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

Posted by Mike at 03:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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

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For anyone tuned into the sounds of today’s club culture, you’ll be aware that one of the most exciting and well championed of dance musical frequencies and beats is the ‘Baltimore’ or ‘B-more’ sound. Up until recently this sonic movement was mostly confined to the city which gives it its name, however things are already changing with the clever combination of hip-hop attitude and house music, the energy and enthusiasm is spreading like wildfire on an international scale.

It seems Baltimore provided the answer to the ‘what’s next?’ question that left many scratching their heads as hip-hop’s former appeal dulled out and the youth of today were left needing something to claim as their own once again. It’s also fair to say that B-more provided a much-needed dose of energy and fun to the dance floor, with its bass-heavy, cut up approach proven to achieve the ‘hands in the air’ seal of approval.

Smack dab in the middle of this wave is Washington D.C. bred DJ/producer Jesse Tittsworth, who for the past few years has been lighting up blogs and dance floors with re-edits and remixes galore which have taken this formerly obscure music man on a non-stop whirlwind of touring; notching up festivals and headlining clubs in just about every place on earth where club music means anything.

The first-of-its-kind album, 12 Steps, features original Tittsworth production through unique collaborations with various A-list vocalists such as blog buzzer Kid Sister and hyphy vets The Federation to chart toppers like Nina Sky and Pitbull. Even before its release, "12 Steps" received high praise from Billboard, URB, Fader, Kiss, Radio 1, Entertainment Times and many more.

DL: Ramones - Blitzkrieg Bop (Tittsworth Remix)

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Step inside the sound of 3 Cities, Bombay Dub Orchestra's sophomore release, and experience the crossroads where Mumbai, Chennai, and London musically meet. Since the release of their self-titled debut, Bombay Dub Orchestra (consisting of composer/producers Garry Hughes and Andrew T. Mackay) has built quite a reputation. From main-stage performances at the UK's Big Chill Festival and Djing across the globe, scoring feature films to remixing such world-renowned artists as Bob Marley, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and Bebel Gilberto, fans and critics have been eagerly awaiting their next move. For 3 Cities, Hughes and Mackay traveled to Mumbai and Chennai to record with the cities' premier musicians and vocalists before returning to London to mix the album. 3 Cities is where their cinematic soundscapes meet Indian Classical and electronica, featuring a huge cast of over 75 musicians!

The album is lush and relaxed, and at other times it takes the listener on a rollicking ride down the Ganges from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal with sounds both new and old. Mumbai (formerly Bombay) is where the majority of 3 Cities was created and is central to Bombay Dub Orchestra. Both Hughes and Mackay have been traveling to Mumbai since the early 90's and first worked together there in 1998. The people, the colors, the buildings, the smells, the food, and life in the heart of the city has been integral to their inspiration.

The second city represented on the album is Chennai (Madras). Although both Hughes and Mackay had visited Chennai before, this was their first time recording there. They immediately made a real connection with the musicians, recording at the studios of revered composer and musician A R Rahman, regarded as one of the greatest film composers. This is where they worked with a team of dedicated string players and soloists.
After extensive sessions in Mumbai and Chennai, Bombay Dub Orchestra returned back home, recording in various parts of the UK including London, where the vocals of singers Kartik and Meneka were recorded as well as some sitar and percussion. The biggest UK sessions were recorded at Rockfield Studios. A legendary music studio set up in the 1960s, the facility has the vibe left from five decades of recording with the likes of Queen, Black Sabbath, Echo and the Bunnymen, and Oasis. Here BDO recorded live drums, percussion, tablas, Rhodes and piano.

DL: Bombay Dub Orchestra - Compassion

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Thievery Corporation are back after the 'Cosmic Game' with their highly anticipated fifth independent studio album Radio Retaliation. Along with longtime microphone co-conspirators like Sleepy Wonder, Lou Lou, and Notch, the “outernational” DJ and production duo are joined this time by a new cast of musical collaborators including Nigeria’s afro-beat heir Femi Kuti, Brazilian star vocalist and guitarist Seu Jorge, Indian sitar virtuoso Anushka Shankar, Slovakian chanteuse and violinist Jana Andevska, and Washington DC’s own godfather of go-go Chuck Brown. The album has an uncompromising socio-political agenda and richly layered production touching upon the eclectic sounds of Jamaica, Latin America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

"Radio Retaliation is definitely a more overt political statement," says Garza. "There's no excuse for not speaking out at this point, with the suspension of habeas corpus, outsourced torture, illegal wars of aggression, fuel, food, and economic crises. It's hard to close your eyes and sleep while the world is burning around you. If you are an artist, this is the most essential time to speak up." Naturally, the duo decided to raise their voice.
With Radio Retaliation, recorded entirely in their Washington DC-based studio, Thievery Corporation have managed to blossom in the heart of a city they often refer to as "Babylon;" a poignant reference to the traditional Rastafarian distaste and distrust of a corrupt and unjust modern system. Although the city is best known as the seat of an aggressive American Empire, paradoxically Washington DC has long been the home of a music subculture legendary for fierce independence, a staunch do-it-yourself work ethic, and conscientious social activism exemplified by genre-defining pioneers like godfather of go-go Chuck Brown and indie punk rockers Bad Brains, Minor Threat, and Fugazi.

