Pejzaz (aka Bartosz Kruczynski) returns with a captivating new collage album. Divided into two records LIST I (set out to be released end of september) & LIST II (scheduled for end of November), it delves into the realm of 90s/Y2K Eastern European CD releases. Employing hundreds of samples, Pejzaz sculpts a mesmerizing and distinctive body of work.

LIST I, bathed in sun-drenched chords, seamlessly blends pop-rock guitars, soulful drums, and dreamy, pastoral folk elements with minimal music and ambient textures, reminiscent of Baltic Beat (the Polish incarnation of Balearic Music).

Notably, this marks Pejza's first foray into a fully instrumental album. Although devoid of lyrics, the bittersweet blend of samples infuses the music with a profoundly Polish essence, further enhancing its distinctive allure.

Tracklist:

A1 List I
A2 Szepty
A3 Mikrokosmos
A4 Czwarty Wymiar
A5 Fata Morgana
A6 Cargo
A7 Directions

B1 Regu?y Gry
B2 Barwa I
B3 Barwa II
B4 Barwa III
B5 Barwa IV
B6 Barwa V



Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore

Attention! Side A of the record contains four laser-etched logos of The Very Polish Cut-Outs, which make it impossible to play track A1 that was originally part of the set. Attempting to play this track may damage the turntable needle. We also recommend using an antistatic brush to clean the remaining tracks for the best listening experience.

The Very Polish Cut outs are back with a new release, this time a solo outing by POLOTRONIC - who also happens to be a member of the infamous warsaw duo - Holiday80.
The EP entitled "Marzenia" (translated "Dreams") contains 3 tracks. 2 original productions and one remix. Its a very diverse affair aimed at the dancefloors. The title track "Marzenia" on A2 is a dreamy breakbeat house affair with lush bells and 90s inspired synths and female vocal snippets. It will for sure make you nostalgic. On the flip you will find the mesmerizing electro inspired remix for the track "Pami?tnik Manekina" by Grupa Jot, which was part of the 2022 released "Echo Wielkiej P?yty" compilation with obscure polish electronic music. This one was already available for some time in digital format only but now finally makes the jump to vinyl - as a long-time fan favourite. The EP ends with the jacking acid infused track "Jack" that is a deep mid-tempo heavy hitter for the later hours of the night. Polotronic adds here a male polish vocal sample that repeats the phrase "dyskoteka" ("disco"). The brilliant cover is as always, the work of the labels long time collaborator Bartosz Szymkiewicz.

Tracklist:

A2 Polotronic - Marzenia
B1 Grupa Jot - Pami?tnik Manekina (Polotronic Remix)
B2 Polotronic - Jack


Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore

Genre: Alternative Pop / Elektronika / New Wave /Italo

Born in Zary and currently based in Poznan, Julia Rover is a singer, songwriter, and DJ. She has been active on the music scene for several years. She has recorded several tracks, performed numerous concerts, and collaborated on productions with other artists. All this inevitably led to what has just happened-her debut EP.
"Co z Toba" ("What's happening with you?" ) is the first entirely new and original (no samples!;) release in the label's catalog, simultaneously inaugurating the series The Very Polish Originals.
This record tells a story on multiple levels. The lyrics reflect tales of relationships. Of emotions. Of questions. Of dilemmas. Of disappointments. Of hopes. Of cold breakups and passionate reunions. The musical layer is also a kind of storytelling, only expressed through different means. Each track musically corresponds with the lyrics, the singing style, and the interpretation.The music complements the lyrics, embedding them in a mood-appropriate "setting."
The EP opener "Co z Tob??" moves within the climate of coldwave basslines. After that comes "Sen" (Dream), veering into territories closer to '80s synth-pop. As it fades, we catch our "Oddech" (Breath) at a slower tempo reminiscent of italo or rather neo-italo styles. We remain 3-4 decades behind. However, this journey does not feel regressive. Instead, it's reinterpretative. Constantly immersed in the DNA of the label, which has been bringing the best of musical history to light for years. The fourth and final track on the record slows down almost into a dark, psychedelic, leftfield ballad, slowly floating towards the '90s. It carries.
And that's almost everything. But it's worth getting here. Because at the end, as a sort of postscript, the title track "Co z Tob??" reappears in a danceable version. So, as it began, so it ends. Just more acid-like.

