1
Hiss Is Bliss - Abbadia
2
Hiss Is Bliss - Nope Ft. Ras Lys
ZamZam 95 is a link with the enigmatic French producer Hiss Is Bliss. We’ve been fans since the very first drop on their 777Hz label and these two sides drive straight to the heart of the dub techno galaxy.
Little is known about Hiss Is Bliss beyond the fact that they hail from France, are steeped in esotericism, and create tunes as masterfully grounded in roots reggae as they are in techno and related strands of electronic music. Their releases are utterly free of hype, beautifully crafted 10” vinyl plates that let the singers and tracks speak for themselves.
At the risk of being cheeky, “Nope” is absolute dub techno bliss. The 808 kick propels the track relentlessly forward, saturated washes of color streak the night sky, while syncopated hi hats and warm, soulful chords bring life- dare we say funk- to a style too often stiff and clinical, too in thrall to the past to truly step forward. Matching Hiss is Bliss in mystery, Ras Lys’ vocal brings a Dread perspective on music and the sometimes shady business of music, a grounded contrast to the deep inner space explored by the tune itself. The B-side version “Abbadia” splits musical atoms through the desk, focusing squarely on the stripped 4/4 elements and gloriously distorted pads that echo and cycle like tides in a darkly shimmering sea.
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Little is known about Hiss Is Bliss beyond the fact that they hail from France, are steeped in esotericism, and create tunes as masterfully grounded in roots reggae as they are in techno and related strands of electronic music. Their releases are utterly free of hype, beautifully crafted 10” vinyl plates that let the singers and tracks speak for themselves.
At the risk of being cheeky, “Nope” is absolute dub techno bliss. The 808 kick propels the track relentlessly forward, saturated washes of color streak the night sky, while syncopated hi hats and warm, soulful chords bring life- dare we say funk- to a style too often stiff and clinical, too in thrall to the past to truly step forward. Matching Hiss is Bliss in mystery, Ras Lys’ vocal brings a Dread perspective on music and the sometimes shady business of music, a grounded contrast to the deep inner space explored by the tune itself. The B-side version “Abbadia” splits musical atoms through the desk, focusing squarely on the stripped 4/4 elements and gloriously distorted pads that echo and cycle like tides in a darkly shimmering sea.
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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More records from Hiss Is Bliss
1
Hiss is Bliss feat. Kojo Neatness - Rub a Dub Soldier
2
Hiss is Bliss - Rub a Sub
Tracklisting
A1 Hiss is Bliss feat. Kojo Neatness - Rub a Dub Soldier
B1 Hiss is Bliss - Rub a Sub
Sales Note
For the 004 release we teamed up with roots singer 'Kojo Neatness' delivering that true Kingston reggae vibe. Vocals wererecorded in the mythical 'Caveman Studio' in Jamaica with the help of the great late Nazamba.
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Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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A1 Hiss is Bliss feat. Kojo Neatness - Rub a Dub Soldier
B1 Hiss is Bliss - Rub a Sub
Sales Note
For the 004 release we teamed up with roots singer 'Kojo Neatness' delivering that true Kingston reggae vibe. Vocals wererecorded in the mythical 'Caveman Studio' in Jamaica with the help of the great late Nazamba.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
1
Hiss is Bliss feat. Linval Thompson - Free Jah People
2
Hiss is Bliss - Dub Free
Tracklisting
A1 Hiss is Bliss feat. Linval Thompson - Free Jah People
B1 Hiss is Bliss - Dub Free
Sales Note
For the second release on 777Hz, Hiss Is Bliss teams up with the legendary singer Linval Thompson who delivers an amazing vocal cut with his unique voice. Recorded in the heart of Kingston Jamaica at Caveman Studios the A side track takes it back to the roots ! While on the B side the Dub version will send you straight back to Detroit.
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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A1 Hiss is Bliss feat. Linval Thompson - Free Jah People
B1 Hiss is Bliss - Dub Free
Sales Note
For the second release on 777Hz, Hiss Is Bliss teams up with the legendary singer Linval Thompson who delivers an amazing vocal cut with his unique voice. Recorded in the heart of Kingston Jamaica at Caveman Studios the A side track takes it back to the roots ! While on the B side the Dub version will send you straight back to Detroit.
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DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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More records from ZamZam Sounds
1
Alpha & Omega Ft. Nai-Jah - The Jungle Trembles
2
Alpha & Omega Ft. Nai-Jah - The Dublate Trembles
UK Dub pioneers Alpha & Omega finally return to ZamZam with “The Jungle Trembles,” an absolute anthem of a tune, a heartical call to action voiced by Steppas Records’ stalwart Nai-Jah. “Money-making has filled our minds with disease / you keep on raping, yet some still can’t find food to eat.” The lyrics demand empathy and overstanding atop a heaving bassline, magisterial melodica, sparkling keys and synths and jungle sounds that transport us to the very heart of the struggle. “The Dubplate Trembles” extends the vibes in classic A&O fashion, reminding us once again of why the duo have such a storied place in the history of this music we love.
