1
Deadbeat - No Title
2
Deadbeat - No Title
3
Deadbeat - No Title
4
Deadbeat - No Title
5
Deadbeat - No Title
6
Deadbeat - No Title
7
Deadbeat - No Title
8
Deadbeat - No Title
Territory: World except France and Belgium
GENRE/S: Electronic / Techno / Dub
TRACKLISTS: CD
GENRE/S:
Electronic / Techno / Dub
TRACKLISTS:
CD
1.
THE DOUBLE BONG CLOUD (DENIAL I)
Deadbeat
07:29
2.
STRAIGHT NO CHASER (DENIAL II)
Deadbeat
07:31
3.
TOUGH LOVE (ANGER I)
Deadbeat
07:22
4.
BRICK STICK BLICK BLADE (ANGER II)
Deadbeat
07:35
5.
HUEY LEWIS VOTERS DUB (NEGOTIATION)
Deadbeat
07:29
6.
THINGS FALL APART (DEPRESSION)
Deadbeat
08:00
7.
WITH GRAND TREPIDITION (ACCEPTANCE I)
Deadbeat
07:24
8.
MOUNTAINS FROM MOLE HILLS (ACCEPTANCE II)
Deadbeat
07:30
4. SHORT INFO:
Over the past 24 years, Scott Monteith's Deadbeat project has spanned a dizzying array of musical references and genres, exploring everything from left-field reggae to downbeat experiments, purifying drone excursions and ambient noise, extranational percussion workouts, and hypnotic techno and house.
5. VITAL SALES POINTS:
In the last 24 years Scott Monteith's Deadbeat project has covered a dizzying array of musical references and genres, exploring everything from from left field reggae and downbeat experiments, purifying drone and ambient noise excursions, outer-national percussion work outs, and hypnotic techno and house.
On his first solo album in 5 years, Monteith offers up what is perhaps the most powerful, tightly dance floor focused album of his storied carrier, and a soul cleansing, poignant sound track to the fears and hardships of a world gone mad, entitled Kübler-Ross Soliloquies.
The Kübler-Ross model describes the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. A soliloquy is defined as an act of speaking one's thoughts aloud alone by oneself or regardless of any hearers.
Over the album's 8 tracks, Monteith explores each of these stages with a clear eyed focus and confidence that are a testament to his dual role as a kind, smiling musical selector and monkish technological nerd ball of the highest order.
More
GENRE/S: Electronic / Techno / Dub
TRACKLISTS: CD
GENRE/S:
Electronic / Techno / Dub
TRACKLISTS:
CD
1.
THE DOUBLE BONG CLOUD (DENIAL I)
Deadbeat
07:29
2.
STRAIGHT NO CHASER (DENIAL II)
Deadbeat
07:31
3.
TOUGH LOVE (ANGER I)
Deadbeat
07:22
4.
BRICK STICK BLICK BLADE (ANGER II)
Deadbeat
07:35
5.
HUEY LEWIS VOTERS DUB (NEGOTIATION)
Deadbeat
07:29
6.
THINGS FALL APART (DEPRESSION)
Deadbeat
08:00
7.
WITH GRAND TREPIDITION (ACCEPTANCE I)
Deadbeat
07:24
8.
MOUNTAINS FROM MOLE HILLS (ACCEPTANCE II)
Deadbeat
07:30
4. SHORT INFO:
Over the past 24 years, Scott Monteith's Deadbeat project has spanned a dizzying array of musical references and genres, exploring everything from left-field reggae to downbeat experiments, purifying drone excursions and ambient noise, extranational percussion workouts, and hypnotic techno and house.
5. VITAL SALES POINTS:
In the last 24 years Scott Monteith's Deadbeat project has covered a dizzying array of musical references and genres, exploring everything from from left field reggae and downbeat experiments, purifying drone and ambient noise excursions, outer-national percussion work outs, and hypnotic techno and house.
On his first solo album in 5 years, Monteith offers up what is perhaps the most powerful, tightly dance floor focused album of his storied carrier, and a soul cleansing, poignant sound track to the fears and hardships of a world gone mad, entitled Kübler-Ross Soliloquies.
The Kübler-Ross model describes the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. A soliloquy is defined as an act of speaking one's thoughts aloud alone by oneself or regardless of any hearers.
Over the album's 8 tracks, Monteith explores each of these stages with a clear eyed focus and confidence that are a testament to his dual role as a kind, smiling musical selector and monkish technological nerd ball of the highest order.
More
More records from Deadbeat
1
Deadbeat - THE DOUBLE BONG CLOUD (DENIAL I)
2
Deadbeat - STRAIGHT NO CHASER (DENIAL II)
3
Deadbeat - TOUGH LOVE (ANGER I)
4
Deadbeat - BRICK STICK BLICK BLADE (ANGER II)
5
Deadbeat - HUEY LEWIS VOTERS DUB (NEGOTIATION)
6
Deadbeat - THINGS FALL APART (DEPRESSION)
7
Deadbeat - WITH GRAND TREPIDITION (ACCEPTANCE I)
8
Deadbeat - MOUNTAINS FROM MOLE HILLS (ACCEPTANCE II)
Territory: World except France and Belgium
GENRE/S: Electronic / Techno / Dub
TRACKLISTS: 2 x LP
1
FACE A
1.
THE DOUBLE BONG CLOUD (DENIAL I)
07:29
2.
STRAIGHT NO CHASER (DENIAL II)
07:31
FACE B
1.
TOUGH LOVE (ANGER I)
07:22
2.
BRICK STICK BLICK BLADE (ANGER II)
07:35
2
FACE C
1.
HUEY LEWIS VOTERS DUB (NEGOTIATION)
07:29
2.
THINGS FALL APART (DEPRESSION)
08:00
FACE D
1.
WITH GRAND TREPIDITION (ACCEPTANCE I)
07:24
2.
MOUNTAINS FROM MOLE HILLS (ACCEPTANCE II)
07:30
SHORT INFO:
Over the past 24 years, Scott Monteith's Deadbeat project has spanned a dizzying array of musical references and genres, exploring everything from left-field reggae to downbeat experiments, purifying drone excursions and ambient noise, extranational percussion workouts, and hypnotic techno and house.
VITAL SALES POINTS:
In the last 24 years Scott Monteith's Deadbeat project has covered a dizzying array of musical references and genres, exploring everything from from left field reggae and downbeat experiments, purifying drone and ambient noise excursions, outer-national percussion work outs, and hypnotic techno and house.
On his first solo album in 5 years, Monteith offers up what is perhaps the most powerful, tightly dance floor focused album of his storied carrier, and a soul cleansing, poignant sound track to the fears and hardships of a world gone mad, entitled Kübler-Ross Soliloquies.
The Kübler-Ross model describes the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. A soliloquy is defined as an act of speaking one's thoughts aloud alone by oneself or regardless of any hearers.
Over the album's 8 tracks, Monteith explores each of these stages with a clear eyed focus and confidence that are a testament to his dual role as a kind, smiling musical selector and monkish technological nerd ball of the highest order.
More
GENRE/S: Electronic / Techno / Dub
TRACKLISTS: 2 x LP
1
FACE A
1.
THE DOUBLE BONG CLOUD (DENIAL I)
07:29
2.
STRAIGHT NO CHASER (DENIAL II)
07:31
FACE B
1.
TOUGH LOVE (ANGER I)
07:22
2.
BRICK STICK BLICK BLADE (ANGER II)
07:35
2
FACE C
1.
HUEY LEWIS VOTERS DUB (NEGOTIATION)
07:29
2.
THINGS FALL APART (DEPRESSION)
08:00
FACE D
1.
WITH GRAND TREPIDITION (ACCEPTANCE I)
07:24
2.
MOUNTAINS FROM MOLE HILLS (ACCEPTANCE II)
07:30
SHORT INFO:
Over the past 24 years, Scott Monteith's Deadbeat project has spanned a dizzying array of musical references and genres, exploring everything from left-field reggae to downbeat experiments, purifying drone excursions and ambient noise, extranational percussion workouts, and hypnotic techno and house.
VITAL SALES POINTS:
In the last 24 years Scott Monteith's Deadbeat project has covered a dizzying array of musical references and genres, exploring everything from from left field reggae and downbeat experiments, purifying drone and ambient noise excursions, outer-national percussion work outs, and hypnotic techno and house.
On his first solo album in 5 years, Monteith offers up what is perhaps the most powerful, tightly dance floor focused album of his storied carrier, and a soul cleansing, poignant sound track to the fears and hardships of a world gone mad, entitled Kübler-Ross Soliloquies.
The Kübler-Ross model describes the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. A soliloquy is defined as an act of speaking one's thoughts aloud alone by oneself or regardless of any hearers.
Over the album's 8 tracks, Monteith explores each of these stages with a clear eyed focus and confidence that are a testament to his dual role as a kind, smiling musical selector and monkish technological nerd ball of the highest order.
More
1
Deadbeat - Ark Welders Dub
2
Deadbeat - This Bitter Dub
1
DeadBeat - Things Fall Apart
2
DeadBeat - Adieu Chez Cherie
After releasing Undefined, Kazufumi Kodama and Babe Roots, the 4th release from a Japanese experimental dub label newdubhall welcomes the ever-evolving pioneer of minimal dub and dub techno Deadbeat, a solo project of Scott Monteith hailing from Canada. Side A 'Things Fall Apart' will feature a beatless dub ambient which shares a perspective of free jazz and 'Adieu Chez Cherie,’ an absolute knockdown four on the floor dub techno on the flip side. Though simple, both sides are layered with complexity, let yourself experience the profundity of newdubhall with this masterpiece.
