1
Taggy Matcher - Watermelon Man (Taggy Matcher Disco Reggae Mix)
2
Lucas Arruda - Sambadi (7 Samuraï Electro Disco Remix)
3
The Joubert Singers - Stand On The Word (7 Samuraï Electro Dub Mix)
4
Taggy Matcher - Do The Disco Skanking (Taggy Matcher Mix)
5
John Milk - The Fool (John Milk Disco Reggae Mix)
6
Mr. Day - Queen Of The Minstrels (Taggy Matcher Disco Reggae Mix)
7
Mato - Happy (Mato Reggae Mix)
8
Lee McDonald - I'll Do Anything For You (Mato Reggae Mix)
9
Grand Magneto - Tainted Love (Grandmagneto Original 7” Version)
Stix Records is a sub-division of Favorite Recordings specialized in the exercise of producing covers with a Reggae twist.
Following the success of its first volume, the Disco Reggae series also expands with this 9 tracks compilation, composed with 8 new and exclusive versions by artists such as Taggy Matcher, 7 Samuraï, Mato, or John Milk, and the classic cover of “Tainted Love” by Grandmagneto. But this time, if they still explore famous hits like “Watermelon Man” by Herbie Hancock or “Happy” by Pharrell Williams, they also dug within the home labels’ catalog, taking over some of the finest titles by Mr Day, Lee McDonald, Lucas Arruda or The Joubert Singers.
Again this time, their swaying renditions seem straight out of the smoky studios from Kingston or Montego Bay, while also remembering the 80s Pop-Reggae sound of artists like Grace Jones or the less famous Earons. Everything is mastered and cut at Carvery Records (UK), known for their expertise in Caribbean and Disco music.
A1. Taggy Matcher - Watermelon Man (Taggy Matcher Disco Reggae Mix)
A2. Lucas Arruda - Sambadi (7 Samuraï Electro Disco Remix)
A3. The Joubert Singers - Stand On The Word (7 Samuraï Electro Dub Mix)
A4.Taggy Matcher - Do The Disco Skanking (Taggy Matcher Mix)
B1. John Milk - The Fool (John Milk Disco Reggae Mix)
B2. Mr. Day - Queen Of The Minstrels (Taggy Matcher Disco Reggae Mix)
B3. Mato - Happy (Mato Reggae Mix)
B4. Lee McDonald - I'll Do Anything For You (Mato Reggae Mix)
B5. Grand Magneto - Tainted Love (Grandmagneto Original 7” Version)
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Following the success of its first volume, the Disco Reggae series also expands with this 9 tracks compilation, composed with 8 new and exclusive versions by artists such as Taggy Matcher, 7 Samuraï, Mato, or John Milk, and the classic cover of “Tainted Love” by Grandmagneto. But this time, if they still explore famous hits like “Watermelon Man” by Herbie Hancock or “Happy” by Pharrell Williams, they also dug within the home labels’ catalog, taking over some of the finest titles by Mr Day, Lee McDonald, Lucas Arruda or The Joubert Singers.
Again this time, their swaying renditions seem straight out of the smoky studios from Kingston or Montego Bay, while also remembering the 80s Pop-Reggae sound of artists like Grace Jones or the less famous Earons. Everything is mastered and cut at Carvery Records (UK), known for their expertise in Caribbean and Disco music.
A1. Taggy Matcher - Watermelon Man (Taggy Matcher Disco Reggae Mix)
A2. Lucas Arruda - Sambadi (7 Samuraï Electro Disco Remix)
A3. The Joubert Singers - Stand On The Word (7 Samuraï Electro Dub Mix)
A4.Taggy Matcher - Do The Disco Skanking (Taggy Matcher Mix)
B1. John Milk - The Fool (John Milk Disco Reggae Mix)
B2. Mr. Day - Queen Of The Minstrels (Taggy Matcher Disco Reggae Mix)
B3. Mato - Happy (Mato Reggae Mix)
B4. Lee McDonald - I'll Do Anything For You (Mato Reggae Mix)
B5. Grand Magneto - Tainted Love (Grandmagneto Original 7” Version)
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
More records from Stix Records
1
Various Artists - Chameleon (Taggy Matcher Disco Mix)
2
Various Artists - Money (7 Samuraï Disco Version)
3
Various Artists - Music (The Dynamics Disco Version )
4
Various Artists - Brick House (Taggy Matcher Disco Mix)
5
Various Artists - Suit & Tie (John Milk Version)
6
Various Artists - Everybody's Talkin (Blundetto & Grandmagneto Original Version)
7
Various Artists - Rapper's Delight (Taggy Matcher Dub Version)
8
Various Artists - Move On Up (The Dynamics Original Version)
9
Various Artists - Saturday Night Fever (Grandmagneto Original Version)
Stix Records is a sub-division of Favorite Recordings, recently launched with a first official single by Taggy Matcher Birdy & Nixon (STIX033), who pleased us with two Reggae-Rocksteady renditions of the famous Black Keys.
Precisely specialized in the exercise of producing covers with a Reggae twist, the new label presents his first album entitled "Disco Reggae". Many artists faithful to the stable of Favorite Recordings and its various sub-labels are invited for the occasion: The Dynamics, Blundetto, Grandmagneto, 7 Samurai, John Milk or Taggy Matcher. All came and brought their respective touch to this first compilation, with among other things some of the rarest titles from their Big Single Records’ years, but also 4 new and exclusive productions.
Each of them delivers a great Disco-Reggae version of classic hits by some artists as diverse as Madonna, Herbie Hancock, Justin Timberlake, The Commodores, The O'Jays, Curtis Mayfield, Harry Nilsson or Sugarhill Gang. Whatever the genre or the period, nothing can resist their inventiveness and creativity, to the point sometimes we confuse between originals and covers. Everything is remastered and cut at Carvery Records (UK), known for their expertise in Caribbean and Disco music.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Precisely specialized in the exercise of producing covers with a Reggae twist, the new label presents his first album entitled "Disco Reggae". Many artists faithful to the stable of Favorite Recordings and its various sub-labels are invited for the occasion: The Dynamics, Blundetto, Grandmagneto, 7 Samurai, John Milk or Taggy Matcher. All came and brought their respective touch to this first compilation, with among other things some of the rarest titles from their Big Single Records’ years, but also 4 new and exclusive productions.
