Shir Khan marks the 37th release on his infamous Black Jukebox imprint with an all-killer balearic house record courtesy of mysterious Cécille-affiliated Cabin Luv Affair hot on the heels of his debut album which has seen support from Fouk, Laurent Garnier, Jamie Jones, Mr. V and Archie Hamilton.

Here, the masked master lays out 4 convivial cuts that sit in a particular pocket between House and Disco; one that has historically been occupied by the likes of Pepe Bradock, Damiano Von Eckert and Andrés. A spot classically characterised by beautifully imperfect, sample-heavy productions that are shot through with palpable depth and soul.

The record sets sail with ’Te Siento’. Polyrhythmic percussion bubbles across the surface of a deep sonic pool that forms a bed for vivacious drums, romantic vocals and a spine-tingling strings riff. A hazy opening clears out before the backbone of recording shines through; an uplifting 90s piano motif that's later picked up by Xylophone tones while a tight, truncated bass line punches away at the track's core.

'Dance With Us' then rolls out a beautifully seductive mood. Softly shifting synth chords, a loose-limbed drum break and hedonic vocals whip up a hot and heavy vibe that shines with a distinctly Chicago-tinged elegance.

'Time Is Killing Us' follows up with an immaculately executed, 'last tune' House groove. A gentle but powerful euphoria is generated with swooning strings, more giddy piano riffs and another robust drum track that all gather momentum as progress rolls on. An ecstasy-crescendo forms before it crashes and fizzles before the lights go on.

'My Head Like Shibuya Crossing' then follows up with a tightly-knitted Deep House cut. Buttery melodies adorn an effortlessly kinetic bass groove before a delicate Japanese vocal bleeds into focus. As is the case with much of the record, the track graciously segues through its chapters with melody at the fore-front before bringing the record to a conclusion. More

After last year's release on Shall Not Fade, Paul Rudder & Kresy are back - this time on Exploited for the infamous Black Jukebox Series.

‘Along With You’ bounces along with plenty of feel-good energy, channeling ‘90s energy with its thicc bassline pump and an earworm of a sugar-sweet vocal. Well-chosen vox cuts create an infectious rhythm in between the full vocal sections while soft synth arps tickle the surface of the track and epic snare rolls inject more energy in the breakdown and at key moments. Guaranteed to get massive reactions. Kresy’s Continuum Mix takes things into a lighter direction with gorgeous, sunny piano chords chiming in unison with a driving, uplifting bassline and pretty synth flourishes.

‘Her Dream Road’ pushes the EP into almost ambient house territory with its swirling pads and deep atmospheres, but the energetic percussion and warm bassline throb and melody give it plenty of dancefloor energy. Kresy’s Mellonized Remix pumps it up with plump organ bass, dreamy acid licks, soaring arpeggios, continual automation and epic pad progressions that make for an absolutely huge rework that’s full of life, atmosphere and colour. More

4 big ol’ chunks of heavy house music are the order of the day from New York producer Ralph Session’s how new EP for Black Jukebox. Combining his skills as a musician and seasoned DJ along with the technical know-how from his work as an audio engineer, the result is a collection of beautifully crafted, hard-hitting house cutz.

‘That Raw’ features a breathy spoken-word vocal from DJ Amir—one half of the legendary duo Kon & Amir—that laces the soulful, deep production with a hypnotic atmosphere. Thick bass bubbles beneath soaring strings and meandering synth arpeggios to give the track a set-building, big-room feel. ‘Do It’ rocks jaunty snatches of piano and sax over its peppy, skippy beat, with a little New Jersey feel in its incessant, phat-bottomed grove. ‘If You Want’ takes us into a deeper direction with its hazy pad work and dubby touches, with a slinky, rubbery bass groove that throbs hard beneath it all. Turn it up loud and feel it envelop you with its wide-open atmospherics. ‘Raw Sax’ rounds off with a dusty, skipping drum track shuffling around dreamy filtering synths, dubbed-out stab patterns and of course a sultry sax line. More

Belgian duo Chassé keep the acclaimed Black Jukebox series rolling with a 4-track EP that pays homage to classic US house sounds in accomplished style.

‘Fake Real’ kicks off with sunny abandon, all breezy piano chords and synth sax creating an authentic early-’90s NYC house vibe over plump plucked bass and lazily skipping percussion. Deep pads, bright strings and delicate synth arps bring the atmospheric edge.

‘People Dancing’ ups both the chonk and swing factor, getting more jaunty with its live piano chords and lilting rhythm. Hazy, filtered electric piano chords swoon over classic drum hits, the deep and the pumping meeting in perfect harmony.

‘Nightlife’ takes snatches of classic house vocal and peppers them between melancholic chord samples and dramatic snare hits, and a tense breakdown that exacerbates the subtle qualities of this soulful stomper. A few carefully placed organ notes are all that’s needed to draw the most out of the cool bassline funk.