Tracklist:

A1. Co z toba?
A2. Sen
A3. Nic

B1. Oddech
B2. Dub minionych dni
B3. Co z toba? (remix)



Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore

The Album “Prawda Cel Przeslanie” (which translates to “Truth Purpose Message”) by the polish duo Trials X, which officialy came out in the year 1995, was the first ever hip hop album that was released in Poland. 30 year after its recording The Very Polish Cut Outs are reissuing this obscure gem for the first time on vinyl (the original album was a cassette only release). It is often said that pioneers don’t have an easy life. Being a protoplast in a given field, you lay the foundation for the fruits that others will reap, often forgetting your achievements. This is not entirely the case with Trials X, as the band's contribution to the history of the Polish hip-hop scene is widely known and appreciated, but mainly only among raps biggest enthusiasts and diggers. This special 30th aniversary vinyl edition will hopefully introduce this pionieering album to a wider audience which will apprieciate its strong points but also shortcomings as it is a big piece of eatern european hip hop history.

Tracklist:

A1 Intro (natarcie przerwa marazm)
A2. Przestroga
A3. Miasto
A4. Co to znaczy
A5. Czuje sie lepiej
A6 Radio New
A7. Detroit 2XP
A8 DA P-Arty (mix)
A9. S.M.R.C
A10 Wild Percusion XL

B1 Muzyczny Narkotyk (goscinnie Oliwka i MC Bob)
B2 Jestem Wojownikiem
B3 Walkin’ Jazz
B4 Jaraja, Jaraja…
B5 Od Ciebie Zalezy
B6. Fekalia
B7 Outro (misja spelniona)
B8 Wild Percussion XXL



Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore

After 14 years Zambon is closing down the beloved Sampler Series with Vol.10. 7 tracks. 7 new producers. All killers no fillers.

Tracklist:

A1. Justyna S. - Oko Za oko (Benncart House Bootleg)
A2. Zenit - Dzisiaj Jutro
A3. Rodas - Za Czym?

B1. Ka-ya-h - Na Jezykach (Niko Deep House Wersja)
B2. Bem i bek - Powrotna Bossa Nova (TiTLEZ Edit)
B3. Boryn - Byles Ze Mna
B4. EXPO 2000 - Fantazja


Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore

Pejzaz (aka Bartosz Kruczynski) returns with a captivating new collage album. Divided into two records LIST I (set out to be released end of september) & LIST II (scheduled for end of November), it delves into the realm of 90s/Y2K Eastern European CD releases. Employing hundreds of samples, Pejzaz sculpts a mesmerizing and distinctive body of work.

LIST I, bathed in sun-drenched chords, seamlessly blends pop-rock guitars, soulful drums, and dreamy, pastoral folk elements with minimal music and ambient textures, reminiscent of Baltic Beat (the Polish incarnation of Balearic Music).

Notably, this marks Pejza's first foray into a fully instrumental album. Although devoid of lyrics, the bittersweet blend of samples infuses the music with a profoundly Polish essence, further enhancing its distinctive allure.

Tracklist:

A1 List I
A2 Szepty
A3 Mikrokosmos
A4 Czwarty Wymiar
A5 Fata Morgana
A6 Cargo
A7 Directions

B1 Regu?y Gry
B2 Barwa I
B3 Barwa II
B4 Barwa III
B5 Barwa IV
B6 Barwa V



Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore

Zambon from The Very Polish Cut-Outs have once again sought out forgotten and somewhat obscure artists whose music is in need of a revival. This time, they have chosen the duo MODFUNK, who were active in the Polish electronic music scene from 1999 to 2009. Piotr Jarecki and Martin Tigermann, two Varsovians who shared a love for the "french touch" genre that dominated dancefloors worldwide at the time, showcasing Daft Punk, Cassius, Stardust, and Bob Sinclar, were the brains behind the project.