More
1
deadbeat - Boom Jack
2
deadbeat - Keep On Dancing (Shaun Reeves Remix)
3
deadbeat - Keep on Dancing
4
deadbeat - VQ Infinity Dub
This June will see the release of Deadbeat's "Jacks and Slow Dances" EP on Visionquest Records. The EP kicks off with massive bass, big toms and cascading synths and effects that build with the "Boom Jack" vocal, until diving into a driving kick. The patient tension continues and the repeated synths rise and fall as the rhythm of the vocal becomes more frequent and more manic, sure to excite the dance floor. For the A2 Shaun Reeves' remix of "Keep On Dancing" drops a 4/4 kick on the track and adds a classic Berlin low slung bass line that bumps along with some added sub bass, while delayed keys drift across the top. It's perfect for summer sessions at Club Der Visionaire, which is a frequent haunt for both artists. The B side kicks off with the original mix of "Keep On Dancing", and sounds as though the listener is dropped into some remote jungle in the middle of the night. Monteith's beautiful and casual vocal arrives drenched in reverb while the minimal percussion accompanies his thoughts along the way. The song continues through the night as an arpeggiated bass synth leads the listener toward the 4/4 kick and the delightfully swung hi-hats that follow. The EP is rounded out by "VQ Infinity Dub, an uptempo jam that starts with his mature building of percussion and cascading synths and vocals that drive and pulsate the track forward. Foregoing the typical use of the big clap/snare, Montieth instead relies on the kick and shakers to keep the track moving and it just goes to show how effective his unique and unconventional his style can truly be.
More
1
deadbeat - Waking Dub
2
deadbeat - A New Sense of Purpose
3
deadbeat - Midnight in the Garden
4
deadbeat - A Thousand Shining Stars
5
deadbeat - Revelations in Dust
6
deadbeat - A Last Swim
Expertly made dub techno for the dance floor.
More
The album began with the simple idea of asking friends from across the globe for messages of hope. No musical input was provided before hand, and each participant was free to interpret the request as they saw fit. Though some of the names involved will be familiar to electronic music listeners (Gudrun Gut, Thomas Fehlmann, Mike Shannon), the common thread linking all of them is their friendship with Monteith and the many hours he has spent enjoying their company over the years. As so often happens when good conversation is shared among good friends, the results are as surprising as they are inspiring, spanning original prose, dialectic word games, and timeless quotations in six languages. Each song on the album was then composed around the content received, and named after the people who did the speaking. Ranging from the overtly political to the tenderly inspirational and many points in between, Wax Poetic For This Our Great Resolve provides verbal expressions of hope as diverse and rich as the experiences of the people who so generously delivered them.
More
More
1
deadbeat - Babylon Correction Dub
2
deadbeat - Interferenze Dub
Next up on Craig Richard’s Tuppence imprint following Convextion’s superb ‘New Road’ 7”, comes the two slices of heavy dub pressure: ‘Babylon Correction Dub’ from esteemed Canadian producer Deadbeat. Please note these are limited 7” only releases. Watch out for other forthcoming releases on Tuppence from Howie B and Shaun Ryder.
More
1
deadbeat - Put On Your Red Shoes And Trance
2
deadbeat - Just Jackin Around Man
We are very proud to welcome back one of our greatest artists and good friends Scott Monteith aka Deadbeat. Scott original comes from Canada but now lives in Berlin for some years. Scott is mostly known for his own BLKRTZ label, but have been releasing on many other labels over the years. The track “Put On Your Red Shoes And Trance” is a peak time bomb, dubby, deep, powerfull and melodic track. The B-side, “Just Jackin Around” is Techno bomb full of dubby chords and build-up-madness. 300 limited marbeld vinyls. When the coloured edition is sold out we only have black vinyl left.
More
1
deadbeat - Ain't no More Flowers
2
deadbeat - I Get Low
3
deadbeat - Rage Against the Light
4
deadbeat - Tired People Get Up
5
deadbeat - Stekker Forever!
6
deadbeat - Keep on Pushing
7
deadbeat - Got to Carry On
8
deadbeat - Lights for Lele
Scott Monteith's 10th Deadbeat album, Walls & Dimensions,is now available through his own BLKRTZ label. Comprising 8 tracks and featuring vocal contributions from a diverse range of Berlin based artists, as well as for the first time Deadbeat himself, this 10th outing sees Monteith elegantly showcasing his wide ranging musical interests with a striking new sense of gravity and cutting lyricism not seen in his previous works.
More
1
deadbeat - Walls & Dimensions II A
2
deadbeat - Walls & Dimensions II B
Deadbeat presents the second vinyl only release leading up to his forth coming album, Walls and Dimensions. While the first installment featured a lucious extended ambient drone piece over 2 sides, part 2 features extended dubs of 2 of the albums dance floor cuts filled to the brim with the space age dub effects, mournful melodies and rumbling bass lines Deadbeat fans have come to expect. Another exciting indication of things to come with the soon to be released 10th Deadbeat album.
More
1
deadbeat - Walls & Dimensions I A
2
deadbeat - Walls & Dimensions I B
First in a 3 part series of vinyl only releases leading up to the 10th Deadbeat album in late 2015 – First ambient Deadbeat material running time of 40 minutes – Comes on clear vinyl with clear PVC sleeve
More
1
deadbeat - Berghain Drum Jack (2015 Edit)
2
deadbeat - Mecca Drum Jack (2015 Edit)
3
deadbeat - Acid Dub Jack
Hot on the heels of killer releases by label heads Ryan Crosson and Shaun Reeves, the latest Visionquest release sees the label turn its head to Deadbeat aka Scott Monteith. The Berlin based Montrealeler has been putting his own spin on house and techno for some time now, putting his stamp on esteemed labels such as Cynosure, Echocord and Wagon Repair. The Jacks EP continues his fine tradition of putting out discerning fare, as he conjures up a new EP package that remixes his classic track, Mecca Drum Track (originally released on Wagon Repair), from 2008. Striking in its many intricate and delicate production wares, it’s a polished effort from the outset. The Jacks EP gets going with the suitably titled ‘’Berghain Drum Jack’’, a suitably raucous and out-there slice of tribal tech that pays homage to the Berlin club and is notable for its banking percussive elements and its propensity for surprises. Starting off on an unrelenting tip, it gets even more off-kilter the longer it stretches out, as the drums become even more pronounced and the baseline finally enters the fray. Dark but dexterous, it’s a thrilling track that’s sure to more even the most ardent and discerning of dancefloors. Middle track ‘’Mecca Drum Jack’’ sees the producer opt for a similarlly-inclined vibe, as the drums play a similarly pertinent role. A fitting tool with which to light up your set, it’s more dextrous in nature than what’s arrived before but another altogether engrossing effort. Rounding off the weighty three-tracker is ‘’Acid Dub Jack’’, which sees Deadbeat really go off on a frankly mental course that’s littered with atmosphere from the get-go. Once again, Visionquest and Deadbeat have reminded us why they’re both so cherished in the techno world.
More
More records from Diggers Factory
1
Deadbeat - THE DOUBLE BONG CLOUD (DENIAL I)
2
Deadbeat - STRAIGHT NO CHASER (DENIAL II)
3
Deadbeat - TOUGH LOVE (ANGER I)
4
Deadbeat - BRICK STICK BLICK BLADE (ANGER II)
5
Deadbeat - HUEY LEWIS VOTERS DUB (NEGOTIATION)
6
Deadbeat - THINGS FALL APART (DEPRESSION)
7
Deadbeat - WITH GRAND TREPIDITION (ACCEPTANCE I)
8
Deadbeat - MOUNTAINS FROM MOLE HILLS (ACCEPTANCE II)
Territory: World except France and Belgium
GENRE/S: Electronic / Techno / Dub
TRACKLISTS: 2 x LP
1
FACE A
1.
THE DOUBLE BONG CLOUD (DENIAL I)
07:29
2.
STRAIGHT NO CHASER (DENIAL II)
07:31
FACE B
1.
TOUGH LOVE (ANGER I)
07:22
2.
BRICK STICK BLICK BLADE (ANGER II)
07:35
2
FACE C
1.
HUEY LEWIS VOTERS DUB (NEGOTIATION)
07:29
2.
THINGS FALL APART (DEPRESSION)
08:00
FACE D
1.
WITH GRAND TREPIDITION (ACCEPTANCE I)
07:24
2.
MOUNTAINS FROM MOLE HILLS (ACCEPTANCE II)
07:30
SHORT INFO:
Over the past 24 years, Scott Monteith's Deadbeat project has spanned a dizzying array of musical references and genres, exploring everything from left-field reggae to downbeat experiments, purifying drone excursions and ambient noise, extranational percussion workouts, and hypnotic techno and house.
VITAL SALES POINTS:
In the last 24 years Scott Monteith's Deadbeat project has covered a dizzying array of musical references and genres, exploring everything from from left field reggae and downbeat experiments, purifying drone and ambient noise excursions, outer-national percussion work outs, and hypnotic techno and house.
On his first solo album in 5 years, Monteith offers up what is perhaps the most powerful, tightly dance floor focused album of his storied carrier, and a soul cleansing, poignant sound track to the fears and hardships of a world gone mad, entitled Kübler-Ross Soliloquies.
The Kübler-Ross model describes the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. A soliloquy is defined as an act of speaking one's thoughts aloud alone by oneself or regardless of any hearers.
Over the album's 8 tracks, Monteith explores each of these stages with a clear eyed focus and confidence that are a testament to his dual role as a kind, smiling musical selector and monkish technological nerd ball of the highest order.
More
GENRE/S: Electronic / Techno / Dub
TRACKLISTS: 2 x LP
1
FACE A
1.
THE DOUBLE BONG CLOUD (DENIAL I)
07:29
2.
STRAIGHT NO CHASER (DENIAL II)
07:31
FACE B
1.
TOUGH LOVE (ANGER I)
07:22
2.
BRICK STICK BLICK BLADE (ANGER II)
07:35
2
FACE C
1.
