The new CD, digital album and vinyl release, RE:GENERATIONS, honors Nat King Cole's continued cultural influence around the planet, 90 years after his birth. Over the latter part of 2008, Nat King Cole was virtually in the studio and on the mic with some of the most talented Hip Hop, Latin, Reggae and Rock artists and producers of our day. The album celebrates a universal love of music, the one language that brings us all together and honors his multifaceted legacy. This inspired congregation of audio and visual art acknowledges the timeless appeal of Cole's catalog. From its invention to its re-invention, from each generation to the next, Cole's music is always fresh and innovative.

In an altogether modern and collaborative approach, many of the world's most pioneering musicians, producers and DJs have joined together to bring each of their distinct styles to 13 of Cole's outstanding recordings for RE:GENERATIONS. In addition, several respected Los Angeles visual artists have drawn inspiration from Cole's music, style and cultural influence to create custom artwork for the release. Executive produced by Nat King Cole's daughter Carole Cole and Michaelangelo L'Acqua, the album contains the manifold talents of Cee-Lo, The Roots, will.i.am with Natalie Cole, Cut Chemist, Just Blaze, Nas with Salaam Remi, Souldiggaz with Izza Kizza, Michaelangelo L'Acqua with Bebel Gilberto, Stephen and Damian Marley, Bitter:Sweet, Brazilian Girls, Amp Fiddler and TV On The Radio. RE:GENERATIONS is as much a colorful and culturally-diverse soundscape as it is a 21st Century journey in the lexicon of Nat King Cole's catalog.

This spring Black Lips will return with the follow up to the widely successful Good Bad Not Evil with 200 Million Thousand, out February 24th on Vice Music.

The 14 tracks that make up 200 Million Thousand show true early rock and roll at it's finest: simple, straightforward songwriting mesh perfectly with the Black Lips’ distinctive howl to create a time capsule rife with nods to simple pleasures and a world of worry. It's a modern, mature reflection on life and the world traveled. As has come to be expected, 200 Million Thousand will be followed by ample opportunity to see Black Lips do what they do best - whip a crowd into a pure ball of unpredictable energy.

In 2004 Chris Joss’ third LP, You've Been Spiked, was released by ESL Music. With its thick funky bass lines, wah-wah guitars, Rhodes and Hammond riffs pulsating over live rootsy drums, the album was a vibrant tribute to 60's and 70's dance music. Remixes by Ursula 1000 & Fort Knox Five came out in 2005 on the Discotheque Dancing EP, and by Kraak & Smaak on the A Part In That Show EP in February of 2006.

Seriously injured in a domestic accident, almost costing him his right arm, Chris Joss recorded a version of John Williams' “Superman” theme song in between hospital stays in 2006. Originally intended for a movie trailer, ESL Music released it on an EP in August 2007 alongside remixes by Basement Freaks & Plastilina Mosh and a new track called "Superjam.”

Most recently, ESL Music released 13 new tracks from Chris Joss on Teraphonic Overdubs, a collection of grooves influenced by the diversity of Library music, crossing genres that were years apart while staying true to the funk… Flower power times 10! His I Want Freedom EP followed in August 2008 featuring remixes from Smokey Bandits from Greece, Atfunk from Ibiza and Myagi from Toronto.

Chris Joss’ 5th LP, entitled Sticks, is a smoky sonic journey through the Asian sub-continent. The trademark funky beats are still here, but the sitar that appeared on Teraphonic Overdubs is leading the march here giving a more contemplative side to Chris' beats. The almost all acoustic environment is put on show by the Chris’ furious and incredible production. Filled out by a lush tapestry of ethereal sitars, rubber-funk bass, cheeky organ riffs, snappy drum kicks and smoky atmospherics Sticks captures a deep and irresistible vintage groove that defies categorization!

