Moton Records celebrates its 50th release!

We are proud to announce our 50th release sees a return for The Mighty Zaf, who did Moton 38 back in 2018 - our biggest selling Moton release to date. After four years of inactivity, largely due to the passing of best friend and genius engineer Phil Asher, Zaf has teamed up with Linkwood and created a spellbinding EP every bit as good as his previous Moton release.

‘Things Could Be’ is gospel soul funk killer and was made before its original creator Quincy Jones passed away recently; ‘Connect Here’ is one for the disco funk boys; ‘Gee Oh Dee’ is an obscure left-field disco gospel banger.

Moton’s fiftieth release promises to be special!

DJ Feedback

Colin Dale - I love this 3 tracker. In a sea of so many faceless and monotonous tracks this EP stands head and shoulders above the rest. Music drenched in soul, blues from a more innocent age from back in the halcyon days of black music. Music to ease your soul.

Rocky x press 2: Another mighty 3 track ep of killer cuts from Moton. Perfect companion to the Ghosted Edits 49th release. Loving all 3 edits but Things Could Be is a worthy a side and definitely my favourite. A tribute to the late Quincy Jones and a little nod to Phlash on the label. Class all the way. Massive props to Zaf and the Moton crew.

Jeremy Underground: Uplifting outro that takes you to a higher dimension!

Norman Jay: Does some justice to Q’s work..

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Repress!

“Okie Dokie It´s The Orb On Kompakt“ is already the 13th album of one of Britian's most prized cult bands. We feel it's better that way, because the music of The Orb only has an intensive effect when taken in as a long playing full length. And it proves with this lovingly conjured collection of songs brought together like a collage. The first half of Okie Dokie showcase The Orb´s love for minimal Techno and Schaffel/Shuffle as it is so obviously present in the foreground, while the second half is only reserved to the classic Orb-ish ancestral domain. There are wonderful guest appearances by Schneider TM and Kompakt´s ambient-guru Ulf Lohmann. As many of you know, there is so much history about The Orb you could write a book. Since Jimmy Cauty and Alex Paterson, in the flush of euphoria invented Chill Out and Ambient House in the first summer of love 1988, an incredible amount of things have occurred. The following timeline should give you a rough idea. - Alex Paterson gives up his job as roadie for Killing Joke. - “A Huge Ever Growing Pulsating Brain That Rules From The Centre Of The Ultraworld” is not only the record with the longest title of the world, but it also marks the departure into the new sonic worlds of post-Rave Ambient. - While Cauty goes different ways with The KLF, The Orb re-form themselves and have a big hit with Little Fluffy Clouds in 1990. - The debut album “The Orb´s Adventures Beyond The Ultraworld“ hits the Top 30 in England. - The Orb produce “Higher Than the Sun“ for Primal Scream. - The Orb perform “Blue Room“ as chess-playing aliens at Top Of The Pops. Everything goes. - “Blue Room“ clocking in at 39:58 minutes goes into music-history as the longest time for a chart single ever. - The Orb achieve great success in Glastonbury '92 + '93. - The Copenhagen double concert “to the sunrise and sunset” is eternalized on record: “Live 93“ - Previously a floating member of The Orb, Thomas Felmann becomes a fix member in 1997 - No joke: Robbie Williams takes part of The Orb for a short time. The collaboration “I started A Joke“ is released on a benefit compilation - After 2002 The Orb found with Kompakt a new ambient-loving partner and release a row of singles and play live, as the trimmed-down version as Le Petit Orb. And one more for the extra hush-hush: The Orbs first album “A Huge Ever Growing Pulsating Brain...” was actually a Kompakt release. You can check it out. Besides the actual label Wau! Mr. Modo you can read... Kompakt Discos. Ha!!

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YSE Saint Laur'Ant returns with Saudade, an EP that digs deep into groove-rich territories, effortlessly blending genres and inspirations. Side A opens with an intriguing cut that merges gospel flair with ESG-inspired rhythms, driven by raw beats and a bassline that hooks instantly. Following up is Special, where YSE’s long-time collaborator adds soft, spacey vocals over a supremely laid-back groove, creating a floating, heady vibe. Flipping to Side B, New York Boys offers a curious, spaced-out pulse with a touch of big-city grit, setting up the EP's final track, Gone Fighting. This midtempo closer stands out with an infectious Slavic sample infusion that rounds off Saudade on a note that's both groovy and reflective.