The compilation comprises a subjective and cross-sectional selection of the ten best tracks from Modfunk's entire discography. While their music evolved over the years, they never abandoned their French-inspired sound, which is why the compilation includes tracks like "Souler" and "The Wav," which draw inspiration from Daft Punk. It also features "Love," a track sung in Polish that echoes Romanthony's work, as well as "Texmex" and "Wishes," two electropop tracks that could have been released on Ed Banger Records

Includes printed insert with the history of the group Modfunk


A1 Souler
A2 The Wav
A3 Funksalad
A4 Love
A5 Juice
B1 Wishes
B2 Possibiity For Significant Other
B3 Tex Mex
B4 Through The Sound
B5 Just…



Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore

Approximately 3 years after the release of their debut album, ETNOBOTANIKA are back. Lesne Duchy is yet another joint release from the Silesian duo, coming out on the collaborative efforts of Superkasety Records and The Very Polish Cut Outs. These are still the sounds of a dusty old cassette, however this time the digging didn't take place in the allotment gardens, but rather somewhere in the woods, within a thick layer of moss. Hauntology and nostalgia still play important roles yet they are no longer in the foreground. Certain associations with primordial magic, wild backwoods and unspeakable mysteries come to the fore. The ambience encapsulated in these tropes is the key to understanding this album. One can, of course, mention that sonically the producers are once again flirting with dubtechno, ambient and sampled collages, but all these genre clichés are only tools resulting from the individual inspirations and experiences of Alergeek and Uwdar (i.e. the two halves of ETNOBOTANIKA), and are meant to build the right mood, not to put Le?ne Duchy into the tight framework of, say, club music or trip-hop. If this album is to be pinned down to anything, it is probably library music.
The 80 minutes of music spanning two vinyl records and a chunk of cassette tape make for quite a long record, ETNOBOTANIKA however make sure there is absolutely no dullness, precisely thanks to the variety of moods. At times it leads us playfully out into the woods, other times it haunts us a little, but eventually all ends well, and we don't even get the chance to realise that we've been wandering around the green backwoods for over an hour... and we want to go back there again and again.

Second album by ETNOBOTANIKA
2LP - 80 Minutes of Music


A1 Najstarsze Drzewo Swiata
A2 Wil
A3 Na Polanie
A4 Knieje
A5 Czarownice
B1 Bagna
B2 Swietliki
B3 Deszcz Deszcz
B4 Tajemnice
B5 Beboki
C1 Sladami Wilka
C2 Nowa Sciezka
C3 Spiew Znad Rzeki
C4 Chocholy
D1 Planeta Las
D2 Wszystkie Swity
D3 Lesny Ambient
D4 Piochy



Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore

non-exclusive
2LP R&S and Apollo Records present an official vinyl repress of this most classicand timeless album The vinyl uses the 2013 re-masters made from original DAT tapes cut by Matt Colton and presented in original artwork.

All time favourite Aphex Twin Album. Nice and accesible experimental techno. Originally released in 1992. What else could be said here, we finally are stocking copies on arguably the most important and influential electronic album of album time, Aphex Twin's Selected Ambient Works 85–92. You will always need this!!!

Tracks: A1 Xtal
A2 Tha
A3 Pulsewidth
B1 Ageispolis
B2 i
B3 Green Calx
B4 Heliosphan
C1 We Are The Music Makers
C2 Schottkey 7th Path
C3 Ptolemy
D1 Hedphelym
D2 Delphium
D3 Actium



Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore

The Standard Edition - Territory - NO Sales to Japan
Ryo Fukui's 1976 highly sought-after jazz masterpiece SCENERY-
LP Edition: Mastered at half speed, 140g vinyl, Sticker

We Release Jazz (WRWTFWW Records' new sister-label) is proud to present its first release, the official reissue of Ryo Fukui's highly sought-after masterpiece Scenery (1976), sourced from the original masters and available on limited edition 180g vinyl mastered at half speed for audiophile sound and on digipack CD.