DL: Chris Joss - Wrong Alley Street Pt. 2 (Fort Knox Five Mix)

N.A.S.A is an ongoing creative collaboration between two lifelong music aficionados, Squeak E. Clean and DJ Zegon, and their friends, friends of friends and musical heroes. While N.A.S.A. stands for North America/South America and contains a number of super- star artists from both coasts of the US, it is about as far from a tension-building geographical showdown as a record can get. Rather, their Anti debut The Spirit of Apollo was born with the righteous goal of bringing people together through music and art, and that is exactly what masterminds Sam Spiegel (Squeak E. Clean) and Ze Gonzales (DJ Zegon) have done.

Brazilian funk provides the roots of the songs and binds them together into a cohesive whole, but from there, the imagination behind The Spirit of Apollo ranges far and wide. Unexpected collaborations abound on the eighteen track release. Tom Waits growls over Kool Keith, Karen O taunts while Ol’ Dirty Bastard gives shout-outs to Wu Tang and N.A.S.A from the grave. David Byrne, Chuck D and others expound on the evils of “Money.” In spite of the range of performers, the pairings seem organic, inspired and make perfect sense on the first listen, never coming off as ironic or impulsive.

DL: N.A.S.A. - Gifted (Ft. Kanye West, Santogold, Lykke Li)

Ursula 1000 returns from journeys into outer space with an epic collection of psychedelic sonic sorcery in Mystics, his fourth studio album. Zig-Zagging further away from the cheeky vintage breakbeat-rhumba of previous albums, the Brooklyn beat-wizard ventures into tougher and more angular territory: beats banging harder and bass popping louder. Drawing from a variety of new influences and collaborations, Ursula 1000 delivers lethal doses of dirty booty-breaks with tracks like “Rump” featuring MC Tee Double, gothic sexcapades with “I.C.O.M.E.” featuring sex-kitten vocalist Rochelle Vincente Von K, electro-dancehall with “Step Back” featuring Jamaican toaster Sista Widey, and disco-funk filth with “Star Machine” featuring jazz-breaks producer Mocean Worker. At once playful and dangerous, Mystics is a cry to the stars!

The new album differs from the 50's and 60's retro leanings of Ursula 1000’s first two albums. With Here Comes Tomorrow, more elements of psychedelic and glam rock were creeping in alongside more electro and post punk influences. Mystics continues with that approach but with beats that are lot heavier, definitely influenced by electro house and baile funk/baltimore breaks/fidget house rhythms.

DL: Ursula 1000 - Samba 1000

Marc Collin, the Parisian composer who single-handedly changed the way we thought about Depeche Mode and Visage as Nouvelle Vague by daringly rearranging their songs with bossa nova beats and sultry chanteuses, is now chasing a very different ambition: to change the way we feel about 1980s soundtracks. From “Eye of the Tiger” to “Flashdance…What a Feeling,” Hollywood, Mon Amour strips away the dated bombast and overblown synthesizers, the shoulder pads and eyeliner, to reveal songs underneath that you could never even imagine existed.

Hollywood in the 1980s was the port of call for post-punk bands that had reached the mainstream. From Simple Minds to Blondie, the call up for a film soundtrack was the sign that you had hit the big leagues, and soon you too would be recording a slice of Giorgio Moroder pop hysteria, a scene where a stripper with a perm was dancing for her life or Rocky Balboa was pounding the streets of Philadelphia.
Like a musical archaeologist, Collin painstakingly dug through the layers of garish production to find the forgotten bones of the song beneath. It may be hard to believe, but Hollywood, Mon Amour will turn songs you had forgotten into songs you will fall in love with. Where there was once a garish palette of squealing guitar solos and high-five vocals, Collin manages to find fragile colors and tender melancholy. Some of the coolest young female singers around were queuing up to work with Collin, too, including Skye from Morcheeba, Brazilian hipster Cibelle, and appropriately, Hollywood's own rock chick, Juliette Lewis.

DL: Hollywood, Mon Amour - Flashdance.....What A Feeling (Feat. Yael Naim)

Para EP is the continuation of an extraordinary journey with the prolific and award-winning artist, DJ SUN. Born in Rotterdam and raised in Suriname, our guide on this trip is taking us back to the roots of his bloodlines in South America and the revolutionary spirit of the self-liberated Maroons. Para EP evokes the deity of the Opete and the lush tropical shores of Suriname with a blend of intelligent and effortless grooves by DJ SUN.

