together whatever this thing may be.
…..Don Letts aka The Rebel Dread
- Specs 2LP black vinyl in poly lined inners in gatefold outer. Download card
Tracklist:
A1. Shout Out! (Intro) feat. Beautiful People
A2. Imagineering
A3. Creator SOS feat. Haile Supreme and Wolfgang Haffner
A4. 3D Warrior feat. Shabaka Hutchings, Haile Supreme and Wolfgang Haffner
B1. Miami 80
B2. GTP Call
B3. Wikid Satellites feat. Greentea Peng
B4. Breathe In feat. OSHUN
C1. To Freedom (Interlude) feat. Beautiful People
C2. Wonder feat. Haile Supreme and Shabaka Hutchings
C3. Own Me feat. Haile Supreme
C4. Widyabad
D1. Isolated feat. Pip Millett and Sabrina Mahfouz
D2. Trillion feat. Mara TK
D3. Up To Us feat. Haile Supreme More
Featuring: Shabaka Hutchings, Greentea Peng, Haile Supreme, Mara TK, Sabrina Mahfouz + Pip Millett
Shout Out! To Freedom Bio - By Don Letts
Where do you start with Leeds-born Ibiza based producer George Evelyn, the man from N.O.W that pioneered British electronic music? Well for those already hip to his world the following will serve as a timely reminder. For new arrivals it’ll provide a crucial guide to a musical ride that ends with ‘Shout Out! To Freedom’.
As Warp Records longest serving signing N.O.W opened doors to new sonic landscapes for countless producers and musicians. Via his father and juxtaposed with soca from the islands, young George’s imagination was captured by the likes of Curtis Mayfield, Sarah Vaughan and Quincy Jones. In his early teens, inner city bass heavy reggae sound systems would also make their mark. But it was the arrival of hip-hop in the UK, complete with its loop, sample, cut ‘n’ paste aesthetic that would provide the icing on the cake and a way forward. George alongside then writing partner Kevin Harper made his first contribution to the sonic continuum with two defining singles of the emerging rave scene, 1989’s ‘Dexterous’ and 1990’s ‘Aftermath’. This was closely followed by N.O.W’s 1991 debut album ‘A Word of Science: The First and Final Chapter’ for which George parked his techno sensibilities and mixed in more hip hop with a down tempo vibe. Its combination of loops and sample driven dubbed out funk, soul and hip hop would really establish the sound of N.O.W. 1995’s ‘Smokers Delight’ saw this downtempo vibe taken to a whole other level. Essentially designed to kick back and relax it pioneered what would become known as ‘chill’. To bookend the nineties came 1999’s ‘Carboot Soul’, the third chapter in a series of albums that for those of a certain persuasion perfectly captured the spirit of the decade – and you don’t stop…
N.O.W entered the 21st century with a whole new spin on things, 2002’s ‘Mind Elevation’ arrived with a combination of melody, beats and vocals that would see some serious success across radio airwaves with cuts like ‘Know My Name’ and ‘70’s 80’s. ‘In A Space Outta Sound’ released in 2006 was a veritable culture clash of musical influences, urban and international, informed by the travels of George’s alter ego DJ E.A.S.E. Recorded in transition between Leeds and Ibiza 2008’s ‘Thought So’ stayed true to his now distinctive style and seemed to mirror ‘95’s ‘Smokers Delight’ with raw yet typically well produced cuts featuring a splash of guest vocalists and his trademark dubbed out techniques. Whilst others chased the new 2013’s ‘Feeling Good’ pinned N.O.W’s colours firmly to the mast with another musical journey that continued to move forward without straying too far from the very path he’d paved. It somehow managed to tap into your emotions with a mesmerising laid back selection that earned George the reputation of being able to ‘bottle sunshine’. 2018’s ‘Shape The Future’ contained all the original ingredients, soul, dub, rap n’ reggae underpinned with some serious food for thought and George’s magical talent for creating something new whilst echoing so much our musical past. All these albums are an integral part of George’s musical journey and as such are essential but back to the matter at hand…
There’s no two ways about it, ‘Shout Out! To Freedom’ firmly establishes N.O.W as one of the most important and influential black British producers of his generation. This soundtrack for your soul feels like hooking up with a long lost friend. It’s immediately recognisable and wraps itself around you creating a world that’s unmistakably N.O.W. I’ve been a fan since way back when, yet I still find it almost impossible to vocalise my love for his sound ‘cause what George does can’t really be put into words, that’s why he does it on ‘wax’. But it was the advent of three unlikely and surprising events that would really set this particular record apart: personal trauma, time a by-product of the Covid pandemic and Black Lives Matter. It was a period during which the world stopped but in a way time also sped up for George against a backdrop of constant negative global noise.
What was happening on the outside was more than self-evident but what was the inner voice saying? That is the question George asked when he embarked on the creation of this, his 9th studio album. To seek answers he was forced to make the most of lockdown initially accessing voices from around the world via the net. Finding his feet as a bandleader, he formed creative bonds with new and upcoming talent that somehow connected with the history of N.O.W. The likes of Shabaka Hutchings, Haile Supreme, Mara TK, Sabrina Mahfouz. Greentea Peng, OSHUN and Pip Millett got the call, heard the brief and got on board with their own personal take on the very idea of freedom and ultimately that is what this record is all about. The enforced lockdown naturally led to a period of reflection and George himself sure had a lot to think about. Ten years on the road constantly touring didn’t leave a lot of time to ponder the ups, downs, sacrifice and success that comes with the territory. This personal re-examination came into sharp focus when a serious health scare saw him hospitalised. Vibrating between life and death it brought his own mortality into the mix. He emerged from this very private episode free and somehow more connected to himself and the planet - and then there was/is BLM. So what is freedom? Obviously many things to many people. We all know the problems but who’s brave enough to offer a way forward? Not necessarily an answer, just a medium to facilitate dialogue, a step towards the light. That was the driving force behind the making of ‘Shout Out! To Freedom’. For George that freedom came in the form of a return to family, a deep appreciation of his musical circumstance and the realisation that he was his best friend. Written with the gift of time each song comes from somewhere else literally, mentally and geographically. This cinematic selection of tracks are typified by cuts like ‘Imagineering’ which seems to perfectly set the scene as we emerge into a new cultural landscape - such is the power of N.O.W - rearranging the past to create new and brighter futures. ‘Breathe In ft. OSHUN’ was written and recorded during the first peak lockdown in NYC and shortly after George Floyd’s murder. The soul and hip-hop duo from NYC continue to explore the theme of freedom backed by a beat n’ bass heavy rhythm designed for you to look within and without. Continuing the movie vibe comes ‘3D Warrior’, an emotional horn driven piece straight from the heart courtesy of UK saxophonist Shabaka Hutchings and complemented by the haunting tones of Brooklyn sonic shaman Haile Supreme. By way of contrast the absolutely gorgeous ‘Wonder’, which also features Supreme n’ Hutchings, goes straight to your head with a galactic groove and an echoing refrain that you know will be with you for the rest of your life. With the final offering ‘Up To Us’ N.O.W leaves us with a soul-soothing soundtrack and positive lyrics to help you on your way.
At the end of the day all of the songs on this record are a call, a chant, a yearning for freedom in whatever form it may take. So ditch your emotional baggage for the journey and recognise the fact you’re not alone in your want. ‘Shout Out! To Freedom’ gives musical licence to set yourself free and acknowledge we’re in this thing together whatever this thing may be.
…..Don Letts aka The Rebel Dread
- Specs 2LP black vinyl in poly lined inners in gatefold outer. Download card
Tracklist:
A1. Shout Out! (Intro) feat. Beautiful People
A2. Imagineering
A3. Creator SOS feat. Haile Supreme and Wolfgang Haffner
A4. 3D Warrior feat. Shabaka Hutchings, Haile Supreme and Wolfgang Haffner
B1. Miami 80
B2. GTP Call
B3. Wikid Satellites feat. Greentea Peng
B4. Breathe In feat. OSHUN
C1. To Freedom (Interlude) feat. Beautiful People
C2. Wonder feat. Haile Supreme and Shabaka Hutchings
C3. Own Me feat. Haile Supreme
C4. Widyabad
D1. Isolated feat. Pip Millett and Sabrina Mahfouz
D2. Trillion feat. Mara TK
D3. Up To Us feat. Haile Supreme More
More records from Nightmares On Wax
1
Nightmares On Wax - A1. Wonder (Osunlade's Yoruba Soul Mix)
2
Nightmares On Wax - A2. Wonder (Tuccillo Remix)
3
Nightmares On Wax - AA1. 3D Warrior (Mala's Souljah VIP Remix)
4
Nightmares On Wax - AA2. 3D Warrior (NOW Director’s Cut)
As Warp’s longest serving signing, Nightmares on Wax has been consistently at the forefront of contemporary music, creating a unique blend of electronica, jazz, hip-hop, dub, funk, soul and techno.
Although 9 albums in, he may have only just truly stepped into his own groove. Lockdown forced a change of pace and offered some time for meaningful reflection and introspection. “I've been gigging non-stop for 10 years,” he says. “And that experience has been beautiful but it also drained me emotionally.”
He began to reassess some things. “As a creative you're always questioning everything,” he says. “So having the time and the space has meant that I could do a proper deep dive into this stuff. So it was all about this journey of going back to myself, and realising being at home with my wife and my daughter that I’ve not really been here properly. It’s like I've just woken back up to what I actually have - and it's already here.”
Evelyn already had the wheels in motion for making a collaborative album with a variety of guests but now he took this personal element and asked them to run with it. “The world had stopped and I'd slowed down but time speeded up,” he reflects. “So there was a lot of static going on in the world at that time. So my conversation with people was more like, ‘what's going on inside? What's the inner voice saying?’ As a result, he formed creative bonds with new and upcoming talent that slotted in nicely with both the history and evolution of N.O.W. The likes of Shabaka Hutchings, Haile Supreme, Mara TK, Sabrina Mahfouz. Greentea Peng, OSHUN and Pip Millett all feature.
- Specs: 1 LP in paper inner in printed outer. Download card insert
Tracks lifted from critically acclaimed new album ‘Shout Out To Freedom…':
- Mixmag cover feature
- 'Surpassing even the low-slung gait of 1995’s previous career milestone Smokers Delight.' - MOJO****
- 'An extraordinary album, which gives up more and more wonders with every repeat playing.' - Arts Desk
- 'Bold, fresh and full of freedom.'- Mixmag
- 'Iinspired, as ever.' - The Guardian
- 'Shout Out! To Freedom is a joy.' - The Quietus More
Although 9 albums in, he may have only just truly stepped into his own groove. Lockdown forced a change of pace and offered some time for meaningful reflection and introspection. “I've been gigging non-stop for 10 years,” he says. “And that experience has been beautiful but it also drained me emotionally.”
He began to reassess some things. “As a creative you're always questioning everything,” he says. “So having the time and the space has meant that I could do a proper deep dive into this stuff. So it was all about this journey of going back to myself, and realising being at home with my wife and my daughter that I’ve not really been here properly. It’s like I've just woken back up to what I actually have - and it's already here.”
Evelyn already had the wheels in motion for making a collaborative album with a variety of guests but now he took this personal element and asked them to run with it. “The world had stopped and I'd slowed down but time speeded up,” he reflects. “So there was a lot of static going on in the world at that time. So my conversation with people was more like, ‘what's going on inside? What's the inner voice saying?’ As a result, he formed creative bonds with new and upcoming talent that slotted in nicely with both the history and evolution of N.O.W. The likes of Shabaka Hutchings, Haile Supreme, Mara TK, Sabrina Mahfouz. Greentea Peng, OSHUN and Pip Millett all feature.
- Specs: 1 LP in paper inner in printed outer. Download card insert
Tracks lifted from critically acclaimed new album ‘Shout Out To Freedom…':
- Mixmag cover feature
- 'Surpassing even the low-slung gait of 1995’s previous career milestone Smokers Delight.' - MOJO****
- 'An extraordinary album, which gives up more and more wonders with every repeat playing.' - Arts Desk
- 'Bold, fresh and full of freedom.'- Mixmag
- 'Iinspired, as ever.' - The Guardian
- 'Shout Out! To Freedom is a joy.' - The Quietus More
1
nightmares on wax - Illa J Rmx
2
nightmares on wax - Album Version
3
nightmares on wax - Dj E.a.s.e Club Mix
4
nightmares on wax - Moodymann Remix
Nightmares on Wax can now announce an extra special package of hand selected remixes for soulful stand out album cut 'Deep Shadows' feat Sadie Walker. Released as a 12" on July 13th the package features leading lights of all the components of the NoW sound. A rare remix from elusive Detroit legend Moodymann brings the deep dancefloor emotion, fellow Detroit son Illa J brings the blunted hip-hop bounce and Nightmares’ DJ E.A.S.E himself steps up the tempo for his club version. Since the release of his pivotal album ‘Shape The Future’ which was released very early this year, Nightmares on Wax has toured all over the world, with a forthcoming US tour and summer jam packed with festival dates still to come.
The album is a true testament to Nightmares on Wax’s 25 year career and showcases his ability to influence a whole new generation of artists. As Warp’s longest serving active artist, he has broadened the sound of the label and paved the way for artists such as Flying Lotus, Hudson Mohawke and Mount Kimbie. More
The album is a true testament to Nightmares on Wax’s 25 year career and showcases his ability to influence a whole new generation of artists. As Warp’s longest serving active artist, he has broadened the sound of the label and paved the way for artists such as Flying Lotus, Hudson Mohawke and Mount Kimbie. More
More records from Warp
Originally released in 2017, PHANTOM BRICKWORKS is an ongoing ambient/drone project by Stephen James Wilkinson a.k.a. Bibio. The work explores the human echoes still present in various sites around Britain. Wilkinson has visited these locations, observed their gradual decline, and responded with improvised and composed music. New in 2024, a sequel titled PHANTOM BRICKWORKS (LP II) is a 10-track LP, mastered by Guy Davie and vinyl cut by Hendrik Pauler. The new record draws attention to new sites - some are intriguing, vast scars on the natural landscape, others survive only in local memories, historic clips and photographs. A few remain submerged from ordinary sights, while some exist purely as legends and stories.
- Specs: Black 2LP Vinyl in printed inner sleeve in wide spine outer sleeve and download code
TRACKLIST:
A1. DINORWIC
A2. DOROTHEA'S BED
B1. PHANTOM BRICKWORKS VI
B2. SURAM
B3. LLYN PERIS
C1. PHANTOM BRICKWORKS VII
C2. TEGID'S COURT
D1. BROGRAVE
D2. SPIDER BRIDGE
D3. SYCHDER MCMLXXXIX More
- Specs: Black 2LP Vinyl in printed inner sleeve in wide spine outer sleeve and download code
TRACKLIST:
A1. DINORWIC
A2. DOROTHEA'S BED
B1. PHANTOM BRICKWORKS VI
B2. SURAM
B3. LLYN PERIS
C1. PHANTOM BRICKWORKS VII
C2. TEGID'S COURT
D1. BROGRAVE
D2. SPIDER BRIDGE
D3. SYCHDER MCMLXXXIX More
An album beloved by fans since its release in March 2004, Ultravisitor is one of the most popular records in Squarepusher's entire discography. A unique blend of studio and live recordings, it's an excellent showcase for the diversity of his music: from the frenetic title track to the funky jazz of "Iambic 9 Poetry" to the sunlit bliss of "Tommib Help Buss" and beyond.
For the 20th anniversary, Warp is proud to present this expanded deluxe version, a limited edition one-time pressing, carefully remastered from the original tapes by Jason Mitchell at Loud Mastering and overseen by Tom Jenkinson. Never entirely happy with the sound of the original release, Tom has relished the opportunity to revisit the tapes, bringing out fresh dynamics and details in the tracks.
Bonus album Venus No.17 Maximised is compiled from tracks originally released as part of the Ultravisitor promo EP, released 26 January 2004; the Square Window 3" CD, a free bonus disc given out with WarpMart pre-orders of the Ultravisitor album; and the Venus No.17 EP. The accompanying booklet contains rare photos, flyers, and recording documentation.
- Specs Black 2LP in 5mm wide spine sleeve, printed inner sleeves + 1LP in 3mm spine sleeve, polylined sleeve + 16 page booklet all in printed O-card sleeve
Tracklist:
A1. Ultravisitor
A2. I Fulcrum
A3. Iambic 9 Poetry
A4. Andrei
B1. 50 Cycles
B2. Menelec
B3. C-Town Smash
C1. Steinbolt
C2. An Arched Pathway
C3. Telluric Piece
C4. District Line II
D1. Circlewave
D2. Tetra-Sync
D3. Tommib Help Buss
D4. Every Day I Love
E1. Square Window
E2. Abacus 2
E3. Venus No.17
E4. Itti-Fack
E5. Melt 14.6
F1. Venus No.17 Acid Mix
F2. Tundra 4
F3. Talk About Me & You More
For the 20th anniversary, Warp is proud to present this expanded deluxe version, a limited edition one-time pressing, carefully remastered from the original tapes by Jason Mitchell at Loud Mastering and overseen by Tom Jenkinson. Never entirely happy with the sound of the original release, Tom has relished the opportunity to revisit the tapes, bringing out fresh dynamics and details in the tracks.
Bonus album Venus No.17 Maximised is compiled from tracks originally released as part of the Ultravisitor promo EP, released 26 January 2004; the Square Window 3" CD, a free bonus disc given out with WarpMart pre-orders of the Ultravisitor album; and the Venus No.17 EP. The accompanying booklet contains rare photos, flyers, and recording documentation.