DL: Thievery Corporation - Mandala

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With Future Chaos, Bomb the Bass', Tim Simenon, revamps his long-running project to produce a record that's fresher than anyone might have expected from an outfit that got its start in the '80s. Tickling tweeters and pushing the limits of low-end, the album hovers confidently on the cusp between futurism and vintage. Simenon calls it "electronic music with soul," but that barely begins to describe it. At once lush and chilly, intimate and alien, Future Chaos is a synth-rich album boasting guest vocals from Jon Spencer, Mark Lanegan, Fujiya & Miyagi's David Best, Toob and Paul Conboy.

It's been 21 years since Bomb the Bass' "Beat Dis" helped usher in the era of sampling, acid house and DJ culture. It's easy to forget how monumental the single was. Going straight to number two in the UK charts, the song's success quickly propelled Simenon from underground DJ to in-demand knobsman.

On Future Chaos, Simenon's guest vocalists are as inspired as ever. David Best, of Fujiya & Miyagi, spreads his trademark free-association whispers all over "Butter Fingers." Toob, the duo of Jakeone (Jake Williams) and Red Snapper's Richard Thair, lend a nervous, sultry touch to "Burn the Bunker." Jon Spencer—yes, he of Blues Explosion fame—infuses "Fuzzbox" with the distant purr of robot phone sex. But the most striking appearance here might be Mark Lanegan's. Formerly of the Screaming Trees, a onetime member of Queens of the Stone Age and collaborator with PJ Harvey, Lanegan has a voice like no other; on "Black River," his smokes-and-whiskey drawl proves the perfect complement to Bomb the Bass' rich sonics.

DL: Bomb the Bass - Butterfingers (Ft. Fujiya & Miyagi)

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Electronic songstress Natalie Walker returns with her sophomore album the titled 'With You.' It's a diverse and dynamic album rooted in classic pop and New Wave soundscapes. The release comes on the heels of last year's 'Urban Angel,' Walker's debut that has become an indie favorite among electronic fans. 'Urban Angel' garnered critical acclaim and saw heavy rotation at KCRW. Director Sofia Coppola also heard a Thievery Corporation remix of Walker's single "Quicksand," fell in love with it and included it in the trailer for her film Marie Antoinette.

Armed with a voice that softly swirls and induces chills just the same, the release finds Walker reuniting with the Brooklyn-based production duo Stuhr (Mya, Nicole Atkins) who oversaw production on her debut. As a result, 'With You' doesn't so much depart from her debut as build on its strengths. It also reflects Walker's increasingly varied influences from the upbeat to sublime and serious. From tracks like "Monarch," "By and By" and the first single, "Over and Under," 'With You' firmly establishes Natalie Walker as one of the electronic genre's brightest new stars.

DL: Natalie Walker - Over & Under

Posted by Mike at 09:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Over the course of two previous studio albums and countless all-nighters at their East Village clubhouse, Nublu, Brazilian Girls has established a reputation as New York’s premier international party band. To attend a Brazilian Girls show is to experience something like time travel: No one else is quite as capable of making a few hours fly by like a few minutes.

For the Girls’ third full-length—the follow-up to 2006’s Talk to La Bomb, singer Sabina Sciubba says she, keyboardist Didi Gutman and drummer Aaron Johnston (bassist Jesse Murphy is on hiatus from the group) wanted to slow down their process. The result of nearly eight months’ worth of work on their own and with producer Hector Castillo, the boldly titled New York City is Brazilian Girls’ most sophisticated, dynamic effort yet. To be sure, the album contains its fair share of uptempo party-starters: “We just want to have a good time all the time,” Sciubba admits gleefully over an infectious hand-clap beat in the aptly named “Good Time,” while “Losing Myself” rides a go-go organ groove.

Yet New York City also reveals a deeper, more contemplative side of Brazilian Girls’ sound, one that Johnston says reflects the band’s desire to “actually sit down and write rather than just jam at the club.” They certainly succeed on that count. “Strangeboy” is a spooky avant-cabaret number in which Sciubba’s echo-chamber vocals float uneasily over forbidding haunted-house horns. “Ricardo” has a sly spy-movie throb. “I Want Out” features gorgeous choral vocals that call to mind Björk’s work on Vespertine. “Mano De Dios” could be the soundtrack to your next yoga session. For “Internacional,” a sleek future-lounge throwdown, Brazilian Girls were joined in the studio by Senegalese superstar Baba Maal, a happy byproduct of Sciubba and Gutman’s work on Maal’s own forthcoming album.