Unquestionably one of the most important Japanese jazz albums ever recorded, Scenery reveals Ryo Fukui as a miraculously brilliant self-taught pianist fusing modal, bop, and cool jazz influences for a very personal, dexterous and game-changing take on classic standards made famous by Bing Crosby and John Coltrane among others. From "It Could Happen To You" and its serene and calm intro which magically flows into a jubilant and upbeat piece, to the out-of-this-world piano solo of "Early Summer", or the incredible teamwork of "Autumn Leaves" where Fukui leads Satoshi Denpo (bass) and Yoshinori Fukui (drums) into groove heaven, every single note on the album oozes precision, confidence and flair and every single section slides seamlessly into one another, creating a supreme and elegant blend of jazz. Often compared to McCoy Tyner or Bill Evans, Ryo Fukui was a genius in his own right, a true master of his craft whose perfectionism gave birth to some of the greatest music ever recorded. Scenery is his magnum opus and an absolute must-have.

The Hokkaido wizard-pianist followed Scenery with the soulful gem Mellow Dream (also available on We Release Jazz) in 1977. He then focused on improving his live skills, often performing at Sapporo's Slowboat Jazz Club (which he co-founded with his wife Yasuko Fukui) and releasing 2 live albums. Ryo Fukui sadly passed away in March 2016, leaving behind a legacy of works that is sure to captivate jazz lovers for generations to come.


Tracklisting Vinyl LP
A1 It Could Happen To You
A2 I Want To Talk About You
A3 Early Summer
B1 Willow Weep For Me
B2 Autumn Leaves
B3 Scenery


Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore

Territories: Worldwide no restrictions

Format Notes:
2024 first time double vinyl reissue with exclusive bonus track, 140g double vinyl, remastered audio with restored artwork


Track List:

A1 Intro 0:50
A2 WordPlay 3:17
A3 Spontaneity 4:08
A4 Rugged Ruff 3:08
A5 Interlude 0:29

B1 I Confess 4:06
B2 UKNOWHOWWEDU 3:35
B3 Interlude 1:09
B4 Total Wreck 3:26
B5 Innovation 3:23

C1 Da Jawn 5:19
C2 Interlude 1:05
C3 True Honey Buns (Dat Freak Sh*t) 3:41

D1 3 Tha Hard Way 4:12
D2 Biggest Part Of Me 4:51
D3 Path To Rhythm 3:24

Release Notes:

Bahamadia’s 1996 debut album Kollage is rightly regarded as one of the greatest rap albums of the 1990s. For the first time ever, Be With present the definitive double LP version of this eternal hip-hop classic, including the legendary "Path To Rhythm" which never appeared on the original LP or on vinyl, anywhere. An indelible VIBE from start-to-finish, Kollage presents Bahamadia's swirling rhymes delivered with an irresistibly butter flow and razor-sharp assuredness over a steady slew of smoothed-out, jazzed-up, blunted beats. Achingly cool and effortlessly funky throughout, it's an absolute must for true 90s hip-hop fanatics.

The entire Kollage project was recorded at D&D Studios and the ties to Gang Starr are keenly felt, with DJ Premier producing five tracks in addition to the killer songs Guru had already produced with her. Working with the cream of the mid-90s East Coast sound, Kollage is, accordingly, a record that demonstrates a varied musical taste with disparate influences, as Bahamadia has previously stated: “The title Kollage was a reflection of my state of mind. I first got interested in music from playing my parents’ and grandparents’ records, as well what I heard on the radio. I wanted Kollage to reflect that diversity both lyrically and sonically."

