Suche:113

Ramu Records presents their third release – ‘S Gytis - Aš Čia’ (translated as ‘I Am Here’). It’s a full-length double vinyl album, which is S Gytis’ second release. The sound of Gytis’ creation evolves alongside his life. Having swapped city noise for a rural setting, he began exploring new directions and this time settled on acoustic instruments. The deep experimental sound is infused with freshness and vitality. The entire album spans diverse spaces and emotions. Each track tells a unique story – a story about feelings or the spaces that Gytis wants to introduce us to.

Bellingham Bass Music

DJ Jewel Debuts with Mesmerizing 8-Track PHONK tape

Manchester DJ/Producer Glinks lands on Astral Black with ‘The Killaz’ his first project under the 'DJ JEWEL' alias, dedicated to diving deeper into the southern inspired phonk he explores monthly on @balamii with his 'the influence of memphis rap' show.

DJ Jewel's sound draws inspiration from Memphis rap, phonk, and ghettotech, infused with dusty soul and jazz samples, heavy 808s, and sharp snares that cut through the mix.

"This record is my introduction to the world as a producer," says DJ Jewel. "I wanted to pay homage to the sounds that shaped me while bringing my own twist to the genre." THE KILLAZ will be available on all major streaming platforms starting Feb 21st, with limited edition cassettes available via Astral Black.

The Irish producer t-woc makes his return to Rudimentary Records with Scenes, Journeys & Colors, his second LP for the label. The bones of the album was made during the 'quiet time' starting with a track that didn’t make the cut on this release but had provided the blueprint to that project titled ‘Street Soul Osaka’. It was a recent chance encounter with a lone boombox playing actual street soul on a pavement in Osaka that it became clear the project needed to be released and the album was completed in Dublin in 2024.

This album is crafted through a blend of samples, live instrumentation, field recordings and studio experimentation. The tracks are a mix of the slow and low, interspersed with minimal ambient pieces with a pronounced dub undercurrent, and a tip of the hat to the cosmos. There are also some vocoders and a fair dose of weirdness.

Since his 2016 LP for Rudimentary - ‘Sentinelas’, t-woc has released with Strangelove Records, Emotional Response, Macadam Mambo amongst others and is a regular contributor to DJ Sofa’s Elsewhere compilation series.

'It begins with a shoebox of mysterious provenance, full of recordings from the Vendée department on France’s western seaboard: songs of love and war, life and death, played out on land and sea. Songs passed down and sung by ordinary men and women, gracefully delivered with the poetic economy which unites the folk song of all peoples.

Next it takes a group of contemporary musicians to make selections from this treasure trove and sing these old songs anew; to sing them for their beauty, of course, and to reclaim the people’s tradition from those who would seek to exploit it for nefarious political ends. Who better for this task than Tartine de Clous, a singing trio from Vendée’s neighbouring department of Charente-Maritime, who burst into national and international consciousness with their debut album "Sans Folklore" in 2015? The result of their shoebox rummagings, the new album "Compter les dents", recorded in 2019 and finally seeing the light of day, is bound to delight old fans and win them many new ones.

Time makes many’s the alteration, and "Compter les dents" finds 'les garçons' - Geoffroy Dudouit, Thomas Georget and Guillaume Maupin - in a different state of being from their debut release. The trio, friends since youth, have certainly matured between albums, as one would expect; consequently the newer performances are more considered and poised, unfolding with a patient confidence. A relaxed domesticity prevails, something to do with the fact that the album was entirely recorded chez les amis, in contrast to the first album, which was mostly recorded at live performances in bars and night-spots across France.

Lending gravitas to the grain of their voices we mark a deepened richness, doubtless born of the various vicissitudes of daily existence which these gentlemen - and we too as citizens of this turmoiled globe - have weathered in the intervening years. Not too dissimilar, in fact,
from some of the vicissitudes detailed in those old Vendée songs. Plus 'ça change', right?

There’s a greater complexity and subtlety to their unique three-part harmonising, too. Their voices mesh in even stronger - almost telepathic - 'fraternité' than ever before: now commanding and mighty as a full-rigged counter-vessel, now gentle and lulling as a mother’s
cradle-croon, or as the whisper in a lover’s ear.

Three legendary figures of French traditional music, now sadly departed, preside as tutelary spirits over Compter les dents. They are: the late Claude Flagel, musician and ethnomusicologist; and the late Jean-Loup Baly of the well-known 1970s band Mélusine. Most of the album was recorded by Claude in the Brussels home he shared with his late wife Lou Flagel. The album is dedicated to the memory of Jean-Loup, Claude and Lou.

