Following up on the first reissue of Nathaniel X Project's seminal E.P. on Music Station, slow to speak's CORE is back with its second from the New Jersey garage/underground label: Cherie Lee's "Love Me Or Leave Me," originally release in 1995. A perfect example of the early to mid 90's jazz-chord driven, bass-heavy and ingenious, sample-rooted funk, "Love Me Or Leave Me" sounds like the lost Mood II Swing D.A.T. that never was, a combination of Smack Productions style North Jersey pride with the added razor's edge of downtown Manhattan's (now extinct) grit and thrill, delivered with the smooth swing of that era's titanium-strong formula. The original full-vocal epitomizes the song-rooted, radio-house aesthetic of the time, but head straight to the "Club Dub" for what's had underground heads and deep house obscurists thirsting for over 15 years. Licensed from Music Station and mastered straight from the original D.A.T.'s, CORE presents the full reissue of this genre-defining moment of the formative years. More

Hailing from an era still ripe with optimism, Nate Tinsley's sole EP on Music Station, under the moniker Nathaniel X Project, is one of the dopest 12"s of the 1990's. Embodying the now fading dreams of a whole generation of club children, the veritable political program was everything deep house strove to be: aspirational, socially-involved, visceral dance music with raw sincerity and unashamed soul. "Gotta Get Over," "Free Yourself" and "Get Up" are special, benchmarks eluding to a temporality and circumstance as much as enviable equipment and technique. Deep organ pads, sagely arrangement and supremely swinging rhythm patterns form the backbone of Tinsley's now legendary explications on the eternal truth of the underground club gospel---these songs work, and continue to resonate with us; behind the cliches lies the shining light of a naked, nearly extinct sincerity. Whole folk cultures have been built on these words. Deep house music was one of them. So much more than the "love and happiness" dribble, Nathaniel X Project's EP sounded and spoke confidently for a whole society getting off outside the stale and jaded mainstream, when "underground" meant something more than another pre-ordained lifestyle choice sanctioned under the ever present gods of exchange. Forever under its sway and adherents since its original release, Slow to Speak have licensed and reissued this masterpiece in its full splendor, a pinnacle of the NY/NJ house sound and beyond. "Oh my people, We've gotta get over, Before we go under." If ever we've needed Mr. Tinsley's words and this music, it is now.
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Reflection shows us that our image of happiness is thoroughly colored by the time to which the course of our own existence has assigned us. The kind of happiness that could arouse envy in us exists only in the air we have breathed, among people we could have talked to, women who could have given themselves to us. In other words, our image of happiness is indissolubly bound up with the image of redemption. The same applies to our view of the past, which is the concern of history. The past carries with it a temporal index by which it is referred to redemption. There is a secret agreement between past generations and the present one. Our coming was expected on earth. Like every generation that preceded us, we have been endowed with a weak Messianic power, a power to which the past has a claim. That claim cannot be settled cheaply."
Walter Benjamin Self-determination, greatness, eternity. Make your reality and it becomes you. Put your heart and soul into what you love and others will recognize your sincerity, seek you out and reward your brilliance: from this comes greatness and glory, infinite and undeniable---a fraternity of the eternal. And yet with each successive epoch, the present greatness of our moment, our time, disintegrates and disperse---becomes the mere stepping stone, the quintessential prerequisite to a future heralded anew as "the great epoch of our time." We fight a impossible war for historical cultural supremacy, and we do so blindly and selfishly, determined to achieve that greatness that we know has not yet settled down with one generation immovable throughout time. Secretly we pity these past fetes of culture, assured that ours is the time, the moment of greatness, importance and ultimate historical worth. So our art morphs from what was once practiced at first as a matter matter of self-fulfillment, personal necessity and fraternal interchange & enjoyment to one of vein self-service & epic self-deceipt. When we continue to ignore the fact that art is no longer a social endeavor---that it no longer participates in and affects the real social changes occurring around us, it's vitality inextricably tied to our historical standing---and allow it to remain autonomous from the very real material conditions that, in no small measure, make up the entirety of our current existence, we willingly clear the path to our own irrelevance, soon to be remembered, at very best, as a shimmering piece of antiquity typical of the old world, one that once held a vital and vivacious beauty in it's moment, but nay, no longer, sentenced to the dungeon of the specialists of the past.
But, it is too late...for WE will soon become THEY... More