The members of the band are sure that the wide variety of fans who make up Brazilian Girls’ diverse audience will respond to their latest explorations. “Rather than something cool or hip, I think people are looking for something that touches them,” says Sciubba. “Everyone needs a little love right now.” And they’ll certainly find it—prepare to be shaken!

DL: Brazilian Girls - Good Time

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Issa Bagayogo is a regular star attraction on stages around the African continent, playing for huge and wildly enthusiastic audiences. On his latest release, Mali Koura, Issa adds jazz inflected horns to his organic blend of roots music and Western dance technology. Issa’s sound has ripened into a fully-realized Afro-European hybrid – no longer does it sound like a fusion of two separate cultures, but rather like the fully-evolved music of a brand new culture.

An incredible roster of guest musicians appear on Mali Koura, including flutist Ba Diallo (who plays regularly with the National Ensemble of Mali); the French guitarist Pascale Hubert (of Double Nelson); djembe player Adama Diarra (famed for his work with some of Mali’s greatest griots as well as jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater); and Issa’s longtime guitarist Mama Sissoko.

Take all of these elements together and the result is one of the warmest, most surprising and most exciting albums of African music you've heard in a while.

DL: Issa Bagayogo - Sebero

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The Dandy Warhols are back with their sixth LP, Earth To The Dandy Warhols. Earth To… marks the band’s debut as masters of their own destiny, powered now by their own label, Beat the World records. Pulling together the diverse sounds and influences that have always characterized their music, this is quintessential Dandy's, full of the same dry vigor that’s made them world famous. Earth To The Dandy Warhols is set for release on August 19, 2008.

From the Some Girls-era Rolling Stones-meets-Talking Heads “Welcome To The Third World,” to the campy “Mis Amigos,” to the psychedelic rock of “Beast of Saints,” Earth To The Dandy Warhols is pleasure of a ride that allows you to fully settle into it while still keeping you on your toes. The band reached out to their friends, too, inviting Dire Strait’s Mark Knopfler and the Heartbreakers’ guitarist Mike Campbell to join in on the rollicking “Love Song.” “The Legend Of The Last Of The Outlaw Truckers AKA The Ballad Of Sheriff Shorty,” is a 21st century take on outlaw country that has Courtney Taylor-Taylor growling melodically over dusty guitar riffs.

The Dandy Warhols kick off their 2008 tour in support of the album with European Festival dates this summer and a fall North American tour. Check them out in you town. Support band is Portland's The Upsidedown.

Sep 9 - First Avenue - Minneapolis, Minnesota
Sep 10 - Barrymore - Madison, Wisconsin
Sep 12 - Vic Theater - Chicago, Illinois
Sep 13 - Kool Haus - Toronto, Ontario
Sep 14 - Club Soda - Montréal, Quebec
Sep 16 - Wilbur Theatre - Boston, Massachusetts
Sep 17 - Terminal 5 - New York, New York
Sep 19 - Music Hall of Williamsburg - Brooklyn, New York
Sep 20 - TLA - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Sep 22 - 9:30 Club - Washington DC
Sep 23 - Center Stage - Atlanta, Georgia
Sep 26 - Liberty Hall - Lawrence, Kansas
Sep 27 - Gothic Theater - Denver, Colorado
Sep 28 - Belly Up - Aspen, Colorado
Oct 1 - Belly Up - San Diego, California
Oct 3 - The Wiltern - Los Angeles, California
Oct 4 - Warfield - San Francisco, California
Oct 5 - Roseland - Portland, Oregon

DL: The Dandy Warhols - The Legend of The Last of the Outlaw Truckers AKA the Ballad Of sheriff Shorty

Posted by Mike at 09:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This EP is a precursor to the new album, "Knowle West Boy", out in September in the USA, and includes the "Council Estate" single and a diverse selection of remixes, such as the dancehall inspired South Rakkas Crew remix, the club ready Drums Of Death remix, and more. The 12-inch features the reggae funk of album track "Baligaga", while the CD version includes an exclusive "Council Estate" remix by Kotchy. The album is already out in Europe and available as an import here if you want to spend the extra cash instead of waiting a couple of weeks.

DL: Tricky - Council Estate

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A lot has been done to commemorate the musical life of David Bowie, but among the near-countless covers, tributes, and remixes, no collection has brought together such an exciting group of artists, whose covers re imagine these classic tunes while staying fiercely loyal to Bowie’s greatness. After Rapster Records' great success with its 2006 release of the adventurous Radiohead covers album entitled “Exit Music,” the label set out to release a follow-up with artists that have been heavily influenced by the legacy of the Thin White Duke. After Bowie turned 60, it was understood that the time could never be more perfect to create Life Beyond Mars. The selected artist could choose any track from Bowie’s back catalog and create his own fresh interpretation, however faithful or different from the original. The result is a fascinating range of interpretations by some of the leading players in today’s electronic music scene - from Detroit’s Matthew Dear and Carl Craig to Joakim, Kelley Polar, Susumu Yokota and Au Revoir Simone, all tapping into the cryptic, expressionist core of Bowie’s originals.