For the first time there are several guest instrumentalists working their magic to expand the Tartine de Clous sound. Jean-Loup plays a characterful accordéon on the song ‘La Veuve'. The other guests are: Maurice Artus (voice), Robert Thébaut (violin), Quentin Manfroy (piccolo, contrabassoon), Marceau Portron (cigar box guitar). Their contributions add even more conviviality to that which the trio of singers already share, a sensation which will doubtless be shared by those who happen to find a place in their lives for "Compter les dents".'

Liner notes by Alasdair Roberts.

Second volume of tributes from Kutmah.
A beat tape for the brotha from anotha planet, the most high Ras G & the Afrikan Space Program
All beats by Kutmah / Cover Photos By Kevin Ramos

Pumpin tribe little pearl from da High Potatoes !

LIVE set in 2 parts (A side / B side)

Industrial and uncompromised experimental zone melting Speedcore to Ambizent Industrial Msuic.
Abstract... pushing the flashcore out of itslef !
A record bringing something unheard before !!

Superb printed sleeve, Green Vinyl.

Finally available again! The 2023 release from Philadelphia's one and only The Dead Milkmen. Featuring such actual hits as "Astral Dad" and "Grandpa's Not A Racist (He Just Voted For One)", this LP is sure to bring joy to Milkmen fans across the globe. First new full-length since 2014, w/ Full color sleeve with lyrics and art For fans of The Dead Milkmen!

A banger for a high meeting of the old school family ! Superb tunes for a dancefloor magic effect !

LTD - Speedcore indus newskool !

Efficient progressive banging hardfloor. Mental and acid. The Metek tune is just perfect.

KEY POINTS

• Collector Crystal Clear LP deluxe packaged – the very First reissue of the cult 11 track EP – Street Album from year 2000 by DJ Mehdi collecting his Espionnage adventures

• “DJ MEHDI : Made in France” : an Arte 6 episode exclusive serie about DJ Mehdi from September 12th ! DJ Mehdi was the one building bridges between french hip hop and electro, and becoming a key composer,producer and DJ. He was a game changer in himself, helping both french rap & electro scenes to rise in the late 90’s & early 200’s . 13 years after DJ Mehdi’s sudden death, his long-time friend and Director Thibaut de Longeville imagined & directed the serie, with archives materials & exclusive interviews and words from big names from Rap & Electro about their collaborations & relationships with DJ Mehdi.

SHORT BIOG

“Rather than a compilation, this record is a summary of what Espionnage has done in the past two years, from the rap 12”s, the instrumental 12”s to the remixes I was given the opportunity to do. The members of The Espionnage Sound System, Yvan from Double Pact included (even if he only appears here on the interlude betweeen “Camille Groult Starr (rmx)” and “Si Tu Savais (rmx)”), have been essential to the label’s development as a whole. The Chronowax Distribution staff has been equally vital to a structure primarily dedicated to independent vinyl production. By the way, I have to thank Ulysse Genet who, on top of lending his name to a track title, suggested the name “Espionnage” instead of “Le Cirque Disques” (which was my initial idea) and drew the first logo. Many thanks to my team : Olivier Rosset, Charlotte Dutoit, Thibaut de Longeville, Alexander Wise, the 360 Creative & Marketing teams, as well as X2N, Tom Kan, DJ Gilb’R, Roulé, Crydamoure, Benoît Blue Boy and his daughters Ludella and Amadine ; who have all contributed on one level or another to what this record is. Of course I can’t forget my family: the Essadis, Faveris, Gassamas, Majira (and their many relations) as well as my other family, the 113 Clan and the whole African Mafia and most particularly my group, Idéal J, for the respect and freedom with which they’ve let me express the somewhat unusual ideas I had about all of this”.
Peace, DJ Mehdi, NYC, March 29th 2000.

Umwelt unveils his latest EP, featuring six tracks that highlight his distinct analog style. Fusing techno, electro, and machine-driven rhythms, crafting his signature sonic landscapes that define the unique Umwelt sound. Essential!

Lush housey vibes with infused Dub Techno elements, made on analog gear and recorded on tape

Those who already heard these tracks on a dancefloor know, they ain’t playin’around... Antraum is back -fifth installment-limited copies –you already know what to do !

After a year-long creative process fueled by collective composition and live jam sessions, Gin Tonic Orchestra returns with "Let The Children House" on Floors Records. The EP is a testament to their ever-evolving sound, deeply rooted in live improvisation and the spirit of club music.