Now living in Houston, a beloved DJ and radio show host since 1995 (Soular Grooves, KPFT 90.1), DJ SUN releases his second EP Para. With his first, Monday Drive, listeners quickly learned they could trust him to take them on an international and fantastical exploration of old-school soul, jazz, reggae and even disco. Now, consistent as a heartbeat and as warm as DJ SUN’s memories of home, Para EP propels listeners to go even further with him as he integrates the roots and traditions of his background with contemporary and at times futuristic methodology.

An all-star ensemble of trailblazing and inspirational collaborators help provide the diversity and intensity we have come to expect and love from DJ SUN as a producer. DJ Sabo (Sol Selectas) has gained international recognition with six EP releases; the New York veteran ‘with music in his blood’ lends his funky musical talents to creating a rhythmically pulsating remix of “Para” (DJ Sabo Remix). J Boogie (Om Records), San Francisco’s world-renowned DJ/Producer, also takes on “Para” (J Boogie Remix) delivering his own mix-up of culture, soul, and hypnotic beats. On “Dubai”, DJ SUN delivers the bass lines and warm lounge feel that keep heads bouncing. The Genre Jazz (Presto and Mhax Montes) remix of “Dubai” mellows out the sultry and intoxicating track. As veterans of downtempo and hip hop production, they incorporate heavy drum programs and bass lines with a contrast of obscure and melodic samples. On “Free,” DJ SUN, much like the Opete that inspires him, circles, hops and takes off on deceptive and surprising flights, harmoniously exploring both new and ancestral terrain.

DL: DJ Sun - Dubai

The Brighton Port Authority was an outfit who built a huge word-of-mouth reputation on England’s south coast from the early 1970s before petering out in the mid-‘90s. From what can be pieced together, they were a loose-limbed jamming unit. At its core were musicians Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim) and Simon Thornton, who gathered various singers and session men around them, built the rather ramshackle BPA studio, and would occasionally hold multi-day warehouse parties from which their semi-legendary reputation stems.

The BPA’s modus operandi appears to have been to convene for sessions at times pre-agreed according to astrological principles laid out by their guru Baba Ganoush, sadly now deceased. These sessions are classic, notably a song called ‘Local Town’ sung by Jamie T some time in the late ‘70s. Lots of other artists crossed paths with the BPA, although many deny ever having had met them. The vocal on a catchy number called ‘Toe Jam’ is patently David Byrne, despite his reticence on the subject, and at some point during The BPA’s ‘mauve spell’, when Cook and Thornton insisted they could only record on equipment painted mauve, Martha Wainwright stopped by and laid down the vocals for a dubbed out track called ‘Spade’. X-Press 2’s Ashley Beedle is one of the few who acknowledges his presence at BPA sessions, the results being the rock-steady ‘Should I Stay Or Should I Blow.’
“It would have been a tragedy if this material had been lost,” says Seal, “It’s been called Norman Cook’s ‘Smile’ and it’s certainly been hidden from public eye about as long as Brian Wilson’s masterpiece. The BPA are a very different kettle of fish, though, and I can’t wait to hear these songs played at a modern disco. I want to see what the young people think.”

He will very shortly have his chance and, given the stone cold grooves of songs such as ‘Dirty Sheets’ and ‘Jumps The Fence’ it seems likely that people, both young and old, will finally be able to wrap their ears around a long lost treasure.

Download: The BPA - Toe Jam feat. Dizzee Rascal & David Byrne - Stanton Warriors Remix

One listen to Alice Russell's voice will send shivers down your spine and leave goose bumps on your neck. Alice's lavishly soulful voice is both timeless and modern. Live or on record, she always performs with her trademark self assurance and sass. Listening to Alice, you'd naturally think she grew up on the streets of Detroit, just around the corner from Motown's legendary recording studios, but surprisingly enough the blue-eyed, blonde-haired lass hails from Brighton, U.K.