Tracklist

01 Au Revoir Simone - Oh! You Pretty Things
02 Heartbreak - Loving The Alien
03 Kelley Polar - Magic Dance
04 Leo Minor - Ashes To Ashes
05 Carl Craig Presents Zoos of Berlin - Looking For Water
06 Drew Brown - Sweet Thing
07 Matthew Dear - Sound & Vision
08 Susumu Yokota - Golden Years
09 The Emperor Machine - Repetition
10 Joakim & The Disco - A New Career In Town
11 Richard Walters & Faultline - Be My Wife
12 The Thing - Life On Mars

DL: Matthew Dear - Sound And Vision

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Niyaz's 2005 debut featured a convincing blend of Sufi mysticism and trance electronica, and quickly established them as a standout ensemble in a very crowded world music field. Vocalist Azam Ali co-founded the best-selling world music duo Vas in 1996; her unmistakable voice has graced numerous recordings and major film scores. Loga Ramin Torkian is a multi-instrumentalist whose group Axiom of Choice brought the ancient sounds of Persian classical music to Western listeners in the 1990s. And producer Carmen Rizzo, a multiple Grammy nominee, has worked with Coldplay, Seal, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and many others.

Nine Heavens begins with the irresistible "Beni Beni," which marries an 18th century Turkish Sufi poem to a traditional Turkish folk song and some beautifully integrated electronics and programming. The steady, trance rhythms support layers of Turkish and Persian lutes, all topped by a new instrument known as the kamman, a larger, lower-pitched version of the traditional Persian fiddle. Other highlights include "Iman," a lullaby written by Loga and Azam for their infant son. And "Feraghi – Song of Exile" is close to the hearts of the two Persian émigrés, now living in California. Nine Heavens doesn't just cross cultural and stylistic boundaries, but the centuries as well. Drawing on medieval Persian poetry and 300-year old Persian folk songs, Niyaz has created a 21st century global trance tradition. Dance or trance – Niyaz’s Nine Heavens serves either purpose and will take listeners on a musical journey!

DL: Niyaz - Dilruba

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Since the late 1970s, the UK unit known as Incognito has taken elements of American R&B, soul, funk, disco and other high-energy sounds and merged them with the multicultural sensibilities of founder and frontman Jean-Paul Maunick, the Mauritius-born guitarist/producer of the band. More than just a UK band copping U.S. grooves, though, Incognito has built a rock-solid reputation for diversity by borrowing music and musicians from a host of exotic cultural centers: South Africa, India, Brazil, Cuba, Jamaica, Israel, France, Germany, Russia and so many more. An ongoing work in progress more than a band in the traditional sense, Incognito is a creative melting pot that captures the most infectious, dance-oriented beats from around the globe and distills them into an upbeat, high-octane blend.

With three decades worth of innovative recordings and live performances under their collective belts, Incognito present Tales From The Beach, a 15-track set of refreshing and uplifting songs that capture the best elements of the band’s classic sound: driving rhythms, high-impact horns and stirring lyrics delivered by an array of expressive vocalists.

Posted by Mike at 02:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bajofondo has been a pioneer in what has been known as “electronica tango,” and the band quickly caused a stir in Argentina and all over the world due to its unique genre. Their self-titled debut won the prestigious Premio Gardel as the Best Electronica Music Album in Argentina and won a Latin Grammy award as the Best Instrumental Pop Album.

Mar Dulce represents a new qualitative jump in Bajofondo’s evolution. The album was recorded in Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Los Angeles, New York, Tokyo and Madrid, and the multiplicity of locations reflects the cosmopolitan attraction of Bajofondo, as well as the eclectic list of guest artists: Elvis Costello, Mala Rodríguez, Nelly Furtado, virtuoso Japanese bandoneon player Ryota Komatsu, and several Rio de la Plata artists.

New tracks include "Pa’ Bailar" (where the tango and rock beats intersect in an irresistible danceable communion), "Fairly Right" (a happy meeting of the melancholy found in tango and the Beatles’ musicality, with Elvis Costello holding vocal duty) and "Zitarossa" (in which Bajofondo gets into the Uruguayan milonga, paying tribute to Zitarrosa with the participation of Toto Méndez, who was his guitarist), among other songs bound to become new classics in their repertoire. The entire album was recorded in real time and reflects the explosive live dynamic of the group.