Recorded in the heart of the Alps at "Maison des Artistes" in Chamonix, the band surrounded themselves with legendary analog synthesizers—ARP 2600, ARP Odyssey, Clavinet D6, Fender Rhodes MKII, Jupiter 4, Jupiter 8, JX-8P, Korg M1, Moog Subsequent 37, OB-X, Oberheim SEM, Roland MV8000, Wurlitzer—to sculpt a sound pulsating with the hypnotic grooves, euphoric synths, and raw underground spirit of '90s house music. Each track was shaped with care, influenced by the group's diverse influences and their shared vision of an immersive dancefloor experience, embracing the hypnotic trance of repetitive music that blurs the line between consciousness and surrender.

Much like children lost in play, Gin Tonic Orchestra embraced chaos, letting their creativity flow freely, drawing inspiration from their mentors, and the stories passed down through club culture. The result is an EP that not only embodies their musical identity but also carries a bold statement: "Let The Children House" is a call to let artists create without constraints, a message of artistic freedom in an industry often driven by formulas.

With a background that includes a debut EP on Mother Tongue, a standout performance at Nuits Sonores ranked in Resident Advisor's Top 5, and collaborations with UK jazz-funk legend Kaidi Tatham, deep house master Ron Trent, and the H2H project led by Chez Damier & Ben Vedren, Gin Tonic Orchestra continues to push boundaries between live music and electronic culture. Their new release is both a tribute to the past and a step into the future—a journey where house music is not just played, but lived

The Spring is quickly approaching, and the R&C boys are always ready for it, back in the game with a new chapter of their magical reworks.

“Stars” is a new tailored-shape of the very successful Italian song ‘Figli Delle Stelle’, now revisited with a groovy electro funk mood - dancefloor oriented.

On the flip, “Brillantina” brings back to those magical times of a classical musical anthem, re-imagined into a slow-funk cut, filled with solid spacey & balearic synths.

Stardust !

We're delighted to welcome these two Australia based producers to the Samurai family with Onyx - a 4 track EP that delivers a blend of tight edits, chest heavy bass, and intricate sound design. Pugilist & Tamen combine nostalgia with forward-thinking production and Onyx traverses a rich landscape of jungle-rooted moods.
Onyx introduces a step forward in the duo's production, utilising sculpted distortion as an instrument. Seen on 3 of the 4 tunes, this approach adds a temperative tension as the tunes give the impression they have gone too far into the distortion no go zone but ultimately finding a balance that compliments and enhances the tunes overall sound pallette perfectly.
Raw and direct with rich layers and honed grooves that ultimately mark the tunes as memorable, Onyx is on a new level for Pugilist & Tamen.

SC returns with a full length LP showcasing his vast armoury of musical ability in a controlled, contemplative reflection of his inner self, laid bare in breaks-driven form for the enjoyment of Spatial fans new and old - continuing the ongoing celebration and evolution of classic atmospheric drum & bass.

A1 - Fear of the Deep

Curious, high twinkling bells cautiously introduce Fear of the Deep, reminiscent of classic sci-fi movies building atmosphere and intrigue, before the hi-hat heavy, snappy break previously used in Spatial classic Essence (also by ASC) makes a welcome return. The 2-step - occasionally broken - beat pattern drives the track along with a darkly, investigative energy, while a typically deep bassline rumbles beneath, setting the scene perfectly.

A2 - Concentric Circles

A change of pace for ASC here with Concentric Circles, exploring a jazzier spectrum of influences not often broached in his production adventures, with broken scattershot beats toying and playing around a wealth of reverberating brass samples to create a minimal yet quietly imposing undertone. Double bass props up the composition wonderfully, completing an exquisitely quirky entry to the LP.

B1 - Say It

Opening with rousing strings and quietly ominous effects, ASC utilises a unique fusion of melancholic atmospherics, jazzy basslines and a classic old-school breakbeat to form Say It. Dense, purposeful kicks stomp across the mix as the strings and synthwork wash in the foreground, developing a sombre, contemplative tone to the track throughout, before a wonderful outro ending with those delightful strings.

B2 - Virtual World

Filtered Hot Pants breaks gently ease their way to the forefront of a beautifully constructed intro to Virtual World, trademark crispness and intricacy etched onto the beats effortlessly, as we've come to expect from ASC. Delicately nuanced vocal samples combine with an intense concoction of synths and micro-melodies, dancing over the sharp breaks and a suitably earthy undertone bassline.