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The latest House of Underground 12" presents a brilliant collaboration between UK legend DMX KREW and French young blood DVDE. including 2 vocal featurings by none other than the iconic Fingers vocalist Robert Owens!

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Repress!

• The long-awaited new full-length from legendary electronic pioneers THE ORB with cover design from iconic graphic wizards THE DESIGNERS REPUBLIC • A fascinating sonic journey over four epic tracks, constantly switching between psychedelic flourishes and beat-driven focus

Veritable pioneers of electronic music, iconic act THE ORB returns to Kompakt with the new full-length MOONBUILDING 2703 AD - another major slice of psychedelic synth bliss, obscure loops and deep ambient textures tossed in swinging breakbeats and powerful basslines. Installing a forward momentum rather unusual for a genre-defying project like this, the latest effort from masterminds Alex Paterson and Thomas Fehlmann follows their 2005 album success on Kompakt, the cheekily named "Okie Dokie It's The Orb On Kompakt" (KOMPAKT CD 45), as well as several contributions to our Speicher and Pop Ambient series - but more importantly, it finds the legendary duo at the peak of its creativity, ringing in another essential phase in what can only be called a ground-breaking career.

True to form, the new offering MOONBUILDING 2703 AD features a small track list, but turns each one of its four cuts into a mini epic in its own right. Opener GOD'S MIRRORBALL hits the ground floating, employing a handful of cozy statics to great effect before finally discharging into an intricate mosaic of atmospheric melodic sketches and gripping rhythms. With a hypnotic runtime of more than 14 minutes, it immediately establishes a blueprint for the other album tracks to follow, perfectly illustrating the vast extent of the artists' vision and their impressive skills in luring in listeners - welcome to THE ORB's sonic labyrinth, where nothing is what it seems and the unexpected waits just around the corner.

Likewise, follow-up track MOONSCAPES 2703 BC presents itself as a uniquely versatile affair sitting comfortably between ambient flourishes and beat-driven focus, holding as many twists and turns as a caper movie, but carefully grounding every single one of its cliffhangers in its impeccable flow. With a runtime of approximately 9 minutes, LUNAR CAVES is the shortest jam of the bunch - and also the most ethereal, keeping its rhythmic content to a bare, pulse-like minimum and opting for enticing, freewheeling synth textures instead. Album closer and title cut MOONBUILDING 2703 AD introduces a surprisingly jazzy vibe mingling rather well with the wealth of electronic tricks up its sleeve - even indulging in abrasive bass sweeps and a breathtaking multitude of different rhythm sections constantly switching places. It's a fitting closing act for a full-length as multifaceted as this, as idiosyncratic as possible and as muscling as needed.

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South African Modern Soul/Jazz-Funk - Originally released in 1979, Cape Town – Re-mastered by Simbad

First time re-issued on vinyl, “Expressions” is the 3rd album from one of the greatest South African bands ever, I named Pacific Express. Now think Stevie Wonder and Weather Report, then take a serious established local band, and you have here a “Cape Town version” with their own talents. Between Modern soul and Jazz-Funk, no doubts, this record is a gem!!! Fred Spider*

“This name evokes awe and admiration in equal measure among musicians across the country. They became a crucible where budding local musicians built their reputations before going on to become recording artists, band leaders, and musical legends (like Jonathan Butler did on Expressions*).
The greatest Pacific Express legacy, apart from the memorable music they made and recorded, was their role in helping establish the distinctive sounds of South African music generally and Cape Town jazz in particular. When Producer Tully McCully wanted straight, solid drumming for the Expressions album, Momple delivered the groove, swing, and drive for a funky album.” Michael Britton

Artwork by Fred Spider – Graphist designer by Graeme Arendse
Vocals, Guitar: Jonathan Butler, Bass: Paul Abrahams
Drums, Percussion: Jack Momple, Vocals, Percussion: Zayn Adams, Keyboards, Trumpet, Arranged By [String]: Tony Cedras, Guest, Saxophone: Barney Rachabaney, Guest, Trumpet: Stompie Manana,
Executive-Producer: Paddy Lee Thorp, Producer: Tully McCully

A1 - Look At The Smile
A2 - You've Got It All
A3 - Funky Sounds
A4 - Come True
A5 - Express
B1 - When I Think
B2 - What Is The Answer
B3 - Tired Of Being Alone
B4 - What I Feel
B5 - She's Gone

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The story of percussionist, band leader, teacher, club owner Ginger Johnson and his African Party album is a fascinating tale that is only now being recognised for its significance. Born George Folurunsho Johnson in Nigeria,1916, of a Yoruba background, by the late 1940s Ginger was living in London and made an immediate impact playing live and recording with British jazz legends Ronnie Scott, drummers Phil Seaman and Tony Crombie, pianist Victor Feldman, and Kenny Graham’s Afro-Cubists.