- Specs Black 2LP in 5mm wide spine sleeve, printed inner sleeves + 1LP in 3mm spine sleeve, polylined sleeve + 16 page booklet all in printed O-card sleeve
Tracklist:
A1. Ultravisitor
A2. I Fulcrum
A3. Iambic 9 Poetry
A4. Andrei
B1. 50 Cycles
B2. Menelec
B3. C-Town Smash
C1. Steinbolt
C2. An Arched Pathway
C3. Telluric Piece
C4. District Line II
D1. Circlewave
D2. Tetra-Sync
D3. Tommib Help Buss
D4. Every Day I Love
E1. Square Window
E2. Abacus 2
E3. Venus No.17
E4. Itti-Fack
E5. Melt 14.6
F1. Venus No.17 Acid Mix
F2. Tundra 4
F3. Talk About Me & You More
1
Aphex Twin - #1
2
Aphex Twin - #2
3
Aphex Twin - #3
4
Aphex Twin - #4
5
Aphex Twin - #5
6
Aphex Twin - #6
7
Aphex Twin - #7
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Aphex Twin - #8
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Aphex Twin - #9
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Aphex Twin - #10
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Aphex Twin - #11
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Aphex Twin - #12
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Aphex Twin - Blue Calx
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Aphex Twin - #14
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Aphex Twin - #15
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Aphex Twin - #16
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Aphex Twin - #17
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Aphex Twin - #18
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Aphex Twin - #19
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Aphex Twin - #20
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Aphex Twin - #21
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Aphex Twin - #22
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Aphex Twin - #23
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Aphex Twin - #24
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Aphex Twin - #25
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Aphex Twin - th1 [evnslower]
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Aphex Twin - Rhubarb Orc. 19.53 Rev
An essential piece of electronic history is restored to its full glory for the 30th anniversary, with all 25 tracks of Selected Ambient Works II reunited in this Expanded Edition alongside two extras. Constantly referenced and revered decades after its release, SAWII has seen accolades such as the Pitchfork perfect 10 and #2 best ambient album of all time.
Written in his early 20s, it follows the glacial synths and deft percussion of Selected Ambient Works 85-92 and preceding the contorted, intricate, abstract visions of electronic music on ...I Care Because You Do. Aphex Twin crafted this mammoth set of mostly beatless vistas, textured compositions that are by turns beautiful, nightmarish, emotive, and thrilling.
From swooning beauty to careening dread, even in just the first two tracks, SAWII is a stunning and faultless piece of work. Each soundscape brings with it the sense of standing in some vast space, with dripping rusted pipes and dilapidated walls, or endless canyons of low bitrate whooshing winds. Tracks like ‘Blue Calx’ emanate a strange kind of peace, with synths that sound like wobbling laminated paper or underwater radar blips while a constant knocking keeps pace. Elsewhere, curious microtonal keys flutter and subtly morph, low frequencies throb and purr, and oscillating hums induce hypnagogia.
The gossamer soft chords of ‘#3’ (AKA ‘Rhubarb’) move slow as clouds, airy wisps that are translated into orchestral grandeur on the exclusive ‘Rhubarb Orc. 19.53 Rev’ with quivering strings, ethereal choir, and reversed molten bass, while ‘th1 [evnslower]’ is a sonorous blur floating from hopeful lifts to anxious dissonance. Finally included on all formats after 30 years, ‘#19’ (AKA ‘Stone In Focus’) seems to smooth over all the wrinkles of life with its blissfully monolithic chords and faint ripples of melody, its ticking like skipping stones marking the passage of time till it slows to a gentle halt.
- Polylined inner sleeves
- Foil blocked wide spine outer sleeve
- Fold out poster
- Sticker insert
- Expanded edition includes all songs on all formats for the first time, including previously vinyl-exclusive track #19 alongside two additional tracks (officially released and on physical formats for the first time)
- Artwork by Paul Nicholson, original album designer + Aphex logo designer More
Written in his early 20s, it follows the glacial synths and deft percussion of Selected Ambient Works 85-92 and preceding the contorted, intricate, abstract visions of electronic music on ...I Care Because You Do. Aphex Twin crafted this mammoth set of mostly beatless vistas, textured compositions that are by turns beautiful, nightmarish, emotive, and thrilling.
From swooning beauty to careening dread, even in just the first two tracks, SAWII is a stunning and faultless piece of work. Each soundscape brings with it the sense of standing in some vast space, with dripping rusted pipes and dilapidated walls, or endless canyons of low bitrate whooshing winds. Tracks like ‘Blue Calx’ emanate a strange kind of peace, with synths that sound like wobbling laminated paper or underwater radar blips while a constant knocking keeps pace. Elsewhere, curious microtonal keys flutter and subtly morph, low frequencies throb and purr, and oscillating hums induce hypnagogia.
The gossamer soft chords of ‘#3’ (AKA ‘Rhubarb’) move slow as clouds, airy wisps that are translated into orchestral grandeur on the exclusive ‘Rhubarb Orc. 19.53 Rev’ with quivering strings, ethereal choir, and reversed molten bass, while ‘th1 [evnslower]’ is a sonorous blur floating from hopeful lifts to anxious dissonance. Finally included on all formats after 30 years, ‘#19’ (AKA ‘Stone In Focus’) seems to smooth over all the wrinkles of life with its blissfully monolithic chords and faint ripples of melody, its ticking like skipping stones marking the passage of time till it slows to a gentle halt.
- Polylined inner sleeves
- Foil blocked wide spine outer sleeve
- Fold out poster
- Sticker insert
- Expanded edition includes all songs on all formats for the first time, including previously vinyl-exclusive track #19 alongside two additional tracks (officially released and on physical formats for the first time)
- Artwork by Paul Nicholson, original album designer + Aphex logo designer More
Selected Ambient Works Volume II (Expanded Edition) is due for release on Oct 4, 2024, celebrating the original album's 30th anniversary.
Written when Aphex Twin (Richard D. James) was in his early 20s, the album gained critical acclaim both upon release and retrospectively (10/10 Pitchfork review, #2 Best Ambient Album of All Time, 4 star Rolling Stone review + more).
Aphex Twin and SAW II’s influence continues to grow and take new meaning across generations.
Selling Points
• 30th anniversary edition of Aphex Twin’s critically acclaimed Selected Ambient Works II
• Expanded edition includes all songs on all formats for the first time, including previously vinyl-exclusive track #19 alongside two additional tracks (officially released and on physical formats for the first time)
• Artwork by Paul Nicholson, original album designer + Aphex Twin logo designer
- Specs 3CD in foil blocked case bound sleeve with booklet
Tracklist:
CD01:
1. #1
2. #2
3. #3
4. #4
5. #5
6. #6
7. #7
8. #8
9. #9
CD02
1. #10
2. #11
3. #12
4. Blue Calx
5. #14
6. #15
7. #16
8. #17
9. #18
10. #19
CD03
1. #20
2. #21
3. #22
4. #23
5. #24
6. #25
7. th1 [evnslower]
8. Rhubarb Orc. 19.53 Rev More
Written when Aphex Twin (Richard D. James) was in his early 20s, the album gained critical acclaim both upon release and retrospectively (10/10 Pitchfork review, #2 Best Ambient Album of All Time, 4 star Rolling Stone review + more).
Aphex Twin and SAW II’s influence continues to grow and take new meaning across generations.
Selling Points
• 30th anniversary edition of Aphex Twin’s critically acclaimed Selected Ambient Works II
• Expanded edition includes all songs on all formats for the first time, including previously vinyl-exclusive track #19 alongside two additional tracks (officially released and on physical formats for the first time)
• Artwork by Paul Nicholson, original album designer + Aphex Twin logo designer
- Specs 3CD in foil blocked case bound sleeve with booklet
Tracklist:
CD01:
1. #1
2. #2
3. #3
4. #4
5. #5
6. #6
7. #7
8. #8
9. #9
CD02
1. #10
2. #11
3. #12
4. Blue Calx
5. #14
6. #15
7. #16
8. #17
9. #18
10. #19
CD03
1. #20
2. #21
3. #22
4. #23
5. #24
6. #25
7. th1 [evnslower]
8. Rhubarb Orc. 19.53 Rev More
Distant Call, In contrast to Spell Blanket, is a collection of early demos of songs that would subsequently appear as finished productions on the albums Haha Sound, Tender Buttons and The Future Crayon.
The album also includes two songs discovered by James after Trish’s passing: “Come Back To Me” and “Please Call To Book”. These were her response to Broadcast’s 2006 ‘Let’s Write A Song’ project, where fans were asked to submit lyrics on a postcard which would then be worked into a finished song.
Distant Call is a closing of the door on Broadcast and will be the last release from the band.
- Spec Black 1LP Vinyl in printed inner sleeve in 3mm spine sleeve
- Listen: https://warp.ffm.to/broadcast-tittp
Tracklisting:
A1. Tears In The Typing Pool [Demo]
A2. Still Feels Like Tears [Demo]
A3. Come Back To Me [Demo]
A4. The Little Bell [Demo]
A5. Distant Call [Demo]
A6. Valerie [Demo]
A7. Colour Me In [Demo]
B1. Ominous Cloud [Demo]
B2. Flame Left From The Sun [Demo]
B3. Where Youth And Laughter Go [Demo]
B4. Poem Of A Dead Song [Demo]
B5. O How I Miss You [Demo]
B6. Pendulum [Demo]
B7. Please Call To Book [Demo]
https://broadcast.warp.net/ More
The album also includes two songs discovered by James after Trish’s passing: “Come Back To Me” and “Please Call To Book”. These were her response to Broadcast’s 2006 ‘Let’s Write A Song’ project, where fans were asked to submit lyrics on a postcard which would then be worked into a finished song.
Distant Call is a closing of the door on Broadcast and will be the last release from the band.
- Spec Black 1LP Vinyl in printed inner sleeve in 3mm spine sleeve
- Listen: https://warp.ffm.to/broadcast-tittp
Tracklisting:
A1. Tears In The Typing Pool [Demo]
A2. Still Feels Like Tears [Demo]
A3. Come Back To Me [Demo]
A4. The Little Bell [Demo]
A5. Distant Call [Demo]
A6. Valerie [Demo]
A7. Colour Me In [Demo]
B1. Ominous Cloud [Demo]
B2. Flame Left From The Sun [Demo]
B3. Where Youth And Laughter Go [Demo]
B4. Poem Of A Dead Song [Demo]
B5. O How I Miss You [Demo]
B6. Pendulum [Demo]
B7. Please Call To Book [Demo]
https://broadcast.warp.net/ More
Endlessness is a deep dive into the cycle of existence. The 45-minute album delicately spans 10 tracks with a continuous arpeggio playing throughout, creating an expansive, mesmerising celebration of life cycles and rebirth. Following Sinephro’s critically acclaimed 2021 debut album Space 1.8, Endlessness further elevates her as a transcendent and multi-dimensional composer, beautifully morphing jazz, orchestral, and electronic music.
The album was composed, produced, arranged, and engineered by Sinephro. Performing on the album are Sheila Maurice-Grey, Morgan Simpson, James Mollison, Lyle Barton, Nubya Garcia, Natcyet Wakili, and Dwayne Kilvington, joined by Orchestrate’s 21 string players.
The album will be available on black 2LP vinyl with d-side etching as well as CD.
- Specs Black 2LP vinyl with etching to d-side in printed inner sleeves in 5mm spine sleeve. Housed in PVC wallet with flap.
Tracklist:
A1. Continuum 1
A2. Continuum 2
B1. Continuum 3
B2. Continuum 4
B3. Continuum 5
B4. Continuum 6
B5. Continuum 7
B6. Continuum 8
C1. Continuum 9
C2. Continuum 10
Praise for Space 1.8:
"An ambient jazz classic" - The Guardian
"A benchmark in ambient jazz featuring outstanding players and delicately woven arrangements." - 8.3 ‘Best New Music’ Pitchfork
"Music so vast could feel lonely, but the sense of smallness one feels listening to Nala’s music is humbling and reassuring; the magnitudes of beauty we can create are unbound." - Jazzwise More
The album was composed, produced, arranged, and engineered by Sinephro. Performing on the album are Sheila Maurice-Grey, Morgan Simpson, James Mollison, Lyle Barton, Nubya Garcia, Natcyet Wakili, and Dwayne Kilvington, joined by Orchestrate’s 21 string players.
The album will be available on black 2LP vinyl with d-side etching as well as CD.
- Specs Black 2LP vinyl with etching to d-side in printed inner sleeves in 5mm spine sleeve. Housed in PVC wallet with flap.
Tracklist:
A1. Continuum 1
A2. Continuum 2
B1. Continuum 3
B2. Continuum 4
B3. Continuum 5
B4. Continuum 6
B5. Continuum 7
B6. Continuum 8
C1. Continuum 9
C2. Continuum 10
Praise for Space 1.8:
"An ambient jazz classic" - The Guardian
"A benchmark in ambient jazz featuring outstanding players and delicately woven arrangements." - 8.3 ‘Best New Music’ Pitchfork
"Music so vast could feel lonely, but the sense of smallness one feels listening to Nala’s music is humbling and reassuring; the magnitudes of beauty we can create are unbound." - Jazzwise More
After critically acclaimed reissues of their mid-90s material, Seefeel return with their first new music since 2011. Everything Squared is a one-off 6-track mini-album which presents a contemporary evolution of their trademark sound. Mainly composed and performed by the core duo of Mark Clifford and Sarah Peacock, with bass on two tracks from Shigeru Ishihara. Mastered by Berlin-based engineer Stefan Betke aka Pole at Scape Mastering, and designed by Ian Anderson at The Designers Republic.
- Specs Black 12" Vinyl in paper inner sleeve in 3mm spine sleeve
Tracklist:
A1. Sky Hooks
A2. Multifolds
A3. Lose The Minus
B1. Antiskeptic
B2. Hooked Paw
B3. End Of Here More
- Specs Black 12" Vinyl in paper inner sleeve in 3mm spine sleeve
Tracklist:
A1. Sky Hooks
A2. Multifolds
A3. Lose The Minus
B1. Antiskeptic
B2. Hooked Paw
B3. End Of Here More
Spell Blanket - Collected Demos 2006-2009 comprises songs and sketches drawn from Trish’s extensive archive of 4-track tapes and MiniDiscs. The recordings lay the groundwork for what would have been Broadcast’s fifth album, offering a window into Trish and James’ creative process during the post-Tender Buttons period from 2006-2009.
Photography used in its artwork is by Trish and James and the artwork is designed by Broadcast’s long-time collaborator Julian House. Spell Blanket - Collected Demos 2006-2009 will be released via Warp Records on May 3rd and available on standard black 2LP and CD.
- Spec Black 2LP Vinyl in printed inner sleeve in 3mm spine sleeve
- Listen: https://warp.ffm.to/broadcast-ftl
Tracklisting:
A1. The Song Before The Song Comes Out
A2. March Of The Fleas
A3. Greater Than Joy
A4. Mother Plays Games
A5. My Marble Eye
A6. Roses Red
A7. Hip Bone To Hip Bone
A8. Running Back To Me
A9. I Blink You Blink
A10. Infant Girl
A11. I Run In Dreams
B1. Luminous Image
B2. A Little Light
B3. Hairpin Memories
B4. My Body
B5. Follow The Light
B6. Tunnel View
B7. Where Are You?
B8. Singing Game
B9. I Want To Be Fine
C1. The Games You Play
C2. Grey Grey Skies
C3. Puzzle
C4. The Clock Is On Fire
C5. Petal Alphabet
C6. Tell Table
C7. Fatherly Veil
D1. Dream Power
D2. Heartbeat
D3. Call Sign
D4. Crone Motion
D5. Sleeping Bed
D6. Join In Together
D7. Colour In The Numbers
D8. I Am The Bridge
D9. Spirit House
https://broadcast.warp.net/ More
Photography used in its artwork is by Trish and James and the artwork is designed by Broadcast’s long-time collaborator Julian House. Spell Blanket - Collected Demos 2006-2009 will be released via Warp Records on May 3rd and available on standard black 2LP and CD.
- Spec Black 2LP Vinyl in printed inner sleeve in 3mm spine sleeve
- Listen: https://warp.ffm.to/broadcast-ftl
Tracklisting:
A1. The Song Before The Song Comes Out
A2. March Of The Fleas
A3. Greater Than Joy
A4. Mother Plays Games
A5. My Marble Eye
A6. Roses Red
A7. Hip Bone To Hip Bone
A8. Running Back To Me
A9. I Blink You Blink
A10. Infant Girl
A11. I Run In Dreams
B1. Luminous Image
B2. A Little Light
B3. Hairpin Memories
B4. My Body
B5. Follow The Light
B6. Tunnel View
B7. Where Are You?
B8. Singing Game
B9. I Want To Be Fine
C1. The Games You Play
C2. Grey Grey Skies
C3. Puzzle
C4. The Clock Is On Fire
C5. Petal Alphabet
C6. Tell Table
C7. Fatherly Veil
D1. Dream Power
D2. Heartbeat
D3. Call Sign
D4. Crone Motion
D5. Sleeping Bed
D6. Join In Together
D7. Colour In The Numbers
D8. I Am The Bridge
D9. Spirit House
https://broadcast.warp.net/ More
Scottish and Danish composer Clarissa Connelly’s debut album on Warp Records, “World of Work”, is set to be released on April 12th.
Over the years Clarissa has explored sacred sites and mythology, finding inspiration in Celtic and Nordic culture. For her most recent album, “The Voyager”, Clarissa walked the Scandinavian landscape, channelling melodies from ancient pre-Christian sites. The album received global acclaim and was awarded the prestigious Nordic Music Prize.
On “World of Work”, Clarissa explores themes of acceptance and growth, by creating a sonic embroidery, a powerful testimony of her production and composition abilities.
- Specs Black 12" Vinyl in printed inner sleeve in 3mm spine sleeve and download code
Tracklist:
A1. Into This, Called Loneliness
A2. The Bell Tower
A3. An Embroidery
A4. Life Of The Forbidden
A5. Wee Rosebud
B1. The Excess Of Sorrow, Laughs
B2. Turn To Stone
B3. Tenderfoot
B4. Crucifer
B5. S.O.S. Song Of The Sword More
Over the years Clarissa has explored sacred sites and mythology, finding inspiration in Celtic and Nordic culture. For her most recent album, “The Voyager”, Clarissa walked the Scandinavian landscape, channelling melodies from ancient pre-Christian sites. The album received global acclaim and was awarded the prestigious Nordic Music Prize.
On “World of Work”, Clarissa explores themes of acceptance and growth, by creating a sonic embroidery, a powerful testimony of her production and composition abilities.
- Specs Black 12" Vinyl in printed inner sleeve in 3mm spine sleeve and download code
Tracklist:
A1. Into This, Called Loneliness
A2. The Bell Tower
A3. An Embroidery
A4. Life Of The Forbidden
A5. Wee Rosebud
B1. The Excess Of Sorrow, Laughs
B2. Turn To Stone
B3. Tenderfoot
B4. Crucifer
B5. S.O.S. Song Of The Sword More
Mount Kimbie’s fourth studio album, The Sunset Violent, is seeded in the wake of 2017’s Love What Survives and marks an important full circle moment for the group as they return to a band-like setup (Dominic Maker, Kai Campos, Andrea Balency-Béarn and Marc Pell).