‘True Game’ rounds off this delicious EP, finding itself somewhere between the classic US house vein and the French touch era, where graceful pads cut against jazzy organ chords, pitched-down vocals, garage snare patterns and seductive bass throbs. More

Hailing from Liege in Belgium, David Body has been put on our radar with releases on the fine Endless Music — but this EP for Exploited’s Black Jukebox series looks set to propel him to a new level.

‘I Bird You’ is a seriously charming affair, led by a colourful, sugary-sweet refrain that twinkles and sparkles in cute fashion. A warm deep house groove crafted through swirling Rhodes chords builds the vibe before the flowery melody explodes into life, pushing the track into an altogether more magical direction.

‘Jack Me Baby’ channels rubbery bass and a galloping house beat, with minor piano chords creating a dramatic feel as a classic vocal sample whoops away in delight. The enormous snare-rolled propelled build-up thrusts the track into overdrive, with a delightful, balmy synth line woven in to provide a mystical counterbalance.

‘The Talking Mouettes’ is a supremely feel-good slab of Balearic-tinged house, with choice piano chords cut up and cascading over a high-energy groove. Big squelchy melodic bass wiggles under the chords and shoulder-popping chime riff, with plenty of power and punch scattered throughout to keep the vibes rolling.

‘Endless Love’ is an absolute monster to close the EP, a soaring, triumphant electro beauty that overflows with euphoric melody and ecstatic, eyes-closed-and-rolling tingles. It just keeps building and building through layer upon layer of synth mastery to an explosive, epic climax. More

Italian master, London based Stefano Ritteri takes centre stage for the latest edition of Shir Khan presents Black Jukebox — number 32 in this illustrious series. This one is a chiefly electro-flavoured affair, joining the dots between the genre’s past, present and future across four slick tracks — with a dash of garage at the end.
‘Slow Tripping’ is a homage to the charismatic boogie sound of the early ‘80s, resplendent with beautiful melancholic melody and a wistful air. As the name suggests, the lazy beat perfectly compliments the array of dreamy sounds, and there’s a definite nod to French disco/electro/hip-hop fusions of days gone by.

‘Donna’ is a collab with Mytron (Bordello A Parigi, Multi Culti)which continues the chuggy theme, its gently swaying synth arpeggios and unhurried beat recalling some of Soulwax’s more pared back material. Its simple arrangement is kept engrossing with synth automation and subtle atmospheric touches.

‘Brutesque’ strips things back to an almost minimalist approach, where twanging, monotone sounds slowly morph over a taut backbeat and a variety of bleeps and blips. With its spoken word sounds and Krautrock-ish mixture of sounds, it recalls the work of Public Service Broadcasting.

‘Robot Love’ takes its cues from the sweeter side of 2-step garage, bubbled down to a more laconic pace. Cute melodic refrains and big reverbs adorn the stuttering rhythm to make for a colourful, atmospheric, reflective track. More

Hong Kong-based, French-born artist Romain FX delivers a killer quartet for Exploited’s milestone 30th ;Shir Khan presents Black Jukebox’ release. With previous releases on labels like Fantastic Voyage, Fauve Records and 44100HZ Social Club and support for his music from DJ Harvey, Black Madonna, Tensnake, Erol Alkan and Red Axes, he comes with some serious pedigree.

‘A Fuego’ invokes the spirit of early Balearic house with its Latino vocal chants, sampled piano chords playing a triumphant progression, trumpet blasts and sweet chime melodies echoing around the soundscape. ‘Western Outlands’ continues the balmy feel with infectious woodblock melody trading blows with rubbery synth bass and euphoric melody aplenty. Close your eyes and you could be in the open-air era of Amnesia dancing to Alfredo. The authentic ‘80s synth refrains and tribal vocal loops combine in powerful fashion and make for another winner.

‘Jungle George’ somehow manages to rock a panpipe riff and old skool MIDI guitar notes without sounding crass — which is probably something to do with the taut electro bass groove and rolling bongo / conga rhythms that surround it. Rainforest recordings add a heady feel amidst the cool melodies. ‘Dancing In Hong Kong’ provides a madcap end to the EP, a cute little ‘80s electro-funk jam where jaunty keys, organ bass and a little city pop vibe rub up against each other. More

Hong Kong-based, French-born artist Romain FX delivers a killer quartet for Exploited’s milestone 30th ;Shir Khan presents Black Jukebox’ release. With previous releases on labels like Fantastic Voyage, Fauve Records and 44100HZ Social Club and support for his music from DJ Harvey, Black Madonna, Tensnake, Erol Alkan and Red Axes, he comes with some serious pedigree.

‘A Fuego’ invokes the spirit of early Balearic house with its Latino vocal chants, sampled piano chords playing a triumphant progression, trumpet blasts and sweet chime melodies echoing around the soundscape. ‘Western Outlands’ continues the balmy feel with infectious woodblock melody trading blows with rubbery synth bass and euphoric melody aplenty. Close your eyes and you could be in the open-air era of Amnesia dancing to Alfredo. The authentic ‘80s synth refrains and tribal vocal loops combine in powerful fashion and make for another winner.