Each of them delivers a great Disco-Reggae version of classic hits by some artists as diverse as Madonna, Herbie Hancock, Justin Timberlake, The Commodores, The O'Jays, Curtis Mayfield, Harry Nilsson or Sugarhill Gang. Whatever the genre or the period, nothing can resist their inventiveness and creativity, to the point sometimes we confuse between originals and covers. Everything is remastered and cut at Carvery Records (UK), known for their expertise in Caribbean and Disco music.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
1
Mato - What You Won’t Do For Love (Ft. Ethel Lindsey)
2
Taggy Matcher - Supernature (Ft. Phoebe Killdeer)
3
Mato - Lady Marmalade (Ft. Lady Gatica)
4
Simon Nyabinghi - You'll Never Know Dub
5
Taggy Matcher - Teenage Kicks (Ft. Wolfgang Valbrun)
6
Paula Mirhan - Walk On By
7
Taggy Matcher - That's The Way (I Like It)
8
Soul Sugar - Still In The Groove
Stix Records, a sub-label of Favorite Recordings, proudly presents Disco Reggae Vol. 5, pursuing the highly acclaimed series started 10 years ago.
Birth land of the Reggae music, Jamaica has also always been fed by Soul, Funk, R&B and Pop music from the US scene, delivering some of the best covers anyone could think of. With it’s Disco Reggae series, Stix Records therefore simply carried on this tradition, offering new versions of classic songs from a wide spectrum of musical styles.
On this 5th edition, the list extend to famous name such as The Undertones, Bobby Caldwell, Cerrone, Patti LaBelle, or Ray Parker Jr. to name a few. At the control to tailor these hits with new and exclusive Reggae suits, you’ll find the best producers from the Stix’ roster like Soul Sugar aka Booker Gee, Taggy Matcher, Simon Nyabinghi, or Mato.
Together they signed again a perfect soundtrack to extend your summer and fill your playlists, whether to light the dancefloors or just sip a nice cocktail facing the Negril’s sunset!
A1. Mato - What You Won’t Do For Love (Ft. Ethel Lindsey)
A2. Taggy Matcher - Supernature (Ft. Phoebe Killdeer)
A3. Mato - Lady Marmalade (Ft. Lady Gatica)
A4. Simon Nyabinghi - You'll Never Know Dub
B1. Taggy Matcher - Teenage Kicks (Ft. Wolfgang Valbrun)
B2. Paula Mirhan - Walk On By
B3. Taggy Matcher - That's The Way (I Like It)
B4. Soul Sugar - Still In The Groove
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Birth land of the Reggae music, Jamaica has also always been fed by Soul, Funk, R&B and Pop music from the US scene, delivering some of the best covers anyone could think of. With it’s Disco Reggae series, Stix Records therefore simply carried on this tradition, offering new versions of classic songs from a wide spectrum of musical styles.
On this 5th edition, the list extend to famous name such as The Undertones, Bobby Caldwell, Cerrone, Patti LaBelle, or Ray Parker Jr. to name a few. At the control to tailor these hits with new and exclusive Reggae suits, you’ll find the best producers from the Stix’ roster like Soul Sugar aka Booker Gee, Taggy Matcher, Simon Nyabinghi, or Mato.
Together they signed again a perfect soundtrack to extend your summer and fill your playlists, whether to light the dancefloors or just sip a nice cocktail facing the Negril’s sunset!
A1. Mato - What You Won’t Do For Love (Ft. Ethel Lindsey)
A2. Taggy Matcher - Supernature (Ft. Phoebe Killdeer)
A3. Mato - Lady Marmalade (Ft. Lady Gatica)
A4. Simon Nyabinghi - You'll Never Know Dub
B1. Taggy Matcher - Teenage Kicks (Ft. Wolfgang Valbrun)
B2. Paula Mirhan - Walk On By
B3. Taggy Matcher - That's The Way (I Like It)
B4. Soul Sugar - Still In The Groove
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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1
v.a. - No Title
2
v.a. - No Title
3
v.a. - No Title
4
v.a. - No Title
5
v.a. - No Title
6
v.a. - No Title
7
v.a. - No Title
8
v.a. - No Title
9
v.a. - No Title
Following 2 acclaimed first editions, Stix Records presents the 3rd volume of its Disco Reggae compilation series. Like previous one, the 9 tracks comp is made both from productions of the home labels now sold-out as vinyl, and from brand new exclusive music by the like of Taggy Matcher, Mato or newcomer Rosemary Martins, taking over classics titles from Donna Summer, Stephen Encinas, Roberta Flack, Herbie Hancock, Steve Parks, or Inner City. The perfect soundtrack to extend the summer!!
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
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2023 repress
Tracklist
A Cola Beach
B Dolphin Splash Keyboards
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Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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Tracklist
A Cola Beach
B Dolphin Splash Keyboards
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Germany
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1
Andronicus - Dusky Remix
2
Andronicus - Coco Bryce Remix
3
Andronicus - Original Remaster
4
Andronicus - Smokin Jo Dub
PDD are pleased to welcome Collective Leisure to our ever-growing label roster.
First up is a classy 1991 / 92 houser Andronicus - 'Make You Whole' which was one of those rare tunes that worked across dancefloors at the time, from big raves to garagey basements, via the original progressive floors to Trade 4 am carnage seshes, and beyond.
Collective Leisure have pulled in a suitably diverse little crew to readdress matters a mere 30 years later: Dusky go for the big floor/4/4 summer jugular with style and understated drama, before man of the moment Coco Bryce takes it to new break beat hardcore heights. The original and much sought-after Smokin' Jo Dub both appear as bright remasters to round off a wholesome line up.
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
First up is a classy 1991 / 92 houser Andronicus - 'Make You Whole' which was one of those rare tunes that worked across dancefloors at the time, from big raves to garagey basements, via the original progressive floors to Trade 4 am carnage seshes, and beyond.