Dream states of lust and lucidity, Slow To Speak's latest reissue of house music's halcyon years comes courtesy of Mood II Swing's visionary Lem Springsteen. Originally released on the Eightball sublabel Empire State Records in 1994, these excursionary landmarks saw Springsteen bid farewell to his usual club-saturated exercises in queeny house euphoria for a hallucinatory breach into a secret realm of desire, where the whispers of a long-forgotten hunger meld with the floating synth-work of a true practitioner of the sacred art of club music. This is the soundtrack to the chill-out room of your unconscious's kaleidoscopic sex dream, the sweet synth lines of Springsteen's ritual music still floating in your mind as you awake, alas, a little too soon. Fear not: this Dyonisian masterpiece is once more available thanks to the good spirits at Dope Jams, who remind you, "Whatever the eye sees and covets, let the hand grasp!" Not without asking (or paying) first, of course. More

Dream states of lust and lucidity, Slow To Speak's latest reissue of house music's halcyon years comes courtesy of Mood II Swing's visionary Lem Springsteen. Originally released on the Eightball sublabel Empire State Records in 1994, these excursionary landmarks saw Springsteen bid farewell to his usual club-saturated exercises in queeny house euphoria for a hallucinatory breach into a secret realm of desire, where the whispers of a long-forgotten hunger meld with the floating synth-work of a true practitioner of the sacred art of club music. This is the soundtrack to the chill-out room of your unconscious's kaleidoscopic sex dream, the sweet synth lines of Springsteen's ritual music still floating in your mind as you awake, alas, a little too soon. Fear not: this Dyonisian masterpiece is once more available thanks to the good spirits at Dope Jams, who remind you, "Whatever the eye sees and covets, let the hand grasp!" Not without asking (or paying) first, of course. More

Brand new music!!! This latest offering of unreleased gems played at Dope Jams' monthly parties features fresh and all-original tracks from some of NY's finest practitioners of electronic music. "Winter Sampler 2013 #1" opens with the jerky, post-punk nodding funk of "Emperor," from the promising and much hyped Brooklyn outfit Beige, an imminent anthem perched somewhere between house, techno and psychedelic pop---and superseding of all of it with its sheer scope, ambition and originality. Nifty, intuitive synth-work, extremely catchy vocals and a piercing lyrical wit filter through torrents of heavy tape delay and speed-dosed drum machines to form the perfect musical lament of post-modern futility. Next, Francis Englehardt, one half of Slow To Speak/Dope Jams, offers up his latest in a spaciously unfurled series of heady and challenging techno experimentations for the post-appocalyptic generation yet to be. "Leveling" forges a clearly singular and solitary aesthetic out of personal loss, pain and ultimate redemption---truly personal music that tests the limits and transcends the simple utility of mere body music. The sampler is rounded off with the first contribution to vinyl from newcomer Genoa, featuring the aptly titled "New Way," a well-freaked peak-time workout that recalls the energy and vibe of early 1990's vocal-sample laden house without getting bogged down in the stone-forming mediocrity of the lost-and-gone medusa's gaze. All and all, an EP of very much forward-leaning music that swells the ranks of groundbreaking new contributions to the field.
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Ethereal, haunted deep house music from beyond the grave, spirit-channeling from the deepest recesses of electro-spiritual obscurity. The Slow To Speak label presents its latest offering---a residual of the holy-era of the NY underground continuum, conjuring the ritual and pomp of the new electronic goth without abandoning its undeniable roots in the techno/deep house story. Dark-matter melodies interlock in an ever off-centering orbit of sparse percussive return, while the distorted exhortations of some wandering intergalactic phantasm whisper menacingly just beneath the surface. Trance-inducing, strangely unsettling and ultimately transcendent---further evidence that electronic music can transport its listeners into the fertile pastures of the sublime like any other high art. CLEAR VINYL Pressing with Japanese Obi. More