Posted by Mike at 11:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Called one of New York’s most caustic, daringly inventive and underrated dark electronic dance-pop outfits, KUDU return with their new remix album 'Back for More: A Remix Collection'. The album features over 70 minutes of energized selections including new and previously released tracks, rarities and masterful reconstructions by Armand van Helden, Sinden, Tommie Sunshine, Drop the Lime, King Britt, Lingling, Hess is More and many more.

Carefully compiled by KUDU, 'Back for More' is a well-crafted hybrid of adventurous reworks of stand-out selections from the trio’s acclaimed 2006 release, 'Death of the Party', alongside the previously released “Cannibal (Bite Me Mix)” (lifted from the group’s eponymous self-released 2005 EP), the highly sought-after (and long out-of-print) Boom Boom!! (Black Blonde Mix)” and the new track “Your Words”.

Posted by Mike at 05:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Orb triumphantly return with 'The Dream, a brand new album that sees a return to the original spirit that spawned The Orb's first two classic albums, The Orb's Adventures In the Ultraworld and U.F. Orb. Working with former Dreadzone studio-wiz Tim Bran and guest artists, The Orb's Alex Patterson and Youth have created a work of stunning beauty and immediacy while never losing sight of their original quest to homage personal musical obsessions while exploring sonic territories few dare to tread. The Dream is one of those rare albums that weave its own unique magic after repeated listens.

The Dream was created without pressure from record companies or the studio. As with previous albums, the basic Orb nucleus is joined by guest singers and players, including System 7's Steve Hillage, who goes back to the earliest recordings, Battersea toaster-singer Eric Walker aka "The Corporal" and vocalists Aki Omori [the Japanese singer who appeared on 2001's Cydonia], singer Andy Caine from the W.A.U.! days, and renowned soulstress Juliet Roberts. With 'The Dream' The Orb is definitely back to form.

Posted by Mike at 05:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

As Brazil celebrates its 50th anniversary of bossa nova music in 2008, there continues to be a streaming output of new talent and innovation from this rich musical country. A perfect example is Sonantes, a São Paolo based musical collective featuring the vocal talents of CéU in collaboration with Pupillo and Dengue, members of the Brazilian group Nação Zumbi, as well as Rica Amabis from Instituto and Gui Amabis.

Their unique debut release is a collection of atmospheric songs written for imaginary films and features guest stars including Siba, Lúcio Maia, Beto Villares, Apollo 9, and others. This special "labor of love" project brought together some of the most exciting artists from Sao Paulo's vital music scene in a creative atmosphere. The result is a collection of atmospheric songs that combine Brazilian, African, Cuban and electronic influences and sound like they were written for a series of lush imaginary films.

Posted by Mike at 12:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Whether you know it or not, chances are you already know Carmen Rizzo. As a musician, producer, remixer, and writer, Carmen Rizzo is a fixture on album credits and his eclectic career has seen him working with an incredible range of artists, including Paul Oakenfold, BT, Esthero, Alanis Morissette, KD Lang to Seal, Coldplay, Pete Townsend, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Cirque du Soleil.

Now, with the release of his sophomore album Ornament Of An Imposter on his own Electrofone Music label, Carmen continues to surprise audiences around the world with his own distinctive sound, and with collaborations featuring such artists as Jem and Kate Havnevik, who give their beautiful vocal contributions to tracks such as “Ecouter” and “Sirens.” Already spinning heavily at tastemaker Area54, and with the support of iTunes, featuring the album on its home page. Ornament Of An Imposter showcases Carmen’s ability to blend beautiful organic sounds with ones that are proudly synthetic in a versatile down-tempo setting

Posted by Mike at 11:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Natalia Clavier's new album, Nectar, marks the first ever release by a solo female artist in ESL's history, (Thievery Corporation's record label) and was recorded at D.C's Consulate studios last year between her hectic touring schedule; singing live with Thievery Corporation and Federico Aubele. Nectar is built on sensual rhythms and Latin flourishes; featuring the steady thump of "El Arbol," the soaring majesty of "Azul," the sly tango of "Ay De Mi," and the languid beauty of title track "Nectar."

A native Argentinean, Clavier has lived a lifetime of music. Born and raised in Buenos Aires, she was exposed by her mother at an early age to a constant stream of music ranging from classical, Argentinean folk, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, singer-songwriters from Spain, to soul music from North America. She began singing in school choirs at the age of three, and at eleven was performing as a soloist for a state sponsored kids music and theater show to packed houses at Teatro de Las Provincias Argentinas , one of the largest concert halls in the city. After a short time acting with local troupes and companies, Natalia met a variety of musicians and joined an ethnic/electronic/acoustic outfit called Cosmic Ja-Ja. After some time performing live in Argentina she moved to Barcelona. In Barcelona, Natalia immediately hit the jazz circuit and launched herself into the electronic music scene by contributing vocals to house and techno singles and even singing live at raves in front of thousands. Quickly establishing herself in the local scene, she was introduced to a young guitarist and ex-pat from Argentina named Federico Aubele. The two became fast friends and Federico asked her to tour with him and eventually, to sing on his new album Panamericana. Having always sung in languages other than Spanish, Natalia felt a new and irresistible calling to express herself in her native tongue. With Federico's help and support, Natalia composed and recorded an impressive 10-track demo, which came into the hands of Eric Hilton of Thievery Corporation. He was immediately taken by her singing talent and within the month Natalia Clavier became ESL Music's newest solo artist, and first female artist.