The Sunset Violent was made under the empty sky of the American desert, where Kai and Dominic relocated to for a month. A town with little to offer but a couple of saloons, a basin with a history of alleged UFO sightings and a selection of local country radio stations ends up birthing a new Mount Kimbie record that harks back to a time where the guitar lead the way through the band’s sonic tapestry.
On The Sunset Violent, an album that marks fifteen years of Mount Kimbie, it’s clear that their creative spark is by no means at an end.
- Specs Black 1LP Vinyl in printed inner sleeve in 3mm spine sleeve and download code
Tracklist:
A1. The Trail
A2. Dumb Guitar
A3. Shipwreck
A4. Boxing (Feat. King Krule)
A5. Got Me
B1. A Figure In The Surf
B2. Fishbrain
B3. Yukka Tree
B4. Empty And Silent (Feat. King Krule) More
The Sunset Violent was made under the empty sky of the American desert, where Kai and Dominic relocated to for a month. A town with little to offer but a couple of saloons, a basin with a history of alleged UFO sightings and a selection of local country radio stations ends up birthing a new Mount Kimbie record that harks back to a time where the guitar lead the way through the band’s sonic tapestry.
On The Sunset Violent, an album that marks fifteen years of Mount Kimbie, it’s clear that their creative spark is by no means at an end.
- Specs Black 1LP Vinyl in printed inner sleeve in 3mm spine sleeve and download code
Tracklist:
A1. The Trail
A2. Dumb Guitar
A3. Shipwreck
A4. Boxing (Feat. King Krule)
A5. Got Me
B1. A Figure In The Surf
B2. Fishbrain
B3. Yukka Tree
B4. Empty And Silent (Feat. King Krule) More
Over the past decade, New York-based composer and producer Kelly Moran has solidified her status as a trailblazing figure in modern music, challenging the piano's traditional, classically-imposed school of thought with a more contemporary, experimental approach. An accomplished and highly sought-after composer, Moran has collaborated with artists the likes of Oneohtrix Point Never as part of his touring ensemble for 2018 album Age Of, as well as singer and composer FKA Twigs' live ensemble. Moran has also composed for classical musician Margaret Leng Tan and worked with other visionary contemporaries like Kelsey Lu and Yves Tumor. As a solo artist, Moran's critically acclaimed albums, Bloodroot and Ultraviolet, have explored a variety of extended piano techniques like John Cage-inspired prepared piano and exercises in improvisation. Her unique strand of experimental piano compositions, which conjure hypnotizing textures and dramatic compositional arcs, have been included on year-end lists across classical, avant-garde, and metal genres.
Moran’s upcoming album, Moves in the Field, is a series of duets for herself and the Yamaha Disklavier – a technologically advanced version of a player piano. Able to perfectly replicate humanlike playing through intense fine-tuning and programmable dynamics, the Disklaviers used on Kelly’s new music act as a foil to her own striving for a balance of technical perfection and emotional expression in her performances and compositions.
Kelly Moran Shares: “In early 2020, Yamaha loaned me a Disklavier player piano - a special instrument that allows you to record your performance for the piano to play back on its own. I was initially working on a duet for myself and another pianist, but when the pandemic hit, the player piano became my duet partner. I began writing a series of duets for myself and the Disklavier, exploring all the different ways I could utilize this instrument to merge its inhuman capabilities with my own playing. The Disklavier allowed me to record multiple layers of my playing so I could create music on the piano that would require more fingers or greater endurance than I physically have - like chords that had more than 10 notes in them, or chords that were spaced out farther than my hands could stretch. Sometimes I’d record a pattern and then speed it up to play back faster than I could ever physically play. My imagination exploded at all the possibilities this instrument allowed me to create, and these explorations culminated in my new record Moves in the Field.”
- Specs Clear 12" Vinyl in printed inner sleeve in 3mm spine sleeve and download code
Tracklist:
A1. Butterfly Phase
A2. Superhuman
A3. Don’t Trust Mirrors
A4. Dancer Polynomials
A5. Sodalis (II)
B1. Leitmotif
B2. It’s Okay To Disappear
B3. Hypno
B4. Moves In The Field
B5. Solar Flare More
Moran’s upcoming album, Moves in the Field, is a series of duets for herself and the Yamaha Disklavier – a technologically advanced version of a player piano. Able to perfectly replicate humanlike playing through intense fine-tuning and programmable dynamics, the Disklaviers used on Kelly’s new music act as a foil to her own striving for a balance of technical perfection and emotional expression in her performances and compositions.
Kelly Moran Shares: “In early 2020, Yamaha loaned me a Disklavier player piano - a special instrument that allows you to record your performance for the piano to play back on its own. I was initially working on a duet for myself and another pianist, but when the pandemic hit, the player piano became my duet partner. I began writing a series of duets for myself and the Disklavier, exploring all the different ways I could utilize this instrument to merge its inhuman capabilities with my own playing. The Disklavier allowed me to record multiple layers of my playing so I could create music on the piano that would require more fingers or greater endurance than I physically have - like chords that had more than 10 notes in them, or chords that were spaced out farther than my hands could stretch. Sometimes I’d record a pattern and then speed it up to play back faster than I could ever physically play. My imagination exploded at all the possibilities this instrument allowed me to create, and these explorations culminated in my new record Moves in the Field.”
- Specs Clear 12" Vinyl in printed inner sleeve in 3mm spine sleeve and download code
Tracklist:
A1. Butterfly Phase
A2. Superhuman
A3. Don’t Trust Mirrors
A4. Dancer Polynomials
A5. Sodalis (II)
B1. Leitmotif
B2. It’s Okay To Disappear
B3. Hypno
B4. Moves In The Field
B5. Solar Flare More
Dostrotime is Squarepusher-style fun. Heavy, intense, tear out experimental electronic music for the sheer exhilaration of it. Unapologetically, one for the Squarepunter Massive!
In early 2020, Squarepusher had just released Be Up A Hello to huge acclaim, and was gearing up for a worldwide tour featuring some of his biggest shows to date. Then the pandemic hit, and it was all off... Devoid of distractions, naturally the artist headed to the studio to begin recording. He says that “ [...] Without customary interruptions, time elapsed differently”. It’s an episode he’s dubbed “Dostrotime”. As such, Dostrotime is an attempt to capture the peculiarity of music catalysed by lockdown being part of the celebration of lockdown’s demise.
- Specs Black 2LP in paper inner sleeve in gatefold outer sleeve and download code
Tracklist:
A1. Arkteon 1
A2. Enbounce
A3. Wendorlan
B1. Duneray
B2. Kronmec
B3. Arkteon 2
C1. Holorform
C2. Akkranen
C3. Stromcor
D1. Domelash
D2. Heliobat
D3. Arkteon 3 More
In early 2020, Squarepusher had just released Be Up A Hello to huge acclaim, and was gearing up for a worldwide tour featuring some of his biggest shows to date. Then the pandemic hit, and it was all off... Devoid of distractions, naturally the artist headed to the studio to begin recording. He says that “ [...] Without customary interruptions, time elapsed differently”. It’s an episode he’s dubbed “Dostrotime”. As such, Dostrotime is an attempt to capture the peculiarity of music catalysed by lockdown being part of the celebration of lockdown’s demise.
- Specs Black 2LP in paper inner sleeve in gatefold outer sleeve and download code
Tracklist:
A1. Arkteon 1
A2. Enbounce
A3. Wendorlan
B1. Duneray
B2. Kronmec
B3. Arkteon 2
C1. Holorform
C2. Akkranen
C3. Stromcor
D1. Domelash
D2. Heliobat
D3. Arkteon 3 More
Dostrotime is Squarepusher-style fun. Heavy, intense, tear out experimental electronic music for the sheer exhilaration of it. Unapologetically, one for the Squarepunter Massive!
In early 2020, Squarepusher had just released Be Up A Hello to huge acclaim, and was gearing up for a worldwide tour featuring some of his biggest shows to date. Then the pandemic hit, and it was all off... Devoid of distractions, naturally the artist headed to the studio to begin recording. He says that “ [...] Without customary interruptions, time elapsed differently”. It’s an episode he’s dubbed “Dostrotime”. As such, Dostrotime is an attempt to capture the peculiarity of music catalysed by lockdown being part of the celebration of lockdown’s demise.
- Specs Black 2LP in paper inner sleeve in gatefold outer sleeve and download code
Tracklist:
A1. Arkteon 1
A2. Enbounce
A3. Wendorlan
B1. Duneray
B2. Kronmec
B3. Arkteon 2
C1. Holorform
C2. Akkranen
C3. Stromcor
D1. Domelash
D2. Heliobat
D3. Arkteon 3 More
In early 2020, Squarepusher had just released Be Up A Hello to huge acclaim, and was gearing up for a worldwide tour featuring some of his biggest shows to date. Then the pandemic hit, and it was all off... Devoid of distractions, naturally the artist headed to the studio to begin recording. He says that “ [...] Without customary interruptions, time elapsed differently”. It’s an episode he’s dubbed “Dostrotime”. As such, Dostrotime is an attempt to capture the peculiarity of music catalysed by lockdown being part of the celebration of lockdown’s demise.
- Specs Black 2LP in paper inner sleeve in gatefold outer sleeve and download code
Tracklist:
A1. Arkteon 1
A2. Enbounce
A3. Wendorlan
B1. Duneray
B2. Kronmec
B3. Arkteon 2
C1. Holorform
C2. Akkranen
C3. Stromcor
D1. Domelash
D2. Heliobat
D3. Arkteon 3 More
1
Speedy J - Ginger
2
Speedy J - Fill 4
3
Speedy J - Beam Me Up!
4
Speedy J - R2 D2
5
Speedy J - Fill 14
6
Speedy J - Basic Design
7
Speedy J - Perfect Pitch
8
Speedy J - Flashback
9
Speedy J - Pepper
10
Speedy J - De-Orbit
Debut studio album by Dutch electronic music producer and DJ Speedy J (real name Jochem Paap), Ginger was originally released in June 1993 as part of Warp Records Artificial Intelligence series.
Remastered in 2021, the reissue contains the original design by longtime Warp collaborators The Designers Republic.
Rotterdam-based Jochem Paap began creating techno tracks such as “Three O’Three” and “Something For Your Mind” in his hometown to play out in clubs, and chose the artist name Speedy J as a reference to his DJ skills. As commented on by All Music, Paap's clear intent with Ginger was "to take his music out of the rave and into the home-listening environment," and balance elements of the manic energy that defined his early releases with a lush sound palette. Writing and recording on his own in The Plant studio, the album was released on a number of different labels internationally and brought his minimal but melodic production style to a far wider audience, with critics noting his meticulous attention to audio design, skillful use of track interludes (the “Fill” tracks on Ginger, something Black Dog Productions also explored on Bytes), and a careful balancing of four-to-the-floor grooves with ambient textures. He released a second album with Warp, 1995’s G-Spot, and has continued to make a diverse range of electronic music, included releases on labels such as Mike Paradinas’ Planet Mu and Peter Namlook’s FAX +49-69/450464, and showcasing a more experimental strand of releases via his own Electric Deluxe imprint. The music on Ginger has been highlighted as a seminal release in a number of retrospective features by the likes of Pitchfork, The Wire and FACT. More
Remastered in 2021, the reissue contains the original design by longtime Warp collaborators The Designers Republic.
Rotterdam-based Jochem Paap began creating techno tracks such as “Three O’Three” and “Something For Your Mind” in his hometown to play out in clubs, and chose the artist name Speedy J as a reference to his DJ skills. As commented on by All Music, Paap's clear intent with Ginger was "to take his music out of the rave and into the home-listening environment," and balance elements of the manic energy that defined his early releases with a lush sound palette. Writing and recording on his own in The Plant studio, the album was released on a number of different labels internationally and brought his minimal but melodic production style to a far wider audience, with critics noting his meticulous attention to audio design, skillful use of track interludes (the “Fill” tracks on Ginger, something Black Dog Productions also explored on Bytes), and a careful balancing of four-to-the-floor grooves with ambient textures. He released a second album with Warp, 1995’s G-Spot, and has continued to make a diverse range of electronic music, included releases on labels such as Mike Paradinas’ Planet Mu and Peter Namlook’s FAX +49-69/450464, and showcasing a more experimental strand of releases via his own Electric Deluxe imprint. The music on Ginger has been highlighted as a seminal release in a number of retrospective features by the likes of Pitchfork, The Wire and FACT. More
1
F.U.S.E. - New Day
2
F.U.S.E. - F.U.
3
F.U.S.E. - Slac
4
F.U.S.E. - Dimension Intrusion
5
F.U.S.E. - Substance Abuse
6
F.U.S.E. - Train-Trac. 1
7
F.U.S.E. - Another Time (Revisited)
8
F.U.S.E. - Theychx
9
F.U.S.E. - UVA
10
F.U.S.E. - Mantrax
11
F.U.S.E. - Nitedrive
12
F.U.S.E. - Into The Space
13
F.U.S.E. - Logikal Nonsense
The first full-length studio album by Richie Hawtin, who was 22 years old at the time and living in Windsor, Canada. It was first released in June 1993 under the F.U.S.E. name on Hawtin’s own Plus 8 Records imprint and again on Warp Records as part of the ‘Artificial Intelligence’ series.
Remastered back in 2019, the reissue features original artwork from Richie’s brother, Matthew Hawtin.
Growing up in Windsor, Ontario, Richie Hawtin aka F.U.S.E. would make frequent excursions across the border to Detroit in search of record shops and new clubbing experiences. Soon he would take up a residency at the small subversive club The Shelter and develop his skills as a DJ. Together with his close friend John Acquaviva they launched Plus 8 Records in 1990 to release their own creations and to support other up-and-coming, like-minded techno producers who were in search of a musical home. Richie started recording under the cryptic alias F.U.S.E.- abbreviation for ‘Futuristic Underground Subsonic Experiments’ - and released seminal tracks like ‘F.U.’ and ‘Substance Abuse’ (1991). The From Our Minds To Yours compilations released on Plus 8 would make a mark on the developing techno scene in Detroit and beyond. At age 22 Hawtin released his first full-length studio album under his F.U.S.E. pseudonym. Dimension Intrusion was largely inspired by science fiction films and a collection of available vintage synthesizers and drum machines. Playing with their electronic yet warm sound effects, the young producer in turn discovered some of his favourite instruments. His heady manipulations of the Roland TB-303 acid sound helped develop an influential style that would have a lasting impact on electronic music. The tracks on Dimension Intrusion range from club focused techno to soundtrack ambience and can be seen retrospectively as experiments leading to what would soon become Hawtin’s trademark acid-laced Plastikman sound.
- Spec Black 2LP Vinyl in polylined inner sleeves in wide spine outer sleeve with 12” poster insert
[4th October 2023] Today, Warp announces reissues of two more albums from their Artificial Intelligence series: Dimension Intrusion by F.U.S.E. (aka Richie Hawtin) and Ginger by Speedy J. Both records were originally released in 1993, and these new vinyl editions mark their 30th anniversary.
Although unique records by distinctive artists, there are some strands that tie the two albums together. Dimension Intrusion was the fifth album in the Artificial Intelligence series, originally released on 7 June 1993, whilst Ginger was the sixth album in the series, coming out two weeks later on 21 June. Whereas the rest of the series focused on elevating underground electronic producers from the UK such as Autechre, B12, Black Dog Productions and Polygon Window, these two entries in the series added an international dimension, representing North American and Northern European takes respectively on the techno genre. Both albums were also released in Canada on Richie Hawtin’s own fabled Plus 8 label, with Paap putting out a domestic edition of Ginger in the Netherlands on his Beam Me Up! imprint, echoing the accidental Star Trek reference in Warp’s own name (actually a shortening of original name Warped). Both artists would go on to record for NovaMute, a dance music subsidiary of Mute Records.
The concept that unites this music above all however is the idea of crafting electronic music for home listening, charting the evolution of a musical form that had started out purely dancefloor-focused. Both Paap and Hawtin had started to make tracks with this idea in mind independently, and it chimed perfectly with the series that Warp founders Rob Mitchell and Steve Beckett were putting together concurrently to showcase exactly this development. The compilation that gave the series its title and kicked things off, housed in a striking sleeve featuring a robot reclining in an armchair, surrounded by album sleeves, succinctly communicated the central idea with a certain amount of tongue-in-cheek humour. It was after Paap had contributed to Artificial Intelligence with Speedy J’s “De-Orbit”, alongside Richie Hawtin making an appearance using his UP! pseudonym, that Mitchell and Beckett invited them to come on board to the series with full artist albums for release on Warp.
More
Remastered back in 2019, the reissue features original artwork from Richie’s brother, Matthew Hawtin.
Growing up in Windsor, Ontario, Richie Hawtin aka F.U.S.E. would make frequent excursions across the border to Detroit in search of record shops and new clubbing experiences. Soon he would take up a residency at the small subversive club The Shelter and develop his skills as a DJ. Together with his close friend John Acquaviva they launched Plus 8 Records in 1990 to release their own creations and to support other up-and-coming, like-minded techno producers who were in search of a musical home. Richie started recording under the cryptic alias F.U.S.E.- abbreviation for ‘Futuristic Underground Subsonic Experiments’ - and released seminal tracks like ‘F.U.’ and ‘Substance Abuse’ (1991). The From Our Minds To Yours compilations released on Plus 8 would make a mark on the developing techno scene in Detroit and beyond. At age 22 Hawtin released his first full-length studio album under his F.U.S.E. pseudonym. Dimension Intrusion was largely inspired by science fiction films and a collection of available vintage synthesizers and drum machines. Playing with their electronic yet warm sound effects, the young producer in turn discovered some of his favourite instruments. His heady manipulations of the Roland TB-303 acid sound helped develop an influential style that would have a lasting impact on electronic music. The tracks on Dimension Intrusion range from club focused techno to soundtrack ambience and can be seen retrospectively as experiments leading to what would soon become Hawtin’s trademark acid-laced Plastikman sound.
- Spec Black 2LP Vinyl in polylined inner sleeves in wide spine outer sleeve with 12” poster insert
[4th October 2023] Today, Warp announces reissues of two more albums from their Artificial Intelligence series: Dimension Intrusion by F.U.S.E. (aka Richie Hawtin) and Ginger by Speedy J. Both records were originally released in 1993, and these new vinyl editions mark their 30th anniversary.