Inspired in large part by the immortal Jah Shaka, A&O were amongst the very first artists to make dub music outside of Jamaica, key in the soundsystem culture and bass music expansion from JA via the UK to the world. Formed in the 1980’s and with over 30 studio albums to their name, we couldn’t be more proud to work with them once again. Nai-Jah graced the ZamZam stage at Outlook festival alongside Dub Dynasty back in 2017, so finally having him on a release completes another circle. An instant classic, “The Jungle Trembles” is a call to hear and heed the cry of the planetary systems and indigenous wisdom that sustain us before it’s too late.
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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Inspired in large part by the immortal Jah Shaka, A&O were amongst the very first artists to make dub music outside of Jamaica, key in the soundsystem culture and bass music expansion from JA via the UK to the world. Formed in the 1980’s and with over 30 studio albums to their name, we couldn’t be more proud to work with them once again. Nai-Jah graced the ZamZam stage at Outlook festival alongside Dub Dynasty back in 2017, so finally having him on a release completes another circle. An instant classic, “The Jungle Trembles” is a call to hear and heed the cry of the planetary systems and indigenous wisdom that sustain us before it’s too late.
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
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DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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1
V.I.V.E.K - Illusions Dub
2
V.I.V.E.K - Illusions Raw Dub
Few names shine as brightly in the cosmology of dubwise bass music as that of V.I.V.E.K. From releasing absolutely ground-breaking tracks for the better part of 20 years primarily on his own System and VIVEK imprints, to curating and hosting his legendary System nights, to bringing so much rising talent to light, it’s honestly difficult to imagine the last two decades of UK and global sound system music without him.
For ZamZam 96 V.I.V.E.K went straight to the bedrock of sound system music and delivered a power-stepper of galactic proportions.
“Illusions Dub” opens with starkly heavy valve bass and a punishing kick, leaving little doubt where this journey is headed . Richly adorned with neck-snapping percussion, industrial snares, post-punk atmospherics and a gorgeous melodic figure, the tune employs classic 90s digi-dub principles while feeling like a message from a gloriously human -or post-human- future.
“Illusions (Raw Dub)” runs rugged through the desk in fine style, with barely restrained feedback, phasers, and deep space echo and reverb ripping open shimmering holes in space-time for a truly cosmic Part 2.
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
For ZamZam 96 V.I.V.E.K went straight to the bedrock of sound system music and delivered a power-stepper of galactic proportions.
“Illusions Dub” opens with starkly heavy valve bass and a punishing kick, leaving little doubt where this journey is headed . Richly adorned with neck-snapping percussion, industrial snares, post-punk atmospherics and a gorgeous melodic figure, the tune employs classic 90s digi-dub principles while feeling like a message from a gloriously human -or post-human- future.
“Illusions (Raw Dub)” runs rugged through the desk in fine style, with barely restrained feedback, phasers, and deep space echo and reverb ripping open shimmering holes in space-time for a truly cosmic Part 2.
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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1
Traces - No One (Can Tell I)
2
Traces - Listen
ZamZam 94 is a long-awaited plate from South London duo Traces, fresh from a pair of releases last year on Innamind. Laser-focused on a stripped-down, essentialist strain of UK bass music, Traces’ ZamZam outing showcases two distinct facets of their approach.
“No One (Can Tell I)” is a perfect slice of eyes-down spiritual dubstep for the ages, a sound we always crave here at ZamZam. Waterhouse-flavored rusted metal hi-hats, reverb thick like smoke, expertly-crafted bassweight, subtly ricocheting percussion, perfectly minimal stabs, and a sampled spirit of Jamaica Past… Utterly timeless, “No One” is a masterclass in restraint and depth over flash and slickness.
Equally direct and unfussy, “Listen” flips the vibe utterly, running off a winking slice of badman soundtape, shakers and siren, earworming midrange melody, and a mirror-image bassline with more swagger per bar than anyone in a 140 session will be able to resist. Battle-tested on dubplate & ready for early, late, or anywhere in between, “Listen” is a guaranteed sheller
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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“No One (Can Tell I)” is a perfect slice of eyes-down spiritual dubstep for the ages, a sound we always crave here at ZamZam. Waterhouse-flavored rusted metal hi-hats, reverb thick like smoke, expertly-crafted bassweight, subtly ricocheting percussion, perfectly minimal stabs, and a sampled spirit of Jamaica Past… Utterly timeless, “No One” is a masterclass in restraint and depth over flash and slickness.
Equally direct and unfussy, “Listen” flips the vibe utterly, running off a winking slice of badman soundtape, shakers and siren, earworming midrange melody, and a mirror-image bassline with more swagger per bar than anyone in a 140 session will be able to resist. Battle-tested on dubplate & ready for early, late, or anywhere in between, “Listen” is a guaranteed sheller
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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1
Elijah Minnelli - Gradually
2
Elijah Minnelli - Gradually (Verzion)
For the past few years we’ve been mesmerized by Elijah Minnelli’s output on his own Breadminster County Council label… a handful of hand-crafted 7”s that live at the foggy intersection of dub, outsider folk, and various strands of Eastern European and South/Central American musics. It now seems inevitable that he would join the ZamZam family.