2XLP! A culmination of over 35 years combined experience, Classic House Grooves: Dope Jams utilizes the classic deep house sound of America?s cultural epicenter & infuses it with an uncompromising artistic militancy that screams through the mix?s full-forced party-rocking fervor. Featuring seminal work from Kerri Chandler, Mood II Swing & Chris Brann, as well as highlights from the likes of DJ Pierre, Johnny Dangerous and many more, Dope Jams? ode to King Street sets aside the delicate programming niceties of restraint & conservative listening in favor of all out party warfare, setting the correct context for the label?s brilliant output & using the music to it?s maximum effect. Classic House Grooves: Dope Jams is the definitive collection of King Street Sound?s monumental contributions?a testament to what NYC once was, and what it can be once more. More

Curators and residents 'slow to speak' offer here 3 summer scorchers. Drowned in the prophetic purple sweat exuded from the ever chipping concrete walls at the infamous Dope Jams, "Summer Sampler 2012 #1" picks up where the first two installment left off....in a sex induced haze! Summer Sampler 2012 #1" features the never before released slow to speak re-arrangement of Mark Imperial's acid sleaze classic "She Ain't Nuthin But A Hoe," it's re-written form an ode to the tireless work put in night after night by one of Dope Jams most treasured employees. It is backed with the fever induced hallucinatory beats of Master Ace & Kool Keith for the embarkment of an evening that will surely result in much 'cleanup' cum morning. A small but by no ways comprehensive window into the aural aesthetic of "LIFE," this release is meant to be played and played out, not within the confines of the stringent, stiff predictable banality of peak-time mega-club, but by actual people, at actual parties, a colorful and tangible cry for the still breathing domain of animate life, love and play. More

Enrico Sangiuliano proves why he is one of the underground most inquisitive and forward thinking creatives with a new EP on his own transient imprint NINETOZERO, ushering the next generation of Italian talent alongside one of his own fresh new cuts. Scheduled for release on vinyl this December, the EP includes Enrico's solo track 'Glitch In Time' along with compositions from Alex Lentini & STOMP BOXX, Antonio D'Africa & Sall, and Mattia Saviolo. NINETOZERO is a time-limited record label restricted to 10 chapters that aims to disrupt the notion of perpetual music. Releases show marked evolutions in the Italian's sound and thinking each time. That is the case again here from the Emilia native who is known for his timeless underground tracks, his Gold certified remix of the self-titled classic by Age Of Love alongside partner Charlotte de Witte and his SOLO all night long event series which has taken him everywhere from Rome to Ghent, New York to Amsterdam, and which will soon take him to São Paulo. Title track, 'Glitch In Time,' metaphorically suggests a disruption in the flow of time, reflecting temporary flaws in a system. Sangiuliano's musical interpretation explores these disruptions, providing an intriguing and unexpected sonic experience. Enrico Sangiuliano on the EP and collaboration with the Italian producers : “The Sentinels are an Italian collective of skilful producers I collaborated with for this chapter of NINETOZERO. We have regular chats about music and production, during one of which I shared the concept of this release “Glitch In Time”. This got our minds flowing to the idea that each of us could approach this chapter in their own signature style. The outcome, to me is, a strong collection of tracks that distinguish themselves from the mainstream, providing an intriguing translation for this release. Excited to share this new chapter soon with you all!” More

Seven Davis Jr. returns with a new album fresh after releasing the virtual reality infused clubby "Iss Good" EP on Classic Music Company. This album contains a fusion of R&B Hip Hop / Trip Hop / Deep & Soulful House songs. Inspired by the 90s sound and energy with appearances from John Cale, Luke Solomon, Ivan Dorn, Life On Planets, Jon Dixon and more. More

AVNU returns to the Ellum collective, dropping a new single in advance of his second full-length album ‘Crisis In the Simulation’ due on the Ellum this Spring. ‘Next Caller’ comes backed with a remix from another Ellum stalwart, Raxon.