Although unique records by distinctive artists, there are some strands that tie the two albums together. Dimension Intrusion was the fifth album in the Artificial Intelligence series, originally released on 7 June 1993, whilst Ginger was the sixth album in the series, coming out two weeks later on 21 June. Whereas the rest of the series focused on elevating underground electronic producers from the UK such as Autechre, B12, Black Dog Productions and Polygon Window, these two entries in the series added an international dimension, representing North American and Northern European takes respectively on the techno genre. Both albums were also released in Canada on Richie Hawtin’s own fabled Plus 8 label, with Paap putting out a domestic edition of Ginger in the Netherlands on his Beam Me Up! imprint, echoing the accidental Star Trek reference in Warp’s own name (actually a shortening of original name Warped). Both artists would go on to record for NovaMute, a dance music subsidiary of Mute Records.
The concept that unites this music above all however is the idea of crafting electronic music for home listening, charting the evolution of a musical form that had started out purely dancefloor-focused. Both Paap and Hawtin had started to make tracks with this idea in mind independently, and it chimed perfectly with the series that Warp founders Rob Mitchell and Steve Beckett were putting together concurrently to showcase exactly this development. The compilation that gave the series its title and kicked things off, housed in a striking sleeve featuring a robot reclining in an armchair, surrounded by album sleeves, succinctly communicated the central idea with a certain amount of tongue-in-cheek humour. It was after Paap had contributed to Artificial Intelligence with Speedy J’s “De-Orbit”, alongside Richie Hawtin making an appearance using his UP! pseudonym, that Mitchell and Beckett invited them to come on board to the series with full artist albums for release on Warp.
More
Revanchist is the long-awaited debut album by Evian Christ, scheduled for release by Warp on 20th October 2023. The eight-track record explores the latent potential in Trance to evoke, beyond Euphoria, the fullest feeling of the Sublime.
On Embers, Revanchist’s opening track and lead single, encapsulates Christ’s inclination towards the total annihilation of Trance’s default affects; soaring, rapturous supersaws meet a tempest of indecipherable noise, mangled 808s and broken shards of Defected gospel house acapellas.
Revanchist follows 2020’s Ultra, a landmark label-debut that demonstrated Christ’s emerging command of an abstractly destructive musical vocabulary. The album draws from an unlikely and diverse pool of influences; compositing, at once, the suffocating throttle of Demiurge-era Emptyset (2011); the worldliness of Madonna and William Orbit’s Ray Of Light LP (1998); the acute uncanniness of Laibach’s Across The Universe (1988); and a highly stylized approach to mixing and sound design primarily inspired by Sasha’s seminal Xpander EP (1999).
Revanchist’s album artwork is designed by long-standing collaborator and celebrated graphic designer David Rudnick, and features works by 19th century Norwegian landscape painter Lars Hertervig and British video artist Chris Bucklow. Inspired by classic Trance singles, the limited edition CD is housed in a slimpack jewelcase with 5 colour screenprinted PVC inlay and fluro sticker; the vinyl, similarly limited to an initial pressing of 1000, is housed in a screenprinted transparent bag with a printed inner-sleeve and double-sided 36x24” fold-out poster.
Evian Christ (b. Joshua Leary) is an Ellesmere Port-based musician, producer and music programmer signed to Warp and DONDA/Sony ATV Publishing. Initially recognised for his production contributions to Billboard-topping albums by Kanye West and Travis Scott, and subsequently as the founder of the enduringly influential TranceParty clubnight, Christ’s recent years have seen him lead an idiosyncratic range of projects that enquire into the legacy of Trance in contemporary cultural life.
- Specs Black 12" vinyl in printed inner sleeve in 3mm spine sleeve with 36 x 24" fold out poster and download code packed in printed transparent outer bag
Tracklist:
A1. On Embers
A2. Yxguden (feat. Bladee)
A3. The Beach
A4. Nobody Else
B1. Silence
B2. Xkyrgios
B3. With Me (feat. Merely)
B4. Run Boys Run More
On Embers, Revanchist’s opening track and lead single, encapsulates Christ’s inclination towards the total annihilation of Trance’s default affects; soaring, rapturous supersaws meet a tempest of indecipherable noise, mangled 808s and broken shards of Defected gospel house acapellas.
Revanchist follows 2020’s Ultra, a landmark label-debut that demonstrated Christ’s emerging command of an abstractly destructive musical vocabulary. The album draws from an unlikely and diverse pool of influences; compositing, at once, the suffocating throttle of Demiurge-era Emptyset (2011); the worldliness of Madonna and William Orbit’s Ray Of Light LP (1998); the acute uncanniness of Laibach’s Across The Universe (1988); and a highly stylized approach to mixing and sound design primarily inspired by Sasha’s seminal Xpander EP (1999).
Revanchist’s album artwork is designed by long-standing collaborator and celebrated graphic designer David Rudnick, and features works by 19th century Norwegian landscape painter Lars Hertervig and British video artist Chris Bucklow. Inspired by classic Trance singles, the limited edition CD is housed in a slimpack jewelcase with 5 colour screenprinted PVC inlay and fluro sticker; the vinyl, similarly limited to an initial pressing of 1000, is housed in a screenprinted transparent bag with a printed inner-sleeve and double-sided 36x24” fold-out poster.
Evian Christ (b. Joshua Leary) is an Ellesmere Port-based musician, producer and music programmer signed to Warp and DONDA/Sony ATV Publishing. Initially recognised for his production contributions to Billboard-topping albums by Kanye West and Travis Scott, and subsequently as the founder of the enduringly influential TranceParty clubnight, Christ’s recent years have seen him lead an idiosyncratic range of projects that enquire into the legacy of Trance in contemporary cultural life.
- Specs Black 12" vinyl in printed inner sleeve in 3mm spine sleeve with 36 x 24" fold out poster and download code packed in printed transparent outer bag
Tracklist:
A1. On Embers
A2. Yxguden (feat. Bladee)
A3. The Beach
A4. Nobody Else
B1. Silence
B2. Xkyrgios
B3. With Me (feat. Merely)
B4. Run Boys Run More
- Specs Black 12" Vinyl in in polylined inner sleeve in 3mm spine sleeve and download code
Tracklist:
A1. The Weather
A2. House Music
A3. Undercommons
A4. Olde Joy
A5. New Joy
A6. Arms, Armor
A7. Fission for Drums, Piano And Voice
A8. Love Letter Zzz
A9. Half-Life
B1. The Great Wedge
B2. I Hear A New World
B3. No! (Geiger Dub)
B4. Destroyer X
B5. Voyager
B6. Divider
B7. Challenger
B8. Decades, Castle Romeo
B9. Us (Tower Of Love) More
Tracklist:
A1. The Weather
A2. House Music
A3. Undercommons
A4. Olde Joy
A5. New Joy
A6. Arms, Armor
A7. Fission for Drums, Piano And Voice
A8. Love Letter Zzz
A9. Half-Life
B1. The Great Wedge
B2. I Hear A New World
B3. No! (Geiger Dub)
B4. Destroyer X
B5. Voyager
B6. Divider
B7. Challenger
B8. Decades, Castle Romeo
B9. Us (Tower Of Love) More
1
Oneohtrix Point Never - Elseware
2
Oneohtrix Point Never - Again
3
Oneohtrix Point Never - World Outside
4
Oneohtrix Point Never - Krumville
5
Oneohtrix Point Never - Locrian Midwest
6
Oneohtrix Point Never - Plastic Antique
7
Oneohtrix Point Never - Gray Subviolet
8
Oneohtrix Point Never - The Body Trail
9
Oneohtrix Point Never - Nightmare Paint
10
Oneohtrix Point Never - Memories Of Music
11
Oneohtrix Point Never - On An Axis
12
Oneohtrix Point Never - Ubiquity Road
13
Oneohtrix Point Never - A Barely Lit Path
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Label:Be With Records
Cat-No:bewith166lp
Release-Date:22.03.2024
Genre:HipHop/Rap/Urban
Configuration:2LP Excl
Label:Be With Records
Cat-No:bewith166lp
Release-Date:22.03.2024
Genre:HipHop/Rap/Urban
Configuration:2LP Excl
1
Bahamadia - Intro (0:50)
2
Bahamadia - WordPlay (3:17)
3
Bahamadia - Spontaneity (4:08)
4
Bahamadia - Rugged Ruff (3:08)
5
Bahamadia - Interlude (0:29)
6
Bahamadia - I Confess (4:06)
7
Bahamadia - UKNOWHOWWEDU (3:35)
8
Bahamadia - Interlude (1:09)
9
Bahamadia - Total Wreck (3:26)
10
Bahamadia - Innovation (3:23)
11
Bahamadia - Da Jawn (5:19)
12
Bahamadia - Interlude (1:05)
13
Bahamadia - True Honey Buns (Dat Freak Sh t) (3:41)
14
Bahamadia - 3 Tha Hard Way (4:12)
15
Bahamadia - Biggest Part Of Me (4:51)
16
Bahamadia - Path To Rhythm (3:24)
Territories: Worldwide no restrictions
Format Notes:
2024 first time double vinyl reissue with exclusive bonus track, 140g double vinyl, remastered audio with restored artwork
Track List:
A1 Intro 0:50
A2 WordPlay 3:17
A3 Spontaneity 4:08
A4 Rugged Ruff 3:08
A5 Interlude 0:29
B1 I Confess 4:06
B2 UKNOWHOWWEDU 3:35
B3 Interlude 1:09
B4 Total Wreck 3:26
B5 Innovation 3:23
C1 Da Jawn 5:19
C2 Interlude 1:05
C3 True Honey Buns (Dat Freak Sh*t) 3:41
D1 3 Tha Hard Way 4:12
D2 Biggest Part Of Me 4:51
D3 Path To Rhythm 3:24
Release Notes:
Bahamadia’s 1996 debut album Kollage is rightly regarded as one of the greatest rap albums of the 1990s. For the first time ever, Be With present the definitive double LP version of this eternal hip-hop classic, including the legendary "Path To Rhythm" which never appeared on the original LP or on vinyl, anywhere. An indelible VIBE from start-to-finish, Kollage presents Bahamadia's swirling rhymes delivered with an irresistibly butter flow and razor-sharp assuredness over a steady slew of smoothed-out, jazzed-up, blunted beats. Achingly cool and effortlessly funky throughout, it's an absolute must for true 90s hip-hop fanatics.
The entire Kollage project was recorded at D&D Studios and the ties to Gang Starr are keenly felt, with DJ Premier producing five tracks in addition to the killer songs Guru had already produced with her. Working with the cream of the mid-90s East Coast sound, Kollage is, accordingly, a record that demonstrates a varied musical taste with disparate influences, as Bahamadia has previously stated: “The title Kollage was a reflection of my state of mind. I first got interested in music from playing my parents’ and grandparents’ records, as well what I heard on the radio. I wanted Kollage to reflect that diversity both lyrically and sonically."
With intelligent, poetic lyricism and a laconic verbal style bursting with both warm texture and deceptive energy, Bahamadia’s flow was as inspired by Aretha and Nancy Wilson as it was Q-Tip, Schoolly D and Lady B. Swaggering out the gate, "WordPlay" finds Bahamadia confidently showcasing her considerable old-school battle-rhyme skills over a Guru beat that utilises an infectiously bouncy bassline with splashes of sultry jazz horns and a Jeru vocal snatch for the hook. Up next, the quietly shimmering and ruggedly beautiful "Spontaneity" is one of the most alluring on the record, Da Beatminerz crafting a brilliantly soulful and jazzy soundscape for Bahamadia's effortless vocals to float across. It's followed by "Rugged Ruff", where the rapper carefully constructs a swift off-beat flow over Premier's raw jazzy fire.
With smooth spacey synth vibes overseen by former Geto Boys producer N.O. Joe, "I Confess" is, without question, a fly love song and soothing (p)-funk groove. "UKNOWHOWWEDU" is an airy, chilled tribute to her hometown. Produced by Ski Beatz & DJ Redhanded, it rides a gloriously mellow break. It's a true Philly anthem, shouting out a who’s who of the entire city’s scene. Early banger "Total Wreck" follows, presenting a murky Guru instrumental elevated by jazzy horns. Bahamadia invokes the title's suggestion, firing her brilliant bars more aggressively than we’re accustomed to. More Beatminerz-brilliance comes in the way of "Innovation", an opportunity for the MC to invoke Freestyle Fellowship in her forward-thinking and literary verses. "Da Jawn" features hometown buddies The Roots, with Black Thought gliding into a back-and-forth with Bahamadia over ?uestlove’s warm, snapping percussion. With the strut club banger "True Honey Buns (Dat Freak Sh*t)", DJ Premier provides some laidback vibrant boom bap for Bahamadia to share a wild, cautionary tale about a night out with her girl, Kia.
Fan favourite "3 Tha Hard Way" is a hypnotically sinister cut, with Bahamadia, K-Swift and Mecca Star taking star turns to coast over DJ Premier’s raw beat whilst the tender "Biggest Part Of Me" is a heartfelt stunner dedicated to her son. Incredibly, only the European and Japanese CD versions of Kollage was released with the brilliantly breezy “Path To Rhythm”, featuring Ursula Rucker. Whilst ostensibly a "bonus track", it's anything but, to our ears. Very much in sonic conversation with KRS-One's stretched-out sleeper classic "Higher Level", it's absolutely essential so we had to include it, appearing on wax for the first time here, exclusively. Quite a coup.
Somewhat predictably, whilst Kollage was released to significant critical acclaim, it suffered from disappointing sales. In the intervening years - and for far too long - it was a criminally underrated record, an increasingly hidden gem. We hope this double LP reissue - which looks and sounds amazing - will go some way to correct this. This 2024 Be With double LP re-issue has been mastered for vinyl by Simon Francis, cut by Cicely Balston and pressed at Record Industry. It's too bold and beautiful to remain overlooked and underserved.
More
Format Notes:
2024 first time double vinyl reissue with exclusive bonus track, 140g double vinyl, remastered audio with restored artwork
Track List:
A1 Intro 0:50
A2 WordPlay 3:17
A3 Spontaneity 4:08
A4 Rugged Ruff 3:08
A5 Interlude 0:29
B1 I Confess 4:06
B2 UKNOWHOWWEDU 3:35
B3 Interlude 1:09
B4 Total Wreck 3:26
B5 Innovation 3:23
C1 Da Jawn 5:19
C2 Interlude 1:05
C3 True Honey Buns (Dat Freak Sh*t) 3:41
D1 3 Tha Hard Way 4:12
D2 Biggest Part Of Me 4:51
D3 Path To Rhythm 3:24
Release Notes:
Bahamadia’s 1996 debut album Kollage is rightly regarded as one of the greatest rap albums of the 1990s. For the first time ever, Be With present the definitive double LP version of this eternal hip-hop classic, including the legendary "Path To Rhythm" which never appeared on the original LP or on vinyl, anywhere. An indelible VIBE from start-to-finish, Kollage presents Bahamadia's swirling rhymes delivered with an irresistibly butter flow and razor-sharp assuredness over a steady slew of smoothed-out, jazzed-up, blunted beats. Achingly cool and effortlessly funky throughout, it's an absolute must for true 90s hip-hop fanatics.
The entire Kollage project was recorded at D&D Studios and the ties to Gang Starr are keenly felt, with DJ Premier producing five tracks in addition to the killer songs Guru had already produced with her. Working with the cream of the mid-90s East Coast sound, Kollage is, accordingly, a record that demonstrates a varied musical taste with disparate influences, as Bahamadia has previously stated: “The title Kollage was a reflection of my state of mind. I first got interested in music from playing my parents’ and grandparents’ records, as well what I heard on the radio. I wanted Kollage to reflect that diversity both lyrically and sonically."
With intelligent, poetic lyricism and a laconic verbal style bursting with both warm texture and deceptive energy, Bahamadia’s flow was as inspired by Aretha and Nancy Wilson as it was Q-Tip, Schoolly D and Lady B. Swaggering out the gate, "WordPlay" finds Bahamadia confidently showcasing her considerable old-school battle-rhyme skills over a Guru beat that utilises an infectiously bouncy bassline with splashes of sultry jazz horns and a Jeru vocal snatch for the hook. Up next, the quietly shimmering and ruggedly beautiful "Spontaneity" is one of the most alluring on the record, Da Beatminerz crafting a brilliantly soulful and jazzy soundscape for Bahamadia's effortless vocals to float across. It's followed by "Rugged Ruff", where the rapper carefully constructs a swift off-beat flow over Premier's raw jazzy fire.
With smooth spacey synth vibes overseen by former Geto Boys producer N.O. Joe, "I Confess" is, without question, a fly love song and soothing (p)-funk groove. "UKNOWHOWWEDU" is an airy, chilled tribute to her hometown. Produced by Ski Beatz & DJ Redhanded, it rides a gloriously mellow break. It's a true Philly anthem, shouting out a who’s who of the entire city’s scene. Early banger "Total Wreck" follows, presenting a murky Guru instrumental elevated by jazzy horns. Bahamadia invokes the title's suggestion, firing her brilliant bars more aggressively than we’re accustomed to. More Beatminerz-brilliance comes in the way of "Innovation", an opportunity for the MC to invoke Freestyle Fellowship in her forward-thinking and literary verses. "Da Jawn" features hometown buddies The Roots, with Black Thought gliding into a back-and-forth with Bahamadia over ?uestlove’s warm, snapping percussion. With the strut club banger "True Honey Buns (Dat Freak Sh*t)", DJ Premier provides some laidback vibrant boom bap for Bahamadia to share a wild, cautionary tale about a night out with her girl, Kia.
Fan favourite "3 Tha Hard Way" is a hypnotically sinister cut, with Bahamadia, K-Swift and Mecca Star taking star turns to coast over DJ Premier’s raw beat whilst the tender "Biggest Part Of Me" is a heartfelt stunner dedicated to her son. Incredibly, only the European and Japanese CD versions of Kollage was released with the brilliantly breezy “Path To Rhythm”, featuring Ursula Rucker. Whilst ostensibly a "bonus track", it's anything but, to our ears. Very much in sonic conversation with KRS-One's stretched-out sleeper classic "Higher Level", it's absolutely essential so we had to include it, appearing on wax for the first time here, exclusively. Quite a coup.