HUEY LEWIS VOTERS DUB (NEGOTIATION)
07:29
2.
THINGS FALL APART (DEPRESSION)
08:00
FACE D
1.
WITH GRAND TREPIDITION (ACCEPTANCE I)
07:24
2.
MOUNTAINS FROM MOLE HILLS (ACCEPTANCE II)
07:30
SHORT INFO:
Over the past 24 years, Scott Monteith's Deadbeat project has spanned a dizzying array of musical references and genres, exploring everything from left-field reggae to downbeat experiments, purifying drone excursions and ambient noise, extranational percussion workouts, and hypnotic techno and house.
VITAL SALES POINTS:
In the last 24 years Scott Monteith's Deadbeat project has covered a dizzying array of musical references and genres, exploring everything from from left field reggae and downbeat experiments, purifying drone and ambient noise excursions, outer-national percussion work outs, and hypnotic techno and house.
On his first solo album in 5 years, Monteith offers up what is perhaps the most powerful, tightly dance floor focused album of his storied carrier, and a soul cleansing, poignant sound track to the fears and hardships of a world gone mad, entitled Kübler-Ross Soliloquies.
The Kübler-Ross model describes the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. A soliloquy is defined as an act of speaking one's thoughts aloud alone by oneself or regardless of any hearers.
Over the album's 8 tracks, Monteith explores each of these stages with a clear eyed focus and confidence that are a testament to his dual role as a kind, smiling musical selector and monkish technological nerd ball of the highest order.
More
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Hiroshi Suzuki - A1. Shrimp Dance
2
Hiroshi Suzuki - A2. Kuro To Shiro
3
Hiroshi Suzuki - B1. Walk Tall
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Hiroshi Suzuki - B2. Cat
5
Hiroshi Suzuki - B3. Romance
No sales to Japan!
LP: 180g vinyl, half speed mastered, heavy sleeve, obi, gold ink
Genre: Jazz, Fusion, Funk
Tracklisting LP
A1. Shrimp Dance
A2. Kuro To Shiro
B1. Walk Tall
B2. Cat
B3. Romance
Info
We Release Jazz is ecstatic (purrrr!) to announce the official reissue of Hiroshi Suzuki's glorious jazz-fusion-funk Holy Grail Cat (originally released in 1976), sourced from the original masters and available on limited edition 180 gram vinyl mastered at half speed for full audiophile sound, as well as on digipack CD. Both versions come with liner notes by Teruo Isono.
Cat was recorded in October 1975 at at Nippon Columbia Studio, while Hiroshi Suzuki was visiting his home country of Japan after moving to Las Vegas in 1971 to play with Buddy Rich and perfect his craft. Back on his old stomping grounds, the man known as Neko (Cat) immediately reunited with his dear friends for an epic two day session of groove magic. The chemistry was still intact. The skills and style had grown.
The result, Cat, is a smooth masterpiece, a deep and soulful affair where stunning trombone solos by Hiroshi Suzuki flirt with Takeru Muraoka's heavenly saxophone and the sensual rhythm section of Hiromasa Suzuki (keyboards), Kunimitsu Inaba (bass), and Akira Ishikawa (drums).
Celebrated in jazz collectors circles, in the lofi beat scene, and among music diggers around the world, Cat has become one of the most sought-after Japanese jazz albums of all time and, much like Ryo Fukui's Scenery, has fascinated old and young generations alike.
Points of interests
- For fans of jazz, fusion, funk, trombone, Japanese jazz, smooth rides, cats, allure.
- Official reissue of the glorious jazz-fusion album by Japanese trombonist extraordinaire Hiroshi "Neko" Suzuki.
- 10th release from We Release Jazz, following Ryo Fukui's Scenery, Mellow Dream, A Letter from Slowboat, and Ryo Fukui in New York, the soundtrack of Le Cercle Rouge by Eric Demarsan, Stuff Combe 5 + Percussion, Marc Moulin's Placebo Live 1971 and Boillat Thérace Quintet albums. We Release Jazz is the sister-label of Geneva-based WRWTFWW Records (Midori Takada's Through The Looking Glass and Lunar Cruise with Masahiko Sato, Pierre Barouh's Le Pollen, Jun Fuka-machi's Nicole, Grauzone's discography, …)
More
LP: 180g vinyl, half speed mastered, heavy sleeve, obi, gold ink
Genre: Jazz, Fusion, Funk
Tracklisting LP
A1. Shrimp Dance
A2. Kuro To Shiro
B1. Walk Tall
B2. Cat
B3. Romance
Info
We Release Jazz is ecstatic (purrrr!) to announce the official reissue of Hiroshi Suzuki's glorious jazz-fusion-funk Holy Grail Cat (originally released in 1976), sourced from the original masters and available on limited edition 180 gram vinyl mastered at half speed for full audiophile sound, as well as on digipack CD. Both versions come with liner notes by Teruo Isono.
Cat was recorded in October 1975 at at Nippon Columbia Studio, while Hiroshi Suzuki was visiting his home country of Japan after moving to Las Vegas in 1971 to play with Buddy Rich and perfect his craft. Back on his old stomping grounds, the man known as Neko (Cat) immediately reunited with his dear friends for an epic two day session of groove magic. The chemistry was still intact. The skills and style had grown.
The result, Cat, is a smooth masterpiece, a deep and soulful affair where stunning trombone solos by Hiroshi Suzuki flirt with Takeru Muraoka's heavenly saxophone and the sensual rhythm section of Hiromasa Suzuki (keyboards), Kunimitsu Inaba (bass), and Akira Ishikawa (drums).
Celebrated in jazz collectors circles, in the lofi beat scene, and among music diggers around the world, Cat has become one of the most sought-after Japanese jazz albums of all time and, much like Ryo Fukui's Scenery, has fascinated old and young generations alike.
Points of interests
- For fans of jazz, fusion, funk, trombone, Japanese jazz, smooth rides, cats, allure.
- Official reissue of the glorious jazz-fusion album by Japanese trombonist extraordinaire Hiroshi "Neko" Suzuki.
- 10th release from We Release Jazz, following Ryo Fukui's Scenery, Mellow Dream, A Letter from Slowboat, and Ryo Fukui in New York, the soundtrack of Le Cercle Rouge by Eric Demarsan, Stuff Combe 5 + Percussion, Marc Moulin's Placebo Live 1971 and Boillat Thérace Quintet albums. We Release Jazz is the sister-label of Geneva-based WRWTFWW Records (Midori Takada's Through The Looking Glass and Lunar Cruise with Masahiko Sato, Pierre Barouh's Le Pollen, Jun Fuka-machi's Nicole, Grauzone's discography, …)
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1
Kenji Kawai - 01 - Making of Cyborg
2
Kenji Kawai - 02 - Ghost Hacker
3
Kenji Kawai - 03 - Puppet Master
4
Kenji Kawai - 04 - Virtual Crime
5
Kenji Kawai - 05 - Ghost City
6
Kenji Kawai - 06 - Access
7
Kenji Kawai - 07 - Night Stalker
8
Kenji Kawai - 08 - Floating Museum
9
Kenji Kawai - 09 - Ghost Dive
10
Kenji Kawai - 10 - Reincarnation
11
Kenji Kawai - 11 - Bonus Track
2024 Repress
- NO SALES TO JAPAN -
Regular Offcial Authorised Vinyl Version, Original Soundtrack, 350g Sleeve, Black Inner, Sticker, 12" 140g Vinyl
- The first ever OFFICIAL vinyl release of the soundtrack for Mamoru Oshii's legendary science fiction anime film GHOST IN THE SHELL (1995).
- LP cut from the original master reels at Emil Berliner Studios, official Ghost in the Shell artwork
Tracklisting LP :
A1 ?I - Making Of Cyborg
A2 Ghosthack
A3 Puppetmaster
A4 Virtual Crime
A5 ?II - Ghost City
B1 Access
B2 Nightstalker
B3 Floating Museum
B4 Ghostdive
B5 ?III - Reincarnation
We Release Whatever The Fuck We Want Records is thrilled and honored to announce the first ever official vinyl pressing of the soundtrack for Mamoru Oshii's critically acclaimed and all around legendary science fiction anime film GHOST IN THE SHELL (1995), adapted from Masamune Shirow's groundbreaking manga series of the same name.
Cut from the original master reels at Emil Berliner Studios (formerly the in-house recording department of renowned classical record label Deutsche Grammophon), the album comes as a LP accompanied by a bonus one-sided 7" housed in official Ghost in the Shell artwork sleeve with silver gilt printing and a Japanese obi, and contains extensive 24-page liner notes.
The haunting score is composed by Kenji Kawai, one of Japan's most celebrated soundtrack composers, alongside Joe Hisaishi and Ry?ichi Sakamoto, whose work includes Hideo Nakata's Ring (1998) and Ring 2 (1999), Death Note (2006), Hong Kong films Seven Swords by Tsui Hark (2005) and Ip Man by Wilson Yip (2008), and countless others. Kawai's compositions see ancient harmonies and percussions uncannily mesh with synthesized sounds of the modern world to convey a sumptuous balance between folklore tradition and futuristic outlook. For its iconic main theme "Making of Cyborg", Kawai had a choir chant a wedding song in ancient Japanese following Bulgarian folk harmonies, setting the standard for a timeless and unparalleled soundtrack that admirably echoes the film's musings on the nature of humanity in a technologically advanced world.
Ghost in the Shell is widely considered one of the best anime films of all time and its influence has been felt in the work of numerous movie directors, including James Cameron (Avatar), the Wachowskis (The Matrix), and Steven Spielberg (AI: Artificial Intelligence).
More
- NO SALES TO JAPAN -
Regular Offcial Authorised Vinyl Version, Original Soundtrack, 350g Sleeve, Black Inner, Sticker, 12" 140g Vinyl
- The first ever OFFICIAL vinyl release of the soundtrack for Mamoru Oshii's legendary science fiction anime film GHOST IN THE SHELL (1995).