Firmly rooted in dub through its mammoth bassline, ‘Gradually’ is a shaggy, unhurried tune framed by melancholy, almost grieving squeezebox and gorgeous ensemble percussion that reverently recalls early cumbias. The tune is unique for Elijah in that it features fully-sung vocals. Themes of loss, despair, tragedy and coping circle and loop, ironically held in a musical matrix that spirals in deliberate repetion.
In ‘Gradually Verzion’ the introduction of a minimal melody and long echo trails signal a dramatic shift, going full dubwise steppers without compromising its warm center. Elijah holds back the wheezy melodics, deftly forwarding the percussion in time-honored echo chamber mode.
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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Firmly rooted in dub through its mammoth bassline, ‘Gradually’ is a shaggy, unhurried tune framed by melancholy, almost grieving squeezebox and gorgeous ensemble percussion that reverently recalls early cumbias. The tune is unique for Elijah in that it features fully-sung vocals. Themes of loss, despair, tragedy and coping circle and loop, ironically held in a musical matrix that spirals in deliberate repetion.
In ‘Gradually Verzion’ the introduction of a minimal melody and long echo trails signal a dramatic shift, going full dubwise steppers without compromising its warm center. Elijah holds back the wheezy melodics, deftly forwarding the percussion in time-honored echo chamber mode.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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1
Blind Prophet / Ishan Sound - The Labyrinth
2
Blind Prophet / Ishan Sound - Minotaur Dub
Blind Prophet & Ishan Sound come together for their first pan-atlantic collaboration here in what is a fine return to the ZamZam label. The pair first met in Portland in 2019 and so it's good to finally have some sounds to get stuck into from their meeting of minds. 'The Labyrinth' kicks off with hefty and stepping drum rhythms that are overlaid by bright synth lines and mystic flutes. The interloping melodies and a menacing bassline finish it in style. On the flip, things get much more dark with 'Minotaur Dub' which is a shadowy world of refracting drums and oodles of reverb and echo. There is a predatory sense to the rhythm that never lets up as fizzing bass pries every deep into the dead of night.
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Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
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Germany
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1
Om Unit - The Canopy (Armageddon Style)
2
Om Unit - Mystic 808
It’s always a joy to release music from friends, and ZamZam 91 is our first collab with a dear one, Jim Coles AKA Om Unit. It’s impossible to frame the breadth and depth of such a storied career in bass music in just a couple lines- so suffice to say that releases over decades on a who’s-who of seminal labels including Exit, Fabric, Planet Mu and of course his own Cosmic Bridge have cemented his rep as an absolute force in production and DJing across any number of genres and sub genres.
Coles’ roots in Bristol and deep love of dub and reggae - made beautifully explicit on his recent Acid Dub Studies LPs - come through strong on both sides. “The Canopy (Armageddon Style)” opens with ravey, arpeggiated synths worthy of Vangelis, punctuated by a brooding piano chord, building steadily into a dark and utterly apocalyptic steppers guaranteed to storm & batter down Babylon walls inside and out.
“Mystic 808” is a deep meditation, a slow stepper that ices down the furious energy of the A side and drops the tempo to suit. Recalling the heady days of original late 90s/early 2000s UK Dub - as well as early dub techno - stabs and melody caress, restrained percussion swims and multiplies in reverb and echo, orbits locked to the gravitational force of the massive and truly timeless bassline. Proper sound system material that will satisfy the heart and soul long after the dance is done.
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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Coles’ roots in Bristol and deep love of dub and reggae - made beautifully explicit on his recent Acid Dub Studies LPs - come through strong on both sides. “The Canopy (Armageddon Style)” opens with ravey, arpeggiated synths worthy of Vangelis, punctuated by a brooding piano chord, building steadily into a dark and utterly apocalyptic steppers guaranteed to storm & batter down Babylon walls inside and out.
“Mystic 808” is a deep meditation, a slow stepper that ices down the furious energy of the A side and drops the tempo to suit. Recalling the heady days of original late 90s/early 2000s UK Dub - as well as early dub techno - stabs and melody caress, restrained percussion swims and multiplies in reverb and echo, orbits locked to the gravitational force of the massive and truly timeless bassline. Proper sound system material that will satisfy the heart and soul long after the dance is done.
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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1
Mystica Tribe - Ido
2
Mystica Tribe - Ido (Renren Version)
Taka Noda AKA Mystica Tribe has been releasing deep music on vinyl since 2011 on labels including SD Records, Solar Phenomena, Silent Season, and his own Mystica Tribe Records. Working in the dub/techno continuum, he is one of only a handful of artists who creates brilliant tunes at both ends of the spectrum, from heavy, psychedelic warehouse techno to beautifully orthodox reggae-infused dubwise. For his first ZamZam, he leans hard into the latter.
Noda describes his approach to these tunes as a “virtual live band,” and while “the only real live instrument is the melodica, I wanted to capture the energy of a live band with this song.”