C1 - Eons

The classic, intense atmospherics continue with Eons, a spacey piece introduced by a memorable melody, tinged with purpose and allure. This melody continues through sci-fi computer FX reminiscent of early 720, and persistent backdrop synths as we are treated to a gentle flurry of perfectly edited amens leaping and falling over subtle, juddering basslines creating that elusive blend of both headphone and dancefloor appeal.

C2 - Timeslides

ASC flexes the timeless Hot Pants break again - crisply edited with a sharpness in the mix which is simply to die for - in Timeslides, a track which continues the brooding, introspective tone of the LP. Utilising a varied array of samples and effects which will transport you straight back to that unmistakable era of 90's atmospheric heaven with several nods to forefathers of this wonderful sound - just how we like it at Spatial.

D1 - Lightspeed

Take a moment to appreciate the bells tolling, glimmering and colliding during an enchanting intro, freely crafting layered melodies without a care as ASC presents us with an immensely memorable piece in Lightspeed. Long, elongated vocals drift and swirl through the airy soundscape, all punctuated by finely tuned and arranged Circles breaks, energetically deployed for the discerning breakbeat aficionado.

D2 - Nightvision

Intensity is dialled up to 11 in Nightvision, a deeply atmospheric track which showcases a perfect, symbiotic combination of melancholy, drama and raw energy. The lively breaks take center stage over a heavy, consistent 808 bassline with enveloping masses of atmospherics circling, gripping your attention, joined by dreamy vocal samples deployed subtly in an ever-changing tone to close the LP in style.

Words by Chris Hayes (Spatial / Red Mist)

Returning for another highly-anticipated album for Spatial, label stalwart Aural Imbalance breathes new life to a genre often starved of truly wide-ranging ambience blended with breakbeats that can move a dancefloor, elevating and surpassing expectations once again across a varied, cohesive selection of tracks.

A1 - Dream Assembly

Opening the LP we see Aural Imbalance showcase that inimitable world-building through swirling ambient soundscapes in full effect, a luscious intro welcoming sharp, snappy breakbeats, edited sublimely, collecting visceral cyberpunk debris on their long journey home. Subtle 808 basslines lie sleepily beneath as the composition forms a memorably soothing vibe that captures the mind.

A2 - Comet Cycle

Low filtered beats adorn an intro warning of energy to follow, forming a distinctive tone that is quickly elevated by surprisingly energetic and impeccably tuned breaks. Presently joined by inquisitive smatterings of ethereal effects, the track develops a curious and tuneful identity with harmonising melodies crafted across a varied mix, building and retaining a rousing, suspenseful vibe, leaving the listener in no doubt as to the ever-evolving skillset of Aural Imbalance.

B1 - Neptune

Setting the pace immediately with classy, imposing breakbeats, Neptune sees Aural Imbalance showcasing a wonderful ethos of dancefloor-friendly atmospherics with finely crafted edits toyed with at will for the listener with the breaks being the undoubted star of the show from an ambient legend. Subdued melodies and wide-ranging synthwork dances back and forth complementing the mix, all with a bouncy 808 bassline rumbling below.

B2 - Stasis

Changing the pace somewhat, next up we are treated to Stasis, a track which again opens with breaks, this time slightly more reserved with a thudding, analogue tone. Calming atmospherics crafted from delicious synthwork and reverberating melodies join forces with wisping pads that fly gently around the soundscape, with plinky rhapsodies delicately adding texture to a truly wonderful collage of sound.

C1 - Warpcore

Deceptively airy with incredibly light bongos and synths, the introduction to Warpcore entices the listener perfectly, smoothly introducing filtered breaks which suddenly reveal superbly programmed, distinctive amens that thrash around the mix with vigor. Clicky hats, striking cymbals and layers of tuneful effects deliver immense detail you can listen to over and over, hearing new elements each time.

C2 - Into The Void

Continuing the breaks-driven approach to the LP, Into the Void sees Aural Imbalance lay down a sublime selection of crisp, earthy old school breakbeats, edited to perfection with an immensely danceable beat pattern with delicate cowbell-style hi hats. Energising, vibrantly inspiring pads inject a warm sparkle to the mix, while a consistent, luscious classic 808 bassline playfully judders along below.

D1 - Thermal Isolation

Opening with an ever so slightly nervous tone, a plethora of layered ambient sounds create caution and intrigue, as Thermal Isolation's intro draws you in before a wonderful arrangement of messy breaks built with a delicious exuberance Aural Imbalance is clearly enjoying as his Spatial repertoire grows ever more impressive. Radiant effects are liberally flecked across the flourishing track in the latter half, adding grand texture and depth.