With intelligent, poetic lyricism and a laconic verbal style bursting with both warm texture and deceptive energy, Bahamadia’s flow was as inspired by Aretha and Nancy Wilson as it was Q-Tip, Schoolly D and Lady B. Swaggering out the gate, "WordPlay" finds Bahamadia confidently showcasing her considerable old-school battle-rhyme skills over a Guru beat that utilises an infectiously bouncy bassline with splashes of sultry jazz horns and a Jeru vocal snatch for the hook. Up next, the quietly shimmering and ruggedly beautiful "Spontaneity" is one of the most alluring on the record, Da Beatminerz crafting a brilliantly soulful and jazzy soundscape for Bahamadia's effortless vocals to float across. It's followed by "Rugged Ruff", where the rapper carefully constructs a swift off-beat flow over Premier's raw jazzy fire.

With smooth spacey synth vibes overseen by former Geto Boys producer N.O. Joe, "I Confess" is, without question, a fly love song and soothing (p)-funk groove. "UKNOWHOWWEDU" is an airy, chilled tribute to her hometown. Produced by Ski Beatz & DJ Redhanded, it rides a gloriously mellow break. It's a true Philly anthem, shouting out a who’s who of the entire city’s scene. Early banger "Total Wreck" follows, presenting a murky Guru instrumental elevated by jazzy horns. Bahamadia invokes the title's suggestion, firing her brilliant bars more aggressively than we’re accustomed to. More Beatminerz-brilliance comes in the way of "Innovation", an opportunity for the MC to invoke Freestyle Fellowship in her forward-thinking and literary verses. "Da Jawn" features hometown buddies The Roots, with Black Thought gliding into a back-and-forth with Bahamadia over ?uestlove’s warm, snapping percussion. With the strut club banger "True Honey Buns (Dat Freak Sh*t)", DJ Premier provides some laidback vibrant boom bap for Bahamadia to share a wild, cautionary tale about a night out with her girl, Kia.

Fan favourite "3 Tha Hard Way" is a hypnotically sinister cut, with Bahamadia, K-Swift and Mecca Star taking star turns to coast over DJ Premier’s raw beat whilst the tender "Biggest Part Of Me" is a heartfelt stunner dedicated to her son. Incredibly, only the European and Japanese CD versions of Kollage was released with the brilliantly breezy “Path To Rhythm”, featuring Ursula Rucker. Whilst ostensibly a "bonus track", it's anything but, to our ears. Very much in sonic conversation with KRS-One's stretched-out sleeper classic "Higher Level", it's absolutely essential so we had to include it, appearing on wax for the first time here, exclusively. Quite a coup.

Somewhat predictably, whilst Kollage was released to significant critical acclaim, it suffered from disappointing sales. In the intervening years - and for far too long - it was a criminally underrated record, an increasingly hidden gem. We hope this double LP reissue - which looks and sounds amazing - will go some way to correct this. This 2024 Be With double LP re-issue has been mastered for vinyl by Simon Francis, cut by Cicely Balston and pressed at Record Industry. It's too bold and beautiful to remain overlooked and underserved.


Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore

Territories: WORLD minus UK and US


2023 Repress

FORMAT 12", dl card

TRACKLIST
A1 The Tresor Track 06:24
B1 Basement Trax 05:36
B2 The Upstairs Lounge 06:01


Release Info:
Following the club and label’s 20th anniversary back in 2011, Tresor memorialised its two decades of existence with an exclusive
mix from one of its esteemed Detroit connections, Mike Huckaby. On that mix, Mike Huckaby included an exclusive production of
his, the first one to be released on Tresor Records.
Today, Tresor is proud to announce the repress of the ‘The Tresor Track’ on wax, making up for a massive A-side cut at 45 RPM.
This title is on its way to stand along with the label’s most important classics, a genuine anthem for the Berlin techno institute.
On the flip, Mike Huckaby goes for a stroll through the Tresor building, heading downstairs, exploring the room’s darker and more
twisted corners with ‘Basement Trax’, going back towards ‘The Upstairs Lounge’ and surprising his audience with some original
rhythmic patterns. The Tresor EP is a statement, a seal manifesting for a fruitful and long-lasting collaboration between Mike
Huckaby and Tresor.
"I try to create a vibe, feeling or idea that could create a vicarious expression. Often, this is derived from many of my personal
clubbing experiences. I have a permanent snapshot in my mind from the vibe I remember at the Music Institute in Detroit, or the
Shelter in NYC. So I vibe o of that quite often. In terms of house, it's usually based around strong chord progressions, and very
colorful and expressive sounds. For techno, it can be a mixture of both, or purely abrasive and dance floor driven.
Music is reciprocal. I have coined or phrased a term called "the reciprocal relationship" in music. The reciprocal relationship in
music demonstrates that tones excite chords, and chords excite tones. Here's an example to further elaborate on that: A chord
can invoke a specific feeling within the listener. But the strength or degree in which a feeling is invoked within the listener has a
lot to do with the notes or chord progression that is played upon a specific tone or patch.” Mike Huckaby, 2010.
In loving memory of one of the greatest.