Posted by Mike at 08:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

One listen to Herbaliser’s new album, Same As It Never Was reveals that the title is more than a clever turn of phrase. The album sees the group expanding from its core production duo to a line-up of five permanent members. With the addition of frequent touring players Ralph Lamb and Andy Ross, a scratchy, live band funk sound replaces the deep digging loops and samples of previous albums. A heavy soul influence pervades, augmented by the addition of a fiery young vocalist, Jessica Darling.

Although Same As It Never Was may be their most song-driven album to date, Herbaliser has not overlooked their tradition of showcasing talented rappers from both sides of the Atlantic. In addition to Yungun’s meditation on technological advances on “Just Don’t Stop,” Toronto-based More Or Les and long time Herbz collaborator Jean Grae contribute rich, story-laden rhymes. They’ve also embraced their instrumental leanings, with fierce results. Drawing on the likes of John Barry, David Axelrod, and Quincy Jones, Herbaliser take those undertones and run them through their own unique grinder. Same As It Never Was reaches an epic climax with the gorgeously sensual final track, “Stranded On Earth.” The natural successor to long-time Herbaliser favourite “Moon Sequence,” this jazz-soul symphony features a stunning vocal performance by Jessica that nods to vintage 1970s Pink Floyd.

Posted by Mike at 08:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Since 2002, the Verve Remixed series has proven that the lines between jazz and electronic music are meant to be bent, explored, mutated, dissolved. On Verve Remixed 4, music’s respected remix series once again breaks new ground. More soulful in both repertoire and musical direction, the new album enlists a cutting-edge arsenal of production contributors to re-imagine a luminous array of R&B, soul, latin and jazz standards and rare gems. This compelling rollout features funk, Afrobeat and transcultural taste makers as well – the beat world’s most influential accompanists pairing off with some of the most memorable and against-the-grain vocal performances ever. The most cohesive offering of the Verve Remix canon, Remixed 4 illuminates the depth and durability of the Verve legacy for generations to come.

Posted by Mike at 02:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bitter:Sweet’s trademark sound is an intoxicating blend of Shana Halligan’s melodically sweet-and-sexy vocals paired with the duo's sassy genre-bending production work. In 2000, Kiran emerged on the scene as a founding member of The Supreme Beings of Leisure. Music, of course, has been at the forefront of Shana’s life since she was a child; her father, after all, is Dick Halligan of Blood, Sweat & Tears. Kiran and Shana are back with Drama, one of the most seductive interpretations of retro swank released this year. Since coming on the scene in 2006 with their debut album, Bitter:Sweet has received a plethora of buzz, including The Los Angeles Times, who claimed The Mating Game as “perhaps the best album of its kind since Portishead’s ‘Dummy’ was released more than a decade ago” and URB magazine who called the album “delicious.”

The band has received countless accolades, including being named the Best Rock/Pop Album of 2006 at the Independent Music Awards. They are consistently ranked on top 20 of iTunes Electronic albums chart and in Billboard’s Top 50 Electronic albums chart. Both People and Playboy Magazine urged millions of their readers to download hot tracks off of their album. And, in their hometown, The Los Angeles Times pegged Bitter:Sweet as one of the top 10 Buzz Bands of 2006.
Many of the hottest television shows and movies have used Bitter:Sweet’s music, including Samantha Who, Grey’s Anatomy, Nip/Tuck, Entourage, Desperate Housewives, The Devil Wears Prada, Men In Trees, Brothers & Sisters, and many, many more. Victoria’s Secret, Korbel Champagne and Bebe also tapped into Bitter:Sweet’s head-turning beats for their national advertising campaigns. It’s no mystery as to why their music is so sought after – one listen and you’re hooked!

Posted by Mike at 08:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Portishead's Third has been a long time coming, the result of a lengthy sabbatical following 1997's dark and underrated album, Portishead. While the core trio of Beth Gibbons, Geoff Barrow, and Adrian Utley remains, this is quite a different band to Portishead's 90s incarnation: gone is the slo-mo turntable scratching and smoky jazz feel, replaced by heavy, brooding rhythms, vintage-sounding electronics, and spindly guitar. Still present is that sense of emotional fracture and deep gloom. "Silence" opens with a dense drum loop which suddenly falls away to reveal Gibbons' voice: "Wounded and afraid, inside my head/Falling through changes". "Nylon Smile", meanwhile, is a fine example of Third's occasional folksy edge, an acoustic song reminiscent of Leonard Cohen that, around its midpoint, lifts off on a propulsive electronic rhythm, Gibbons holding one clear, hard note as synthesisers bubble beneath. At times, it's a harsh and foreboding listen: the electronic drums of "Machine Gun" might put off the listener hoping for smooth dinner party fare that they found on 1994's "Dummy". But Third is a brave and forward-thinking return.