A master of both melody and rhythm, Noda does exactly that with “Ido” (which means a well for water). The mood hits immediately with a loose & confident groove built from impossibly-live sounding drum work, a perfect orthodox bassline, and achingly beautiful interplay between piano, clav, and melodica. Somehow both melancholy and bright, it captures that moment when winter gives way to the first hint of spring, sun finally breaking through clouds after months of rain and darkness.
Rather than a simple dub of the A side, the version is a complete rebuild of the tune. “Ido - Renren Version” (which means flowing like tears, or a river) drops the tempo down to 120 but goes harder rhythmically in spite of its slower tempo. Opening with a stark, dark, and menacingly driving bassline and warped dub siren, the vibe is completely transformed from above-ground to below. Hard percussion, new melodica parts, and 4-4 hats & kick take it into that full post-punk dub territory that the world needs more of. Much more!!
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Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
Noda describes his approach to these tunes as a “virtual live band,” and while “the only real live instrument is the melodica, I wanted to capture the energy of a live band with this song.”
A master of both melody and rhythm, Noda does exactly that with “Ido” (which means a well for water). The mood hits immediately with a loose & confident groove built from impossibly-live sounding drum work, a perfect orthodox bassline, and achingly beautiful interplay between piano, clav, and melodica. Somehow both melancholy and bright, it captures that moment when winter gives way to the first hint of spring, sun finally breaking through clouds after months of rain and darkness.
Rather than a simple dub of the A side, the version is a complete rebuild of the tune. “Ido - Renren Version” (which means flowing like tears, or a river) drops the tempo down to 120 but goes harder rhythmically in spite of its slower tempo. Opening with a stark, dark, and menacingly driving bassline and warped dub siren, the vibe is completely transformed from above-ground to below. Hard percussion, new melodica parts, and 4-4 hats & kick take it into that full post-punk dub territory that the world needs more of. Much more!!
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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1
Dayzero - Pages
2
Dayzero - Sen
Ever since Tsuyoshi Hamada, better known as Dayzero dropped his now-sold-out first ZamZam “Orbit Dub” b/w “Theory Dub” in 2020 we’ve been eager to bless listeners and dancers with a next chapter of his unmistakable, menacing 140 dubs, and that Part 2 is finally here. In the two years since his first Zam he’s worked with Sentry, Vomitspit, Endz, and most recently branched out with an EP of leftfield styles & textures for Bristol’s legendary Livity Sound. Now he's back on 7" vinyl with a pair of stompers just the way we like them.
“Word sounds and power gonna mash them down” couldn’t be a more choice sample to lace “Pages” with, a skanking behemoth of 140 energy powered by swaggering kick & sub, reverb soaked snare, driving shaker, scratchy guitar licks, and mad delays twisting out at bewitching angles.
“Sen” counts off through a dodgy radio frequency, flying low and dropping into a ruff attack of dirty drums & bass, shifting, off-beat mid-range melodics, sleigh bell and percussion cutting through the hazy sonic miasma threatening to envelop the tune. At once eyes-down and hands-in-the-air, Dayzero strikes again with a guaranteed high score in the dance.
Strictly limited to 700 copies for the world. No digital, no repress. Art, design & two-color screen print by Polygon Press. Mastered at Precise, Pressed at Third Man.
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DE - 22113 Hamburg
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“Word sounds and power gonna mash them down” couldn’t be a more choice sample to lace “Pages” with, a skanking behemoth of 140 energy powered by swaggering kick & sub, reverb soaked snare, driving shaker, scratchy guitar licks, and mad delays twisting out at bewitching angles.
“Sen” counts off through a dodgy radio frequency, flying low and dropping into a ruff attack of dirty drums & bass, shifting, off-beat mid-range melodics, sleigh bell and percussion cutting through the hazy sonic miasma threatening to envelop the tune. At once eyes-down and hands-in-the-air, Dayzero strikes again with a guaranteed high score in the dance.
Strictly limited to 700 copies for the world. No digital, no repress. Art, design & two-color screen print by Polygon Press. Mastered at Precise, Pressed at Third Man.
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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Germany
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"Early Doors documents many of my travels, interactions and celebrates the wonderful connections I've made through music since 2007. From Glasgow to São Paulo and back again, many of the tracks included have been in my life for years at this point and remain obsessions. Some were lying unheard on hard drives, others tucked away in a corner of the internet. They’ve all reached my attention through a combination of lasting friendships, chance encounters and staying curious. After appearing on the occasional mix over the years, it's a real buzz to share them with you now in a more formal format. Musically you’ll find synths, dub, gay electronics, self taught piano compositions, improvised jams and intriguing covers." Andrew Thomson
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Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
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Germany
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1
Mike Huckaby - The Tresor Track 06:24
2
Mike Huckaby - Basement Trax 05:36
3
Mike Huckaby - The Upstairs Lounge 06:01
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: [email protected]More
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.