Somewhat predictably, whilst Kollage was released to significant critical acclaim, it suffered from disappointing sales. In the intervening years - and for far too long - it was a criminally underrated record, an increasingly hidden gem. We hope this double LP reissue - which looks and sounds amazing - will go some way to correct this. This 2024 Be With double LP re-issue has been mastered for vinyl by Simon Francis, cut by Cicely Balston and pressed at Record Industry. It's too bold and beautiful to remain overlooked and underserved.
More
1
Vecchio - Megaton (5:01)
2
Vecchio - Renegade (5:05)
3
Vecchio - Facade (3:18)
4
Vecchio - Chabati (3:11)
5
Vecchio - Green Hell (6:41)
6
Vecchio - Boss (3:55)
7
Vecchio - Nsambei (4:00)
8
Vecchio - Waboco (3:29)
9
Vecchio - Cult (4:37)
10
Vecchio - Ngoma-ku (7:04)
Territories: Worldwide no restrictions
Format Notes:
Part of Music De Wolfe Reissue Campaign, 2023 first time reissue, 140g vinyl
Track List:
SIDE ONE
Megaton 5:01
Renegade 5:05
Facade 3:18
Chabati 3:11
Green Hell 6:41
---
SIDE TWO
Boss 3:55
Nsambei 4:00
Waboco 3:29
Cult 4:37
Ngoma-ku 7:04
Release Notes:
Vecchio's Afro-Rock is one big horn-heavy, bass-blasting, Latin groove funk-rock party. Only now, you're all invited because this, ladies and gentleman, is officially...a grail no more. With copies currently starting at 400 Euros for an original, this beautifully presented reissue, part of Be With's fresh campaign with Music De Wolfe, is well overdue. A magnificent and somewhat obscure library set that's just a total, cohesive joy from start to finish, this here is the soundtrack to all your smokin' summer BBQs and communal cookouts.
Afro-Rock is the debut album by Argentine keyboardist Luis Vecchio. Recorded for the sound library label De Wolfe, the album is frequently mentioned in hushed reverence among the beat digger DJ collecting crowd. It features fiery brass charts, funky bass lines, fluttering flute, choppy organ and additional hand tribal percussion. The band let loose too and jam hard; yet there's a certain thread of solidity that runs throughout, the tracks just belong together, not disparate sound and rhythm experiments like some library records; this is just straight up, no messin', consistent funk-rock FIRE! Hips will sway, heads will nod to the steady vibes. It's insanely good.
The humid, building funk of the appropriately titled "Megaton" is a dramatic explosion of swirling, dazzling organ lines, ferocious beats and heavy horns throughout. It just don't stop. The tempo slows slightly for the deep and deeply addictive "Renegade". It's all heavy jazz horn refrains, always triumphant, coupled with devastating percussive breakdowns and killer guitar riffing. It's an insistent organ-led juggernaut. The frenetic "Facade", up next, is no less driving, horns high up in the mix over rattling percussion and brilliant organs lines. Just sensational. The bright "Chabati" is another glorious extension of the optimistic Vecchio sound, the organs wilder than ever before. The moody "Green Hell" is a real highlight and closes out the A-Side with some outrageously funky refrains - be it horns, organ or guitars - and is complimented by gorgeous flute work that galvanises the piece, elevating it to downright heavenly status.
Knowing full well that he's on to a surefire thing, Vecchio opens the flipside in much the same vein. Indeed, "Boss" is yet another uptempo highlight, a sensual orgy of proud horns, hand percussion and melodic flute playing over driving organ and guitars. It's followed by "Nsambei", which is rightly adored for its briefly open drum break, fantastically propulsive percussion breakdowns throughout and the jazzy, loose organ and guitar shreds. The bright "Waboco" ups the tempo and the pressure, hanging on one hell of a guitar hook and infectious horn refrain. Perhaps foreseeing how this album would come to be viewed, the aptly-titled "Cult" is possibly the finest song on the record. Which is saying something, because this record is insanely good. Riding a steady, confident organ groove straight out the gate, the kinda melancholic flute line over the top serves as a beautiful counterpoint which the horns often come in and imitate/riff off. Goddamn this is so so good, it needs to be played everywhere. The overwhelmingly mighty 7-minute jam "Ngoma-ku" rounds out this quite staggering record brilliantly in its heavy, mid-tempo blues with countless extended solos.
The audio for Afro Rock has been meticulously remastered by Be With regular Simon Francis, ensuring this release sounds better than ever. Cicely Balston's expert skills have made sure nothing is lost in the cut whilst the records have been pressed to the highest possible standard at Record Industry in Holland. The original, iconic sleeve has been restored here at Be With HQ as the finishing touch to this long overdue re-issue. More
Format Notes:
Part of Music De Wolfe Reissue Campaign, 2023 first time reissue, 140g vinyl
Track List:
SIDE ONE
Megaton 5:01
Renegade 5:05
Facade 3:18
Chabati 3:11
Green Hell 6:41
---
SIDE TWO
Boss 3:55
Nsambei 4:00
Waboco 3:29
Cult 4:37
Ngoma-ku 7:04
Release Notes:
Vecchio's Afro-Rock is one big horn-heavy, bass-blasting, Latin groove funk-rock party. Only now, you're all invited because this, ladies and gentleman, is officially...a grail no more. With copies currently starting at 400 Euros for an original, this beautifully presented reissue, part of Be With's fresh campaign with Music De Wolfe, is well overdue. A magnificent and somewhat obscure library set that's just a total, cohesive joy from start to finish, this here is the soundtrack to all your smokin' summer BBQs and communal cookouts.
Afro-Rock is the debut album by Argentine keyboardist Luis Vecchio. Recorded for the sound library label De Wolfe, the album is frequently mentioned in hushed reverence among the beat digger DJ collecting crowd. It features fiery brass charts, funky bass lines, fluttering flute, choppy organ and additional hand tribal percussion. The band let loose too and jam hard; yet there's a certain thread of solidity that runs throughout, the tracks just belong together, not disparate sound and rhythm experiments like some library records; this is just straight up, no messin', consistent funk-rock FIRE! Hips will sway, heads will nod to the steady vibes. It's insanely good.
The humid, building funk of the appropriately titled "Megaton" is a dramatic explosion of swirling, dazzling organ lines, ferocious beats and heavy horns throughout. It just don't stop. The tempo slows slightly for the deep and deeply addictive "Renegade". It's all heavy jazz horn refrains, always triumphant, coupled with devastating percussive breakdowns and killer guitar riffing. It's an insistent organ-led juggernaut. The frenetic "Facade", up next, is no less driving, horns high up in the mix over rattling percussion and brilliant organs lines. Just sensational. The bright "Chabati" is another glorious extension of the optimistic Vecchio sound, the organs wilder than ever before. The moody "Green Hell" is a real highlight and closes out the A-Side with some outrageously funky refrains - be it horns, organ or guitars - and is complimented by gorgeous flute work that galvanises the piece, elevating it to downright heavenly status.
Knowing full well that he's on to a surefire thing, Vecchio opens the flipside in much the same vein. Indeed, "Boss" is yet another uptempo highlight, a sensual orgy of proud horns, hand percussion and melodic flute playing over driving organ and guitars. It's followed by "Nsambei", which is rightly adored for its briefly open drum break, fantastically propulsive percussion breakdowns throughout and the jazzy, loose organ and guitar shreds. The bright "Waboco" ups the tempo and the pressure, hanging on one hell of a guitar hook and infectious horn refrain. Perhaps foreseeing how this album would come to be viewed, the aptly-titled "Cult" is possibly the finest song on the record. Which is saying something, because this record is insanely good. Riding a steady, confident organ groove straight out the gate, the kinda melancholic flute line over the top serves as a beautiful counterpoint which the horns often come in and imitate/riff off. Goddamn this is so so good, it needs to be played everywhere. The overwhelmingly mighty 7-minute jam "Ngoma-ku" rounds out this quite staggering record brilliantly in its heavy, mid-tempo blues with countless extended solos.
The audio for Afro Rock has been meticulously remastered by Be With regular Simon Francis, ensuring this release sounds better than ever. Cicely Balston's expert skills have made sure nothing is lost in the cut whilst the records have been pressed to the highest possible standard at Record Industry in Holland. The original, iconic sleeve has been restored here at Be With HQ as the finishing touch to this long overdue re-issue. More
1
Enji - A1. Zavkhan
2
Enji - A2. Diary of June 9th
3
Enji - A3. Gandii Mod
4
Enji - A4. I'm Glad There Is You
5
Enji - A5. Khorom
6
Enji - B1. Sevkhet Bor
7
Enji - B2. Ursgal
8
Enji - B3. Aya
9
Enji - B4. An Untitled Hil
LP Vinyl
Tracklist:
A1) Zavkhan 03:28 min
A2) Diary of June 9th 02:30 min
A3) Gandii Mod 03:45 min
A4) I'm Glad There Is You 03:46 min
A5) Khorom 05:03 min
B1) Sevkhet Bor 04:40 min
B2) Ursgal 05:56 min
B3) Aya 03:13 min
B4) An Untitled Hil 04:54 min
Info:
On her second album Ursgal Mongolian singer Enji creates a unique blend of Jazz and Folk with the thousand-year-old traditions of Mongolian music. Currently based in Munich, her lyrics tell personal stories about unbearable distances, the oddness of being on earth and the simple truths in life.
She's accompanied by Paul Brändle on guitar and Munguntovch Tsolmonbayar on double bass.
Born in Ulaanbaatar, Enji grew up in a yurt to a working-class family. Having always been drawn to music, dance and literature, she initially wanted to become a music teacher with little ambitions to compose or be on stage. A program by the local Goethe Institute sparked her passion for Jazz and eventually led her to become a performing artist. Inspired by the music of Carmen McRae, Ella Fitzgerald and Nancy Wilson, Enji started writing songs of her own, cherishing this newfound means of expression. Ursgal is the first record featuring her original compositions.
More
Tracklist:
A1) Zavkhan 03:28 min
A2) Diary of June 9th 02:30 min
A3) Gandii Mod 03:45 min
A4) I'm Glad There Is You 03:46 min
A5) Khorom 05:03 min
B1) Sevkhet Bor 04:40 min
B2) Ursgal 05:56 min
B3) Aya 03:13 min
B4) An Untitled Hil 04:54 min
Info:
On her second album Ursgal Mongolian singer Enji creates a unique blend of Jazz and Folk with the thousand-year-old traditions of Mongolian music. Currently based in Munich, her lyrics tell personal stories about unbearable distances, the oddness of being on earth and the simple truths in life.
She's accompanied by Paul Brändle on guitar and Munguntovch Tsolmonbayar on double bass.
Born in Ulaanbaatar, Enji grew up in a yurt to a working-class family. Having always been drawn to music, dance and literature, she initially wanted to become a music teacher with little ambitions to compose or be on stage. A program by the local Goethe Institute sparked her passion for Jazz and eventually led her to become a performing artist. Inspired by the music of Carmen McRae, Ella Fitzgerald and Nancy Wilson, Enji started writing songs of her own, cherishing this newfound means of expression. Ursgal is the first record featuring her original compositions.
More
1
Jay Richford and Gary Stevan - A1 : Flying High (3:35)
2
Jay Richford and Gary Stevan - A2 : Going Home (2:46)
3
Jay Richford and Gary Stevan - A3 : Walking In The Dark (4:42)
4
Jay Richford and Gary Stevan - A4 : Fighting For Life (3:37)
5
Jay Richford and Gary Stevan - A5 : Feeling Tense (4:05)
6
Jay Richford and Gary Stevan - B1 : Running Fast (4:42)
7
Jay Richford and Gary Stevan - B2 : Loving Tenderly (3:27)
8
Jay Richford and Gary Stevan - B3 : Fearing Much (3:35)
9
Jay Richford and Gary Stevan - B4 : Being Friendly (2:54)
10
Jay Richford and Gary Stevan - B5 : Having Fun (4:00)
2023 repress
Format Notes: 140g vinyl, remastered from the original tapes
Territories:
Worldwide no restrictions
Track List:
A1 : Flying High (3:35)
A2 : Going Home (2:46)
A3 : Walking In The Dark (4:42)
A4 : Fighting For Life (3:37)
A5 : Feeling Tense (4:05)
B1 : Running Fast (4:42)
B2 : Loving Tenderly (3:27)
B3 : Fearing Much (3:35)
B4 : Being Friendly (2:54)
B5 : Having Fun (4:00)
Release Notes:
More than once Jay Richford and Gary Stevan’s Feelings has been described as the greatest library record ever released. Of course Be With can’t be seen to be playing favourites, but we have to admit, it’s pretty good. Insanely rare and immensely sought-after, it’s a tough funk, street jazz masterpiece coveted for many years by collectors of all musical genres.
Since its original release on Italian label Carosello in 1974, Feelings has appeared on several labels with different sleeves and even under a different artist. Indeed cult library label Conroy put it out in one of their iconic red sleeves in 1976 and yes, Feelings has indeed had more than one modern re-issue since these “original” releases. But a record this special deserves to be kept in press and we think it deserves the Be With treatment.
No, Jay Richford and Gary Stevan aren’t two of the most Italian sounding names. As the story goes these were the pseudonyms adopted by Stefano Torossi and Giancarlo Gazzani who wrote the album but couldn’t use their real names on the original release for legal reasons. But Stefano Torossi himself later both clarified and confused the tale further by explaining that Feelings was the work of four people not just Gazzani and himself. Fellow composers and musicians Sandro Brugnolini and Puccio Roelens also worked on the album and as Torossi himself explained “we all worked together”, with all four gents “dividing the royalties in equal parts… that’s the story.” Right, so, with that all sorted out let’s get back to talking about the music. And what music it is.
Long hailed as a holy grail of library music, Feelings is the epitome of the sort of cinematic orchestral jazzy funk that is “that 70s library music sound”. Infectiously funky, deliciously melodic and with impeccible, elegant production, this record is the showcase for a stunning set of compositions and arrangements and with performances that are nothing short of virtuoso.
The record’s first side lifts off with “Flying High”, soaring brilliant and shimmering. Funk licks, menacing strings and swaggering horns combine for an ice-cold intro groove that Isaac Hayes would surely have envied, before the steady-paced drums deliver the slo-mo TKO. The string-drenched cop-funk of “Going Home” raises the tempo. All funky quick-fire bass lines and killer electric guitar soloing. A real thriller.
“Walking In The Dark” positively drips in blaxploitation-funk drama strings and horn struts, all laced with delicate drums, velvet piano and more filthy wah-wah. “Fighting For Life” is another funk-fuelled workout built around an effortlessly relentless drum track that refuses to give up until even the stiffest-necked head is nodding.
The loping, open drum break that guides the much-loved “Feeling Tense” through its early stages would be good enough on its own. The heavy bass gloss, swirling strings and ominous horns that follow take things to the next level.
The second side opens with another favourite “Running Fast”, and the track does precisely that. This is one fine rollicking chase theme underpinned by frenetic (yet funky) Fender Rhodes and skipping bass and drums. Those sweeping strings are a gorgeous extra. It’s a deliciously feel-good groove that sets the heart racing.
“Loving Tenderly” envelops us in warm, velvety night-time vibes with easy listening horns and slinky strings dialing up the seduction. Definitely one for the lithe lovers out there. The pace picks up on the electrifying “Fearing Much” where strings dart around deep bass, buzzing guitars and another funky drum break. The lush, melancholic “Being Friendly” is another easy beauty, all warm Rhodes and strings. Majestic stuff that puts an aural arm around you. The climactic “Having Fun” rides a pulsating, bass-heavy drum break with snatches of a funky guitar refrain, some luxurious keys, sweeping strings and triumphant horns. Sensational.
“Feelings” is a profoundly appropriate title for such an emotionally funky and genuinely affecting record. Groove-laden bass, irrepressible horns, sweet flute lines, warm Rhodes, lush string arrangements, blaxploitation-styled wah-wah guitars and so, so much more make this one of the finest instrumental soul LPs of the 70s, if not of all time.
The audio for this re-issue of Feelings comes from the original analogue tapes and has been remastered for vinyl by Be With regular Simon Francis and cut by Pete Norman. The same care has been taken by the Be With team to restore that glorious original Carosello sleeve. Feelings is almost too good to be true. Feels good all over.
More
Format Notes: 140g vinyl, remastered from the original tapes
Territories:
Worldwide no restrictions
Track List:
A1 : Flying High (3:35)
A2 : Going Home (2:46)
A3 : Walking In The Dark (4:42)
A4 : Fighting For Life (3:37)
A5 : Feeling Tense (4:05)
B1 : Running Fast (4:42)
B2 : Loving Tenderly (3:27)
B3 : Fearing Much (3:35)
B4 : Being Friendly (2:54)
B5 : Having Fun (4:00)
Release Notes:
More than once Jay Richford and Gary Stevan’s Feelings has been described as the greatest library record ever released. Of course Be With can’t be seen to be playing favourites, but we have to admit, it’s pretty good. Insanely rare and immensely sought-after, it’s a tough funk, street jazz masterpiece coveted for many years by collectors of all musical genres.
Since its original release on Italian label Carosello in 1974, Feelings has appeared on several labels with different sleeves and even under a different artist. Indeed cult library label Conroy put it out in one of their iconic red sleeves in 1976 and yes, Feelings has indeed had more than one modern re-issue since these “original” releases. But a record this special deserves to be kept in press and we think it deserves the Be With treatment.
No, Jay Richford and Gary Stevan aren’t two of the most Italian sounding names. As the story goes these were the pseudonyms adopted by Stefano Torossi and Giancarlo Gazzani who wrote the album but couldn’t use their real names on the original release for legal reasons. But Stefano Torossi himself later both clarified and confused the tale further by explaining that Feelings was the work of four people not just Gazzani and himself. Fellow composers and musicians Sandro Brugnolini and Puccio Roelens also worked on the album and as Torossi himself explained “we all worked together”, with all four gents “dividing the royalties in equal parts… that’s the story.” Right, so, with that all sorted out let’s get back to talking about the music. And what music it is.
Long hailed as a holy grail of library music, Feelings is the epitome of the sort of cinematic orchestral jazzy funk that is “that 70s library music sound”. Infectiously funky, deliciously melodic and with impeccible, elegant production, this record is the showcase for a stunning set of compositions and arrangements and with performances that are nothing short of virtuoso.