Collective Leisure have pulled in a suitably diverse little crew to readdress matters a mere 30 years later: Dusky go for the big floor/4/4 summer jugular with style and understated drama, before man of the moment Coco Bryce takes it to new break beat hardcore heights. The original and much sought-after Smokin' Jo Dub both appear as bright remasters to round off a wholesome line up.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
1
Mark E - Enchantment Under The Sea
2
Mark E - Zone Tonight
3
Mark E - Vertigo
4
Mark E - Bodymap
Underground house and disco maestro Mark E makes a welcome return to Delusions following hot on the heels of last years Leaning Into The Light EP. The revered producer has been steadily doing his thing for almost two decades now, racking up releases on Running Back, Golf Channel and Spectral Sound to name just a few. His sound is a unique, sublime vision of US deep house which transcends the dance floor and he proves his salt once again on the four new tracks that make up this stunning EP. Title track Enchantment Under The Sea sets the mood with a minimal, low slung drum machine groove laying the foundation for layers of Rhodes and synth chords conjuring up images of a sub-aquatic vision of depth and beauty. Up next we have Zone Tonight, the epitome of a late night city scape driving track utilising heavily saturated drums, subtle acid line, distant piano melody and moody Detroit pads to draw you into its deep confines. Flipping over we have Vertigo which treads a similar sonic path as Mark effortlessly fuses rich harmonies and entrancing melodies, inviting listeners to lose themselves in its depths. Closing out this blissful journey we have Bodymap which drops the BPM a little more with simple understated drums, melancholic string line and pulsating bassline. The Zone Tonight EP is a testament to Mark E's unparalleled prowess in crafting immersive, uncompromising and emotive soundscapes for your aural pleasure. He also created the original artwork for this release.
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
1
Mike Dunn - Git'cha House On, Baby (MD Main MixX)
2
Mike Dunn - Don't Pay Me No Mind
3
Mike Dunn - Rock Ya Body (Deepa)
4
Mike Dunn - Let'cha Love Fall Down (On Me)
An artist who needs no introduction, Mike Dunn returns to the legendary NYC label Nu Groove with a four-track vinyl release that brings together disparate influences from the master’s encyclopaedic knowledge of genre and style.
What results are productions that are at once timeless, a quality that can only be achieved through the lived experiences of a four-decade career. Title track ‘Git’cha House On, Baby’ is a late 80s freestyle throwback, with hard synth lines running the show, while ‘Don’t Pay Me No Mind’ is a metropolitan anthem led by a solid piano groove.
Additionally, the vinyl features two tracks from Dunn’s ‘Rock Ya Body (Deepa)’; the lead, an effortlessly cool deliverance of pure, unadulterated house, and ‘Let’cha Love Fall Down On Me’ which swells and flows with addictive ease. Elevating all four compositions are the producer’s signature vocals, immediately arresting and suitable for all genres. Dunn’s status as an innovator was earned through creating and influencing the scenes we know and love today, and this new delivery of originals further cements his status as a 100% house master.
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
What results are productions that are at once timeless, a quality that can only be achieved through the lived experiences of a four-decade career. Title track ‘Git’cha House On, Baby’ is a late 80s freestyle throwback, with hard synth lines running the show, while ‘Don’t Pay Me No Mind’ is a metropolitan anthem led by a solid piano groove.
Additionally, the vinyl features two tracks from Dunn’s ‘Rock Ya Body (Deepa)’; the lead, an effortlessly cool deliverance of pure, unadulterated house, and ‘Let’cha Love Fall Down On Me’ which swells and flows with addictive ease. Elevating all four compositions are the producer’s signature vocals, immediately arresting and suitable for all genres. Dunn’s status as an innovator was earned through creating and influencing the scenes we know and love today, and this new delivery of originals further cements his status as a 100% house master.
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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1
DJ Sneak - Blow Your Mind (Wild Dub)
2
DJ Sneak - Return Of The Gas
3
Darius Syrossian Ft DJ Sneak - Big Bizness
4
Darius Syrossian Ft DJ Sneak - Big Bizness (Todd Edwards Remix)
Born out of a friendship that has been stretching many years, DJ Sneak lets loose two heavyweight house weapons on Darius Syrossian’s Moxy Muzik with label head Syrossian also serving up his own Sneak sampling slice of heat, complete with a remix from none other than Todd Edwards.
Sneak had mentioned to Syrossian that he had been spending some serious time in the studio, for the love of producing without any particular label in mind. Having heard what Sneak was sitting on, Syrossian signed up a bunch of the material with this EP being the first in series.
The A side is trademark Sneak, punchy and passionate with a real OG’s touch. Signature skippiness with a bumping groove, this is Sneak leaving everything at the door and pressing record without any worries in mind.
On the flip, Syrossian slots into place a perfectly sampled section of one of Sneak’s voicenotes to him for ‘Big Bizness’, a beefy roller that’s certainly not messing about. Todd Edwards heard it, loved it and was brought in to remix it in true Todd ‘The God’ style. One of the biggest tracks at Defected Croatia this is a must for the bag.
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DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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Sneak had mentioned to Syrossian that he had been spending some serious time in the studio, for the love of producing without any particular label in mind. Having heard what Sneak was sitting on, Syrossian signed up a bunch of the material with this EP being the first in series.
The A side is trademark Sneak, punchy and passionate with a real OG’s touch. Signature skippiness with a bumping groove, this is Sneak leaving everything at the door and pressing record without any worries in mind.
On the flip, Syrossian slots into place a perfectly sampled section of one of Sneak’s voicenotes to him for ‘Big Bizness’, a beefy roller that’s certainly not messing about. Todd Edwards heard it, loved it and was brought in to remix it in true Todd ‘The God’ style. One of the biggest tracks at Defected Croatia this is a must for the bag.
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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1
Crackazat - Alfa
2
Andy Hart - Epsilon Girls
3
Makèz - Different Planets
4
Kassian - 8th Movement
5
Nachtbraker - Hamdi
Format: Vinyl 12” (Limited 180 gr. Blue Vinyl - Special Cut Out Sleeve - Printed Inner sleeve)
Track list:
A1 Crackazat - Alfa
A2 Andy Hart - Epsilon Girls
A3 Makèz - Different Planets
B1 Kassian - 8th Movement
B2 Nachtbraker - Hamdi
Release Info:
The Dam Swindle curated compilation Heist Classics Vol. 02 delivers even more of the label’s biggest hits in a beautiful limited-edition package.