- LP cut from the original master reels at Emil Berliner Studios, official Ghost in the Shell artwork
Tracklisting LP :
A1 ?I - Making Of Cyborg
A2 Ghosthack
A3 Puppetmaster
A4 Virtual Crime
A5 ?II - Ghost City
B1 Access
B2 Nightstalker
B3 Floating Museum
B4 Ghostdive
B5 ?III - Reincarnation
We Release Whatever The Fuck We Want Records is thrilled and honored to announce the first ever official vinyl pressing of the soundtrack for Mamoru Oshii's critically acclaimed and all around legendary science fiction anime film GHOST IN THE SHELL (1995), adapted from Masamune Shirow's groundbreaking manga series of the same name.
Cut from the original master reels at Emil Berliner Studios (formerly the in-house recording department of renowned classical record label Deutsche Grammophon), the album comes as a LP accompanied by a bonus one-sided 7" housed in official Ghost in the Shell artwork sleeve with silver gilt printing and a Japanese obi, and contains extensive 24-page liner notes.
The haunting score is composed by Kenji Kawai, one of Japan's most celebrated soundtrack composers, alongside Joe Hisaishi and Ry?ichi Sakamoto, whose work includes Hideo Nakata's Ring (1998) and Ring 2 (1999), Death Note (2006), Hong Kong films Seven Swords by Tsui Hark (2005) and Ip Man by Wilson Yip (2008), and countless others. Kawai's compositions see ancient harmonies and percussions uncannily mesh with synthesized sounds of the modern world to convey a sumptuous balance between folklore tradition and futuristic outlook. For its iconic main theme "Making of Cyborg", Kawai had a choir chant a wedding song in ancient Japanese following Bulgarian folk harmonies, setting the standard for a timeless and unparalleled soundtrack that admirably echoes the film's musings on the nature of humanity in a technologically advanced world.
Ghost in the Shell is widely considered one of the best anime films of all time and its influence has been felt in the work of numerous movie directors, including James Cameron (Avatar), the Wachowskis (The Matrix), and Steven Spielberg (AI: Artificial Intelligence).
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Special Remarks: Double LP Gatefold +CD - Territory : World Ex France
Tracklist Vinyl:
A1. Cassius 1999 / A2. Feeling For You / A3. Crazy Legs / A4. La Mouche
B1. Chase / B2. Foxxy / B3. Planetz / B4. Hey Babe
C1. Mister Eveready / C2. Nulife / C3. Interlude / C4. Somebody
D1. Club Soixante Quinze / D2. Supa Crush / D3. Invisible / D4. Cassius 1999 Remix
The CD included in the LP features the 16 tracks in the same order
Short info:
1999…after the global supremacy of Oasis and Blur, the world is looking for some musical freshness. Some artists such as Daft Punk and Air have already contributed to globally popularise what the English called the "French Touch", a new term that refers to a large musical French movement.
The first album of Cassius is one of the key pieces of this growing genre, and demonstrates once again the variety of the trend. Indeed, after have cooperated for a long time with MC Solaar, one of France's 90's best rappers, the hip-hop influence of both Cassius members had to have an impact on their personal concept, and it did seduce a lot of listeners hungry for new musical flavours: more than 250 000 units sold worldwide and numerous unconditional fans…Before the release of their new album Ibifornia coming out this summer, we're taking you back to basics with a new release of Cassius' first album, for the ones who didn't have the opportunity to hear it, or for those who only have the CD, and would like to get themselves the vinyl edition !
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Tracklist Vinyl:
A1. Cassius 1999 / A2. Feeling For You / A3. Crazy Legs / A4. La Mouche
B1. Chase / B2. Foxxy / B3. Planetz / B4. Hey Babe
C1. Mister Eveready / C2. Nulife / C3. Interlude / C4. Somebody
D1. Club Soixante Quinze / D2. Supa Crush / D3. Invisible / D4. Cassius 1999 Remix
The CD included in the LP features the 16 tracks in the same order
Short info:
1999…after the global supremacy of Oasis and Blur, the world is looking for some musical freshness. Some artists such as Daft Punk and Air have already contributed to globally popularise what the English called the "French Touch", a new term that refers to a large musical French movement.
The first album of Cassius is one of the key pieces of this growing genre, and demonstrates once again the variety of the trend. Indeed, after have cooperated for a long time with MC Solaar, one of France's 90's best rappers, the hip-hop influence of both Cassius members had to have an impact on their personal concept, and it did seduce a lot of listeners hungry for new musical flavours: more than 250 000 units sold worldwide and numerous unconditional fans…Before the release of their new album Ibifornia coming out this summer, we're taking you back to basics with a new release of Cassius' first album, for the ones who didn't have the opportunity to hear it, or for those who only have the CD, and would like to get themselves the vinyl edition !
More
Nonexclusive Release - Exportrights Only, 2LP in gatefold sleeve with CD included. EAN: 5060525433566
Cut from original masters. Original packaging, beautifully and precisely reproduced to the Original Standards. Original year of release: 1998
Tracklisting:
A1. Ann Peebles – Trouble, Heartaches & Sadness
A2. O.V. Wright – Let’s Straighten It Out
A3. The Charmels – As Long As I Got Yoy
A4. David Porter – I’m Afraid The Masquerade Is Over
B1. Willie Mitchell – Groovin’
B2. Al Green – You Ought To Be With Me
B3. Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell – You’re All I Need To Get By
B4. The Emotions – If You Think It (You May As Well Do It)
B5. Bob James – Nautilus
C1. Al Green – Gotta Find A New World
C2. Syl Johnson – Could I Be Falling In Love
C3. Donny Hathaway – Little Ghetto Boy (Live)
C4. Syl Johnson – Could I Be Falling In Love
C5. Wendy Rene – After Laughter (Come Tears)
C6. Lyn Collins – Ain’t No Sunshine
D1. Syl Johnson – Is It Because I’m Back
D2. The Dramatics – In The Rain
D3. Gladys Knight & The Pips – The Way We Were
D4. O.V. Wright – Motherless Child
D5. Booker T. And The MGs – Children Don’t Get Away
D6. Barry White – Mellow Mood (Part 1)
Short Info:
Legendary Deep Soul French compilation(s) featuring many Soul classics, sometimes forgotten, which have been sampled countless times by some of the biggest Hip-Hop acts.
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Cut from original masters. Original packaging, beautifully and precisely reproduced to the Original Standards. Original year of release: 1998
Tracklisting:
A1. Ann Peebles – Trouble, Heartaches & Sadness
A2. O.V. Wright – Let’s Straighten It Out
A3. The Charmels – As Long As I Got Yoy
A4. David Porter – I’m Afraid The Masquerade Is Over
B1. Willie Mitchell – Groovin’
B2. Al Green – You Ought To Be With Me
B3. Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell – You’re All I Need To Get By
B4. The Emotions – If You Think It (You May As Well Do It)
B5. Bob James – Nautilus
C1. Al Green – Gotta Find A New World
C2. Syl Johnson – Could I Be Falling In Love
C3. Donny Hathaway – Little Ghetto Boy (Live)
C4. Syl Johnson – Could I Be Falling In Love
C5. Wendy Rene – After Laughter (Come Tears)
C6. Lyn Collins – Ain’t No Sunshine
D1. Syl Johnson – Is It Because I’m Back
D2. The Dramatics – In The Rain
D3. Gladys Knight & The Pips – The Way We Were
D4. O.V. Wright – Motherless Child
D5. Booker T. And The MGs – Children Don’t Get Away
D6. Barry White – Mellow Mood (Part 1)
Short Info:
Legendary Deep Soul French compilation(s) featuring many Soul classics, sometimes forgotten, which have been sampled countless times by some of the biggest Hip-Hop acts.
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1
Hiroshi Suzuki - 01. Shrimp Dance
2
Hiroshi Suzuki - 02. Kuro To Shiro
3
Hiroshi Suzuki - 03. Walk Tall
4
Hiroshi Suzuki - 04. Cat
5
Hiroshi Suzuki - 05. Romance
No sales to Japan!
CD
Genre: Jazz, Fusion, Funk
Tracklisting CD
01. Shrimp Dance
02. Kuro To Shiro
03. Walk Tall
04. Cat
05. Romance
Info
We Release Jazz is ecstatic (purrrr!) to announce the official reissue of Hiroshi Suzuki's glorious jazz-fusion-funk Holy Grail Cat (originally released in 1976), sourced from the original masters and available on limited edition 180 gram vinyl mastered at half speed for full audiophile sound, as well as on digipack CD. Both versions come with liner notes by Teruo Isono.
Cat was recorded in October 1975 at at Nippon Columbia Studio, while Hiroshi Suzuki was visiting his home country of Japan after moving to Las Vegas in 1971 to play with Buddy Rich and perfect his craft. Back on his old stomping grounds, the man known as Neko (Cat) immediately reunited with his dear friends for an epic two day session of groove magic. The chemistry was still intact. The skills and style had grown.
The result, Cat, is a smooth masterpiece, a deep and soulful affair where stunning trombone solos by Hiroshi Suzuki flirt with Takeru Muraoka's heavenly saxophone and the sensual rhythm section of Hiromasa Suzuki (keyboards), Kunimitsu Inaba (bass), and Akira Ishikawa (drums).
Celebrated in jazz collectors circles, in the lofi beat scene, and among music diggers around the world, Cat has become one of the most sought-after Japanese jazz albums of all time and, much like Ryo Fukui's Scenery, has fascinated old and young generations alike.
Points of interests
- For fans of jazz, fusion, funk, trombone, Japanese jazz, smooth rides, cats, allure.
- Official reissue of the glorious jazz-fusion album by Japanese trombonist extraordinaire Hiroshi "Neko" Suzuki.