‘Jungle George’ somehow manages to rock a panpipe riff and old skool MIDI guitar notes without sounding crass — which is probably something to do with the taut electro bass groove and rolling bongo / conga rhythms that surround it. Rainforest recordings add a heady feel amidst the cool melodies. ‘Dancing In Hong Kong’ provides a madcap end to the EP, a cute little ‘80s electro-funk jam where jaunty keys, organ bass and a little city pop vibe rub up against each other. More

Shir Khan Presents Black Jukebox 28 featuring legendary producer Arthur Baker. Highly limited as usual. First come - first serve.
Arthur and Laz met at MURKs famed Monday residency at Coyo Tacos Wynnwood Miami where Casanova is a resident and Baker a guest resident.
Baker was inspired by the music that Laz and the MURK boys played with collaborations with MURK on the tracks “MIAMI” and “COYO” following.
Laz and ABs first joint collab is the eps opener “MAKOSSA”. It started off from a few 80s loops out of Bakers vast catalogue, with Casanova whipping them in shape. It’s been battle tested over the last few years and finely tuned to Bomb like results.
“CALE!” features the vocal and production skills of MURKs legendary Oscar. He added the hook and a few nudges in a late night session at Casanova little Havana studio. There’s an original mix and the stripped down drum and vocal take.
“BTS HAPPINESS” started its life as a loop from a Baker cassette rough mix circa 78. It reminded him of an old Booker T and the MG groove, this the name. He brought his old friend (& ex wife) Tina b ( of Rockers Revenge, Tripping on Sunshine and Jazzy Sensation fame amongst others) to do some disco vocalizing. Casanova added the tight final mix.

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Shir Khan Presents Black Jukebox 27 featuring 4 infectious, dreamy and loopy jams from Paul Rudder. Highly limited as usual. First come - first serve. More

Only one listen to the crystal clear rapture in the sound of Bodhi shows the funk influenced take on dance music this young duo have to offer. Olly Howells and Luke Welsby started producing together 2 years ago but ever since they kept on capturing the right attention. Therefore it is no surprise that Exploited picked them up to release three uplifting, warm and modern dance tracks.
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Plus sized house hitmaker DJ Sneak has knocked together his second release for Exploited Records, laying down some serious swing on 3 club tracks which are destined to make dance floors sweat this summer, from Ibiza to points beyond. With Sneak's infamous grill and barbecue sessions in mind the "Night Dish EP" is a proper Doner Kebab and Satay Meal after a heavy night out in Berlin. Featuring artwork by Berlin-based street artist Nomad.

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The Hamburg duo, ADANA TWINS, have been storming the charts over the past year, respectively topping the poles of Beatport and Resident Advisor. 2 years ago their hit ""Strange"" plunged the deep house faithfuls into the limelight, gaining them support from across the boarder. Adana Twins were being praised by DJs of all genres and receiving standing ovations in clubs. This resulted in a bunch of new remixes, massive press attention and a busy tour schedule all over the world, with an Australia, America and Brasil tour. Aside from their hectic worldwide touring schedule, the duo remixed ""Schwarz Don't Crack"" on Kitsune. In March 2014, this entertaining duo will be releasing the fresh new single DRIVE featuring Khan (Ex-Captain Comatose/Playhouse/I'm Single) on Exploited. Includes Bonus Track SCHIWAGO.
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You may well know Bristol's Behling & Simpson for their chunky, slow-mo releases on Futureboogie, 2020 Midnight Visions, Applepips and Outernational, or their underground edits of Faith Evans, Ciara and Julio Bashmore. And you may have heard their tunes in sets by people like Jackmaster, X-Press 2, Tensnake, Midland, Funk D'Void and Pete Tong, amongst others. For this 4 track EP on Berlin's Exploited Records, the duo continue their run of exquisitely produced, distinctive house music, retaining their unique sound whilst also embracing faster tempos than previously.
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Shir Khan is back with another killer-selection for his Disco-House-Edit imprint Black Jukebox. 4 heavy cuts from Sqim, Marten & Pavel Petrov, Claus Casper and Bara Bröst. Limited Collector's Vinyl Only. Cop that before it sells out. More

Homework from Amsterdam are back on Exploited. The guys have been busy with touring and remixing the likes of Duffdisco (Dsiko), David Keno (Noir Music), Andre Crom (Off) or S.K.A.M. (Gruuv). With another EP lined up on 2020 Vision, this one is their follow-up EP on Exploited entitled: 'Conversation Piece'. Since their 'Hudson Square' and 'Black Jukebox' Release (which have both become collector items with prices going up to 99€ on Discogs) the 2 dutch men have collected many new fans and followers and it's pretty save to say that Homework will release their first artist album on Exploited in 2013.

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