It’s safe to say that in it’s 10 years of existence, Heist Recordings has given us plenty of amazing music and has cemented itself as one of the key labels in today’s house scene. The first 3 compilations of this year have had an amazing response with radio and club tastemakers (re)discovering some of the best music that has come out on Heist. With support from Paul Woolford, Luke Slater, Antal, James Zabiela, Nightmares on Wax, a 10/10 in Faze Mag and various radio plays on BBC R1 with Pete Tong, Annie Mac and more, it’s safe to say that everyone has been loving these releases. Now, Dam Swindle conclude their 10-year anniversary releases with Classics vol. 2: a limited-edition collection with hits from Crackazat, Andy Hart, Kassian, Makèz and Nachtbraker.
The release kicks off with ‘Alfa’: Crackazat’s biggest hit to date (and that’s saying something, coming from a producer that has delivered jam upon jam in his career). It’s a signature Crackazat song with an off-kilter live key loop, shuffling percussion and pumping low end.
Andy Hart’s ‘Epsilon Girls’ was originally released in 2014 and has helped cement the artist and label’s position in the house music landscape. A vintage Barbara St. Clair loop gives the track a lovely human touch, which is countered by layers upon layers of glimmering electronics.
Different Planets is the track that really kickstarted the career of the talented duo Makèz. Released in 2019, the track has everything we’ve come to love from their recognizable sound: lively drums, catchy hooks and warm & jazzy chords. UK duo Kassian are represented on this package with their track ‘8th Movement’. Their sound has progressed towards techno in recent years which has given them support from artists across the board such as Ben UFO, Special Request and many more. Their Heist classic ‘8th Movement’ - still housey in its core - already has hints of their newfound style in its sound design and rolling energy.
We end the record with what might be Nachtbraker’s biggest track of his career: ‘Hamdi’. You’ll find him currently at work with artists such as Shanti Celeste where he recently released his Capichone EP, but the sound he developed in the early part of his career had Heist written all over it. ‘Hamdi’ is a proper anthem, with African drums, an ecstatic vocal sample and a killer groove.
The vinyl release of Heist Classics Vol. 02 is printed on colored 180grams heavyweight vinyl and is limited to 1000 records with a special design by our Art Director Bas Koopmans (Wellness.)
Enjoy the music and play it loud!
Lars & Maarten
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Track list:
A1 Crackazat - Alfa
A2 Andy Hart - Epsilon Girls
A3 Makèz - Different Planets
B1 Kassian - 8th Movement
B2 Nachtbraker - Hamdi
Release Info:
The Dam Swindle curated compilation Heist Classics Vol. 02 delivers even more of the label’s biggest hits in a beautiful limited-edition package.
It’s safe to say that in it’s 10 years of existence, Heist Recordings has given us plenty of amazing music and has cemented itself as one of the key labels in today’s house scene. The first 3 compilations of this year have had an amazing response with radio and club tastemakers (re)discovering some of the best music that has come out on Heist. With support from Paul Woolford, Luke Slater, Antal, James Zabiela, Nightmares on Wax, a 10/10 in Faze Mag and various radio plays on BBC R1 with Pete Tong, Annie Mac and more, it’s safe to say that everyone has been loving these releases. Now, Dam Swindle conclude their 10-year anniversary releases with Classics vol. 2: a limited-edition collection with hits from Crackazat, Andy Hart, Kassian, Makèz and Nachtbraker.
The release kicks off with ‘Alfa’: Crackazat’s biggest hit to date (and that’s saying something, coming from a producer that has delivered jam upon jam in his career). It’s a signature Crackazat song with an off-kilter live key loop, shuffling percussion and pumping low end.
Andy Hart’s ‘Epsilon Girls’ was originally released in 2014 and has helped cement the artist and label’s position in the house music landscape. A vintage Barbara St. Clair loop gives the track a lovely human touch, which is countered by layers upon layers of glimmering electronics.
Different Planets is the track that really kickstarted the career of the talented duo Makèz. Released in 2019, the track has everything we’ve come to love from their recognizable sound: lively drums, catchy hooks and warm & jazzy chords. UK duo Kassian are represented on this package with their track ‘8th Movement’. Their sound has progressed towards techno in recent years which has given them support from artists across the board such as Ben UFO, Special Request and many more. Their Heist classic ‘8th Movement’ - still housey in its core - already has hints of their newfound style in its sound design and rolling energy.
We end the record with what might be Nachtbraker’s biggest track of his career: ‘Hamdi’. You’ll find him currently at work with artists such as Shanti Celeste where he recently released his Capichone EP, but the sound he developed in the early part of his career had Heist written all over it. ‘Hamdi’ is a proper anthem, with African drums, an ecstatic vocal sample and a killer groove.
The vinyl release of Heist Classics Vol. 02 is printed on colored 180grams heavyweight vinyl and is limited to 1000 records with a special design by our Art Director Bas Koopmans (Wellness.)
Enjoy the music and play it loud!
Lars & Maarten
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
1
Various Artists - Chameleon (Taggy Matcher Disco Mix)
2
Various Artists - Money (7 Samuraï Disco Version)
3
Various Artists - Music (The Dynamics Disco Version )
4
Various Artists - Brick House (Taggy Matcher Disco Mix)
5
Various Artists - Suit & Tie (John Milk Version)
6
Various Artists - Everybody's Talkin (Blundetto & Grandmagneto Original Version)
7
Various Artists - Rapper's Delight (Taggy Matcher Dub Version)
8
Various Artists - Move On Up (The Dynamics Original Version)
9
Various Artists - Saturday Night Fever (Grandmagneto Original Version)
Stix Records is a sub-division of Favorite Recordings, recently launched with a first official single by Taggy Matcher Birdy & Nixon (STIX033), who pleased us with two Reggae-Rocksteady renditions of the famous Black Keys.
Precisely specialized in the exercise of producing covers with a Reggae twist, the new label presents his first album entitled "Disco Reggae". Many artists faithful to the stable of Favorite Recordings and its various sub-labels are invited for the occasion: The Dynamics, Blundetto, Grandmagneto, 7 Samurai, John Milk or Taggy Matcher. All came and brought their respective touch to this first compilation, with among other things some of the rarest titles from their Big Single Records’ years, but also 4 new and exclusive productions.