D2 - Forever

Closing the LP in style, Aural Imbalance delivers a mellow intro to Forever, consisting of filtered beats and a simple xylophone-style melody, before the true star of the show - some of the most finely crafted breaks you'll hear - thump their way into the mix and warmly seize our attention. Edited with a bold, effortless brilliance, the classic hats and kicks triumphantly jostle around long vocal samples and subtle ambient synths to round off this beautiful track - and album.

Words by Chris Hayes (Spatial / Red Mist)

Next up in the Rizzwax saga , Rizzwax welcomes its first guest - Eliaz . Dancefloor Tracks .

Limited run !

The fifth release on the BINÄR-Label is a remix EP of four tracks. Efdemin remixed Decka, Amotik remixed Kameliia, The Lady Machine remixed Kaiser and Jeroen Search remixed Border One. The record is varied with emotional parts, over deep dives up to peak time sound. The tracks are mastered by Ricardo Espostio.

Carl Finlow is back on Fanzine Records with a new futuristic Electro Ep.

All aboard! Ketiov’s Rhythm Trainx Vol. 6 pulls into the station, delivering another batch of rhythmic delights to keep DJs and dancers on track. This isn’t just a drum tool EP; it’s a rhythmic Swiss Army knife designed to break the monotony, shake the staleness disease, and maybe even help you discover that long-lost dance move from 2003.New Release Information True to form, Ketiov goes above and beyond the call of percussion. These tracks aren’t your average drum loops—they’re living, breathing organisms. With real drum sounds recorded live and sprinkled with a touch of his own playing, the result is an earthy, organic feel that’ll make any drum machine feel like it has some catching up to do.

Spanning tempos and moods, Rhythm Trainx Vol. 6 offers something for every moment, from warm-up whispers to mid-set movers and late-night wigglers. It’s the ultimate utility belt for DJs who like to mix it up and keep their crowd guessing. Bonus points: these tracks have been rail-tested harder than a new set of railway-wheels, ensuring maximum reliability when it counts.

Whether you’re layering textures or cruising through extended sets, Ketiov’s latest will keep any train rolling. Dance floors beware—this one’s got serious rhythm!

Hypnotic deep dub new chapter of the Loftsoul Re-works series.

Mr. K with two slices of Philadelphia disco, from smooth and slinky on our A-side to all-out floor pounding disco madness on the B.

Janice McClain, rightly adored for her Garage classic “Smack Dab In The Middle” (feat. on MXMRK-2068) but her second single is a real under-the-radar treat. The comfortably laid back groove somewhere between a stepper and simmering midtempo disco, classy and danceable as the finest Philly soul. Originally on a small LA-based label in 1983 (and sounding like it could have come out a good five years earlier), written and produced by McClain’s uncle Milt Tennant and his writing partner Thom Page, the same team responsible for “Smack Dab” — all Philadelphia rooted, so the sound should come as no surprise. Add McClain’s heartfelt and uplifting vocal and we easily have a lost classic. Mr. K’s edit trims the rare 12-inch version down for maximum sonic fidelity for its first appearance in a 7-inch format.

The flip side vibe goes in a completely different direction, although once again has its roots in Philly. The disco remake of the standard “Brazil” was a massive hit for the Ritchie Family in 1975, topping Billboard’s dance charts and getting deep into the Top 20 on the Hot 100. The group itself was a studio concoction led by veteran producer Richie Rome, with legendary trio Sweethearts of Sigma handling vocals — you’ll recognize their trademark harmonies from other huge classics like “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” and “Love Is The Message", studious listeners will detect a lot of similarities in the vamp section of “Brazil” and “Love Is…” as the MFSB house band launches into their trademark groove. This vamp section is unfortunately truncated on the original 7-inch single, but the always-attentive ear of Mr. K picks this point to begin his edit, starting where the original single faded out and giving us a full four-plus minutes of galloping disco delight.

Two flavors, both as tasty as it gets, all on one compact piece of wax! Another essential addition to your collection.

L'Été meurtrier is a French drama film directed by Jean Becker, based on the novel of the same name by Sébastien Japrisot, released in 1983. The film was a box office success and won four César Awards, including Best Screenplay and Best Actress. Georges Delerue composed the music for this drama by Jean Becker, who returned to directing 17 years after Tendre voyou.