Although her style is predominantly bluesy and soul lament, it also encompasses everything from funk to gospel to jazz and beyond. Alice has developed a burgeoning career as one of the hottest UK soul singers with growing audiences around the world. While comparisons have been made to other popular British vocalists like Joss Stone, Amy Winehouse, Duffy, and Adele, one listen and look at Alice and you can immediately tell she's in a class all by herself. She has performed alongside well respected company that includes Roy Ayres, The Roots, Lonnie Liston Smith, De La Soul, Quantic, and The Quantic Soul Orchestra, to name a few.

Alice has built quite an impressive discography since bursting onto the scene. Alice's first album, Under the Munka Moon was an amalgamation of various projects (singles, remixes, collaborations) and a great introduction to new listeners. Then came My Favourite Letters, her debut studio album created by Alice with co-writer, producer, guitarist and musical soul mate Alex Cowan (a.k.a. TM Juke). The album received prestigious press accolades and proved she was an unstoppable voice to be reckoned with. Her third release, Under the Munka Moon II compiled her most recent collaborations, remixes, and cover versions including her popular interpretation of White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army," for another satisfying listen.

The dynamic duo of Alice and TM Juke have been touring together for the past two years with their hand-picked band, wowing audiences in the U.K., Europe, Australia, the U.S. and in other countries. Last year, when not busy turning heads with their dynamic stage performances, Alice and "her boys"—as she affectionately refers to her group—were busy in the studio, recording her brand new album, Pot of Gold.

In addition to her prolific musical output, her live performances continue to flourish with the ability to captivate an audience and to hold their attention throughout, expertly tugging at the heartstrings. Pot of Gold was shaped on the road and now comes full circle as Alice and her band tour worldwide to support her new album.

DL: Alice Russell - Got the Hunger?

Part Of The Weekend Never Dies is a documentary showcasing the talents of four Belgians (Soulwax) who programmed and promoted, DJ’d, and played live alongside an array of their friends and some of the most exciting acts in modern music, traveling relentlessly across the globe under the banner of “Radio Soulwax.”
Recording over 120 shows with one camera in Europe, Japan, US, Latin America, and Australia with acclaimed director Saam Farahmand, their efforts resulted in two films and an album.

The film includes 2manydj's and Soulwax’s Nite Versions live footage, and also features James Murphy, Nancy Whang, Erol Alkan, Tiga, Justice, Busy P, So-Me, Peaches, Kitsuné & Klaxons in behind-the-scenes footage and interviews. The second is a live film that captures perfectly the blissful and beautiful sonic malevolence of Soulwax’s Nite Versions blitzkrieg. The live album captures the energy and excitement of this whirlwind tour.
While dance and rock bands may have been unlikely bedfellows, there is something wonderful about Soulwax, a schizophrenic ball of ideas and sound, constantly evolving into new shapes, complications and identities.

Part Of The Weekend Never Dies is purely and simply a documentation of four guys making people forget everything. It captures the uniqueness of what Radio Soulwax is and was to people all around the world—not just the euphoria and revelation, but the adoration of music, the party and the crescendo, and most importantly sharing and friendship and as far removed from the notion of the superstar DJ as you could get.

DL: MGMT - Kids (Soulwax Remix)

Following on the heels of their full-length debut, Portland beat-slinging duo Soulphonic Soundsystem has unleashed their latest digital-only single featuring remixes from some of their favorite producers. NYC's Turntables On The Hudson-founder Nickodemus (ESL, Wonderwheel) jump starts the sitar driven "Eastern Market" with a fierce four-on-the-floor tabla driven beat, while Germany's Deela (Switchstance Records) lays the perfect backbeat for Valida's vocals on "The One" to move the track from the headphones to the floor. For the finishing touch, Brighton's Will Sumsuch (Latenight Lounging) takes a trip into abstract terrain with his interpretation of the previously unreleased "Miso." Bringing you all three remixes from the single, this digital DJ promo is sure to keep dancefloors worldwide in motion to the vibes of Soulphonic Soundsystem.

DL; Soulphonic Soundsystem - Montanica

No matter what holidays you celebrate, the thing we all call Christmas Spirit is a warm & fuzzy feeling, packed with hugs and candy and presents and snow. And what’s better than those things? Nothing, that’s what.