Posted by Mike at 12:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Producer/DJ/multi-instrumentalist Dennis White (AKA Static Revenger) unveils his latest project Love Song Surprise. Co-produced by Supreme Beings of Leisure’s Ramin Sakurai and co-written by 2007 BBC world music award nominee Duke Mushroom (Bole 2 Harlem), Love Song Surprise is an electronic based record filled with skillful song writing and production.

Static Revenger has been one of the most prolific names in dance music for the better part of 10 years. With artist credits on over 1.5 million records sold worldwide, this multi-instrumentalist trapped in a DJ's body is responsible for chart-topping masterpieces for everyone from Madonna to the Weekend Players, and has shared the decks with Fatboy Slim, The Basement Jaxx, Chemical Bros, Oakenfold, Erick Morillo, and the Crystal Method. From an early start in dance music as the music director for Inner City's (good life/ big fun) first world tour, to recent Film and TV credits, Static Revenger's productions have been prolific the last decade.

Posted by Mike at 05:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Posted by Mike at 10:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

After the meditative electronica of 2002’s 18 and the singer-songwriter moves of 2005’s Hotel, Moby returns to the dance floor with a vengeance on his new album Last Night, released on April 1, 2008. Spanning hands-in-the-air, Smiley-faced rave anthems, cosmic Giorgio Moroder-styled Euro-disco, hip-hop both old school and underground, and downtempo, end-of-the-night ambience, Last Night is a dance music tour de force that looks back at Moby’s deep roots in the club scene at the same time as it embraces the future.

Last Night is conceptually structured like an epic night out, moving from the building excitement of the early evening to peak-time euphoria to 2 am confusion and the blissful peace of the early morning New York city sunrise. The album was recorded in moby's home studio in New York and features a number of guest vocalists and includes the original 70's MC Grandmaster Caz one of the writers of "Rappers Delight," Sylvia from Kudu, the UK's Aynzli Jones plus Smokey and So Simple from the Nigerian 419 Squad. The album’s final track, the title track, features Sylvia Gordon from the underrated New York band Kudu.

Last Night was released in the US on April 1, and is available at fine music shops.

Posted by Mike at 04:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Carl Craig, one of techno music's most celebrated originators is finally getting the mainstream recognition he deserves. He’s gotten BBC spins from the likes of Radiohead, seen his classic “Throw” become and encore cover-version staple at the hands of LCD Soundsystem, and had his compositions performed at Carnegie Halll. Most recently he has received a Grammy nomination for his remix of the Junior Boys’ “Like a Child,” a distinction which has eluded many of the even the most stalwart electronic musicians. With Sessions, a retrospective of some of his finest work hitting the streets, it appears that 2008 will be Carl Craig’s year.

Carl Craig Sessions works as the perfect entry point into the world of one of the most exciting musicians of our time. The mix showcases his classic productions under his own name and many pseudonyms alongside a selection of his highly in-demand, never predictable remixes. Also included are a number of new edits, unreleased remixes, previously unheard versions and one brand new track. This is the perfect glimpse back at classic moments and up to date highlights in the career of one of America’s greatest: the perfect one-stop shop to understand this complex and engaging character.

Craig, now in his second decade of making music, is known as one of the defining voices in electronic music, though his work encompasses disco, breakbeat, ambient, experimental, jazz, garage, and more. He has worked with jazz legends Herbie Hancock and the Detroit based Tribe collective, been credited (through his composition “Bug in the Bassbin”) for kick starting Drum n Bass. This two-disc set is nothing less than an essential document.

Posted by Mike at 04:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Blue Note Records' release, Droppin’ Science, is a unique collection of the legendary label’s classic late 60s through mid-70s jazz-funk tracks, all of which have featured prominently as samples in some of the greatest hip hop cuts of the late 80s, 90s and beyond. Hip hop artists ranging from Dr. Dre to the Beastie Boys and A Tribe Called Quest have sampled Blue Note grooves by such jazz greats as Lou Donaldson, Grant Green, Donald Byrd, and Lonnie Smith. All of these original Blue Note tracks have been compiled for the first time on Droppin’ Science, which Blue Note made available as a 10-track CD, a 13-track digital album and vinyl LP.

