Earlier this year, an email dropped into the Claremont 56 inbox. It was from a producer in the early stages of his musical career called Simon Peter, and contained a joyous slice of languid, organic Balearica entitled 'Arc of Lark'. Suitably impressed, Claremont 56 boss Paul Murphy had no hesitation in snapping up the track right away.It marks a new stage in Simon Peter's career. He made his debut in February 2014 with the Double Up EP on Silhouette Music, which contained the shimmering nu-Balearic disco of 'Espacio Temporal'. While that was laden with sun-kissed synthesizers, 'Arc of Lark' is a much more organic affair. Blissful electric piano keys, hazy guitars and fluttering flutes cascade over an undulating live bassline and shuffling, bongo-laden beats. Warm and humid, it's a slice of audible sunshine to brighten up the grim winter months.Long-time friends of the family 40 Thieves handle remix duties, turning Simon Peter's picturesque original into an effects-laden chunk of slo-mo dub disco goodness. 40 Thieves member Layne Fox loved the track so much that he's also contributed an additional remix that focues the action around a loose, languid, dub reggae influenced groove, spiralling electronics and Peter's mesmerizing flute line. It's a fitting conclusion to a magical label debut. More

J’Voudrais Qu’Tu M’Dises marks another official 12? French re-issue from the Forest Jams label. Like the previous ‘Nathalie Letertre’ record we have a name on the front of the jacket but with little information behind it. What we do know is that Kelly Lane’s vocals sit atop this obscure synth-pop meets house meets slight boogie with a smooth aggression, equally cute as it is equally strong, funky indeed. For those that just want the music there’s an instrumental version on the B-side. Two extra versions taken from the CD are re-mastered and included on this release with a surprisingly dancey ‘radio’ version and a pumping/housier ‘version dance remix’. Let Kelly Lane’s “J’Voudrais Qu’Tu M’Dises” find its way to your heart. More

An official re-issue of the 1996 album, Beyond the Circle, from Dr. Osamu Kitajima presented by Forest Jams on vinyl for the first time.

As the title suggests, Japanese music explorer Osamu Kitajima takes the listener beyond the known on a musical voyage into new territory where his compositions are a synthesis of Western electronics and ambient dance rhythms, tempered by the wisdom of ancient Japanese traditions. "Beyond the Circle" is music that is as energizing as it is spiritual and melodic. More

“Originally released on the lauded Green Energy label from experimental maverick Henry Kawahara, Forest Jams is thrilled to present the official re-issue of Nami Hotatsu’s sophomore album – revised and re-christened “Ultra Hyper Cosmic Voice” by the artist herself. Equal parts beguiling and inviting, Nami’s mixture of vocals and driving propulsive beats still sound as fresh and as captivating as when they were originally released in 1994. Now, thirty years later, we invite you to discover Nami’s “perfect world of being” in its totality – awakening yourself to the unknown world inside through what lauded producer Haruomi Hosono hailed as a “shamanistic” vision!” – Hsu Jui-Ting More

Strange Valleys, the 2018 full-length from Starving Daughters, is a progression as well as a shift in sound from the LA band's already-stellar previous releases. Make no doubt about it that the sound of Progressive Rock and Psychedelia still play a big role here but there's certainly a greater influence from Library Music on the new LP. The Starving Daughters Vinyl Impressions blog, led by Chris Tillotson of the band, shared the music of Chris's collection of which many were Library LP's. These records seemed to have seeped into the mind, body, and souls of the whole band on this Strange Valleys LP.
Everything from the instrumentation, the attention to melody, to the track-length shows the large appreciation they have for Library music. That being said, this moog-heavy, psychedelic-prog-funk, California-themed record is certainly unique and adventurous.
Winding through the exotic roads of Strange Valleys is certainly a trip well worth taking over and over again. More

Basil & Rogers is a sleazy, California Disco duo made up of Heru (DJ) Johnny Basil and Body Rogers. Basil, a multi-instrumentalist, long-time record collector, and energy healer is a man that's been making music for a long time under many different guises and in many different styles. Heru Avenger (Acid/Psych Rock), Non Stop (Electronic/Free Jazz), Baast (Kraut Rock/Jazz Funk), and Kandi Jones (Slut Rock) are just a few of his projects, past and present. Most of this music has been around for the entirety of the 90's and 2000's without being heard because despite Basil's outspoken appearance (described by many as looking like Iggy Pop's twin brother and would never be caught wearing a T-shirt no matter the location) he's very quiet about his musical output. Body Rogers is also part of the Non Stop group and is a master of electronics and engineering. On the Basil & Rogers project the two have made a disco 12" that is influenced by classic-era dance music while still being completely unique and far from conforming. It's crazy, it's sexy, and it's sleazy. 'Tune In'. More