- 10th release from We Release Jazz, following Ryo Fukui's Scenery, Mellow Dream, A Letter from Slowboat, and Ryo Fukui in New York, the soundtrack of Le Cercle Rouge by Eric Demarsan, Stuff Combe 5 + Percussion, Marc Moulin's Placebo Live 1971 and Boillat Thérace Quintet albums. We Release Jazz is the sister-label of Geneva-based WRWTFWW Records (Midori Takada's Through The Looking Glass and Lunar Cruise with Masahiko Sato, Pierre Barouh's Le Pollen, Jun Fuka-machi's Nicole, Grauzone's discography, …)
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CD
Genre: Jazz, Fusion, Funk
Tracklisting CD
01. Shrimp Dance
02. Kuro To Shiro
03. Walk Tall
04. Cat
05. Romance
Info
We Release Jazz is ecstatic (purrrr!) to announce the official reissue of Hiroshi Suzuki's glorious jazz-fusion-funk Holy Grail Cat (originally released in 1976), sourced from the original masters and available on limited edition 180 gram vinyl mastered at half speed for full audiophile sound, as well as on digipack CD. Both versions come with liner notes by Teruo Isono.
Cat was recorded in October 1975 at at Nippon Columbia Studio, while Hiroshi Suzuki was visiting his home country of Japan after moving to Las Vegas in 1971 to play with Buddy Rich and perfect his craft. Back on his old stomping grounds, the man known as Neko (Cat) immediately reunited with his dear friends for an epic two day session of groove magic. The chemistry was still intact. The skills and style had grown.
The result, Cat, is a smooth masterpiece, a deep and soulful affair where stunning trombone solos by Hiroshi Suzuki flirt with Takeru Muraoka's heavenly saxophone and the sensual rhythm section of Hiromasa Suzuki (keyboards), Kunimitsu Inaba (bass), and Akira Ishikawa (drums).
Celebrated in jazz collectors circles, in the lofi beat scene, and among music diggers around the world, Cat has become one of the most sought-after Japanese jazz albums of all time and, much like Ryo Fukui's Scenery, has fascinated old and young generations alike.
Points of interests
- For fans of jazz, fusion, funk, trombone, Japanese jazz, smooth rides, cats, allure.
- Official reissue of the glorious jazz-fusion album by Japanese trombonist extraordinaire Hiroshi "Neko" Suzuki.
- 10th release from We Release Jazz, following Ryo Fukui's Scenery, Mellow Dream, A Letter from Slowboat, and Ryo Fukui in New York, the soundtrack of Le Cercle Rouge by Eric Demarsan, Stuff Combe 5 + Percussion, Marc Moulin's Placebo Live 1971 and Boillat Thérace Quintet albums. We Release Jazz is the sister-label of Geneva-based WRWTFWW Records (Midori Takada's Through The Looking Glass and Lunar Cruise with Masahiko Sato, Pierre Barouh's Le Pollen, Jun Fuka-machi's Nicole, Grauzone's discography, …)
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The Legandary first Trentemøller debut album - maybe one of the most anticipated independent albums in 2006 and already a megaclassic and forever selling must have item!
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Label:Be With Records
Cat-No:bewith157lp
Release-Date:07.06.2024
Genre:HipHop/Rap/Urban
Configuration:2LP Excl
Label:Be With Records
Cat-No:bewith157lp
Release-Date:07.06.2024
Genre:HipHop/Rap/Urban
Configuration:2LP Excl
1
Superstar Quamallah - Mr. Righteous (Intro) (0:35)
2
Superstar Quamallah - You Need Knowledge (3:45)
3
Superstar Quamallah - 88 Soul (3:12)
4
Superstar Quamallah - Black Shakespeare (3:02)
5
Superstar Quamallah - For My People...It's Spiritual (2:55)
6
Superstar Quamallah - Lonely At The Top (3:56)
7
Superstar Quamallah - Just Listen (4:05)
8
Superstar Quamallah - California Dreamin' (4:33)
9
Superstar Quamallah - Purity (3:59)
10
Superstar Quamallah - Kunta Kente (4:20)
11
Superstar Quamallah - 1993 Shit (3:49)
12
Superstar Quamallah - We Got Plots (3:38)
13
Superstar Quamallah - Do Win-Dis (4:11)
14
Superstar Quamallah - Hope She Remembers Me (3:15)
Format Notes: 2024 first time vinyl release, 140g double vinyl, remastered audio with restored artwork
Track List:
A1 Mr. Righteous (Intro) 0:35
A2 You Need Knowledge 3:45
A3 88 Soul 3:12
A4 Black Shakespeare 3:02
B1 For My People...It's Spiritual 2:55
B2 Lonely At The Top 3:56
B3 Just Listen 4:05
B4 California Dreamin' 4:33
C1 Purity 3:59
C2 Kunta Kente 4:20
C3 1993 Shit 3:49
D1 We Got Plots 3:38
D2 Do Win-Dis 4:11
D3 Hope She Remembers Me 3:15
Release Notes:
Holy grail hip-hop alert! Superstar Quamallah's Invisible Man was never released on wax so, to celebrate the 15th anniversary of this astounding record, we present the first ever vinyl edition. A stunning record which gained accolades upon its initial release, such as a prominent feature on Gilles Peterson's renowned Best Of 2009 show, it's one of the most essential jazz rap albums of all time. Cut across double vinyl, it’s exceedingly limited, with just 500 pressed for the world.
Deep jazz rap on that mellow-melodic tip, Invisible Man is an unforgettable album with nothing but dope beats and dope bars. There's a strong chance this album has passed you by but we truly believe it to be a lost hip-hop masterpiece. It supremely captures the essence of a golden age classic without being slavish to the past. No, this ain't some facile throwback rap. It's a fresh and deeply soulful, original album shot through straight from the heart. Perfect to chill to, Invisible Man is profoundly jazz-oriented and captures with simplicity and sincerity the essence of hip-hop circa 1983-1994. It sounds like vibing with your nearest, dearest and oldest friends on a long hot summer night as the tantalising thought that anything is possible fills the air. You know what, we can just call this "magic hour rap" and we think you'll know what we mean. It's just beautiful. Just Listen.
Brooklyn-born, California-based emcee, DJ, and producer Superstar Quamallah was active in the West Coast underground scene throughout the 90s and recorded extensively with such revered names as Defari and Tajai. His parents were some serious artistic heavyweights, too; his father was soul organist Big John Patton, a giant in the jazz world known for his releases on Blue Note whilst his mother was an active designer. However, he remains relatively unknown. Invisible Man, named ostensibly after the classic Ralph Ellison novel, could also refer to how he is viewed by the public at large. With close affiliations to the Hieroglyphics, Dilated Peoples and Likwit crew, his debut EP "Don't Call Me John" arrived in 1999 on ABB Records, after which he took a sabbatical from recording which included graduate school, travelling, teaching at Inglewood High and eventually a professorship of African Studies at Berkeley.
With a laidback flow and deep, relaxing presence on the mic, Superstar Quamallah is equal parts Big Daddy Kane, Rakim and Guru. Invisible Man is refined, soulful, feel-good hip-hop of the old school. Its wise, spiritual and literate sound, combined with the summertime vibes projected by the smooth beats and the nostalgia-inducing samples and vocal scratches, created jazzy boom-bap rap reminiscent of prime De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest and Gang Starr.
Irresistibly bouncing opener "You Need Knowledge" loops sparkling pianos, horns and a nagging whistle refrain with scratched vocal refrains from Slick Rick, Mobb Deep and Guru. The super-smooth head-nod classic "88 Soul" also utilises a beautifully swelling piano line and dusty breaks whilst Quamé reminisces about his childhood in NYC. Deeply moving, the silky, sultry "Black Shakespeare" is built around an elegant piano loop and goes hard on the superman lover tip whilst "For My People...It's Spiritual" is transcendental rap in conversation with Rakim and older gods. The "Moment Of Truth"-sampling "Lonely At The Top" is striking for its undiluted boom-bap stylings and the staccato flute-hop of "Just Listen" is riddled with soulful refinement. The deeply-affecting, wistful-yet-triumphant bells and horn-drenched single "California Dreamin'" is top-tier rap of unimpeachable quality. What a flow!
Another highlight is the rich melodic piano-rap of "Purity", a beautiful ode to the foundations of rap and those keeping the culture authentically alive. Beautifully played instruments and spiritual jazz samples elevate the deep thinking present on "Kunta Kente" whilst the darker jazz-tinged battle-rap of "93 Shit" goes super hard both in a lyrical sense and with its no-holds drum punches. The breezy Rhodes and string loops that serve as the sonic backdrop to the slinky jazz rap of "We Got Plots" are just gorgeous as our hero evokes Common's "I Used To Love H.E.R." with a head-spinning tale of crime, deception and double crossing. And some twist! "Do Win-Dis" has a tense crime-funk backing and rolling beats which complement Quamé's flow perfectly before the record is rounded out by the tough yet jazzy brilliance of rap confessional "Hope She Remembers Me". Just sensational.
Upon its original release, Quamallah himself declared: "My favorite time period for Hip Hop music was definitely between 1983 and 1994 with 1988 and 1993 being two years that standout as extremely impressive years musically and culturally. The fashion, slang, movies, TV shows and vibe during those years was incredible. While totally submerged in the feelings and music of that entire time period, I went to work on Invisible Man and I am excited for people to hear the result! It is an album that I would want to hear from some of my favorite artists of the past and present today. This is not a RETRO trip for me; this is me at my best lyrically and spiritually using the accessories of the 80s and 90s to fuel me. I am a 88 soul as the song states!"