The record’s first side lifts off with “Flying High”, soaring brilliant and shimmering. Funk licks, menacing strings and swaggering horns combine for an ice-cold intro groove that Isaac Hayes would surely have envied, before the steady-paced drums deliver the slo-mo TKO. The string-drenched cop-funk of “Going Home” raises the tempo. All funky quick-fire bass lines and killer electric guitar soloing. A real thriller.
“Walking In The Dark” positively drips in blaxploitation-funk drama strings and horn struts, all laced with delicate drums, velvet piano and more filthy wah-wah. “Fighting For Life” is another funk-fuelled workout built around an effortlessly relentless drum track that refuses to give up until even the stiffest-necked head is nodding.
The loping, open drum break that guides the much-loved “Feeling Tense” through its early stages would be good enough on its own. The heavy bass gloss, swirling strings and ominous horns that follow take things to the next level.
The second side opens with another favourite “Running Fast”, and the track does precisely that. This is one fine rollicking chase theme underpinned by frenetic (yet funky) Fender Rhodes and skipping bass and drums. Those sweeping strings are a gorgeous extra. It’s a deliciously feel-good groove that sets the heart racing.
“Loving Tenderly” envelops us in warm, velvety night-time vibes with easy listening horns and slinky strings dialing up the seduction. Definitely one for the lithe lovers out there. The pace picks up on the electrifying “Fearing Much” where strings dart around deep bass, buzzing guitars and another funky drum break. The lush, melancholic “Being Friendly” is another easy beauty, all warm Rhodes and strings. Majestic stuff that puts an aural arm around you. The climactic “Having Fun” rides a pulsating, bass-heavy drum break with snatches of a funky guitar refrain, some luxurious keys, sweeping strings and triumphant horns. Sensational.
“Feelings” is a profoundly appropriate title for such an emotionally funky and genuinely affecting record. Groove-laden bass, irrepressible horns, sweet flute lines, warm Rhodes, lush string arrangements, blaxploitation-styled wah-wah guitars and so, so much more make this one of the finest instrumental soul LPs of the 70s, if not of all time.
The audio for this re-issue of Feelings comes from the original analogue tapes and has been remastered for vinyl by Be With regular Simon Francis and cut by Pete Norman. The same care has been taken by the Be With team to restore that glorious original Carosello sleeve. Feelings is almost too good to be true. Feels good all over.
More
1
BUARI - Karam Bani (4:27)
2
BUARI - Them Yebtheyet (5:12)
3
BUARI - Ku Ka Maria (2:45)
4
BUARI - Advice From Father (5:47)
5
BUARI - Iro Le Pa (4:55)
6
BUARI - Ye Koaba (4:27)
7
BUARI - Peace (3:00)
8
BUARI - Oh! Africa (5:37)
2022 repress
Format Notes: 180g vinyl, mastered from the original tapes
Track List:
A1 : Karam Bani (4:27)
A2 : Them Yebtheyet (5:12)
A3 : Ku Ka Maria (2:45)
A4 : Advice From Father (5:47)
B1 : Iro Le Pa (4:55)
B2 : Ye Koaba (4:27)
B3 : Peace (3:00)
B4 : Oh! Africa (5:37)
Release Notes:
A surefire Afro-Funk classic, long treasured by collectors across the globe, the fantastic self-titled LP from Ghanaian singing/percussion sensation Sidiku Buari nevertheless remains a criminally hard-to find gem. We’re honoured to present the first ever officially licensed vinyl reissue of this undoubted masterpiece.
Originally released on RCA in 1975, this is, quite simply, a ridiculous record. This super-rare album boasts an all-star cast of top funk instrumentalists playing alongside Buari as he blends heavy African rhythms with American soul-funk grooves. The arrangements and the playing are incredibly tight and the album is stacked with killer tracks including “Advice From Father” (sampled brilliantly by Kenny Dope) and “Ku Ka Maria”, with its intense, neck-snapping breaks and funky drumming from legend Bernard ‘Pretty’ Purdie. Purdie is in the pocket for the entirety of this stunning LP - the drumming is just straight out of hand; so varied yet so precise.
It’s not hard to fathom why these tracks have always been huge on the b-boy/breaking scene. Other standouts include the wonderful disco-tinged afro monsters “Karam Bani” and “Iro Le Pa” plus the cool laidback groove of “Them Yebtheyet”.
With access to the original analogue tape transfers, the stellar mastering by Simon Francis elevates the sound throughout and, as ever, it has been pressed at a reassuringly weighty 180g.
More
Format Notes: 180g vinyl, mastered from the original tapes
Track List:
A1 : Karam Bani (4:27)
A2 : Them Yebtheyet (5:12)
A3 : Ku Ka Maria (2:45)
A4 : Advice From Father (5:47)
B1 : Iro Le Pa (4:55)
B2 : Ye Koaba (4:27)
B3 : Peace (3:00)
B4 : Oh! Africa (5:37)
Release Notes:
A surefire Afro-Funk classic, long treasured by collectors across the globe, the fantastic self-titled LP from Ghanaian singing/percussion sensation Sidiku Buari nevertheless remains a criminally hard-to find gem. We’re honoured to present the first ever officially licensed vinyl reissue of this undoubted masterpiece.
Originally released on RCA in 1975, this is, quite simply, a ridiculous record. This super-rare album boasts an all-star cast of top funk instrumentalists playing alongside Buari as he blends heavy African rhythms with American soul-funk grooves. The arrangements and the playing are incredibly tight and the album is stacked with killer tracks including “Advice From Father” (sampled brilliantly by Kenny Dope) and “Ku Ka Maria”, with its intense, neck-snapping breaks and funky drumming from legend Bernard ‘Pretty’ Purdie. Purdie is in the pocket for the entirety of this stunning LP - the drumming is just straight out of hand; so varied yet so precise.
It’s not hard to fathom why these tracks have always been huge on the b-boy/breaking scene. Other standouts include the wonderful disco-tinged afro monsters “Karam Bani” and “Iro Le Pa” plus the cool laidback groove of “Them Yebtheyet”.
With access to the original analogue tape transfers, the stellar mastering by Simon Francis elevates the sound throughout and, as ever, it has been pressed at a reassuringly weighty 180g.
More
1
Polygonia, Popp - A1. Ronpchi 02:14 min
2
Polygonia, Popp - A2. Honsu 05:48 min
3
Polygonia, Popp - A3. Lian 02:05 min
4
Polygonia, Popp - A4. Benbut 08:18 min
5
Polygonia, Popp - A5. Onyx 04:11 min
6
Polygonia, Popp - B1. Skid 02:27 min
7
Polygonia, Popp - B2. Imber 04:50 min
8
Polygonia, Popp - B3. Nakuku 05:29 min
9
Polygonia, Popp - B4. Ysop 05:40 min
10
Polygonia, Popp - B5. Eyb 01:59 min
LP
Special remarks:
180g
Tracklist:
A1) Ronpchi 02:14 min
A2) Honsu 05:48 min
A3) Lian 02:05 min
A4) Benbut 08:18 min
A5) Onyx 04:11 min
B1) Skid 02:27 min
B2) Imber 04:50 min
B3) Nakuku 05:29 min
B4) Ysop 05:40 min
B5) Eyb 01:59 min
Info:
Roots run deep on "Candid', the first LP by Munich-based producer Polygonia and drummer Simon Popp. The record is a perfect blend of their distinct voices, with Popp's drumset and his signature percussion sounds buzzing around Polygonia's bold and blooming productions.
Comprised of live material recorded at Munich's ZIRKA in late 2022 and over several studio sessions in-between touring duties, 'Candid' is a meadow of herbal Electronic, mystic at times, but joyful nonetheless.
More
Special remarks:
180g
Tracklist:
A1) Ronpchi 02:14 min
A2) Honsu 05:48 min
A3) Lian 02:05 min
A4) Benbut 08:18 min
A5) Onyx 04:11 min
B1) Skid 02:27 min
B2) Imber 04:50 min
B3) Nakuku 05:29 min
B4) Ysop 05:40 min
B5) Eyb 01:59 min
Info:
Roots run deep on "Candid', the first LP by Munich-based producer Polygonia and drummer Simon Popp. The record is a perfect blend of their distinct voices, with Popp's drumset and his signature percussion sounds buzzing around Polygonia's bold and blooming productions.
Comprised of live material recorded at Munich's ZIRKA in late 2022 and over several studio sessions in-between touring duties, 'Candid' is a meadow of herbal Electronic, mystic at times, but joyful nonetheless.
More
1
Sammy Burdson / Klaus Weiss / Larry Robb - 01 : A1 : Pop Waves (1:49)
2
Sammy Burdson / Klaus Weiss / Larry Robb - 02 : A2 : Cyclodrom (1:10)
3
Sammy Burdson / Klaus Weiss / Larry Robb - 03 : A3 : Devils Drive (1:28)
4
Sammy Burdson / Klaus Weiss / Larry Robb - 04 : A4 : Crime Ways (2:06)
5
Sammy Burdson / Klaus Weiss / Larry Robb - 05 : A5 : Is It Hip (2:00)
6
Sammy Burdson / Klaus Weiss / Larry Robb - 06 : A6 : The Camp (3:29)
7
Sammy Burdson / Klaus Weiss / Larry Robb - 07 : A7 : Tomorrow (1:53)
8
Sammy Burdson / Klaus Weiss / Larry Robb - 08 : A8 : Rhythm Trip (4:28)
9
Sammy Burdson / Klaus Weiss / Larry Robb - 09 : B1 : Vox Pop (1:22)
10
Sammy Burdson / Klaus Weiss / Larry Robb - 10 : B2 : Rock Pop (2:47)
11
Sammy Burdson / Klaus Weiss / Larry Robb - 11 : B3 : Pop Phase (2:46)
12
Sammy Burdson / Klaus Weiss / Larry Robb - 12 : B4 : Pop Twang (0:55)
13
Sammy Burdson / Klaus Weiss / Larry Robb - 13 : B5 : Canned Pop (1:40)
14
Sammy Burdson / Klaus Weiss / Larry Robb - 14 : B6 : Percussion Take 1 (1:24)
15
Sammy Burdson / Klaus Weiss / Larry Robb - 15 : B7 : Percussion Take 2 (1:08)
16
Sammy Burdson / Klaus Weiss / Larry Robb - 16 : B8 : Percussion Take 3 (1:16)
17
Sammy Burdson / Klaus Weiss / Larry Robb - 17 : B9 : Percussion Take 4 (1:10)
18
Sammy Burdson / Klaus Weiss / Larry Robb - 18 : B10 : Percussion Take 5 (0:52)
19
Sammy Burdson / Klaus Weiss / Larry Robb - 19 : B11 : Percussion Take 6 (1:54)
20
Sammy Burdson / Klaus Weiss / Larry Robb - 20 : B12 : Percussion Take 7 (1:24)
Artist: Sammy Burdson / Klaus Weiss / Larry Robbins Background Rhythms
Title: Dramatic Tempi / Larry Robbins Background Rhythms (Conroy)
Format Notes: 2022 re-issue, 140g vinyl, mastered with audio from the original tapes
Track List:
Release Notes:
C-L-A-S-S-I-C library breaks and beats set of heavy drums and louche funk.
One of two Be With forays into the archives of revered British library institution Conroy, we present one of our favourites on the label - the super in-demand Dramatic Tempi / Larry Robbins Background Rhythms, originally released in 1975. Rare and sought-after for many years now, this is one of those cult library LPs that rarely turns up on even the deepest dig.
As a single LP, Dramatic Tempi / Larry Robbins Background Rhythms is two distinctly different collections of music. The first side, Dramatic Tempi, is made up of four tracks each from Sammy Burdson and Klaus Weiss.
Sammy Burdson was one of the many, many aliases of the mighty Austrian composer, arranger and conductor, Gerhard Narholz. Founder of adored library label Sonoton in 1965, and a classically trained composer, his work runs from easy listening through pop, jazz and electronic, to avant-garde.
About as cult as it gets when it comes to library music legends (German or otherwise) Klaus Weiss produced essential records on German library labels Coloursound, Selected Sound and Sonoton, as well as making two essential entries in the Conroy catalogue. Having started his career at the age of 16 as a jazz drummer, the Klaus Weiss trademark electronic sound is unsurprisingly built on top of sometimes funky, sometimes frenetic, but always hard-hitting drums.
The second side is both titled and also credited to Larry Robbins Background Rhythms. We have to admit to being stumped as to who Larry was, but we don’t think it’s too much of a stretch to assume it might well be yet another incarnation of Gerhard Narholz’s.
First up from Dramatic Tempi are the phased, gargantuan hip-hop beats of Sammy Burdson’s impeccable “Pop Waves”. This is otherworldly funk on a whole new level. Hearing is believing. The magnificently titled “Cyclodrom” is up next, a beast of booming bass and wah wah guitars over frenetic funk drums. “Devils Drive” is dramatic, blaxploitation street funk with rolling, pounding drums. “Crime Ways” is an acid-squelch, slow-pace neck-snapper.
Klaus Weiss starts by askings us “Is It Hip” and we can only answer “yes it is!” to the clean, skipping drums, booming bass and proto-hip-hop bells, layered beneath laconic and melodic guitar shredding. This is just horizontal soul perfection. “The Camp”, propelled by jazzy guitar à la Joe Pass over fast drum and conga breaks, gives way to the dark guitars and cymbal crashes of “Tomorrow”. It sounds like an early New Order jam session. Closing out a pretty startling side of library greatness, “Rhythm Trip” presents early stuttering funk before easin' on in to a jazzy, soulful groove; all breezy guitar and warm keys. Lush.
Larry Robbins Background Rhythms is a lighter, poppier affair, but it’s not without its drum-heavy bangers. “Vox Pop” and “Pop Phase” each have clean, open-ish drum breaks, ripe for sampling or more daring DJ sets. “Pop Twang” is a short and sweet beat-heavy number that gives way to the fantastically out-there “Canned Pop”. We‘d love to know if this was ever actually licensed for something! The final seven tracks are a set of 1-to-2 minute “Percussion Takes”. All compelling, and all equally useful for any number of production needs. Get sampling.
The British library label with those instantly recognisable “orangey-red” sleeves, Conroy began releasing production music in 1965. A sub-label of Berry Music Co, its catalogue typified the library industry’s strange mixture of tradition and experimentation from the start. Conroy’s early releases included work by big band stalwarts like Eddie Warner as well as early electronic recordings by the likes of Belgian experimental pioneer Arséne Souffriau. With Berry Music Co working as a distribution partner to the German library label Sonoton, it was through the Conroy that a great deal of German library music found its way into the UK market.
Conroy stopped putting out new music in the 1980s, but its history and its catalogue offer an excellent window into the trends and eccentricities of a highly unique industry at the height of its international appeal.
This re-issue of Dramatic Tempi / Larry Robbins Background Rhythms has been mastered for vinyl by Be With regular Simon Francis from audio from the original tapes. Richard Robinson has handled reproducing the iconic, hypnotic original Conroy sleeve. Essential.
More
Title: Dramatic Tempi / Larry Robbins Background Rhythms (Conroy)
Format Notes: 2022 re-issue, 140g vinyl, mastered with audio from the original tapes
Track List:
Release Notes:
C-L-A-S-S-I-C library breaks and beats set of heavy drums and louche funk.
One of two Be With forays into the archives of revered British library institution Conroy, we present one of our favourites on the label - the super in-demand Dramatic Tempi / Larry Robbins Background Rhythms, originally released in 1975. Rare and sought-after for many years now, this is one of those cult library LPs that rarely turns up on even the deepest dig.
As a single LP, Dramatic Tempi / Larry Robbins Background Rhythms is two distinctly different collections of music. The first side, Dramatic Tempi, is made up of four tracks each from Sammy Burdson and Klaus Weiss.
Sammy Burdson was one of the many, many aliases of the mighty Austrian composer, arranger and conductor, Gerhard Narholz. Founder of adored library label Sonoton in 1965, and a classically trained composer, his work runs from easy listening through pop, jazz and electronic, to avant-garde.
About as cult as it gets when it comes to library music legends (German or otherwise) Klaus Weiss produced essential records on German library labels Coloursound, Selected Sound and Sonoton, as well as making two essential entries in the Conroy catalogue. Having started his career at the age of 16 as a jazz drummer, the Klaus Weiss trademark electronic sound is unsurprisingly built on top of sometimes funky, sometimes frenetic, but always hard-hitting drums.
The second side is both titled and also credited to Larry Robbins Background Rhythms. We have to admit to being stumped as to who Larry was, but we don’t think it’s too much of a stretch to assume it might well be yet another incarnation of Gerhard Narholz’s.
First up from Dramatic Tempi are the phased, gargantuan hip-hop beats of Sammy Burdson’s impeccable “Pop Waves”. This is otherworldly funk on a whole new level. Hearing is believing. The magnificently titled “Cyclodrom” is up next, a beast of booming bass and wah wah guitars over frenetic funk drums. “Devils Drive” is dramatic, blaxploitation street funk with rolling, pounding drums. “Crime Ways” is an acid-squelch, slow-pace neck-snapper.
Klaus Weiss starts by askings us “Is It Hip” and we can only answer “yes it is!” to the clean, skipping drums, booming bass and proto-hip-hop bells, layered beneath laconic and melodic guitar shredding. This is just horizontal soul perfection. “The Camp”, propelled by jazzy guitar à la Joe Pass over fast drum and conga breaks, gives way to the dark guitars and cymbal crashes of “Tomorrow”. It sounds like an early New Order jam session. Closing out a pretty startling side of library greatness, “Rhythm Trip” presents early stuttering funk before easin' on in to a jazzy, soulful groove; all breezy guitar and warm keys. Lush.
Larry Robbins Background Rhythms is a lighter, poppier affair, but it’s not without its drum-heavy bangers. “Vox Pop” and “Pop Phase” each have clean, open-ish drum breaks, ripe for sampling or more daring DJ sets. “Pop Twang” is a short and sweet beat-heavy number that gives way to the fantastically out-there “Canned Pop”. We‘d love to know if this was ever actually licensed for something! The final seven tracks are a set of 1-to-2 minute “Percussion Takes”. All compelling, and all equally useful for any number of production needs. Get sampling.
The British library label with those instantly recognisable “orangey-red” sleeves, Conroy began releasing production music in 1965. A sub-label of Berry Music Co, its catalogue typified the library industry’s strange mixture of tradition and experimentation from the start. Conroy’s early releases included work by big band stalwarts like Eddie Warner as well as early electronic recordings by the likes of Belgian experimental pioneer Arséne Souffriau. With Berry Music Co working as a distribution partner to the German library label Sonoton, it was through the Conroy that a great deal of German library music found its way into the UK market.