In the 1950s he was the featured percussionist for the Edmundo Ros Orchestra, and also released several of his own 78s and 45s for Melodisc which were among the first examples of African music recorded and released in Britain. From his base in Pimlico, Ginger became the lynchpin of the African and West Indian expat musical community, including being mentor to a young Fela Kuti when he first came to London in 1957. By the mid-1960s Ginger was the highest profile Afro Cuban percussionist in Europe, with the ‘talking drum’ being his speciality, this led him to feature on all styles of recording sessions, from pop to jazz, also appearing in films, children’s television shows and live at The Royal Variety Performance and he was also instrumental in helping establish and expand the Notting Hill Carnival.

In March 1967 Ginger and his group entered Sound Techniques Studio, in Chelsea, to record the African Party album. The multi-layered drum patterns combined with jazz horn lines and vocals sung in the Yoruba dialect, the recordings were unlike anything else of the time and still sparkle with energy and vitality that remains undiminished almost 60 years later. The album is often cited as the foundation of Afrobeat – and his African Messengers group functioned as the finishing school for highly renowned musicians like Michael “Bami” Rose, as well as members of Osibisa and Cymande.

Ginger and his group continued to blaze a genre defying trail through contemporary music – recording and playing live with the likes of Art Blakey, with psychedelic rock outfits Pink Floyd and Soft Machine at the International Times 14 Hour Technicolour Dream – and most famously with The Rolling Stones in Hyde Park, in front of a crowd estimated to be well over 250,000.

Besides the 50’s Melodisc recordings and African Party album, it was thought that there were few other recordings, however in 2018 Uchenna Ikonne, a renowned African music collector discovered one battered original copy of a 45 single, released in the early 70s on the ‘Afrodesia’ label. These two bonus tracks have been given the best audio restoration possible and are included on this expanded, double vinyl LP version of ‘African Party’, providing a wider perspective on this significant musician’s career.

Some who were already aware of Johnson’s vital influence include:
– Mike Rose, Steve Scipio and Patrick Patterson of Cymande who recall playing with Johnson “was a unique experience, always enjoyable and always uplifting”.
– The late Afrobeat drum legend Tony Allen said “Ginger was the pioneer, the trailblazer for all of us, I loved everything he did, even before I met him’.
– DJ Louie Vega; “Masters At Work, Nuyorican Soul and Elements Of Life have all been inspired by his work; it is time for the world to see how the music is timeless”.
– Writer / musician David Toop; “Ginger Johnson was one of the great forgotten in British African music, but in the 60s, it was essential in jazz, R & B and especially the psyche scene.

He added a festive atmosphere at all events to which he attended, reminding his audience of his African roots“.
This deluxe version of African Party sheds further light on the trailblazing life and career of this pivotal yet underappreciated figure.

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Introducing What I Love by Orlando Voorn + Han Litz - A 4-Track EP Get ready to dive into the rich fusion of soulful beats and sophisticated grooves with What I Love, the latest 4-track EP by electronic music pioneer Orlando Voorn and jazz flautist Han Litz. This release perfectly captures Voorn's innovative mastery in electronic music paired with Litz's exquisite melodic touch. What I Love is a sonic journey, mixing the best of house, jazz, and electronic fusion with a unique, timeless vibe that fans of both artists have come to adore. Each track on this EP is crafted to captivate and elevate - from soulful harmonies and intricate rhythms to Litz's mesmerizing flute lines that add an organic, uplifting energy to Voorn's powerful beats. Whether you're a DJ, a long-time fan of house music, or new to the genre, What I Love offers a fresh take on sophisticated soundscapes. Don't miss your chance to experience this extraordinary collaboration. What I Love is out now, so bring it to your collection and let the groove take over!