This album goes deep. It goes all in. When Invisible Man first came out it had a real hold on us here at Be With HQ. We couldn't stop listening to it. We'd venture to say it's one of the top 25 rap records of the 2000s. In the years since its release, it has remained a criminally underrated record, an increasingly hidden gem. We sincerely hope this first time double LP release will go some way to correct this. It's been mastered for vinyl by Simon Francis, cut by Cicely Balston and pressed at Record Industry. Finally available on the format it should always have been on, it must never be rendered invisible again.
More
Track List:
A1 Mr. Righteous (Intro) 0:35
A2 You Need Knowledge 3:45
A3 88 Soul 3:12
A4 Black Shakespeare 3:02
B1 For My People...It's Spiritual 2:55
B2 Lonely At The Top 3:56
B3 Just Listen 4:05
B4 California Dreamin' 4:33
C1 Purity 3:59
C2 Kunta Kente 4:20
C3 1993 Shit 3:49
D1 We Got Plots 3:38
D2 Do Win-Dis 4:11
D3 Hope She Remembers Me 3:15
Release Notes:
Holy grail hip-hop alert! Superstar Quamallah's Invisible Man was never released on wax so, to celebrate the 15th anniversary of this astounding record, we present the first ever vinyl edition. A stunning record which gained accolades upon its initial release, such as a prominent feature on Gilles Peterson's renowned Best Of 2009 show, it's one of the most essential jazz rap albums of all time. Cut across double vinyl, it’s exceedingly limited, with just 500 pressed for the world.
Deep jazz rap on that mellow-melodic tip, Invisible Man is an unforgettable album with nothing but dope beats and dope bars. There's a strong chance this album has passed you by but we truly believe it to be a lost hip-hop masterpiece. It supremely captures the essence of a golden age classic without being slavish to the past. No, this ain't some facile throwback rap. It's a fresh and deeply soulful, original album shot through straight from the heart. Perfect to chill to, Invisible Man is profoundly jazz-oriented and captures with simplicity and sincerity the essence of hip-hop circa 1983-1994. It sounds like vibing with your nearest, dearest and oldest friends on a long hot summer night as the tantalising thought that anything is possible fills the air. You know what, we can just call this "magic hour rap" and we think you'll know what we mean. It's just beautiful. Just Listen.
Brooklyn-born, California-based emcee, DJ, and producer Superstar Quamallah was active in the West Coast underground scene throughout the 90s and recorded extensively with such revered names as Defari and Tajai. His parents were some serious artistic heavyweights, too; his father was soul organist Big John Patton, a giant in the jazz world known for his releases on Blue Note whilst his mother was an active designer. However, he remains relatively unknown. Invisible Man, named ostensibly after the classic Ralph Ellison novel, could also refer to how he is viewed by the public at large. With close affiliations to the Hieroglyphics, Dilated Peoples and Likwit crew, his debut EP "Don't Call Me John" arrived in 1999 on ABB Records, after which he took a sabbatical from recording which included graduate school, travelling, teaching at Inglewood High and eventually a professorship of African Studies at Berkeley.
With a laidback flow and deep, relaxing presence on the mic, Superstar Quamallah is equal parts Big Daddy Kane, Rakim and Guru. Invisible Man is refined, soulful, feel-good hip-hop of the old school. Its wise, spiritual and literate sound, combined with the summertime vibes projected by the smooth beats and the nostalgia-inducing samples and vocal scratches, created jazzy boom-bap rap reminiscent of prime De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest and Gang Starr.
Irresistibly bouncing opener "You Need Knowledge" loops sparkling pianos, horns and a nagging whistle refrain with scratched vocal refrains from Slick Rick, Mobb Deep and Guru. The super-smooth head-nod classic "88 Soul" also utilises a beautifully swelling piano line and dusty breaks whilst Quamé reminisces about his childhood in NYC. Deeply moving, the silky, sultry "Black Shakespeare" is built around an elegant piano loop and goes hard on the superman lover tip whilst "For My People...It's Spiritual" is transcendental rap in conversation with Rakim and older gods. The "Moment Of Truth"-sampling "Lonely At The Top" is striking for its undiluted boom-bap stylings and the staccato flute-hop of "Just Listen" is riddled with soulful refinement. The deeply-affecting, wistful-yet-triumphant bells and horn-drenched single "California Dreamin'" is top-tier rap of unimpeachable quality. What a flow!
Another highlight is the rich melodic piano-rap of "Purity", a beautiful ode to the foundations of rap and those keeping the culture authentically alive. Beautifully played instruments and spiritual jazz samples elevate the deep thinking present on "Kunta Kente" whilst the darker jazz-tinged battle-rap of "93 Shit" goes super hard both in a lyrical sense and with its no-holds drum punches. The breezy Rhodes and string loops that serve as the sonic backdrop to the slinky jazz rap of "We Got Plots" are just gorgeous as our hero evokes Common's "I Used To Love H.E.R." with a head-spinning tale of crime, deception and double crossing. And some twist! "Do Win-Dis" has a tense crime-funk backing and rolling beats which complement Quamé's flow perfectly before the record is rounded out by the tough yet jazzy brilliance of rap confessional "Hope She Remembers Me". Just sensational.
Upon its original release, Quamallah himself declared: "My favorite time period for Hip Hop music was definitely between 1983 and 1994 with 1988 and 1993 being two years that standout as extremely impressive years musically and culturally. The fashion, slang, movies, TV shows and vibe during those years was incredible. While totally submerged in the feelings and music of that entire time period, I went to work on Invisible Man and I am excited for people to hear the result! It is an album that I would want to hear from some of my favorite artists of the past and present today. This is not a RETRO trip for me; this is me at my best lyrically and spiritually using the accessories of the 80s and 90s to fuel me. I am a 88 soul as the song states!"
This album goes deep. It goes all in. When Invisible Man first came out it had a real hold on us here at Be With HQ. We couldn't stop listening to it. We'd venture to say it's one of the top 25 rap records of the 2000s. In the years since its release, it has remained a criminally underrated record, an increasingly hidden gem. We sincerely hope this first time double LP release will go some way to correct this. It's been mastered for vinyl by Simon Francis, cut by Cicely Balston and pressed at Record Industry. Finally available on the format it should always have been on, it must never be rendered invisible again.
More
1
trentemoller - Take Me Into Your Skin
2
trentemoller - Vamp
3
trentemoller - Evil Dub
4
trentemoller - Always Something Better
5
trentemoller - While the Cold Winter Waiting
6
trentemoller - Nightwalker
7
trentemoller - Like Two Strangers
8
trentemoller - The Very Last Resort
9
trentemoller - Snowflake
10
trentemoller - Chameleon
11
trentemoller - Into The Trees (Serenetti Part 3)
12
trentemoller - Moan
13
trentemoller - Miss You
2018 Reissue, 3LP , Gatefold, Complete Tracklisting 1st Time on Vinyl!
Special vinyl re-issue of Trentemøller's groundbreaking debut album. Includes all of the 13 songs on vinyl for the first time. Triple-vinyl in gatefold sleeve.
Tracklist:
A1. Take Me Into Your Skin
A2. Vamp
B1. Evil Dub
B2. Always Something Better
C1. While the Cold Winter Waiting
C2. Nightwalker
D1. Like Two Strangers
D2. The Very Last Resort
E1. Snowflake
E2. Chameleon
F1. Into The Trees (Serenetti Part 3)
F2. Moan
F3. Miss You
Special vinyl re-issue of Trentemøller's groundbreaking debut album. Includes all of the 13 songs on vinyl for the first time. Triple-vinyl in gatefold sleeve.
Trentemøller's debut album remains one of the few genre-defining and groundbreaking
albums in many regards. It's still being praised for its composition and sounddesign alike and sounds as fresh and breathtaking today as it did when it was originally released in 2006.
The Last Resort - a beautifully crafted, astonishing masterpiece, that will leave you breathless. The 13
instrumental tracks together form a wordless musical story, almost like the soundtrack of a movie. It
manages to capture a whole range of emotions in subtle melodic miniatures, dreamy ambiences, dusty beats, deep dub-tracks and driving groove-excursions. An ever-changing kaleidoscope of colours and moods. Although it's an electronic album, it also incorporates live-drums, guitars, bass and other acoustic instruments like celesta, glockenspiel, melodica and even DJ scratching to create a more organic feel. The album received fantastic acclaim from both music fans and journalists around the world and made it into the top-lists of the month, the year, the decade - alongside an array of awards for best production or best album.
Back in 2006, the original pressing only included a selection of songs from the original 13-track album release. It missed out on songs which had been released on singles or didn't "fit" on the so called "vinyl edition". Due to 'public demand' and simply because this album deserves a proper vinyl
release we are happy to finally present, for the first time, the full album on vinyl. It spans of three vinyl discs and is packed in a beautiful gatefold sleeve which also holds a download-code. The recut has been carefully crafted from first generation, orignal masters by Calyx in Berlin. Since the album has been praised for its fantastic sound the primary directive was to cut the lacquers for the re-issue so that they would sound exactly the same as the original release, which has been the CD version of the album. No 'digital remastering' or any other alterations have been applied.
All 13 songs of the classic album on one vinyl release for the first time. Triple-Vinyl edition. Gatefold sleeve. download code. original sound-quality. NO digital remastering.
More
Special vinyl re-issue of Trentemøller's groundbreaking debut album. Includes all of the 13 songs on vinyl for the first time. Triple-vinyl in gatefold sleeve.
Tracklist:
A1. Take Me Into Your Skin
A2. Vamp
B1. Evil Dub
B2. Always Something Better
C1. While the Cold Winter Waiting
C2. Nightwalker
D1. Like Two Strangers
D2. The Very Last Resort
E1. Snowflake
E2. Chameleon
F1. Into The Trees (Serenetti Part 3)
F2. Moan
F3. Miss You
Special vinyl re-issue of Trentemøller's groundbreaking debut album. Includes all of the 13 songs on vinyl for the first time. Triple-vinyl in gatefold sleeve.