Conroy stopped putting out new music in the 1980s, but its history and its catalogue offer an excellent window into the trends and eccentricities of a highly unique industry at the height of its international appeal.
This re-issue of Dramatic Tempi / Larry Robbins Background Rhythms has been mastered for vinyl by Be With regular Simon Francis from audio from the original tapes. Richard Robinson has handled reproducing the iconic, hypnotic original Conroy sleeve. Essential.
More
1
John Cameron - 49th Street Shakedown
2
John Cameron - Brass Monkey
3
John Cameron - The Great Escape
4
John Cameron - Chicago Sidewalk
5
John Cameron - Four O’Clock Earthquake
6
John Cameron - Underlying Expectancy
7
John Cameron - The Prowler
8
John Cameron - No Place To Go
9
John Cameron - Regular Progress
10
John Cameron - Smokey Joe’s Dilemma
Format: LP
Format Notes: 2019 re-issue, 180g vinyl, remastered from the original tapes
EAN: 4251648411949
Track List:
A1 : 49th Street Shakedown
A2 : Brass Monkey
A3 : The Great Escape
A4 : Chicago Sidewalk
A5 : Four O’Clock Earthquake
B1 : Underlying Expectancy
B2 : The Prowler
B3 : No Place To Go
B4 : Regular Progress
B5 : Smokey Joe’s Dilemma
Release Notes:
Be With have raided the KPM archives to re-issue another of our favourites from the KPM 1000 series. They say: A Dramatic Suite Of Themes, Montage, Sequences And Generics.
We say: An enormously influential and heavy KPM set of timeless, killer funk breaks from 1972 by the mighty John Cameron.
Jazzrock is an aggressive, percussion-heavy album with an energy that leaves jaws on the floor. Breaks and beats for days with electric piano, bass loops, and pounding percussion. Funky jazz with a deep, tough, soundtrack feel.
As with all of our KPM re-issues, the audio for The Road Forward comes from the original analogue tapes and has been remastered for vinyl by Be With regular Simon Francis. We’ve taken the same care with the sleeves, handing the reproduction duties over to Richard Robinson, the current custodian of KPM’s brand identity.
And don’t worry! Those KPM stickers aren’t stuck directly on the sleeves!
More
Format Notes: 2019 re-issue, 180g vinyl, remastered from the original tapes
EAN: 4251648411949
Track List:
A1 : 49th Street Shakedown
A2 : Brass Monkey
A3 : The Great Escape
A4 : Chicago Sidewalk
A5 : Four O’Clock Earthquake
B1 : Underlying Expectancy
B2 : The Prowler
B3 : No Place To Go
B4 : Regular Progress
B5 : Smokey Joe’s Dilemma
Release Notes:
Be With have raided the KPM archives to re-issue another of our favourites from the KPM 1000 series. They say: A Dramatic Suite Of Themes, Montage, Sequences And Generics.
We say: An enormously influential and heavy KPM set of timeless, killer funk breaks from 1972 by the mighty John Cameron.
Jazzrock is an aggressive, percussion-heavy album with an energy that leaves jaws on the floor. Breaks and beats for days with electric piano, bass loops, and pounding percussion. Funky jazz with a deep, tough, soundtrack feel.
As with all of our KPM re-issues, the audio for The Road Forward comes from the original analogue tapes and has been remastered for vinyl by Be With regular Simon Francis. We’ve taken the same care with the sleeves, handing the reproduction duties over to Richard Robinson, the current custodian of KPM’s brand identity.
And don’t worry! Those KPM stickers aren’t stuck directly on the sleeves!
More
1
The Roger Webb Sound - Sunshine (1:13)
2
The Roger Webb Sound - Gentle Eyes (2:08)
3
The Roger Webb Sound - Heavy Lace (1:32)
4
The Roger Webb Sound - Yesterday (2:33)
5
The Roger Webb Sound - Petal Soft (2:54)
6
The Roger Webb Sound - Coaster (2:20)
7
The Roger Webb Sound - Grey Sigh (2:38)
8
The Roger Webb Sound - Sweet Thing (2:17)
9
The Roger Webb Sound - Cough Drop (1:59)
10
The Roger Webb Sound - Moon Shade (2:43)
11
The Roger Webb Sound - Sapphire (2:44)
12
The Roger Webb Sound - Interweave (2:39)
13
The Roger Webb Sound - Musette (2:49)
14
The Roger Webb Sound - Reminiscence (2:29)
15
The Roger Webb Sound - 7.30 For 8.00 (2:05)
16
The Roger Webb Sound - Sparky (0:39)
Territories: Worldwide no restrictions
Format Notes: Part of Music De Wolfe Reissue Campaign, 2023 first time reissue, 140g vinyl
Track List:
A1 Sunshine 1:13
A2 Gentle Eyes 2:08
A3 Heavy Lace 1:32
A4 Yesterday 2:33
A5 Petal Soft 2:54
A6 Coaster 2:20
A7 Grey Sigh 2:38
A8 Sweet Thing 2:17
B1 Cough Drop 1:59
B2 Moon Shade 2:43
B3 Sapphire 2:44
B4 Interweave 2:39
B5 Musette 2:49
B6 Reminiscence 2:29
B7 7.30 For 8.00 2:05
B8 Sparky 0:39
Release Notes:
The Roger Webb Sound's Moonshade is one of the coolest records ever. Originally appearing via the legendary De Wolfe library in 1971, it's a sumptuous jazz-soul-funk instrumental set. Full of melodic, melancholic yet sun-drenched songs, rich with colour and contrast, it was composed by self-taught jazz pianist Roger Webb and features vocal performances by Barbara Moore. That's right; *the* powerhouse library music duo! It makes Moonshade the perfect precursor and accompaniment to Barbara Moore's eternal classic Vocal Shades And Tones. It will come as no surprise that original copies, if you can ever find them, will set you back north of 200 notes.
Moonshade is a phenomenal showcase of Brit maestro Webb's own roots in jazz. Those roots are served up here with a plethora of fast-stepping rhythms that truly give flight to the vocals of Barbara Moore, as they soar in wonderful ways. Moore sings wordlessly throughout, allowing her voice to act like another instrument in concert with the horns and keyboards elevating the fine arrangements. This is a deeply beautiful record.
The album opens with the ornate Baroque pop splendour of the sun-dappled melancholia of "Sunshine". Strings, piano and wordless female vocals combine to create this brief beauty of unimaginable grace. The cool "Gentle Eyes" features haunting and beautiful vocals, smooth jazz piano and horns and a general easy vibe without being easy listening, if you know what we mean. You do. Just listen. The pounding "Heavy Lace" is one for the beat-heads, funky open drums (!) with muted organ, bassy piano chords and ace horns. Sampled by Quakers for their great debut album on Stones Throw. The nostalgic "Yesterday" is wistful and beautifully melodic instrumental soul music with gorgeous acoustic guitar and flutes. It's followed by the light, lilting "Petal Soft" which features more Baroque styles, overflowing with flutes and harps. The bright, bouncing "Coaster" is an easy-going piano-led, guitar-driven swinger whilst "Grey Sigh" is another classic. A real highlight, with more fantastic propulsive drums and percussion and plaintive wordless vocals courtesy of Barbara. Speaking of which, the soft, sweet Rhodes jazz of the lilting "Sweet Thing" is another staggering showcase of the brilliance of Barbara. Just astounding.
Head straight past the honky-tonk-by-numbers piano jaunt "Cough Drop" and luxuriate in the soft, delicate beauty of the album's melodic, cyclical title track, "Moon Shade". Fragile flutes and acoustic guitar float across judicious bass notes before giving way to slightly ominous piano and, again, those beguiling wordless vocals. And then round again to the flute refrain of the intro. This time with the vocals to see us out. Majestic drama jazz at its finest. The cello-and-flute adorned "Sapphire" is a fluid orchestral beauty whilst "Interweave" rides with more urgency in its string and bass stabs. When the warm keys enter, it's a bonafide mellifluous wonder. The softer "Musette" begins in beautifully gentle fashion before pivoting for a driving yet elegant piano middle section. It reverts back to the mellow intro, for its outro. Understood? The melodic organ and prominent rhythm section running through "Reminiscence" makes for a delightfully understated folk-funk instrumental whilst the cool, rolling piano feels of "7.30 For 8.00" seem to perfectly suit the phrase "dinner jazz". It's no bad thing, c'mon. This classy, memorable set is rounded out by the half-minute mince of the Barbara-blessed "Sparky". It's just over too soon!
The audio for Moonshade has been brilliantly remastered by Be With regular Simon Francis, ensuring this release sounds better than ever. Cicely Balston's expert skills have made sure nothing is lost in the cut whilst the records have been pressed to the highest possible standard at Record Industry in Holland. The original, iconic sleeve has been restored here at Be With HQ as the finishing touch to this long overdue re-issue. More
Format Notes: Part of Music De Wolfe Reissue Campaign, 2023 first time reissue, 140g vinyl
Track List:
A1 Sunshine 1:13
A2 Gentle Eyes 2:08
A3 Heavy Lace 1:32
A4 Yesterday 2:33
A5 Petal Soft 2:54
A6 Coaster 2:20
A7 Grey Sigh 2:38
A8 Sweet Thing 2:17
B1 Cough Drop 1:59
B2 Moon Shade 2:43
B3 Sapphire 2:44
B4 Interweave 2:39
B5 Musette 2:49
B6 Reminiscence 2:29
B7 7.30 For 8.00 2:05
B8 Sparky 0:39
Release Notes:
The Roger Webb Sound's Moonshade is one of the coolest records ever. Originally appearing via the legendary De Wolfe library in 1971, it's a sumptuous jazz-soul-funk instrumental set. Full of melodic, melancholic yet sun-drenched songs, rich with colour and contrast, it was composed by self-taught jazz pianist Roger Webb and features vocal performances by Barbara Moore. That's right; *the* powerhouse library music duo! It makes Moonshade the perfect precursor and accompaniment to Barbara Moore's eternal classic Vocal Shades And Tones. It will come as no surprise that original copies, if you can ever find them, will set you back north of 200 notes.
Moonshade is a phenomenal showcase of Brit maestro Webb's own roots in jazz. Those roots are served up here with a plethora of fast-stepping rhythms that truly give flight to the vocals of Barbara Moore, as they soar in wonderful ways. Moore sings wordlessly throughout, allowing her voice to act like another instrument in concert with the horns and keyboards elevating the fine arrangements. This is a deeply beautiful record.
The album opens with the ornate Baroque pop splendour of the sun-dappled melancholia of "Sunshine". Strings, piano and wordless female vocals combine to create this brief beauty of unimaginable grace. The cool "Gentle Eyes" features haunting and beautiful vocals, smooth jazz piano and horns and a general easy vibe without being easy listening, if you know what we mean. You do. Just listen. The pounding "Heavy Lace" is one for the beat-heads, funky open drums (!) with muted organ, bassy piano chords and ace horns. Sampled by Quakers for their great debut album on Stones Throw. The nostalgic "Yesterday" is wistful and beautifully melodic instrumental soul music with gorgeous acoustic guitar and flutes. It's followed by the light, lilting "Petal Soft" which features more Baroque styles, overflowing with flutes and harps. The bright, bouncing "Coaster" is an easy-going piano-led, guitar-driven swinger whilst "Grey Sigh" is another classic. A real highlight, with more fantastic propulsive drums and percussion and plaintive wordless vocals courtesy of Barbara. Speaking of which, the soft, sweet Rhodes jazz of the lilting "Sweet Thing" is another staggering showcase of the brilliance of Barbara. Just astounding.
Head straight past the honky-tonk-by-numbers piano jaunt "Cough Drop" and luxuriate in the soft, delicate beauty of the album's melodic, cyclical title track, "Moon Shade". Fragile flutes and acoustic guitar float across judicious bass notes before giving way to slightly ominous piano and, again, those beguiling wordless vocals. And then round again to the flute refrain of the intro. This time with the vocals to see us out. Majestic drama jazz at its finest. The cello-and-flute adorned "Sapphire" is a fluid orchestral beauty whilst "Interweave" rides with more urgency in its string and bass stabs. When the warm keys enter, it's a bonafide mellifluous wonder. The softer "Musette" begins in beautifully gentle fashion before pivoting for a driving yet elegant piano middle section. It reverts back to the mellow intro, for its outro. Understood? The melodic organ and prominent rhythm section running through "Reminiscence" makes for a delightfully understated folk-funk instrumental whilst the cool, rolling piano feels of "7.30 For 8.00" seem to perfectly suit the phrase "dinner jazz". It's no bad thing, c'mon. This classy, memorable set is rounded out by the half-minute mince of the Barbara-blessed "Sparky". It's just over too soon!
The audio for Moonshade has been brilliantly remastered by Be With regular Simon Francis, ensuring this release sounds better than ever. Cicely Balston's expert skills have made sure nothing is lost in the cut whilst the records have been pressed to the highest possible standard at Record Industry in Holland. The original, iconic sleeve has been restored here at Be With HQ as the finishing touch to this long overdue re-issue. More
1
Keni Burke - Shakin' (5:52)
2
Keni Burke - Hang Tight (4:10)
3
Keni Burke - Can't Get Enough (Do It All Night) (4:10)
4
Keni Burke - Who Do You Love (5:23)
5
Keni Burke - Changes (4:48)
6
Keni Burke - One Minute More (4:48)
7
Keni Burke - Risin' To The Top (5:16)
8
Keni Burke - All Night (4:46)
Territories: Worldwide no restrictions
Format Notes: 2023 reissue, 140g vinyl
Track List:
A1 Shakin' 5:52
A2 Hang Tight 4:10
A3 Can't Get Enough (Do It All Night) 4:10
A4 Who Do You Love 5:23
---
B1 Changes 4:48
B2 One Minute More 4:48
B3 Risin' To The Top 5:16
B4 All Night 4:46
Release Notes:
Keni Burke's seminal Changes yielded the eternal club classic "Risin' To The Top". You need this record for this iconic steppers anthem alone. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that the whole of Changes, first released in 1982 on RCA but now a tricky one to find, is something truly special. It's a masterpiece of sophisticated 80s groove, containing first class funky soul that sounds as fresh as ever. This is multi-tempo soul music conceived in heaven.
Ace bass player, songwriter, arranger and producer, Keni Burke was discovered by Curtis Mayfield and a childhood member of the Five Stairsteps. Emanating from that magical 81-83 era and pristinely recorded at Philadelphia's legendary Sigma Sound Studios, his third solo album Changes really perfected Keni's groove. It incorporated tight, snappy rhythm arrangements which, despite the era, featured *real drums* courtesy of Steve Ferrone (from Average White Band) to compliment Keni's meaty bass lines. With Dean "Sir" Gant on synths and keyboards and Ed Walsh handling the Vocoder-OBX and Prophet 5, wonderful lines from Earth, Wind & Fire's legendary horn section and hooky rhythm and lead guitar riffs courtesy of Ed "Tree" Walsh, Keni was truly spoiled for excellence. With Doc Gibbs on percussion and Vince Montana on vibes elevating the sensational writing and arrangements, Keni couldn't really go wrong.
“Risin’ To The Top” is undoubtedly the defining crown and lasting legacy of this album. Wth its instantly captivating bassline, slowly creepin' groove and uplifting lyrics, it was a favourite among both the 80s soul steppers and hip-hop crowd and remains canonical to this day. Written by Burke, Allan Felder, and former Chic member Norma Jean Wright, it incredibly failed to garner much American radio play or really trouble the soul charts. Whilst it was an instant classic in the U.K., in the States it took the hip-hop generation and later R&B and hip-hop samples of the tune to finally make it popular, many years later. Of note, Big Daddy Kane sampled it for "Smooth Operator", LL Cool J for "Around The Way Girl", Pete Rock & CL Smooth for "Take You There" and O.C. with "Born 2 Live".
But the highlights are not restricted to this one behemoth. For example, the track which precedes "Risin'" on Side B is another steppers favourite. "One Minute More" is a perfect mid-tempo ballad and the epitome of deep modern soul. A truly timeless work of genius. We, for one, struggle to think of a better song segue than the moment you're still reeling from the intense beauty of "One Minute More" and "Risin'" elegantly stirs into action. Frisson in excelsis. The propulsive, bass-heavy opener "Shakin" is an indisputable cracker and its followed by the timeless mid-tempo class of "Hang Tight". Just gorgeous. Next up, "Can't Get Enough" is another emotional, horn heavy chugger. The side closes with the sparse, tender, floating sl-o-o-w jam "Who Do You Love"; a truly divine ballad. The B-side beings with the title-track, "Changes", a squelchy, melodic boogie banger with fantastic keys, incredible vocals, ace shuffling percussion and spacey synths. It's followed by the ultimate one-two in "One Minute More" and "Risin'" before this sensational set closes with the glorious easy glide "All Night".
An absolutely essential record for fans of deeply soulful modern-funk, Changes was mastered for vinyl by Simon Francis and cut by Cicely Balston for Alchemy at AIR Studios. The artwork was restored at Be With HQ over many painstaking months so, hopefully, this fresh new edition ensures this long-lusted after album is no longer so awkward to find. More
Format Notes: 2023 reissue, 140g vinyl
Track List:
A1 Shakin' 5:52
A2 Hang Tight 4:10
A3 Can't Get Enough (Do It All Night) 4:10
A4 Who Do You Love 5:23
---
B1 Changes 4:48
B2 One Minute More 4:48
B3 Risin' To The Top 5:16
B4 All Night 4:46
Release Notes:
Keni Burke's seminal Changes yielded the eternal club classic "Risin' To The Top". You need this record for this iconic steppers anthem alone. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that the whole of Changes, first released in 1982 on RCA but now a tricky one to find, is something truly special. It's a masterpiece of sophisticated 80s groove, containing first class funky soul that sounds as fresh as ever. This is multi-tempo soul music conceived in heaven.