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1
Krystal Klear - Entity
2
Krystal Klear - Typhoon
3
Krystal Klear - Love Is All I Need
4
Krystal Klear - Rampage
Tracklist
A1. Entity
A2. Typhoon
B1. Love Is All I Need
B2. Rampage
New Krystal Klear on Running Back. No re-inventing of the wheel here. Sometimes it is what it is. But let‘s hear it from the artist himself:
“ No notes or real inspiration behind this EP. Rb128 consists of four tracks that I made to keep gigs coming and the calendar full - In a time where artists are being forced to DJ like maniacs to keep the electricity running to make more quickfire records (except for Gerd who loves it).
These pure dance tracks try to mix the cocktail between the trendy trance that people like now and the good house records they liked yesterday.
Standard procedure: Melancholic chords over processed drums and breakdowns that make waiting for a train to pull in more bearable.“
But yes, it is still and will always be pretty damn good dance music (Gerd does a high kick and claps his hands)! Love is all we need.
Short:
New Running Back by the ever-reliable Krystal Klear.
Standard procedure: Melancholic chords over processed drums and breakdowns that make waiting for a train to pull in more bearable.“
But yes, it is still and will always be pretty damn good dance music! Love is all we need.
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Germany
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A1. Entity
A2. Typhoon
B1. Love Is All I Need
B2. Rampage
New Krystal Klear on Running Back. No re-inventing of the wheel here. Sometimes it is what it is. But let‘s hear it from the artist himself:
“ No notes or real inspiration behind this EP. Rb128 consists of four tracks that I made to keep gigs coming and the calendar full - In a time where artists are being forced to DJ like maniacs to keep the electricity running to make more quickfire records (except for Gerd who loves it).
These pure dance tracks try to mix the cocktail between the trendy trance that people like now and the good house records they liked yesterday.
Standard procedure: Melancholic chords over processed drums and breakdowns that make waiting for a train to pull in more bearable.“
But yes, it is still and will always be pretty damn good dance music (Gerd does a high kick and claps his hands)! Love is all we need.
Short:
New Running Back by the ever-reliable Krystal Klear.
Standard procedure: Melancholic chords over processed drums and breakdowns that make waiting for a train to pull in more bearable.“
But yes, it is still and will always be pretty damn good dance music! Love is all we need.
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DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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1
Hoover1 - A1. What You Want
2
Hoover1 - A2. Red 90
3
Hoover1 - B1. 74
4
Hoover1 - B2. Days
Killer & delivering lively to deep & atmospheric "Shedesque" Jungle tunes
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Germany
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Germany
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One of Poland’s most innovative and singular electronic producers, Hatti Vatti, lands on Belgian giant R&S Records with a new instrumental album filled with unparalleled and experimental jazz electronica.
Tracklisting:
1. FROGS
2. ZWIERCIADLO
3. UENO
4. ZEIT
5. BRIDGE
6. MAKE SENSE
7. LICHT
8. FLAGI
9. KYO
Listen: listen.k7.com/30f96ab0-e6fa-4c7e-b155-8ee685053081
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Tracklisting:
1. FROGS
2. ZWIERCIADLO
3. UENO
4. ZEIT
5. BRIDGE
6. MAKE SENSE
7. LICHT
8. FLAGI
9. KYO
Listen: listen.k7.com/30f96ab0-e6fa-4c7e-b155-8ee685053081
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DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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1
Bill Converse & Patricia - Dilute Developer
2
Bill Converse & Patricia - Subtractive Color
3
Bill Converse & Patricia - Stop Bath
4
Bill Converse & Patricia - Fixer
Tracklist:
A1. Dilute Developer
A2. Subtractive Color
B1. Stop Bath
B2. Fixer
Beat machine freak duo Bill Converse and Patricia (Max Ravitz) present 380/750, a new EP on Acid Test that blends the two producers’ singular styles to form an emotive “introspection on the dance floor” experience over the course of 4 tracks.
Recorded at Ravitz’s Brooklyn studio over the course of two days, 380/750 features raw, no-multitrack, no-edit live recordings that showcase the duo’s intuition for expressive rhythm tracks. Considering Converse’s roots in the 90’s Michigan rave scene, and Ravitz’s Chicago upbringing, the midwestern strains really shine through. With rhythm-composer mutations, acid dripping over atmospheric synth textures, and the ever-present jack throughout, 380/750 offers a deep sound to get lost in that feels both new and classic at the same time.
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Germany
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A1. Dilute Developer
A2. Subtractive Color
B1. Stop Bath
B2. Fixer
Beat machine freak duo Bill Converse and Patricia (Max Ravitz) present 380/750, a new EP on Acid Test that blends the two producers’ singular styles to form an emotive “introspection on the dance floor” experience over the course of 4 tracks.
Recorded at Ravitz’s Brooklyn studio over the course of two days, 380/750 features raw, no-multitrack, no-edit live recordings that showcase the duo’s intuition for expressive rhythm tracks. Considering Converse’s roots in the 90’s Michigan rave scene, and Ravitz’s Chicago upbringing, the midwestern strains really shine through. With rhythm-composer mutations, acid dripping over atmospheric synth textures, and the ever-present jack throughout, 380/750 offers a deep sound to get lost in that feels both new and classic at the same time.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
1
Carl Craig - Christian Smith's Tronic Treatment Remix
2
Carl Craig - Christian Smith's Hypnotica Remix
A Limited Purple Vinyl repress for 2024. The Classic 'At Les' remixed by Christian Smith with the blessing of Carl Craig.