Each of them delivers a great Disco-Reggae version of classic hits by some artists as diverse as Madonna, Herbie Hancock, Justin Timberlake, The Commodores, The O'Jays, Curtis Mayfield, Harry Nilsson or Sugarhill Gang. Whatever the genre or the period, nothing can resist their inventiveness and creativity, to the point sometimes we confuse between originals and covers. Everything is remastered and cut at Carvery Records (UK), known for their expertise in Caribbean and Disco music.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Precisely specialized in the exercise of producing covers with a Reggae twist, the new label presents his first album entitled "Disco Reggae". Many artists faithful to the stable of Favorite Recordings and its various sub-labels are invited for the occasion: The Dynamics, Blundetto, Grandmagneto, 7 Samurai, John Milk or Taggy Matcher. All came and brought their respective touch to this first compilation, with among other things some of the rarest titles from their Big Single Records’ years, but also 4 new and exclusive productions.
Each of them delivers a great Disco-Reggae version of classic hits by some artists as diverse as Madonna, Herbie Hancock, Justin Timberlake, The Commodores, The O'Jays, Curtis Mayfield, Harry Nilsson or Sugarhill Gang. Whatever the genre or the period, nothing can resist their inventiveness and creativity, to the point sometimes we confuse between originals and covers. Everything is remastered and cut at Carvery Records (UK), known for their expertise in Caribbean and Disco music.
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
1
Mato - What You Won’t Do For Love (Ft. Ethel Lindsey)
2
Taggy Matcher - Supernature (Ft. Phoebe Killdeer)
3
Mato - Lady Marmalade (Ft. Lady Gatica)
4
Simon Nyabinghi - You'll Never Know Dub
5
Taggy Matcher - Teenage Kicks (Ft. Wolfgang Valbrun)
6
Paula Mirhan - Walk On By
7
Taggy Matcher - That's The Way (I Like It)
8
Soul Sugar - Still In The Groove
Stix Records, a sub-label of Favorite Recordings, proudly presents Disco Reggae Vol. 5, pursuing the highly acclaimed series started 10 years ago.
Birth land of the Reggae music, Jamaica has also always been fed by Soul, Funk, R&B and Pop music from the US scene, delivering some of the best covers anyone could think of. With it’s Disco Reggae series, Stix Records therefore simply carried on this tradition, offering new versions of classic songs from a wide spectrum of musical styles.
On this 5th edition, the list extend to famous name such as The Undertones, Bobby Caldwell, Cerrone, Patti LaBelle, or Ray Parker Jr. to name a few. At the control to tailor these hits with new and exclusive Reggae suits, you’ll find the best producers from the Stix’ roster like Soul Sugar aka Booker Gee, Taggy Matcher, Simon Nyabinghi, or Mato.
Together they signed again a perfect soundtrack to extend your summer and fill your playlists, whether to light the dancefloors or just sip a nice cocktail facing the Negril’s sunset!
A1. Mato - What You Won’t Do For Love (Ft. Ethel Lindsey)
A2. Taggy Matcher - Supernature (Ft. Phoebe Killdeer)
A3. Mato - Lady Marmalade (Ft. Lady Gatica)
A4. Simon Nyabinghi - You'll Never Know Dub
B1. Taggy Matcher - Teenage Kicks (Ft. Wolfgang Valbrun)
B2. Paula Mirhan - Walk On By
B3. Taggy Matcher - That's The Way (I Like It)
B4. Soul Sugar - Still In The Groove
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Birth land of the Reggae music, Jamaica has also always been fed by Soul, Funk, R&B and Pop music from the US scene, delivering some of the best covers anyone could think of. With it’s Disco Reggae series, Stix Records therefore simply carried on this tradition, offering new versions of classic songs from a wide spectrum of musical styles.
On this 5th edition, the list extend to famous name such as The Undertones, Bobby Caldwell, Cerrone, Patti LaBelle, or Ray Parker Jr. to name a few. At the control to tailor these hits with new and exclusive Reggae suits, you’ll find the best producers from the Stix’ roster like Soul Sugar aka Booker Gee, Taggy Matcher, Simon Nyabinghi, or Mato.
Together they signed again a perfect soundtrack to extend your summer and fill your playlists, whether to light the dancefloors or just sip a nice cocktail facing the Negril’s sunset!
A1. Mato - What You Won’t Do For Love (Ft. Ethel Lindsey)
A2. Taggy Matcher - Supernature (Ft. Phoebe Killdeer)
A3. Mato - Lady Marmalade (Ft. Lady Gatica)
A4. Simon Nyabinghi - You'll Never Know Dub
B1. Taggy Matcher - Teenage Kicks (Ft. Wolfgang Valbrun)
B2. Paula Mirhan - Walk On By
B3. Taggy Matcher - That's The Way (I Like It)
B4. Soul Sugar - Still In The Groove
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
1
Roger Gerressen - Other Dimensions
2
Roger Gerressen - Oceans Of Ganymede
3
Roger Gerressen - Solar Flare
4
Roger Gerressen - Future Visions
5
Roger Gerressen - Moons Of Mercury
6
Roger Gerressen - User Interface
Elevating the paradigms of electronic music, Chapelle XIV Music unveils “The First Android Church Of Claude Shannon,” an immersive LP from Yoyaku household Roger Gerressen. Bathed in the aesthetic allure of retro-futurism and the imaginative dimensions of classic sci-fi cinema, this opus synthesizes the arcane with the avant-garde in a masterful tapestry of sound.
Comprising six intricately crafted tracks, the album serves as an auditory odyssey that transcends the borders of genre. Whether enveloped in the nebulous ambience of a discerning DJ set or fueling introspective home listening marathons, these compositions resonate with an arresting quality that’s evocative yet profoundly innovative.
Within the multi-dimensional soundscapes of this album, listeners find a harmonious blend of homage and innovation. Drawing inspiration from Claude Shannon—the mathematical genius and pioneering mind behind modern digital circuit design theory—”The First Android Church Of Claude Shannon” stands as a testament to the synthesis of past and future. With Roger Gerressen at the helm, the boundaries of electronic music are redefined, creating an aural experience that is both cerebral and soul-stirring, beckoning the listener into an uncharted territory of sonic exploration.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Comprising six intricately crafted tracks, the album serves as an auditory odyssey that transcends the borders of genre. Whether enveloped in the nebulous ambience of a discerning DJ set or fueling introspective home listening marathons, these compositions resonate with an arresting quality that’s evocative yet profoundly innovative.