Trentemøller's debut album remains one of the few genre-defining and groundbreaking
albums in many regards. It's still being praised for its composition and sounddesign alike and sounds as fresh and breathtaking today as it did when it was originally released in 2006.
The Last Resort - a beautifully crafted, astonishing masterpiece, that will leave you breathless. The 13
instrumental tracks together form a wordless musical story, almost like the soundtrack of a movie. It
manages to capture a whole range of emotions in subtle melodic miniatures, dreamy ambiences, dusty beats, deep dub-tracks and driving groove-excursions. An ever-changing kaleidoscope of colours and moods. Although it's an electronic album, it also incorporates live-drums, guitars, bass and other acoustic instruments like celesta, glockenspiel, melodica and even DJ scratching to create a more organic feel. The album received fantastic acclaim from both music fans and journalists around the world and made it into the top-lists of the month, the year, the decade - alongside an array of awards for best production or best album.
Back in 2006, the original pressing only included a selection of songs from the original 13-track album release. It missed out on songs which had been released on singles or didn't "fit" on the so called "vinyl edition". Due to 'public demand' and simply because this album deserves a proper vinyl
release we are happy to finally present, for the first time, the full album on vinyl. It spans of three vinyl discs and is packed in a beautiful gatefold sleeve which also holds a download-code. The recut has been carefully crafted from first generation, orignal masters by Calyx in Berlin. Since the album has been praised for its fantastic sound the primary directive was to cut the lacquers for the re-issue so that they would sound exactly the same as the original release, which has been the CD version of the album. No 'digital remastering' or any other alterations have been applied.
All 13 songs of the classic album on one vinyl release for the first time. Triple-Vinyl edition. Gatefold sleeve. download code. original sound-quality. NO digital remastering.
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Rights : World excluding France, UK & US
2 x 140 G Black Vinyl . 5mm Spine Printed Sleeve, 2 x White Inner Sleeve. Marketing frontsticker.
DESCRIPTION / SHORT BIOG:
Cerrone, the legendary French King of Disco, is celebrating 45 years of career . All Cerrone’s greatest hits from 1976 – “Love in C minor” to now – “The Impact” for the first time on Vinyl and as Edit Versions (single edit) : Double Vinyl , 19 songs.
TRACKLIST:
A1__Supernature (Edit)
A2__Cerrone's Paradise (Edit)
A3__Look For Love (Edit)
A4__Love Is Here
A5__Je Suis Music (Edit)
B1__Give Me Love (Edit)
B2__Freak Connection (Edit)
B3__Music Of Life (Edit)
B4__2nd Chance (Feat. Tony Allen)
B5__The Impact (Edit)
C1__Love In C Minor (Edit)
C2__You Are The One (Edit)
C3__Midnight Lady (Edit)
C4__Hooked On You
D1__Therapy (Feat. James Hart)
D2__Rocket In The Pocket (Edit)
D3__Bodytalk
D4__Got To Have Loving (Edit)
D5__Club Underworld (Edit)
More
2 x 140 G Black Vinyl . 5mm Spine Printed Sleeve, 2 x White Inner Sleeve. Marketing frontsticker.
DESCRIPTION / SHORT BIOG:
Cerrone, the legendary French King of Disco, is celebrating 45 years of career . All Cerrone’s greatest hits from 1976 – “Love in C minor” to now – “The Impact” for the first time on Vinyl and as Edit Versions (single edit) : Double Vinyl , 19 songs.
TRACKLIST:
A1__Supernature (Edit)
A2__Cerrone's Paradise (Edit)
A3__Look For Love (Edit)
A4__Love Is Here
A5__Je Suis Music (Edit)
B1__Give Me Love (Edit)
B2__Freak Connection (Edit)
B3__Music Of Life (Edit)
B4__2nd Chance (Feat. Tony Allen)
B5__The Impact (Edit)
C1__Love In C Minor (Edit)
C2__You Are The One (Edit)
C3__Midnight Lady (Edit)
C4__Hooked On You
D1__Therapy (Feat. James Hart)
D2__Rocket In The Pocket (Edit)
D3__Bodytalk
D4__Got To Have Loving (Edit)
D5__Club Underworld (Edit)
More
1
Ryo Fukui - 01. Sonora
2
Ryo Fukui - 02. Stella by Starlight
3
Ryo Fukui - 03. Speak Low
4
Ryo Fukui - 04. Nobody Knows The Trouble I’ve Seen
5
Ryo Fukui - 05. Old Country
6
Ryo Fukui - 06. Soultrane
7
Ryo Fukui - 07. Chasin’ The Bird
8
Ryo Fukui - 08. Be My Love
-NO SALES TO JAPAN-
CD
Tracklisting CD
01. Sonora
02. Stella by Starlight
03. Speak Low
04. Nobody Knows The Trouble I’ve Seen
05. Old Country
06. Soultrane
07. Chasin’ The Bird
08. Be My Love
Info:
We Release Jazz is delighted to announce the official reissue of Ryo Fukui’s final album, the very personal contemporary jazz offering, A Letter from Slowboat, sourced from the original masters and available on limited edition 180 gram vinyl mastered at half speed for full audiophile sound, as well as on digipack CD.
Known for his miraculous albums Scenery (1976) and Mellow Dream (1977), legendary Hokkaido pianist Ryo Fukui, with the help of his wife Yasuko, opened his very own jazz club in Sapporo in 1995, Slowboat. This is where Ryo Fukui spent the latter half of his career, playing again and again, welcoming peers for unforgettable sessions, and perfecting the craft he lived for: jazz.
A Letter from Slowboat is a poetic, soulful, and honest love letter to Hokkaido, to Fukui’s jazz club, and to endless hours of practicing artistry in a place called home. Backed by longtime collaborators Takumi Awaya on bass, and Ittetsu Takemura on drums, Ryo Fukui flows through classics and originals with natural class, fluidity and absolute precision, expressing a smooth balance between skills and heart. Slowboat, full of breathtaking solos and exquisite moments of clarity, is another crucial piece in the career of one of the most fascinating jazzmen to ever grace the piano. It was released in 2016, sadly the year Ryo Fukui passed away, leaving behind a legacy of works that is sure to captivate jazz lovers for generations to come, and Slowboat, where the magic still happens to this day.
This is reissued in conjunction with Ryo Fukui’s Ryo Fukui in New York (1999), also available via We Release Jazz.
Points of interests
- For fans of jazz, soul jazz, modal, hard bop, piano, Japanese jazz, boats, Sapporo, Scenery, jazz clubs and very personal letters.
- Official reissue of the final album by legendary Hokkaido pianist Ryo Fukui.
- 8th release from We Release Jazz, following Ryo Fukui’s Scenery and Mellow Dream, the soundtrack of Le Cercle Rouge by Eric Demarsan, Stuff Combe 5 + Percussion, Marc Moulin’s Pla-cebo Live 1971 and Boillat Thérace Quintet albums. We Release Jazz is the sister-label of Geneva-based WRWTFWW Records (Midori Takada’s Through The Looking Glass and Lunar Cruise with Masahiko Sato, MKWAJU ensemble’s KI-Motion, Jun Fukamachi’s Nicole, Bruno Spoerri’s Voice of Taurus and The Sound of the UFOs, Piero Umiliani’s Tra Scienza e Fantascienza and Il Mondo Dei Romani…)
More
CD
Tracklisting CD
01. Sonora
02. Stella by Starlight
03. Speak Low
04. Nobody Knows The Trouble I’ve Seen
05. Old Country
06. Soultrane
07. Chasin’ The Bird
08. Be My Love
Info:
We Release Jazz is delighted to announce the official reissue of Ryo Fukui’s final album, the very personal contemporary jazz offering, A Letter from Slowboat, sourced from the original masters and available on limited edition 180 gram vinyl mastered at half speed for full audiophile sound, as well as on digipack CD.
Known for his miraculous albums Scenery (1976) and Mellow Dream (1977), legendary Hokkaido pianist Ryo Fukui, with the help of his wife Yasuko, opened his very own jazz club in Sapporo in 1995, Slowboat. This is where Ryo Fukui spent the latter half of his career, playing again and again, welcoming peers for unforgettable sessions, and perfecting the craft he lived for: jazz.
A Letter from Slowboat is a poetic, soulful, and honest love letter to Hokkaido, to Fukui’s jazz club, and to endless hours of practicing artistry in a place called home. Backed by longtime collaborators Takumi Awaya on bass, and Ittetsu Takemura on drums, Ryo Fukui flows through classics and originals with natural class, fluidity and absolute precision, expressing a smooth balance between skills and heart. Slowboat, full of breathtaking solos and exquisite moments of clarity, is another crucial piece in the career of one of the most fascinating jazzmen to ever grace the piano. It was released in 2016, sadly the year Ryo Fukui passed away, leaving behind a legacy of works that is sure to captivate jazz lovers for generations to come, and Slowboat, where the magic still happens to this day.
This is reissued in conjunction with Ryo Fukui’s Ryo Fukui in New York (1999), also available via We Release Jazz.
Points of interests
- For fans of jazz, soul jazz, modal, hard bop, piano, Japanese jazz, boats, Sapporo, Scenery, jazz clubs and very personal letters.
- Official reissue of the final album by legendary Hokkaido pianist Ryo Fukui.
- 8th release from We Release Jazz, following Ryo Fukui’s Scenery and Mellow Dream, the soundtrack of Le Cercle Rouge by Eric Demarsan, Stuff Combe 5 + Percussion, Marc Moulin’s Pla-cebo Live 1971 and Boillat Thérace Quintet albums. We Release Jazz is the sister-label of Geneva-based WRWTFWW Records (Midori Takada’s Through The Looking Glass and Lunar Cruise with Masahiko Sato, MKWAJU ensemble’s KI-Motion, Jun Fukamachi’s Nicole, Bruno Spoerri’s Voice of Taurus and The Sound of the UFOs, Piero Umiliani’s Tra Scienza e Fantascienza and Il Mondo Dei Romani…)
More
Nonexclusive Release - Exportrights Only! - very first vinyl - first time on vinyl - edition 15 years after its release.