Delivered in both Tronic Treatment and Hypnotica Remix forms, Smith has taken the originals warmth, musicality and emotion and given them the sort of energy and power which has made him one of the most bankable producers of recent years.
The Tronic Treatment remix starts slow but with careful and patient layering of melodies builds to an epic, peak time track which takes on an almost orchestral feel while the aptly titled Hypnotica Remix takes a slightly more aggressive, loopier and hypnotic take.
DJ Feedback:
Dave Clarke Very good, congratulations!
Slam awesome mixes, a classic just got better really love both mixes
Laurent Garnier what a classy remix of this stunning classic - Will play everywhere and will playlist on the radio BRAVO
John Digweed "Massive!" Both Remixes!
Dubfire Christian has managed to do a great remix of a timeless classic which is both reverent and of the moment. Well done! I closed with it at Awakenings festival and it sounded wicked!
Adam Beyer Love the "Hypnotica" remix that Christian made. Been playing it over and over and it was one of the biggest trax during WMC for me!
James Zabiela Oh My God!!!!!! ANTHEM!!!!!
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DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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Delivered in both Tronic Treatment and Hypnotica Remix forms, Smith has taken the originals warmth, musicality and emotion and given them the sort of energy and power which has made him one of the most bankable producers of recent years.
The Tronic Treatment remix starts slow but with careful and patient layering of melodies builds to an epic, peak time track which takes on an almost orchestral feel while the aptly titled Hypnotica Remix takes a slightly more aggressive, loopier and hypnotic take.
DJ Feedback:
Dave Clarke Very good, congratulations!
Slam awesome mixes, a classic just got better really love both mixes
Laurent Garnier what a classy remix of this stunning classic - Will play everywhere and will playlist on the radio BRAVO
John Digweed "Massive!" Both Remixes!
Dubfire Christian has managed to do a great remix of a timeless classic which is both reverent and of the moment. Well done! I closed with it at Awakenings festival and it sounded wicked!
Adam Beyer Love the "Hypnotica" remix that Christian made. Been playing it over and over and it was one of the biggest trax during WMC for me!
James Zabiela Oh My God!!!!!! ANTHEM!!!!!
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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1
Nae - Turn Coat
2
Nae - Move
3
Nae - Focus
4
Nae - Seventy Springs
Persona proudly presents its debut release, introducing Nae – a trusted friend, dedicated producer and creative force behind the new label.
Nae delivers with his deep and immersive production style, providing a powerful blend of driving bassline and crystalline drums, all the while delving into his signature atmospheric sound. These tracks are carefully crafted to captivate the dance floor, delivering bursts of pulsating intensity, as well as more intimate, reflective moments. With four tracks and four different flavours, this EP is designed to fit seamlessly into your record bag.
With only 300 copies available, this limited first release of Persona’s debut is not one to miss. Grab it while you can.
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DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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Nae delivers with his deep and immersive production style, providing a powerful blend of driving bassline and crystalline drums, all the while delving into his signature atmospheric sound. These tracks are carefully crafted to captivate the dance floor, delivering bursts of pulsating intensity, as well as more intimate, reflective moments. With four tracks and four different flavours, this EP is designed to fit seamlessly into your record bag.
With only 300 copies available, this limited first release of Persona’s debut is not one to miss. Grab it while you can.
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WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
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DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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1
Hame - I Need This
2
Hame - Us
3
Hame - Inner Rumours
4
Hame - Memento
The second Far Blue release comes as a 4-track EP by Dutch producer Hame.
In this EP, Hame explores a deeper and organic style while keeping true to his hypnotising rhythms in an emotive context. The EP happens to be a selection of tracks that were made around critical turning points in the artist’s life. These moments of change often result in new energy or the realisation to let go. These feelings tend to be fruitful for new musical inspiration
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DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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In this EP, Hame explores a deeper and organic style while keeping true to his hypnotising rhythms in an emotive context. The EP happens to be a selection of tracks that were made around critical turning points in the artist’s life. These moments of change often result in new energy or the realisation to let go. These feelings tend to be fruitful for new musical inspiration
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DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
1
Wax - No Title
2
Wax - No Title
Perfect uplifting Techno / House Shedism
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DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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Germany
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1
Papermusic Issue One - Downtime
2
Louie Balo - Don’t Shut Me Out
3
KGB - Detroit 909
4
Jovonn feat. Krystine - Better Love
5
Wam Kidz - In Love Again
6
Kings Of Tomorrow feat. Sean Grant - I Hear My Calling (Vocal Mix)
7
Free Energy - Happiness
8
Omegaman - Into The A.M.