Within the multi-dimensional soundscapes of this album, listeners find a harmonious blend of homage and innovation. Drawing inspiration from Claude Shannon—the mathematical genius and pioneering mind behind modern digital circuit design theory—”The First Android Church Of Claude Shannon” stands as a testament to the synthesis of past and future. With Roger Gerressen at the helm, the boundaries of electronic music are redefined, creating an aural experience that is both cerebral and soul-stirring, beckoning the listener into an uncharted territory of sonic exploration.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
1
The Exaltics - See It Through My Eyes
2
The Exaltics - They Arrive
3
The Exaltics - A Strange World Between
4
The Exaltics - The Wrong Direction
5
The Exaltics - It Takes Place
6
The Exaltics - One Circle
Limited reissue of the classic Exaltics 2011 release on Creme Eclipse aka The Living Planet. Housed in a full sleeve with fantastic previously unreleased artwork by Godspill. Dont miss this masterclass in brooding and dark electronix tech-fi. It may sound scary at first but lucky for you it all ends in a crop circle rave!
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
1
CoLD SToRAGE - A1. wipE'out? Intro
2
CoLD SToRAGE - A2. Hakapik Murder
3
CoLD SToRAGE - A3. Messij
4
CoLD SToRAGE - A4. Canada
5
CoLD SToRAGE - A5. Tenation
6
CoLD SToRAGE - B1. DOH-T
7
CoLD SToRAGE - B2. Trancevaal
8
CoLD SToRAGE - B3. Surgeon
9
CoLD SToRAGE - B4 Cairodrome
10
CoLD SToRAGE - C1. Body in Motion
11
CoLD SToRAGE - C2. Cardinal Dancer
12
CoLD SToRAGE - C3. Cold Comfort
13
CoLD SToRAGE - C4. Kinkong
14
CoLD SToRAGE - D1. Operatique
15
CoLD SToRAGE - D2. Plasticity
16
CoLD SToRAGE - D3. Messij Extended
17
CoLD SToRAGE - D4. Argon
18
CoLD SToRAGE - D5. Phloem
19
CoLD SToRAGE - D6. Xenon
20
CoLD SToRAGE - D7. Xylem
21
CoLD SToRAGE - E1. wipEout Intro (µ-Ziq Remix)
22
CoLD SToRAGE - E2. DOH-T (Wordcolour Remix)
23
CoLD SToRAGE - E3. Xylem (Brainwaltzera Remix)
24
CoLD SToRAGE - E4. Canada (James Shinra Remix)
25
CoLD SToRAGE - E5. Messij (Kode9 Remix)
26
CoLD SToRAGE - E6. Trancevaal (Simo Cell Remix)
27
CoLD SToRAGE - E7 Cairodrome (Surgeons Girl Remix)
28
CoLD SToRAGE - E8. Messij (Datassette Remix)
Restock!
Lapsus issue the much loved soundtrack from the legendary mid 90's Playstation game wipE'out'' This 3x12, gatefold sleeved edition also includes remixes from Kode9, µ-Ziq , Simo Cell, Datassette and more.
Back in the 1990s video games were still largely seen as nerdy: fun, sure, but basically a guilty pleasure that you’d soon grow out of. The release in 1995 of wipE'out'', a lightning-fast, razor-sharp, futuristic racing game that helped to launch the PlayStation in Europe and North America, changed all that. This was a game that looked and sounded both adult and cool, the kind of game you would put on display in your living room, rather than hide away under your bed. Key to this was the fact that wipE'out'' borrowed unashamedly from the clubbing experience and electronic music, in a way that put it at the heart of progressive mid 90s culture. It soon became a phenomenon.
wipE'out'' looked sensational, with Sheffield agency The Designers Republic - known for their work with Warp - creating the visuals, packaging and manual for the game, drawing heavily on the bright colours and excitable geometric shapes of the rave and club flyers of the early 90s.
wipE'out'' also sounded like a new rave dream. The European version of the game included music from The Chemical Brothers, Leftfield and Orbital, the kind of fashionable game syncs that were almost unheard of at the time. Equally striking was the game’s original music, which came from Welsh musician Tim Wright, aka CoLD SToRAGE, by this point already a veteran in the video games world, having worked on the music for Amiga titles such as Lemmings and Shadow of the Beast 2. His music for wipE'out'' was, if anything, even more extreme than the big-name syncs, mixing the accelerated beats of drum & bass with the pure synth rush of trance to make music that sounded as breathlessly exciting as playing the game felt.
These tracks were burned into the brains of millions of gamers; the soundtrack to a generation of late-night anti-gravity racing, as the sun gingerly rose beyond the curtains. But they haven’t, perhaps, quite got the respect they deserve, something that this release will address. In 2023, video game music is finally getting its dues; here, remastered and repackaged –and also remixed by cutting edge producers such as Kode9, µ-Ziq, Brainwaltzera, Simo Cell, Wordcolour, James Shinra, Surgeons Girl and Dattassette– are some of the most important, thrilling, innovative and most fun songs ever committed to game release
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Lapsus issue the much loved soundtrack from the legendary mid 90's Playstation game wipE'out'' This 3x12, gatefold sleeved edition also includes remixes from Kode9, µ-Ziq , Simo Cell, Datassette and more.