Based in Scotland, DJ & producer AVNU has been deeply immersed in music for over two decades, taking inspiration from the warm tones of blues to the hard cuts from the rave and all points in between. Latest collaborations with Maceo Plex on his new album ‘93’ (‘Clickbait’, ‘Serpent Jazz’ and ‘Go Back’ feat. Desire) and remixes of Tyler Hill and Madben have solidified his association with the Ellum and Lone Romantic labels.

On his new single ‘Next Caller’, the talented producer whips up a progressive and chunky club track laced with dark energy. Raxon’s accompanying remix provides a nuanced slant on the original, kitted out with chunky drums and catchy loops to compliment the thick bassline rhythms of the original. More

JT Donaldson’s blissed-out release ‘Stay Inside’ is now available on wax for the first time. With soulful vocals provided by fellow Texan Liv.e, delicate instrumentals and a grooving beat, ‘Stay Inside’ swiftly became an infectious hit following its release on Classic Music Company, ascending to #1 on the Traxsource chart. This four-track package features the original alongside the club-focused remix, which maintains the blissful sound of the original mix while upping the ante with agile drums and playful piano samples. Next up, house legend Sandy Rivera lends his unique brand of soulful funk to the track, with an enhanced bassline and undulating groove hard to resist. Finally, Girls of the Internet lace in soft percussion and looping guitar riffs that retain the laid-back feel of the original. More

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Louie Vega remixes the seminal Sam Records Disco hit “Bourgie’, Bourgie’” by John Davis & The Monster Orchestra.

12” vinyl release on Nurvous Records on Sept 9, 2016

House Music legend Louie Vega continues to light fire to select tracks from the Sam Records 1970’s Disco Catalogue. He previously remixed Vicky D’s “This Beat Is Mine” and Convertion’s “Let’s Do It.” Now he has added his unique and legendary production skills to a remix of the Ashford & Simpon penned “Bourgie’, Bourgie’” by John Davis & The Monster Orchestra.
Originally released on Sam Records in 1979, “Bourgie’, Bourgie’” also features background vocals by Ashford & Simpson.

Louie Vega continues to be one of the most dynamic and respected dance music producers in the world. With a body of work that combines his timeless and trend-settings production with Kenny Dope as Masters At Work, and his own distinctive and equally impactful Louie Vega productions, he has always had a great knowledge and respect for the R&B and Disco music that laid the foundation of the current soundtrack of nightlife. The Sam Records catalogue is owned and administered by Nervous Records, with which Louie has a long history, dating to his creation with Kenny Dope of the label’s signature tune, The Nervous Track by Nuyorican Soul. The distinctive string sections of “Bourgie’, Bourgie’” along with the Ashford & Simpson lyrics caught Louie’s ear, and he has created a remix that has been destroying dancefloors and festival summer. More

“I kept this Cat no for me as it was the year I was born but I never had anything at the time. Now I do lol” More

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“Music is a weapon of the future.”
“Music is the weapon of the progressives.”
“Music is the weapon of the givers of life.”

These are the words of legendary Nigerian musician and activist Fela Kuti, words that remain as true as ever over two decades since his untimely death. A pioneer of the Nigerian revolution, his fight against police oppression remains an ongoing conversation in the country. Now, Defected pays tribute to the vital work of Fela with a special 12” release, as Armonica and MoBlack revisit Fela Kuti’s ‘International Thief Thief (I T. T.)’ as the fight against systemic corruption continues to be a pressing issue in Nigeria. The A-Side features Armonica & MoBlack’s flawlessly executed and ever respectful remix of the record where Fela called out and directly attacked former Nigerian president General Obasanjo and Moshood Abjola, the CEO of Nigeria’s biggest national telecommunications conglomerate I.T.T and Decca Records. Their homage to Fela brings a powerful and culturally relevant piece of music to the forefront of dance culture in 2020.