9
Presence - How To Live (2022 Remaster)
2LP - Part II/II
Special Remarks : Gatefold Vinyl, Liner Notes by Gerd Janson
Tracklist:
A1. Papermusic Issue One - Downtime
A2. Louie Balo – Don’t Shut Me Out
A3. KGB – Detroit 909
B1. Jovonn feat. Krystine – Better Love
B2. Wam Kidz – In Love Again
C1. Kings Of Tomorrow feat. Sean Grant – I Hear My Calling (Vocal Mix)
C2. Free Energy - Happiness
D1. Omegaman – Into The A.M.
D2. Presence – How To Live (2022 Remaster)
Release Note:
The next issue in the on-going Mastermix series features a centerpiece of Frankfurt’s club history: Wild Pitch Club.
A predecessor to the esteemed Robert Johnson and a stepping stone for Panorama Bar’s very own nd_baumecker.
Founded by Playhouse masterminds Ata and the late Heiko M/S/O it was a Thursday club night that heavily featured house music as a prescription to the ongoing techno fever. Enamored with the US-American roots of it and all things deep, it not only presented the right records, but also their creators and protagonists. With a string of guest DJs from Robert Hood and Claude Young to Kerri Chandler and Theo Parrish as well as talent from the UK and Europe, it was one of the culture’s hubs at the time.
Here you have its testimony. Selected and mixed by Ata and nd_baumecker, it’s an authentic snapshot of the club’s vibe and spirit, spread over two 2x12” volumes, a collectable tape (download included) and a pleasant streaming version, it’s the full dosage. Like Roach Motel confessed: Wild Pitch, I love you.
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Special Remarks : Gatefold Vinyl, Liner Notes by Gerd Janson
Tracklist:
A1. Papermusic Issue One - Downtime
A2. Louie Balo – Don’t Shut Me Out
A3. KGB – Detroit 909
B1. Jovonn feat. Krystine – Better Love
B2. Wam Kidz – In Love Again
C1. Kings Of Tomorrow feat. Sean Grant – I Hear My Calling (Vocal Mix)
C2. Free Energy - Happiness
D1. Omegaman – Into The A.M.
D2. Presence – How To Live (2022 Remaster)
Release Note:
The next issue in the on-going Mastermix series features a centerpiece of Frankfurt’s club history: Wild Pitch Club.
A predecessor to the esteemed Robert Johnson and a stepping stone for Panorama Bar’s very own nd_baumecker.
Founded by Playhouse masterminds Ata and the late Heiko M/S/O it was a Thursday club night that heavily featured house music as a prescription to the ongoing techno fever. Enamored with the US-American roots of it and all things deep, it not only presented the right records, but also their creators and protagonists. With a string of guest DJs from Robert Hood and Claude Young to Kerri Chandler and Theo Parrish as well as talent from the UK and Europe, it was one of the culture’s hubs at the time.
Here you have its testimony. Selected and mixed by Ata and nd_baumecker, it’s an authentic snapshot of the club’s vibe and spirit, spread over two 2x12” volumes, a collectable tape (download included) and a pleasant streaming version, it’s the full dosage. Like Roach Motel confessed: Wild Pitch, I love you.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More
1
Mariah - Sokokara
2
Mariah - Shisen
3
Mariah - Hana Ga Saitara
4
Mariah - Fujiyu Na Nezumi
5
Mariah - Sora Ni Mau Maboroshi
6
Mariah - Shinzo No Tobira
7
Mariah - Shonen
Repress!
* A legendary yet long lost crown jewel from the early 80s Japanese Electronic and Jazz Rock scene
* new powerful master, much appreciated by the artist
* 2LP in UV-glossy laminated gatefold sleeve with OBI
* includes A1 Poster 60x60cm and lyric sheet
* vinyl comes in Japanese Katta innersleeves
Mariah was a Japanese outfit in the field of art pop, way back in the very late 70s and early 80s with 5 albums up their score from 1980 to 1983. The album from 1979 entitled as “Mariah” was actually made before the band Mariah was formed, and was released as a solo album by Yasuaki Shimizu. The album at hand is the fifth and for the time being last album in this row, released as a double vinyl back in 1983. Original copies, that are at least in very good condition, are hard to find. The brand new reissue on Everland, unlike the original and the first vinyl reissue from 2015, comes housed in a thick and artfully designed gatefold sleeve with OBI, which finally does justice to the progressive spirit of the music you will find here.
The musical basement of Utakata No Hibi is a fusion of dreamy synthesizer pop and haunting new wave music, that could be found all around the globe back in 1983. In the vein of TEARS FOR FEARS or more adventurous DAVID BOWIE stuff, with a touch of KRAFTWERK or even BRIAN ENO here and there, but all this gets spiced up with an atmosphere of Japanese traditionalism, with a few bits and pieces from the old music from this Far East island, which sounds so magic to us Westeners. The progressive, wacky art pop of this project was led by the popular Japanese composer and musician Yasuaki Shimizu, a relentlessly exploratory saxophonist who even dared to rework Johann Sebastian Bach’s cello suites for saxophone.