Back in the 1990s video games were still largely seen as nerdy: fun, sure, but basically a guilty pleasure that you’d soon grow out of. The release in 1995 of wipE'out'', a lightning-fast, razor-sharp, futuristic racing game that helped to launch the PlayStation in Europe and North America, changed all that. This was a game that looked and sounded both adult and cool, the kind of game you would put on display in your living room, rather than hide away under your bed. Key to this was the fact that wipE'out'' borrowed unashamedly from the clubbing experience and electronic music, in a way that put it at the heart of progressive mid 90s culture. It soon became a phenomenon.
wipE'out'' looked sensational, with Sheffield agency The Designers Republic - known for their work with Warp - creating the visuals, packaging and manual for the game, drawing heavily on the bright colours and excitable geometric shapes of the rave and club flyers of the early 90s.
wipE'out'' also sounded like a new rave dream. The European version of the game included music from The Chemical Brothers, Leftfield and Orbital, the kind of fashionable game syncs that were almost unheard of at the time. Equally striking was the game’s original music, which came from Welsh musician Tim Wright, aka CoLD SToRAGE, by this point already a veteran in the video games world, having worked on the music for Amiga titles such as Lemmings and Shadow of the Beast 2. His music for wipE'out'' was, if anything, even more extreme than the big-name syncs, mixing the accelerated beats of drum & bass with the pure synth rush of trance to make music that sounded as breathlessly exciting as playing the game felt.
These tracks were burned into the brains of millions of gamers; the soundtrack to a generation of late-night anti-gravity racing, as the sun gingerly rose beyond the curtains. But they haven’t, perhaps, quite got the respect they deserve, something that this release will address. In 2023, video game music is finally getting its dues; here, remastered and repackaged –and also remixed by cutting edge producers such as Kode9, µ-Ziq, Brainwaltzera, Simo Cell, Wordcolour, James Shinra, Surgeons Girl and Dattassette– are some of the most important, thrilling, innovative and most fun songs ever committed to game release
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
1
Wally Badarou - Dance In The Dust
2
Wally Badarou - Amber Whispers
3
Wally Badarou - Where Were We
4
Wally Badarou - The Lights Of Kinshasa
5
Wally Badarou - Pictures Of You
6
Wally Badarou - Serendipity For Two
7
Wally Badarou - Smiles By The Millions
8
Wally Badarou - Higher Still
9
Wally Badarou - Oriental
10
Wally Badarou - Days To Wonder
11
Wally Badarou - Dawn Of Europa
12
Wally Badarou - Crystal Falls
13
Wally Badarou - Purple Lines
Territories: Worldwide no restrictions
Format Notes: First time vinyl release, 140g vinyl
Track List:
A1 Dance In The Dust
A2 Amber Whispers
A3 Where Were We
A4 The Lights Of Kinshasa
A5 Pictures Of You
----
B1 Serendipity For Two
B2 Smiles By The Millions
B3 Higher Still
B4 Oriental
B5 Days To Wonder
B6 Dawn Of Europa
B7 Crystal Falls
B8 Purple Lines
Release Notes:
Synth pioneer and musical polymath, Wally Badarou is a genius. But you know that already. A vinyl version of his majestic Colors Of Silence has been craved by the Balearic cognoscenti ever since its low-key 2001 release. Indeed, when we first started work on Be With, we asked some pals with exquisite taste what their dream release would be. We asked Balearic legend Moonboots and, without hesitation, he said Colors Of Silence by Wally Badarou. We didn't know Wally had made this album. And most still don't. But that's about to change.
Colors Of Silence is ostensibly a new age album. As ever though, Wally's sophisticated synth textures and expressive keyboard runs are so full of character, so full of life, that this work of art transcends any easy genre categorisation. It's simply stunning, throughout. It sounds like A.r.t. Wilson or Suzanne Kraft, with traces of CFCF and Jonny Nash. But it was made a good decade earlier than the work of these modern giants. Sometimes, it doesn't seem far from some Larry Heard albums.
Island Records founder Chris Blackwell's friend Nathalie Delon asked Wally to provide music for the yoga DVD she was to release. Lack of time on both sides made them agree on using "quality demos" Wally had in his ideas bank. It's understandable why Colors Of Silence remains somewhat of a lost gem. As Wally explains: "Total lack of promotion made it an 'intimate' release, which was exactly what I was looking for: just a buzz-maker and time-buyer that would allow me to concentrate on the real thing as soon as I'd have time, which could also turn into a rare collecting item later, once the final versions made their way to success. You never know."
Over the years, Colors Of Silence has become a true cult record for the ambient/Balearic heads.
The beguiling but brief "Dance In The Dust" is the shuffling, hyper-percussive, hypnotic opener. It gives way to the deep serenity of "Amber Whispers". It's a gliding, divine, mini melodic masterpiece. It'll make you swoon in its extreme beauty. The bright and breezy "Where Were We" follows, a tropical, reggae-tinged bounce through the islands.
The uptempo groove is maintained on the keys-drizzled soca-funk of "The Lights Of Kinshasa" before Side A is rounded out with "Pictures Of You". It starts with stately, melancholic, unadorned piano and this alone would make for a beautiful song. But Wally always gives us that bit extra and he effortlessly introduces warm, dreamy pads and minimal, slo-mo percussion to augment a frankly stunning piece of work.
Ushering in Side B, Wally's mesmeric piano playing is to the fore again, in the intro to uber-chilled "Serendipity For Two". The playing becomes more mellifluous as the track progresses and adds warmth through exotic percussion, woodwind, sweeping synths and digi-drums. It has echoes of, er, Echoes. It segues seamlessly into the more propulsive, wavy "Smiles By The Millions". If you're not nodding and grinning along widely to the gently throbbing bassline underpinning this, we can't help you. The meditative "Higher Still" follows, cinematic in feel and ever so slightly sinister with the strings. It sounds particularly Badalamenti-esque, if you ask us.
That unmistakable, almost peculiar Badarou funk - so lyrical, so texturally rich and so rhythmically spacious - is all over "Oriental". Next up, "Days To Wonder" brings the serenity back, insistent yet melodic keys, as if played in a place of worship, coupled with birdsong, conjure a kind of instant nostalgia for halcyon days of youth. The contemplative "Dawn Of Europa" is a sombre, beatless, ambient journey whilst the glorious, too-brief "Crystal Falls" features soft percussion and sparkle before fully glistening with some gentle head-nod beats. Wally brings this incredible collection to a mellow, tender close with the graceful "Purple Lines".