We love the holiday season and we’re pretty sure you do too. And with a tracklisting like this one -- Nina Simone, Billie & Ella, Mel Torme on the cuts, The Heavy, Oh NO, Wax Tailor, Fink, and Brazilian Girls on the remixes – we know this is just the thing to get you in the holiday spirit. Conceived and compiled by co-producers Dahlia Ambach-Caplin and Todd Roberts, Verve Remixed Christmas will ensure that you’ll have the coolest holiday season.

DL: Dinah Washington - Silent Night (Brazilian Girls Remix)

Death Cab for Cutie’s classic 1998 debut album, Something About Airplanes, limited deluxe 10-year anniversary CD edition includes a bonus disc featuring a recently-unearthed recording of the band’s first-ever Seattle show, a February 1998 set at the legendary venue The Crocodile Café. It also includes beautifully redesigned artwork, including extensive liner notes by noted musician and writer Sean Nelson (whose band Harvey Danger was the headliner of the bonus disc show, and who sings lead vocals on the DCFC set’s never-before-heard cover of The Smiths’ “Sweet and Tender Hooligan”).

Death Cab for Cutie originally formed in Bellingham, WA, in 1997 with their cassette-only Elsinor Records release. Something About Airplanes was the first album recorded by the full band, following the addition of Nick Harmer (bass) and Nathan Good (drums).

DL: Death Cab for Cutie - Champagne From a Paper Cup

Medeski Martin & Wood have embarked on an ingenious new experiment dubbed The Radiolarian Series.

In February, Medeski Martin & Wood began their Viva La Evolution Tour—a three run, three record project. In direct contrast to they way things are usually done MMW decided to spend 2008 composing the skeleton of new music, taking it on the road to flesh out the composition, and finally putting the by now well played notes down as tracks. Three times. Radiolarians 1 is the first in this 3 inventive new record series.

The Radiolarian Series is named after radiolarians – a type of single-celled organisms whose dazzlingly intricate mineral exoskeletons were documented in a stunning series of plates by German biologist Ernst Haeckel. By inverting the industry standard and developing their material in front of an audience before entering the studio, they are giving their fans a revealing look at the way their material evolves – in a sense, putting the skeleton on the outside. The studio recordings will be cut in bare-bones fashion, designed to capture the feeling of the band’s live sets. David Kent, who does live sound for Medeski Martin & Wood, will also engineer the studio sessions, insuring the continuity of the concept.

DL: Medeski Martin & Wood - Let's Go Everywhere

Keen connoisseurs of house music, hip-hop and electronica, The Rapture have recorded with DFA Soundsystem, Dangermouse and Timbaland and toured with Daft Punk, The Cure and The Killers. At the dawn of the new millennium, this impeccably cool four-piece helped pioneer the dance-punk scenes and No Wave renaissance that soon conquered the global club scene.

Their new mix album “Tapes” is a treasure trove of rare grooves and cult classics spanning three decades, from the late 1970s to 2008. One key thread running through the mix is the evergreen sound of the New York underground, epitomised by classic tunes like Vaughan Mason & Crew’s 1980 disco-rap milestone “Bounce, Rock, Skate, Roll” and the irresistible beat-pop ditty “I’m An Indian Too,” recorded in 1979 by East Harlem’s Don Armando and his Second Avenue Rumba Band. NYC’s latest clubland stars also make their mark, from neo-disco supergroup Arcade Lover to hip-hop DJ Frog’s dazzling robo-funk alter ego, Dances With White Girls.

“Tapes” features household names and underground cult heroes. Southern soul legends The Bar-Kays, Otis Redding’s former backing band, are on here. So is the revered 1960s folk singer Richie Havens, performing an amazing funky-house version of the classic Odyssey hit “Back To My Roots”. But alongside tracks by A-list DJ Armand Van Helden and hip-hop superstar Ghostface Killah, “Tapes” contains cutting-edge electronica from the rising stars of today.

DL: The Rapture - No Sex for Ben