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore

2x12"LP GATEFOLD DELUXE, Part 2 of 2 - RBFRONTLP2 (CLASSIC HOUSE)

History Revealing Reissue/ Compilation project centering around the legendary FRONT Club in Hamburg Germany that existed from the 80´s - late 90´s -
a leading club in terms of music selection, mixing technique, rave culture - in a very important period of time.

Eponymous Resident DJ´s Klaus Stockhausen and the later on globally known Boris Dlugosch
take a close look back at that Time, guide you through the history, the early beginnings and absolute key moments on (House Music) Club Culture.
Part 2 includes 9 legendary Tracks from the 90´s CLASSIC HOUSE direction that mark the masterclass sound of that Era and could be an essential start or - end - point to any great collection. Especially together with Part 1 being the more 80´s roundup.


2LP Tracklist (Unmixed)

E1. KC Flightt - Let's Get Jazzy (Dope Dub Mix)
E2. Toyin Agbetu presents Nemesis - After The Storm (Boris DlugoschEdit)
E3. Dee Dee Brave - Can't Get Over It
F1. Mark Imperial - J' Adore Danser (Club Mix)
F2. The 28th St. Crew - I Need A Rhythm (Vocal Club Mix)
G1. CT Satin - I Found A Friend (Underworld Version)
G2. Ralphi Rosario - An Instrumental Need (Club Need)
H1. D.O.G. - The Key (Lunar Dub)
H2. Fila Brazillia - Mermaids


Shortinfo:
Hamburg’s Front club was already the stuff of legend, when it was still open. When I was teenager on the outskirts of Frankfurt in the very early nineties - and before the name Klaus Stockhausen rang a bell - Boris Dlugosch was not only at the helm of said club, but also one of Germany’s finest purveyors of house music. Front was his home as well as the playground for a colourful bunch of club kids from all walks of life. Its roots went back to the eighties as a gay club and it branched out to anyone who couldn’t „even dance straight “.
The rumours about this club were strong enough to get people like Playhouse’s Ata on a road trip and have youngsters like me fantasizing about it. The musical menu during that time was the monster house sound from the US and the UK that rotated deepness with hysteric glamour.
Of course, Front’s sound was finely nuanced. Boris Dlugosch learned his craft from Klaus Stockhausen, who stopped his DJ career in 1992 (because - as he told me in an interview about ten years later - „every Bratwurst wanted to be a DJ all of a sudden“) to pursue a career as fashion editor and stylist. Stockhausen’s thing as a resident (which actually meant to play at ONE club EVERY week during that time), was a mixture between electro, US-American R&B, British street soul, new wave and the emerging house sound. If you manage to dig up old recordings on the internet (a musical diet I lived on for a few years), there are striking similarities to the way classic US-American DJ would play, while adding a fierce uniqueness that won’t let it pale in comparison. On the contrary, the sound of Front is one of the most interesting, you will ever lend your ears, too.
So, why a Front mix and compilation 21 years after the club closed its doors? On the one hand, because it’s story hasn’t been told yet and it’s worth telling. On the other one, German clubs like Robert Johnson or Berghain - as divergent as they might are - both resemblance Front’s spirit, diversity and musical open mindedness. And finally, because dancing is still fun.
Even, if putting a compilation like together this took over one year in the making, is peppered with licensing horrors and other obstacles to dreadful to share them here, we are happy to have it done. Spread over a double-CD and two compilation LPs that are mainly chronological, Klaus Stockhausen and Boris Dlugosch picked and mixed some of the club’s most cherished records and sweetest moments. This is the sound of Front. And even, if I was never able to move my feet on its dance floor, I for one would be a very different DJ without it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Gerd Janson












Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore

Format Notes:

Part of Be With x Tommy Guerrero Reissue Campaign, 2024 first time vinyl reissue, 140g vinyl

Track List:

A1 And The Folklore Continues
A2 La Califas Perdido
A3 I Would Go With You
A4 No Time For Time
A5 Calling For Ya!
A6 Bloodinthemud
A7 Zapata's Boots
A8 Mosaic Man

B1 What Have I Been Doing Since I Was Gone?
B2 Paper Switchblade
B3 Never Forget To Remember
B4 Run With The Hunted
B5 New Terrain
B6 40 Summers
B7 The Simple Man

Release Notes:

Yes! Tommy Guerrero’s revered Return Of The Bastard gets its first ever vinyl reissue. Endearingly simple but beautifully beguiling, it's lo-fi dusty break business with the most elegant guitars this side of Vini Reilly and Gabor Szabo. Tommy's breezy drum-machine guitar-soul should be prescribed to soothe an aching world. By rights, he should also be a Balearic god. Here's 14 tracks of drop-dead laconic beauty, all of them combining to create this unheralded masterpiece. Working with Tommy directly, the LP has been fully remastered and sounds as dazzlingly, heartbreakingly beautiful as it did back in 2007.

Coolly opening the album, "And The Folklore Continues" can be said to be both a titular and actual nod to his past work. As ever, there's heavenly Latin guitar stylings that make you swoon and the melancholic vibe is accentuated by the addition of some melodic wordless vocals from Tommy. Just divine. The sparkling "La Califas Perdido" follows, all dreamy melodic guitars and twinkling vibes over dusty drums and a fine bassline. The shuffling, conga-assisted "I Would Go With You" is a gentle, romantic gem whilst the brief but beautiful "No Time For Time" feels in a hurry to let us know that Tommy can work with more propulsive rhythms. In this case, they underpin Tommy's gorgeous, shimmering guitars wonderfully well.

The head-nod funk of "Calling For Ya!" (get it?) features Curumin delivering the clever title as a hypnotic vocal refrain peppered throughout, all hung around some buried spoken word vocals and gorgeous cello work from Lenny Gonzalez. "Bloodinthemud" is a low-down gritty funk workout whilst "Zapata's Boots" is a total low-key groover, all Latin percussion and Morricone muscle aided by a whistled Spaghetti Western melody. The startling instrumental "Mosaic Man" closes out the side with a lean slice of mellifluous, virtuoso guitar bliss.

The reflective "What Have I Been Doing Since I Was Gone?" opens the B-side in glorious fashion, the type of melancholic melodic head music that should soundtrack a bright walk on a cold winter's day. The hypnotic groover "Paper Switchblade" is a razor-sharp fuzz-funk whilst the beautifully downbeat "Never Forget To Remember" is a kaleidoscopic kalimba-koolout. Galloping cop-funk breaks workout "Run With The Hunted" is a rollicking ride and it's followed by the fresh chiming guitar funk of "New Terrain".

The upbeat and bright "40 Summers", featuring congas from Alfredo Ortiz, is as clean and poppy as Tommy gets and it really is a look he wears incredibly well. Just straight up guitar pop. "The Simple Man" a gorgeous, melancholic ballad, closes out the record with deeply yearning vocals from Tommy, a rarity and a treasured one at that.

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. The original and iconic sleeve, designed by Natas Kaupas, has been restored here at Be With HQ as the finishing touch to this long overdue re-issue.

Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: gpsr@wordandsound.netMore