There can be few artists more under-appreciated given their vast influence than Wally Badarou. His solo work practically defined the sound of the Balearic DJs of the 1980s, and thus the more sophisticated sound of dance culture thereafter. A synth specialist, Badarou was the long-time associate of Level 42. He was one of the Compass Point All Stars (with Sly and Robbie, Barry Reynolds, Mikey Chung and Uziah "Sticky" Thompson), the in-house recording team of Compass Point Studios responsible for a series of albums in the 1980s recorded by Grace Jones, Tom Tom Club, Mick Jagger, Black Uhuru, Gwen Guthrie, Jimmy Cliff and Gregory Isaacs. Badarou's keyboard playing could also be heard on albums by Robert Palmer, Marianne Faithfull, Herbie Hancock, M (Pop Muzik), Talking Heads, Manu Dibango and Miriam Makeba. He also produced Fela Kuti. Phew!
Meticulously remastered and cut by both Simon Francis and Cicely Balston respectively, it has been pressed to the highest possibly quality at Record Industry in Holland. Special thanks must go to Apiento from Test Pressing who first introduced us to Wally and facilitated all those early zoom meetings. It couldn't have happened without his help. Not least on pulling the art together, too, which features striking original photography by Mads Perch. Benji Roebuck of Roebuck Press did his thing brilliantly in art working the whole package to completion. All in all: essential.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Format Notes: First time vinyl release, 140g vinyl
Track List:
A1 Dance In The Dust
A2 Amber Whispers
A3 Where Were We
A4 The Lights Of Kinshasa
A5 Pictures Of You
----
B1 Serendipity For Two
B2 Smiles By The Millions
B3 Higher Still
B4 Oriental
B5 Days To Wonder
B6 Dawn Of Europa
B7 Crystal Falls
B8 Purple Lines
Release Notes:
Synth pioneer and musical polymath, Wally Badarou is a genius. But you know that already. A vinyl version of his majestic Colors Of Silence has been craved by the Balearic cognoscenti ever since its low-key 2001 release. Indeed, when we first started work on Be With, we asked some pals with exquisite taste what their dream release would be. We asked Balearic legend Moonboots and, without hesitation, he said Colors Of Silence by Wally Badarou. We didn't know Wally had made this album. And most still don't. But that's about to change.
Colors Of Silence is ostensibly a new age album. As ever though, Wally's sophisticated synth textures and expressive keyboard runs are so full of character, so full of life, that this work of art transcends any easy genre categorisation. It's simply stunning, throughout. It sounds like A.r.t. Wilson or Suzanne Kraft, with traces of CFCF and Jonny Nash. But it was made a good decade earlier than the work of these modern giants. Sometimes, it doesn't seem far from some Larry Heard albums.
Island Records founder Chris Blackwell's friend Nathalie Delon asked Wally to provide music for the yoga DVD she was to release. Lack of time on both sides made them agree on using "quality demos" Wally had in his ideas bank. It's understandable why Colors Of Silence remains somewhat of a lost gem. As Wally explains: "Total lack of promotion made it an 'intimate' release, which was exactly what I was looking for: just a buzz-maker and time-buyer that would allow me to concentrate on the real thing as soon as I'd have time, which could also turn into a rare collecting item later, once the final versions made their way to success. You never know."
Over the years, Colors Of Silence has become a true cult record for the ambient/Balearic heads.
The beguiling but brief "Dance In The Dust" is the shuffling, hyper-percussive, hypnotic opener. It gives way to the deep serenity of "Amber Whispers". It's a gliding, divine, mini melodic masterpiece. It'll make you swoon in its extreme beauty. The bright and breezy "Where Were We" follows, a tropical, reggae-tinged bounce through the islands.
The uptempo groove is maintained on the keys-drizzled soca-funk of "The Lights Of Kinshasa" before Side A is rounded out with "Pictures Of You". It starts with stately, melancholic, unadorned piano and this alone would make for a beautiful song. But Wally always gives us that bit extra and he effortlessly introduces warm, dreamy pads and minimal, slo-mo percussion to augment a frankly stunning piece of work.
Ushering in Side B, Wally's mesmeric piano playing is to the fore again, in the intro to uber-chilled "Serendipity For Two". The playing becomes more mellifluous as the track progresses and adds warmth through exotic percussion, woodwind, sweeping synths and digi-drums. It has echoes of, er, Echoes. It segues seamlessly into the more propulsive, wavy "Smiles By The Millions". If you're not nodding and grinning along widely to the gently throbbing bassline underpinning this, we can't help you. The meditative "Higher Still" follows, cinematic in feel and ever so slightly sinister with the strings. It sounds particularly Badalamenti-esque, if you ask us.
That unmistakable, almost peculiar Badarou funk - so lyrical, so texturally rich and so rhythmically spacious - is all over "Oriental". Next up, "Days To Wonder" brings the serenity back, insistent yet melodic keys, as if played in a place of worship, coupled with birdsong, conjure a kind of instant nostalgia for halcyon days of youth. The contemplative "Dawn Of Europa" is a sombre, beatless, ambient journey whilst the glorious, too-brief "Crystal Falls" features soft percussion and sparkle before fully glistening with some gentle head-nod beats. Wally brings this incredible collection to a mellow, tender close with the graceful "Purple Lines".
There can be few artists more under-appreciated given their vast influence than Wally Badarou. His solo work practically defined the sound of the Balearic DJs of the 1980s, and thus the more sophisticated sound of dance culture thereafter. A synth specialist, Badarou was the long-time associate of Level 42. He was one of the Compass Point All Stars (with Sly and Robbie, Barry Reynolds, Mikey Chung and Uziah "Sticky" Thompson), the in-house recording team of Compass Point Studios responsible for a series of albums in the 1980s recorded by Grace Jones, Tom Tom Club, Mick Jagger, Black Uhuru, Gwen Guthrie, Jimmy Cliff and Gregory Isaacs. Badarou's keyboard playing could also be heard on albums by Robert Palmer, Marianne Faithfull, Herbie Hancock, M (Pop Muzik), Talking Heads, Manu Dibango and Miriam Makeba. He also produced Fela Kuti. Phew!
Meticulously remastered and cut by both Simon Francis and Cicely Balston respectively, it has been pressed to the highest possibly quality at Record Industry in Holland. Special thanks must go to Apiento from Test Pressing who first introduced us to Wally and facilitated all those early zoom meetings. It couldn't have happened without his help. Not least on pulling the art together, too, which features striking original photography by Mads Perch. Benji Roebuck of Roebuck Press did his thing brilliantly in art working the whole package to completion. All in all: essential.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More