On the reverse side is ‘Chagu’, where a powerful and evocative spoken word narration is provided by South Sudanese-Canadian artist, actor, former child soldier and political activist Emmanuel Jal. A collaboration between Emmanuel, MoBlack and Henrik Schwarz, both producers provide their own version of ‘Chagu’, with MoBlack opting for a classic afro-house beat and hypnotic percussion, while Henrik’s signature crisp, harmonious composition makes for a guaranteed dancefloor weapon. Both visionary producers, Henrik and MoBlack’s versions are equally impactful, complementing the immediacy of Emmanuel’s lyrics.
TRACK LISTING: A1. Fela Kuti - International Thief Thief (I.T.T.) (Armonica & MoBlack Extended Mix), A2. Fela Kuti - International Thief Thief (I.T.T.) (Armonica & MoBlack Extended Dub), AA1. MoBlack, Emmanuel Jal & Henrik Schwarz - Chagu (Henrik Schwarz Extended Version), AA2. MoBlack, Emmanuel Jal & Henrik Schwarz - Chagu (MoBlack Extended Version) More

Coming as the ninth edition of the series, ‘EP9’ stays true to committing Defected’s biggest digital releases to wax, delivering an upfront package of house heat previously unavailable on vinyl. Kicking off the A-Side with Riva Starr’s remix of Defected anthem ‘Hey Hey’ by Dennis Ferrer, a tribute to Giorgio Moroder’s pivotal sound and the Paradise Garage early house vibe and serious dancefloor weapon. Ferreck Dawn’s ‘By My Side’ follows, a refined house groover with melodic keys, a soft filtered vocal and undulating beat featuring Californian producer Anthony Valadez. The flip opens with John Summit’s ‘Deep End’, a captivating house cut from the rising star that achieved Beatport #1 weeks after its release. Closing out the EP is Defected regular OFFAIAH, a slick, dancefloor-ready cut with OFFAIAH’s signature grooving bassline and an irresistible melody. TRACK LISTING: A1. Dennis Ferrer - Hey Hey (Riva Starr Paradise Garage Club Mix), A2. Ferreck Dawn featuring Anthony Valadez - By My Side (Extended Mix), B1. John Summit - Deep End (Extended Mix), B2. OFFAIAH - Play It By Ear (Club Mix) More

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The legendary partnership of NYC's Disco godfather Tom Moulton and Philadelphia International Records has long been documented.
A truly explosive collaboration that yielded endless classic tracks for dancers and deep listeners alike, Moulton seemed to be totally in tune with the labels output and the direction it should go in. Luckily we've been enjoying the fruits of this labour for the last 30+ years with a lot of these PIR classics becoming ingrained in the psyche of the modern day music fan as the building blocks of House music.

The names alone hark to the legendary voices of the era, major stars including The O'Jays, The Futures, Jean Carne & The Jones Girls all feature with classic after classic getting the TJM treatment. Moulton's supreme ear on this special PIR reissue 2 x 12" see's some all-time classics from the aforementioned artists in their full, unabridged, unedited Disco glory. The selections on this EP are absolutely top-shelf, flawless in fact. One could argue that these are the 'definitive' versions of these anthems. Pure Disco gold essentials. Anyone with even a passing interest in Disco will most certainly need this record in their possession, the 2012 pressing of this EP is super in demand among those in the know and it can change hands for £100+ second hand, so a repress was desperately needed.

These tracks are fully licensed and reissued in conjunction with Tom Moulton and PIR and all relevant rights holders. Remastered from original source materials to the highest spec and pressed onto top quality vinyl, courtesy of Above Board distribution for 2019. More

One half of iconic British duo Basement Jaxx Felix Buxton and vocalist Gia make their Defected debut with the soul-stirring ‘So Hooked On Your Lovin’, alongside two groove-loaded remixes by Mousse T.. The first ever release under their Selace pseudonym, the record comes laden with lingering organ chords and stunningly raw vocals, echoing the stripped back quality of Switch’s ‘I Still Love You’ and with a similar deep-reaching feel to Massive Attack’s early 90s classic ‘Unfinished Sympathy’. Production maestro Mousse T. works his magic with his funk-drenched Disco Shizzle mix loaded with a pumping bassline and guitar riffs alongside a deeper Dubby Shizzle version laced with a spoken word hook. Less is more with Selace; this is a minimalist yet undeniably stunning record that lets its captivating song do all the work. More