Ace bass player, songwriter, arranger and producer, Keni Burke was discovered by Curtis Mayfield and a childhood member of the Five Stairsteps. Emanating from that magical 81-83 era and pristinely recorded at Philadelphia's legendary Sigma Sound Studios, his third solo album Changes really perfected Keni's groove. It incorporated tight, snappy rhythm arrangements which, despite the era, featured *real drums* courtesy of Steve Ferrone (from Average White Band) to compliment Keni's meaty bass lines. With Dean "Sir" Gant on synths and keyboards and Ed Walsh handling the Vocoder-OBX and Prophet 5, wonderful lines from Earth, Wind & Fire's legendary horn section and hooky rhythm and lead guitar riffs courtesy of Ed "Tree" Walsh, Keni was truly spoiled for excellence. With Doc Gibbs on percussion and Vince Montana on vibes elevating the sensational writing and arrangements, Keni couldn't really go wrong.
“Risin’ To The Top” is undoubtedly the defining crown and lasting legacy of this album. Wth its instantly captivating bassline, slowly creepin' groove and uplifting lyrics, it was a favourite among both the 80s soul steppers and hip-hop crowd and remains canonical to this day. Written by Burke, Allan Felder, and former Chic member Norma Jean Wright, it incredibly failed to garner much American radio play or really trouble the soul charts. Whilst it was an instant classic in the U.K., in the States it took the hip-hop generation and later R&B and hip-hop samples of the tune to finally make it popular, many years later. Of note, Big Daddy Kane sampled it for "Smooth Operator", LL Cool J for "Around The Way Girl", Pete Rock & CL Smooth for "Take You There" and O.C. with "Born 2 Live".
But the highlights are not restricted to this one behemoth. For example, the track which precedes "Risin'" on Side B is another steppers favourite. "One Minute More" is a perfect mid-tempo ballad and the epitome of deep modern soul. A truly timeless work of genius. We, for one, struggle to think of a better song segue than the moment you're still reeling from the intense beauty of "One Minute More" and "Risin'" elegantly stirs into action. Frisson in excelsis. The propulsive, bass-heavy opener "Shakin" is an indisputable cracker and its followed by the timeless mid-tempo class of "Hang Tight". Just gorgeous. Next up, "Can't Get Enough" is another emotional, horn heavy chugger. The side closes with the sparse, tender, floating sl-o-o-w jam "Who Do You Love"; a truly divine ballad. The B-side beings with the title-track, "Changes", a squelchy, melodic boogie banger with fantastic keys, incredible vocals, ace shuffling percussion and spacey synths. It's followed by the ultimate one-two in "One Minute More" and "Risin'" before this sensational set closes with the glorious easy glide "All Night".
An absolutely essential record for fans of deeply soulful modern-funk, Changes was mastered for vinyl by Simon Francis and cut by Cicely Balston for Alchemy at AIR Studios. The artwork was restored at Be With HQ over many painstaking months so, hopefully, this fresh new edition ensures this long-lusted after album is no longer so awkward to find. More
1
Sammy Burdson - 01 : A1 : Speed Unlimited A (2:00)
2
Sammy Burdson - 02 : A2 : Speed Unlimited B (0:45)
3
Sammy Burdson - 03 : A3 : Speed Unlimited C (0:41)
4
Sammy Burdson - 04 : A4 : Hurricane Wheels A (2:15)
5
Sammy Burdson - 05 : A5 : Hurricane Wheels B (0:51)
6
Sammy Burdson - 06 : A6 : Hurricane Wheels C (1:43)
7
Sammy Burdson - 07 : A7 : Hurricane Wheels D (0:45)
8
Sammy Burdson - 08 : A8 : Hurricane Wheels E (1:42)
9
Sammy Burdson - 09 : A9 : Hurricane Wheels F (0:45)
10
Sammy Burdson - 10 : A10 : Hurricane Wheels G (1:42)
11
Sammy Burdson - 11 : A11 : Route Africaine A (1:14)
12
Sammy Burdson - 12 : A12 : Route Africaine B (1:14)
13
Sammy Burdson - 13 : A13 : Route Africaine C (1:14)
14
Sammy Burdson - 14 : B1 : Kabul Trip A (1:58)
15
Sammy Burdson - 15 : B2 : Kabul Trip B (1:58)
16
Sammy Burdson - 16 : B3 : Kabul Trip C (0:47)
17
Sammy Burdson - 17 : B4 : Kabul Trip D (1:16)
18
Sammy Burdson - 18 : B5 : Water Pollution A (1:47)
19
Sammy Burdson - 19 : B6 : Water Pollution B (1:02)
20
Sammy Burdson - 20 : B7 : Water Pollution C (0:29)
21
Sammy Burdson - 21 : B8 : Centurion A (1:47)
22
Sammy Burdson - 22 : B9 : Centurion B (1:33)
23
Sammy Burdson - 23 : B10 : Centurion C (1:09)
24
Sammy Burdson - 24 : B11 : Gladiators (1:54)
25
Sammy Burdson - 25 : B12 : News Background A (2:31)
26
Sammy Burdson - 26 : B13 : News Background B (1:39)
Format Notes: 2022 re-issue, 140g vinyl, mastered with audio from the original tapes
Track List:
01 : A1 : Speed Unlimited A (2:00)
02 : A2 : Speed Unlimited B (0:45)
03 : A3 : Speed Unlimited C (0:41)
04 : A4 : Hurricane Wheels A (2:15)
05 : A5 : Hurricane Wheels B (0:51)
06 : A6 : Hurricane Wheels C (1:43)
07 : A7 : Hurricane Wheels D (0:45)
08 : A8 : Hurricane Wheels E (1:42)
09 : A9 : Hurricane Wheels F (0:45)
10 : A10 : Hurricane Wheels G (1:42)
11 : A11 : Route Africaine A (1:14)
12 : A12 : Route Africaine B (1:14)
13 : A13 : Route Africaine C (1:14)
--
14 : B1 : Kabul Trip A (1:58)
15 : B2 : Kabul Trip B (1:58)
16 : B3 : Kabul Trip C (0:47)
17 : B4 : Kabul Trip D (1:16)
18 : B5 : Water Pollution A (1:47)
19 : B6 : Water Pollution B (1:02)
20 : B7 : Water Pollution C (0:29)
21 : B8 : Centurion A (1:47)
22 : B9 : Centurion B (1:33)
23 : B10 : Centurion C (1:09)
24 : B11 : Gladiators (1:54)
25 : B12 : News Background A (2:31)
26 : B13 : News Background B (1:39)
Release Notes:
C-L-A-S-S-I-C library breaks and beats set of super-heavyweight espionage-funk.
One of two Be With forays into the archives of revered British library institution Conroy, we present one of our favourites on the label - the super in-demand Background Action from Sammy Burdson, originally released in 1975. Rare and sought-after for many years now, this is one of those cult library LPs that rarely turns up on even the deepest dig.
Sammy Burdson was one of the many, many aliases of the mighty Austrian composer, arranger and conductor, Gerhard Narholz. Founder of adored library label Sonoton in 1965, and a classically trained composer, his work runs from easy listening through pop, jazz and electronic, to avant-garde.
Background Action’s first side is all Blaxploitation wah-wah, funky clav and heavy, heavy drums. It’s top-quality takes on the sort of hard-knocking psychedelic sleuth-funk that the library labels gave us in spades. However, we think the real killers are over on side B. Styles upon styles upon styles is what we have. The trio of swish “Water Pollution” variations are pure gold. The two-part mid-tempo b-boy drumathon “News Background” is nothing short of epic whilst the sensational “Kabul Trip A” and “Kabul Trip B” are two different takes on some tough funk, street jazz style with some dope organ, bass and drum sounds. In short, this is a must for both DJs and producers.
The British library label with those instantly recognisable “orangey-red” sleeves, Conroy began releasing production music in 1965. A sub-label of Berry Music Co, its catalogue typified the library industry’s strange mixture of tradition and experimentation from the start. Conroy’s early releases included work by big band stalwarts like Eddie Warner as well as early electronic recordings by the likes of Belgian experimental pioneer Arséne Souffriau. With Berry Music Co working as a distribution partner to the German library label Sonoton, it was through the Conroy that a great deal of German library music found its way into the UK market.
Conroy stopped putting out new music in the 1980s, but its history and its catalogue offer an excellent window into the trends and eccentricities of a highly unique industry at the height of its international appeal.
This re-issue of Background Action has been mastered for vinyl by Be With regular Simon Francis from audio from the original tapes. Richard Robinson has handled reproducing the iconic, hypnotic original Conroy sleeve. Essential.
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Track List:
01 : A1 : Speed Unlimited A (2:00)
02 : A2 : Speed Unlimited B (0:45)
03 : A3 : Speed Unlimited C (0:41)
04 : A4 : Hurricane Wheels A (2:15)
05 : A5 : Hurricane Wheels B (0:51)
06 : A6 : Hurricane Wheels C (1:43)
07 : A7 : Hurricane Wheels D (0:45)
08 : A8 : Hurricane Wheels E (1:42)
09 : A9 : Hurricane Wheels F (0:45)
10 : A10 : Hurricane Wheels G (1:42)
11 : A11 : Route Africaine A (1:14)
12 : A12 : Route Africaine B (1:14)
13 : A13 : Route Africaine C (1:14)
--
14 : B1 : Kabul Trip A (1:58)
15 : B2 : Kabul Trip B (1:58)
16 : B3 : Kabul Trip C (0:47)
17 : B4 : Kabul Trip D (1:16)
18 : B5 : Water Pollution A (1:47)
19 : B6 : Water Pollution B (1:02)
20 : B7 : Water Pollution C (0:29)
21 : B8 : Centurion A (1:47)
22 : B9 : Centurion B (1:33)
23 : B10 : Centurion C (1:09)
24 : B11 : Gladiators (1:54)
25 : B12 : News Background A (2:31)
26 : B13 : News Background B (1:39)
Release Notes:
C-L-A-S-S-I-C library breaks and beats set of super-heavyweight espionage-funk.
One of two Be With forays into the archives of revered British library institution Conroy, we present one of our favourites on the label - the super in-demand Background Action from Sammy Burdson, originally released in 1975. Rare and sought-after for many years now, this is one of those cult library LPs that rarely turns up on even the deepest dig.
Sammy Burdson was one of the many, many aliases of the mighty Austrian composer, arranger and conductor, Gerhard Narholz. Founder of adored library label Sonoton in 1965, and a classically trained composer, his work runs from easy listening through pop, jazz and electronic, to avant-garde.
Background Action’s first side is all Blaxploitation wah-wah, funky clav and heavy, heavy drums. It’s top-quality takes on the sort of hard-knocking psychedelic sleuth-funk that the library labels gave us in spades. However, we think the real killers are over on side B. Styles upon styles upon styles is what we have. The trio of swish “Water Pollution” variations are pure gold. The two-part mid-tempo b-boy drumathon “News Background” is nothing short of epic whilst the sensational “Kabul Trip A” and “Kabul Trip B” are two different takes on some tough funk, street jazz style with some dope organ, bass and drum sounds. In short, this is a must for both DJs and producers.
The British library label with those instantly recognisable “orangey-red” sleeves, Conroy began releasing production music in 1965. A sub-label of Berry Music Co, its catalogue typified the library industry’s strange mixture of tradition and experimentation from the start. Conroy’s early releases included work by big band stalwarts like Eddie Warner as well as early electronic recordings by the likes of Belgian experimental pioneer Arséne Souffriau. With Berry Music Co working as a distribution partner to the German library label Sonoton, it was through the Conroy that a great deal of German library music found its way into the UK market.
Conroy stopped putting out new music in the 1980s, but its history and its catalogue offer an excellent window into the trends and eccentricities of a highly unique industry at the height of its international appeal.
This re-issue of Background Action has been mastered for vinyl by Be With regular Simon Francis from audio from the original tapes. Richard Robinson has handled reproducing the iconic, hypnotic original Conroy sleeve. Essential.
More
1
The Moments - All I Have
2
The Moments - I Can't Help It
3
The Moments - To You With Love
4
The Moments - That's How It Feels
5
The Moments - Lucky Me
6
The Moments - I Lost One Bird In The Hand (While Reaching For Two In The Bush)
7
The Moments - Sweeter As The Day Goes By
8
The Moments - The Ice Is Melting
9
The Moments - Candy Shack
WORLD EXCL USA.
FORMAT: LP,180G – RELEASE 14.12.2018, EAN: 5050580699816
2018 REISSUE – REMASTERED FROM ORIGINAL TAPE TRANSFERS, CAREFULLY REPRODUCED ORIGINAL ART,STRICTLY LIMITED TO 500 COPIES WORLDWIDE - NO REPRESS
TRACKLISTING
All I Have
I Can't Help It
To You With Love
That's How It Feels
Lucky Me
I Lost One Bird In The Hand (While Reaching For Two In The Bush)
Sweeter As The Day Goes By
The Ice Is Melting
Candy Shack
Release Info:
The Moments’ On Top is a perfect example of symphonic soul. Amongst true heads, this is considered the most valuable of all their albums; an original copy of this LP, if you can find one, starts at around $75. Alongside contemporaneous acts from the early 70s - The Chi-lites, The Stylistics, The Delfonics, The Futures, Blue Magic and The Main Ingredient - The Moments exuded all that was compelling about deep, harmony-drenched, string-laden soul.
The standout here is undoubtedly "To You with Love", a floating, tender ballad sung by Harry Ray that features the group’s patented handclap-tambourine combo, sweetly repetitive strings, serene guitar and gentle piano. It was famously sampled by J Dilla for “Last Donut Of The Night” - the gut-wrenching finale to his seminal Donuts. Concentrating solely on its sampled history would do The Moments a huge disservice, but its crucial appearance at the climax of Donuts directed fresh generations of pre-disposed soul fans to the absolute canon. Judged entirely on its merit, it’s one of the most heart-breaking songs of any decade and worth the price of admission alone. It’s the sweetest, most goose-bump inducing 3 minutes of aural bliss you’re ever likely to be exposed to.
If that wasn’t enough, On Top spawned two minor R&B hits: "All I Have" and "Lucky Me", each featuring Billy Brown's ice-melting falsetto. Opener “All I Have” is a sumptuous introduction to the album. With melancholic, understated guitar licks, twinkling keys and heartbeat drums, it’s a gem. The triumphant “Lucky Me” is simply gorgeous; all gentle chimes, swirling strings and, again, scarcely believable falsetto soaring atop proud horns.
Also included are two singles that are different from anything the group had ever done; "I Can't Help It" and "That's How It Feels." The former features thundering kicks and crashing cymbals underneath floating flutes, progressively stabbing strings and horns. The yearning vocals embody an almost Temptations-like delivery at times. "That's How It Feels” is a two-parter wherein Brown's voice bestrides a bed of rhythms on a tune more aptly defined as a love suite than a song. Dripping in breakbeats, piano and strings, Brown describes the devastation of losing the one you love before the track brilliantly switches up with a sweeping string-led chorus and heavenly harmonies.
The only genuine uptempo number, where anomalous happiness reigns, is "Sweeter As The Days Go By," led by Brown in his natural, gospel-inspired tenor. A charming but sorrow-filled "I Lost One Bird In The Hand" is an impressive, slow lamenter crooned by Ray, with horns and strings dominating the lushly arranged backdrop. Appropriately, we end on that down-lifting note that we've all come for: "Candy Shack."
The audio for On Top comes from the original analogue tapes and has been remastered for vinyl by Be With regular Simon Francis. We’ve taken the same care with the memorable cover art, handling the reproduction duties with the utmost attention to detail.
More
FORMAT: LP,180G – RELEASE 14.12.2018, EAN: 5050580699816
2018 REISSUE – REMASTERED FROM ORIGINAL TAPE TRANSFERS, CAREFULLY REPRODUCED ORIGINAL ART,STRICTLY LIMITED TO 500 COPIES WORLDWIDE - NO REPRESS
TRACKLISTING
All I Have
I Can't Help It
To You With Love
That's How It Feels
Lucky Me
I Lost One Bird In The Hand (While Reaching For Two In The Bush)
Sweeter As The Day Goes By
The Ice Is Melting
Candy Shack
Release Info:
The Moments’ On Top is a perfect example of symphonic soul. Amongst true heads, this is considered the most valuable of all their albums; an original copy of this LP, if you can find one, starts at around $75. Alongside contemporaneous acts from the early 70s - The Chi-lites, The Stylistics, The Delfonics, The Futures, Blue Magic and The Main Ingredient - The Moments exuded all that was compelling about deep, harmony-drenched, string-laden soul.
The standout here is undoubtedly "To You with Love", a floating, tender ballad sung by Harry Ray that features the group’s patented handclap-tambourine combo, sweetly repetitive strings, serene guitar and gentle piano. It was famously sampled by J Dilla for “Last Donut Of The Night” - the gut-wrenching finale to his seminal Donuts. Concentrating solely on its sampled history would do The Moments a huge disservice, but its crucial appearance at the climax of Donuts directed fresh generations of pre-disposed soul fans to the absolute canon. Judged entirely on its merit, it’s one of the most heart-breaking songs of any decade and worth the price of admission alone. It’s the sweetest, most goose-bump inducing 3 minutes of aural bliss you’re ever likely to be exposed to.
If that wasn’t enough, On Top spawned two minor R&B hits: "All I Have" and "Lucky Me", each featuring Billy Brown's ice-melting falsetto. Opener “All I Have” is a sumptuous introduction to the album. With melancholic, understated guitar licks, twinkling keys and heartbeat drums, it’s a gem. The triumphant “Lucky Me” is simply gorgeous; all gentle chimes, swirling strings and, again, scarcely believable falsetto soaring atop proud horns.
Also included are two singles that are different from anything the group had ever done; "I Can't Help It" and "That's How It Feels." The former features thundering kicks and crashing cymbals underneath floating flutes, progressively stabbing strings and horns. The yearning vocals embody an almost Temptations-like delivery at times. "That's How It Feels” is a two-parter wherein Brown's voice bestrides a bed of rhythms on a tune more aptly defined as a love suite than a song. Dripping in breakbeats, piano and strings, Brown describes the devastation of losing the one you love before the track brilliantly switches up with a sweeping string-led chorus and heavenly harmonies.
The only genuine uptempo number, where anomalous happiness reigns, is "Sweeter As The Days Go By," led by Brown in his natural, gospel-inspired tenor. A charming but sorrow-filled "I Lost One Bird In The Hand" is an impressive, slow lamenter crooned by Ray, with horns and strings dominating the lushly arranged backdrop. Appropriately, we end on that down-lifting note that we've all come for: "Candy Shack."
The audio for On Top comes from the original analogue tapes and has been remastered for vinyl by Be With regular Simon Francis. We’ve taken the same care with the memorable cover art, handling the reproduction duties with the utmost attention to detail.
More