Posted by Mike at 03:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Charmed And Strange, the debut album from the London-based singer-songwriter Yoav, incorporates infinite sounds: woozy vapor trails; clipped, modern club beats; Middle Eastern flourishes; flashes of quiet introspection reminiscent of Nick Drake; eerie outcries similar to Jeff Buckley. All crafted by Yoav, using only his voice, an acoustic guitar, simple effects and treatments… and a lot of imagination. Charmed And Strange reflects the depth of Yoav's technical innovation, working in tandem with his distinctive voice as a singer and songwriter.

"Club Thing," inspired by nocturnal journeys through the underbelly of New York nightlife, anchors its dark lyrics to deceptively catchy, hands-in-the-air hooks. On "Beautiful Lie," his hands tease unexpected sounds from the neck and body of the guitar, even as he sings of a longtime relationship turned sour. His rendition of "Where Is My Mind," created in part by singing into the pickup on his guitar, then fashioning his voice into a spectral loop, turns the Pixies classic ever-so-gently on its head.

Posted by Mike at 01:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

On February 19th, Ursula 1000 is set to release his latest effort from ESL Music; a seductively cheeky remix album collecting exclusive reinterpretations of tracks from his last studio album 'Here Comes Tomorrow' and recent 12" vinyl singles. Included will be both the DJ Deekline and JStar remixes of underground dancehall fire-starter 'Step Back', a funked up version of 'Electrik Boogie' by Fort Knox Five, a percussive jazz redo of 'Boop' by Skeewiff, and a pounding semi-industrial rework of 'Urgent/Anxious' by the critically celebrated robo-rockers Ladytron. All tracks were previously available on vinyl only and now all will be released on one CD.

Posted by Mike at 09:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

French producer/instrumentalist Chris Joss returns amidst a whirlwind of vintage funk and psychedelic retro-futurisms with his second US release, Teraphonic Overdubs. This time Joss adds some new surprises to his trademark blaxploitation soundscapes, painting the musical canvas with broad strokes of lush, multi-layered instrumentation. String arrangements, woodblock and cowbell rhythms, near eastern flutes and sitars, and even a marimba and harpsichord play alongside classic wah-wah guitars, elastic bass-lines, and dusty organ riffs give Teraphonic a very different sound than his previous release, You've been Spiked. This is the second Chris Joss release on Thievery Corporation's ESL label.

Posted by Mike at 11:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dive Deep is the sixth and latest album from Morcheeba, who over the last decade have become the darlings of downtempo with their soul and country-inflected, psychedelic sampled mood music. Having sold 6 million albums, toured the world over and produced some instantly recognizable tunes over the last 10 years, Morcheeba are set to make a return with their new album Dive Deep, considered by the founding members, and brothers, Paul & Ross Godfrey, as an "emotional blueprint" which has restored their faith in music. Morcheeba’s refusal to be categorized musically extends to the band’s set-up, and in 2008, these pioneers of song-based dance music have become an eclectic and open-minded collective. This time the band have delved into a new territory and have produced songs with various guest vocal collaborators, most of whom were sought out via MySpace and the internet. Guests on the album range from established names such as acclaimed singer-songwriter Judie Tzuke, to relative newcomers such as Thomas Dybdahl, a star in his homeland of Norway. Also featured are rapper Cool Calm Pete, Bradley Burgess, and French singer Manda. The album is due for release stateside on February 19th.

Posted by Mike at 01:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Moby's first single from his forthcoming record, 'Last Night' is "Alice" feat. Aynzil and the 419 Crew. Check out the video at the bottom of this post.

The music itself is recognizably Moby, but certainly a departure from his last full-length, 18. Moby says that 'Last Night' is a love letter to dance music in New York City. What he love's about the New York approach to dance music is the eclecticism and the open mindedness on the part of the musicians, the dj's, and the people in the bars and clubs. With 'Last Night' he essentially took an 8 hour night out in New York City and condensed it into a 65 minute long album." 'Last Night" will be released on Mute Records on March 10th in the US.

Moby's website has a sampler of the album you can download.

Download Last Night Sampler

Posted by Mike at 11:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Strut label returns, celebrating it's relaunch in January 2008 with a brand new edition of one of the imprint's most in-demand series, "Disco Not Disco,' exploring original anthems and rarities from the world of reactionary 1970s post-punk and leftfield disco. With the original two compilations released at the turn of the decade as a new wave of bands like The Rapture and LCD Soundsystem drew on the music's influence, 'Disco Not Disco' has since been adopted in its own right as a term to describe a whole genre. The compilation is more timely than ever in 2008 as a reference for a burgeoning mainstream scene. The new edition moves from New York classics by Konk and Bill Laswell's Material to early Detroit machine music, Belgian New Beat and a healthy dose of UK originals from Shriekback, Quando Quango and more on seminal labels like Y and Factory. Watch out too for rare gems from unexpected sources including Gina X and '70s progressive collective Isotope.

Posted by Mike at 12:48 PM | Permalink</