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Tracklisting
A1 Balearic London - Stay Cool (& Less Horny)
A2 Balearic London - Ketkeys
B1 Balearic London - Chug Love
B2 Balearic London - Tiny Nancer

Sales Note
London party crew Balearic London are back following their sold-out-and-repressed Macarena-infused Vol. 1 release with another four tasty edits, this time focusing squarely on the '90s after the mostly '80s focus of their debut.

A piano house classic de-cheesed and rearranged for maximum dancefloor effect, a total re-fit of an ambient techno opus beloved by the master Jose Padilla, an all-time pop banger taken in an even sleazier direction and a lesser known piano-powered progressive beauty's outro gets expanded for a dramatic dancefloor moment. Feel Balearic or your money back!

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Repress!

Being pioneers with a new album created in no more than 6 months, THE ORB are bound to be exposed to fan expectations running high, while quizzical questions about little fluffy clouds and the good old times take over. It's especially jarring as the duo of accomplished soundsmiths Alex Paterson and Thomas Fehlmann has become known for its genre-bending curiosity and surprising sonic detours, exploring experimental soundscapes as well as club-friendly beats. The funny thing is, though, that whatever the context, you know a track from THE ORB when you hear it. Case in point: COW / CHILL OUT, WORLD!, their latest full-length offering - a masterful ambient album that branches out in many directions, but unmistakably sounds like THE ORB in either ear (and probably to your third ear, too).

"The idea was simply to make an ambient album", Dr Paterson explains, "we didn't look back and study earlier recordings, but wanted a more spontaneous approach, a focus on THE ORB today, our vibe in 2016." In contrast to their much-acclaimed previous full-length MOONBUILDING 2703 AD (KOMPAKT 330 CD 124) - which took years to prepare and finetune -, the new album was produced over the course of only five sessions in six months, directly following the like-minded ALPINE EP (KOMPAKT 339): "it got so spontaneous that a track like 9 ELMS OVER RIVER ENO (CHANNEL 9) consisted only of material collected at North Carolina's Moogfest in May – second-hand records from local stores, field recordings, live samples from gigs that we liked, and of course an excursion to the Eno River, which actually exists. This geographic intimacy and the spontaneity are among the top reasons why we love this album so much."

Herr Fehlmann sees the duo's relentless gigging schedule as a formative influence on the new album: "the countless performances we've played in the last years - probably up to 300 - have brought us closer as a musical unit. The spice of our concerts is improvisation - a fertile process that we’ve brought to the studio, where we operate with very simple rules of engagement (in this case "ambient") and go wherever the flow takes us." It's an approach that one might expect from traditional acoustic instrumentation, not necessarily an electronic set-up, but for THE ORB it works wonders: "we're quite happy and also a little bit proud that we've reached this level of unscripted levity with purely electronic means. We're finessing ourselves, sort of, always looking for the next sonic surprise that leaves us rubbing our eyes about how the heck we got there."

Once more, THE ORB's trademark playfulness is on full display on COW / CHILL OUT, WORLD!, and it doesn't limit itself to the multi-layered sampling and psychedelic sound composites that the duo has become known for - you'll find it in the album title as well. The simple invitation (or order?) to chill out (relax? Calm the eff down?) is converted into an acronym – and the cow that you might expect to find on a Pink Floyd cover or with iconic UK chill-out/dance pranksters The KLF. It's not so much an obscure trope coming full circle as a perfect example for THE ORB's multitimbral approach to sound and meaning - a compelling, immersive journey to diverse places and impressions. Each track title is a conceptual work in its own right, playing with multiple references, some of which remain highly personal and mysterious. But the greatest feat of THE ORB's latest outing might just be how all this semantic doodling never gets in the way of the actual listening, at all times directly relating the artists' sonic vitality and cheerful nosiness. Chill out world! and treat yourself to an outstanding new ambient experience from THE ORB.

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After an extended break from vinyl releases, Mothball Record is back with a long awaited Italo-disco reissue.

A longtime passion project of label owner Hysteric, “Take Me… Mr Love” is something of a unique entry in the later years of Italo-disco, forgoing the typically smooth and processed sound in favour of a rough and low budget production, making up in charm what it lacks in polish.

The release is completed by a powerful remix from the Dutch Italo sensation Luca Dell’Orso. Coming off the back of a string of successful releases on Bordello A Parigi, Red Laser Records and Ritmo Fatale, here he brings new life into the track and takes it into well and truly to the dancefloor.

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