2LP+CD edition with double heavyweight 180gr black vinyl in gatefold sleeve. Printed inner-sleeves.
CD included
Tracklist:
A1. My Gal / A2. Chains Of Love / A3. New Lover / A4. One Step
B1. Stone River / B2. The Problem / B3. Homeless
C1. Fancy Dancer / C2. Rio / C3. These Blues
D1. Motormouth / D2. Blues For Mama / D3. Another Song
CD features the same tracks in the same order.
Short info:
To celebrate the release of the new album ‘Stay Around’, JJ Cale’s ‘To Tulsa And Back’ gets its very
first vinyl edition 15 years after its release.
Double 180G heavyweight vinyl in gatefold sleeve with CD album included. More
2LP+CD edition with double heavyweight 180gr black vinyl in gatefold sleeve. Printed inner-sleeves.
CD included
Tracklist:
A1. My Gal / A2. Chains Of Love / A3. New Lover / A4. One Step
B1. Stone River / B2. The Problem / B3. Homeless
C1. Fancy Dancer / C2. Rio / C3. These Blues
D1. Motormouth / D2. Blues For Mama / D3. Another Song
CD features the same tracks in the same order.
Short info:
To celebrate the release of the new album ‘Stay Around’, JJ Cale’s ‘To Tulsa And Back’ gets its very
first vinyl edition 15 years after its release.
Double 180G heavyweight vinyl in gatefold sleeve with CD album included. More
Rights: World excluding FR, UK, US, Belgium & Netherlands
2 x 140 G Black Vinyl, 5mm spine printed Sleeve, 2 x Black Dust Inner Sleeve, 2 page 30cmx30cm printed insert, sticker
BIOG
“sweet, moreish and deliciously unpredictable” - The Guardian
“striking, playful electro pop with a sly sense of humor” - Pitchfork
“Delightfully (Deliberately) Absurd” - Vogue
“A deeply sardonic salvo that, in a better world, would annihilate mansplaining once and for all." - The New York Times on Thank You
Today sees Belgian-Caribbean provocateur Charlotte Adigéry and her long-term musical partner, Bolis Pupul announce their debut album Topical Dancer, due for release on March 4 2022 via Soulwax’s iconic label DEEWEE.
Cultural appropriation. Misogyny and racism. Social media vanity. Post-colonialism and political correctness. These are not talking points that you’d ordinarily hear on the dancefloor but Charlotte Adigéry and Bolis Pupul are ripping up the rulebook with their debut album Topical Dancer. The Ghent-based duo, who broke out with their 2019 Zandoli EP, are rare storytellers in electronic music: they take the temperature of the time and funnel them into their playful synth concoctions – never didactic and always with a knowing wink.
Their debut studio record – which cements them as a duo under both their names for the first time and is co-written and co-produced by Soulwax – is both a triumph of kaleidoscopic electro-pop and “a snapshot of how we think about pop culture in the 2020s.” It captures Charlotte and Bolis’s essence as musical collaborators and the conversations they’ve had over the past two years on tour, as well as their perspectives as Belgians with an immigrant background, Charlotte with Guadeloupean and French-Martinique ancestry and Bolis being of Chinese descent.
Beyond the album’s thematic heft, Topical Dancer reflects Charlotte and Bolis’s idiosyncratic sound: it’s thoughtful but it bangs. Their take on familiar genres is always off-kilter; songs sound undone or a little wonky; but these are nocturnal heaters to make the club throb. “We like to fuck things up a bit,” laughs Bolis. “We cringe when we feel like we're making something that already exists, so we're always looking for things to combine to make it sound not like a pop song, not like an R&B song, not a techno song. We’re always putting different worlds together. Charlotte and I get bored when things get too predictable.”
Topical Dancer is fizzing with ideas – there’s certainly no filler among its 13 tracks. But above all, perhaps, it has a restlessness, a desire not to be boxed in and to escape others’ narrow perceptions of who they are. It’s summarised by the refrain of their new single, ‘Blenda’: “Don’t sound like what I look like / Don’t look like what I sound like.” “One thing that always comes up,” says Bolis, “is that people perceive me as the producer, and Charlotte as just a singer. Or that being a Black artist means you should be making ‘urban’ music. Those kinds of boxes don’t feel good to us.”
‘Blenda’ in particular references how “I am a product of colonialism,” says Charlotte, “and I feel guilty for taking up space in a white country.” The song was inspired in part by Reni Eddo-Lodge’s book Why I’m Not Longer Talking To White People About Race. “It talks about the colonial past and post-colonial present in the UK,” Charlotte continues, “but that isn’t merely a British or American problem, Belgium is part of that as well.” She says that her home country is likewise “oblivious to a big part of its history” which “results in general ignorance and a lack of understanding and empathy towards Belgian inhabitants of immigrant descent.”
On Topical Dancer, it’s less about finger pointing or being dogmatic about all the things they speak about. It’s about emancipation through humour. “I don’t want to feel this heaviness on me,” says Charlotte. “These aren’t my crosses to bear. Topical Dancer is my way of freeing myself of these issues. And of having fun.”
TRACKLIST
LP
VINYLE 1
FACE A
1. BEL DEEWEE 2. ESPERANTO 3. BLENDA 4. HEY
FACE B
1. IT HIT ME 2. ICH MWEN (WITH CHRISTIANE ADIGERY 3. REAPPROPRIATE
VINYL 2
FACE C
1. CECI N’EST PAS UN CLICHE 2. HUILE SMISSE 3. MANTRA
FACE D
1. MAKING SENSE STOP 2. HAHA 3. THANK YOU
More
2 x 140 G Black Vinyl, 5mm spine printed Sleeve, 2 x Black Dust Inner Sleeve, 2 page 30cmx30cm printed insert, sticker
BIOG
“sweet, moreish and deliciously unpredictable” - The Guardian
“striking, playful electro pop with a sly sense of humor” - Pitchfork
“Delightfully (Deliberately) Absurd” - Vogue
“A deeply sardonic salvo that, in a better world, would annihilate mansplaining once and for all." - The New York Times on Thank You
Today sees Belgian-Caribbean provocateur Charlotte Adigéry and her long-term musical partner, Bolis Pupul announce their debut album Topical Dancer, due for release on March 4 2022 via Soulwax’s iconic label DEEWEE.
Cultural appropriation. Misogyny and racism. Social media vanity. Post-colonialism and political correctness. These are not talking points that you’d ordinarily hear on the dancefloor but Charlotte Adigéry and Bolis Pupul are ripping up the rulebook with their debut album Topical Dancer. The Ghent-based duo, who broke out with their 2019 Zandoli EP, are rare storytellers in electronic music: they take the temperature of the time and funnel them into their playful synth concoctions – never didactic and always with a knowing wink.
Their debut studio record – which cements them as a duo under both their names for the first time and is co-written and co-produced by Soulwax – is both a triumph of kaleidoscopic electro-pop and “a snapshot of how we think about pop culture in the 2020s.” It captures Charlotte and Bolis’s essence as musical collaborators and the conversations they’ve had over the past two years on tour, as well as their perspectives as Belgians with an immigrant background, Charlotte with Guadeloupean and French-Martinique ancestry and Bolis being of Chinese descent.
Beyond the album’s thematic heft, Topical Dancer reflects Charlotte and Bolis’s idiosyncratic sound: it’s thoughtful but it bangs. Their take on familiar genres is always off-kilter; songs sound undone or a little wonky; but these are nocturnal heaters to make the club throb. “We like to fuck things up a bit,” laughs Bolis. “We cringe when we feel like we're making something that already exists, so we're always looking for things to combine to make it sound not like a pop song, not like an R&B song, not a techno song. We’re always putting different worlds together. Charlotte and I get bored when things get too predictable.”
Topical Dancer is fizzing with ideas – there’s certainly no filler among its 13 tracks. But above all, perhaps, it has a restlessness, a desire not to be boxed in and to escape others’ narrow perceptions of who they are. It’s summarised by the refrain of their new single, ‘Blenda’: “Don’t sound like what I look like / Don’t look like what I sound like.” “One thing that always comes up,” says Bolis, “is that people perceive me as the producer, and Charlotte as just a singer. Or that being a Black artist means you should be making ‘urban’ music. Those kinds of boxes don’t feel good to us.”
‘Blenda’ in particular references how “I am a product of colonialism,” says Charlotte, “and I feel guilty for taking up space in a white country.” The song was inspired in part by Reni Eddo-Lodge’s book Why I’m Not Longer Talking To White People About Race. “It talks about the colonial past and post-colonial present in the UK,” Charlotte continues, “but that isn’t merely a British or American problem, Belgium is part of that as well.” She says that her home country is likewise “oblivious to a big part of its history” which “results in general ignorance and a lack of understanding and empathy towards Belgian inhabitants of immigrant descent.”
On Topical Dancer, it’s less about finger pointing or being dogmatic about all the things they speak about. It’s about emancipation through humour. “I don’t want to feel this heaviness on me,” says Charlotte. “These aren’t my crosses to bear. Topical Dancer is my way of freeing myself of these issues. And of having fun.”
TRACKLIST
LP
VINYLE 1
FACE A
1. BEL DEEWEE 2. ESPERANTO 3. BLENDA 4. HEY
FACE B
1. IT HIT ME 2. ICH MWEN (WITH CHRISTIANE ADIGERY 3. REAPPROPRIATE
VINYL 2
FACE C
1. CECI N’EST PAS UN CLICHE 2. HUILE SMISSE 3. MANTRA
FACE D
1. MAKING SENSE STOP 2. HAHA 3. THANK YOU
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