As brilliant as this man is, the music on „Utakata No Hibi“ turns out to be. And the master himself approved and much appreciated the brandnew remastering of this album by assisting a highly professional team of sound engineers who dusted off the ancient tape reels. For certain the record sounds and feels 80s through and through, electronic to the very rhythmical bone of each song sugar coated with catchy melodies that resemble Japanese classic and Enka music, which is a kind of folksy pop music. The listener gets directly drawn into a feverish dream of steaming Far Eastern cities and their darkest and most depraved corners where you find everything cheap in sleazy bars and unlighted backyards and alleys. The next moment he strolls through a beautiful Japanese park surrounded by a sea of blossoms. This change in mood and style you will experience in the sparsely instrumented tune „Shisen“, which indeed comes closest to classic Japanese folk tunes without any too catchy and pop oriented melodies. But we certainly find these harmonies allover the album. Some tunes even feel like ancient BEACH BOYS compositions and Brian Wilson creations played by a then contemporary electronic pop act and sung in Japanese.
An amazingly colorful album with songs that are based on solid substance rather than cheap pop structures. This is music for the bold listeners and music lovers and this awesome reissue should quickly find it’s way into the record collections of 80s synth and art pop aficionadoes.
Yasuaki Shimizu did what he wanted with MARIAH, pushed the borders of popular music further than anybody would have thought. Listen to a track like „Shonen“ with a repetitive rhythm pattern that hypnotizes you and somehow silky melodylines by saxophone and synth piano upon which a female voice sings in a very spiritual way. Praising pop or whatever this can be called, it is sheer magic put in music. I wonder if this would have made it into the charts back then, but you never know. It is a piece of musical art that shall be listened to.
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Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
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* A legendary yet long lost crown jewel from the early 80s Japanese Electronic and Jazz Rock scene
* new powerful master, much appreciated by the artist
* 2LP in UV-glossy laminated gatefold sleeve with OBI
* includes A1 Poster 60x60cm and lyric sheet
* vinyl comes in Japanese Katta innersleeves
Mariah was a Japanese outfit in the field of art pop, way back in the very late 70s and early 80s with 5 albums up their score from 1980 to 1983. The album from 1979 entitled as “Mariah” was actually made before the band Mariah was formed, and was released as a solo album by Yasuaki Shimizu. The album at hand is the fifth and for the time being last album in this row, released as a double vinyl back in 1983. Original copies, that are at least in very good condition, are hard to find. The brand new reissue on Everland, unlike the original and the first vinyl reissue from 2015, comes housed in a thick and artfully designed gatefold sleeve with OBI, which finally does justice to the progressive spirit of the music you will find here.
The musical basement of Utakata No Hibi is a fusion of dreamy synthesizer pop and haunting new wave music, that could be found all around the globe back in 1983. In the vein of TEARS FOR FEARS or more adventurous DAVID BOWIE stuff, with a touch of KRAFTWERK or even BRIAN ENO here and there, but all this gets spiced up with an atmosphere of Japanese traditionalism, with a few bits and pieces from the old music from this Far East island, which sounds so magic to us Westeners. The progressive, wacky art pop of this project was led by the popular Japanese composer and musician Yasuaki Shimizu, a relentlessly exploratory saxophonist who even dared to rework Johann Sebastian Bach’s cello suites for saxophone.
As brilliant as this man is, the music on „Utakata No Hibi“ turns out to be. And the master himself approved and much appreciated the brandnew remastering of this album by assisting a highly professional team of sound engineers who dusted off the ancient tape reels. For certain the record sounds and feels 80s through and through, electronic to the very rhythmical bone of each song sugar coated with catchy melodies that resemble Japanese classic and Enka music, which is a kind of folksy pop music. The listener gets directly drawn into a feverish dream of steaming Far Eastern cities and their darkest and most depraved corners where you find everything cheap in sleazy bars and unlighted backyards and alleys. The next moment he strolls through a beautiful Japanese park surrounded by a sea of blossoms. This change in mood and style you will experience in the sparsely instrumented tune „Shisen“, which indeed comes closest to classic Japanese folk tunes without any too catchy and pop oriented melodies. But we certainly find these harmonies allover the album. Some tunes even feel like ancient BEACH BOYS compositions and Brian Wilson creations played by a then contemporary electronic pop act and sung in Japanese.
An amazingly colorful album with songs that are based on solid substance rather than cheap pop structures. This is music for the bold listeners and music lovers and this awesome reissue should quickly find it’s way into the record collections of 80s synth and art pop aficionadoes.
Yasuaki Shimizu did what he wanted with MARIAH, pushed the borders of popular music further than anybody would have thought. Listen to a track like „Shonen“ with a repetitive rhythm pattern that hypnotizes you and somehow silky melodylines by saxophone and synth piano upon which a female voice sings in a very spiritual way. Praising pop or whatever this can be called, it is sheer magic put in music. I wonder if this would have made it into the charts back then, but you never know. It is a piece of musical art that shall be listened to.
Sicherheits- und Herstellerinformationen / safety and manufacturer info (GPSR)
WAS - Word and Sound Medien GmbH
Liebigstrasse 2-20
DE - 22113 Hamburg
Germany
Contact: [email protected]More