Stone Foundation release the 3rd 7" single taken from their 11th album The Revival Of Survival. Featuring guest vocals from J.P. Bimeni (who recently collaborated with Moby), this single follows up a staggering 17 consecutive Top 10 hits on the UK Vinyl Singles chart. This release includes a non-album b-side in the form of Starting From Zero, and the 7" will be released the same day as The Revival Of Survival. Limited to just 500 copies worldwide - it's sure to be another future collectible

‘LIVE. SHIFT. DREAM.’ : three words for a first EP that invites you to embrace existence, shift gears when opportunities arise and keep your hopes and ambitions alive. That's what PAMELA is all about: electric energy, raw momentum, urgency. There's no time to get bogged down, it's all there in front of us, so let's make the most of it.



In this EP, each track is a facet of themselves, a distillation of their influences and raw energy. ‘Focused’ opens like an adrenalin rush, oscillating between desire and loss of control. ‘G.R.E.A.T.’ ? An explosive Britpop anthem, celebrating individuality with saturated synths and a heady riff. ‘IDNTKNWYT’ invites you to let go and dance without restraint. Then there's ‘Lover's Potion’, which reveals a softer, more intimate side, with a retro, hushed voice that's transporting.



And that's not all: ‘Full Sentimental’ is a powerful confession, where nostalgia becomes an outlet, while ‘Put out the Fire’ burns with urgency and sounds the alarm about the current climate situation.



Co-produced with Pierre Cheguillaume (who also produced Zaho de Sagazan), their tracks oscillate between LCD Soundsystem, The Cure, and Soulwax, blending into dance music tinged with indie rock and britpop. Showcasing their full power live, PAMELA will perform at La Maroquinerie (Paris) in March, after supporting Zaho de Sagazan on her Arena tour.



‘LIVE. SHIFT. DREAM.’ is more than just a start for PAMELA: it's an invitation to feel, to vibrate, and never stop.

* A highly in-demand gem from east London’s King General and Bush Chemists, originally dating from1996 gets a welcome re-issue.

* The original Conscious Sounds 7” has been out of press from almost 30 years,

* This welcome repress is backed with a previously unreleased dub version.

(2018 Remix)

30. Juni 2022 – Im Januar 1977 veröffentlichten Pink Floyd ihr zehntes Studioalbum „Animals“. Das Werk eroberte Platz 1 der deutschen Charts, gilt als eines ihrer besten – und es wird nun, 45 Jahre später, als Deluxe Gatefold, CD, LP und Blu-ray wiederveröffentlicht. Zum ersten Mal überhaupt wird das Album in 5.1 Surround-Sound zu hören sein. Die einzelnen Versionen werden ab dem 16. September 2022 erhältlich sein, die Deluxe-Version folgt am 7. Oktober.

Pink Floyd – David Gilmour, Nick Mason, Roger Waters und Richard Wright – nahmen „Animals“ 1976 und Anfang 1977 in den bandeigenen Britannia Row Studios in London auf und produzierten auch selbst.

„Animals 2018 Remix“ wird als CD, LP (mit Klapphüllen-Artwork), Blu-Ray und als Deluxe-Gatefold-Format veröffentlicht. Die Deluxe-Gatefold-Version beinhaltet eine LP, CD, Audio-Blu-Ray, Audio-DVD und ein 32-seitiges Booklet. Die Audio-Blu-Ray und -DVD enthalten den Remix von 2018 in Stereo, in 5.1 Surround (beide von James Guthrie) und den ursprünglichen Stereo-Mix von 1977. Das 32-seitige Booklet gewährt mit selten gezeigten Fotos einen Blick hinter die Kulissen des Shootings für die Plattenhülle sowie Live-Bilder und Memorabilia. Das Album-Artwork wurde für diese Veröffentlichung mit einem zeitgemäßen Motiv neu interpretiert.

„Animals“ ist ein Konzeptalbum, das sich kritisch mit den sozialpolitischen Verhältnissen im Großbritannien der mittleren 1970er-Jahre auseinandersetzt und damit eine Abkehr vom Stil der früheren Arbeiten der Band markierte. Aus einer Ansammlung ursprünglich nicht miteinander zusammenhängender Songs entwickelten Pink Floyd ein Konzept, das den offenkundigen sozialen und moralischen Verfall der Gesellschaft beschreibt. Inspiriert von George Orwells „Farm der Tiere“, verbildlichen sie die menschliche Natur mit einer Analogie zum Tierreich und teilen die Menschen in drei Klassen von Tieren ein: Die Schweine stehen an der Spitze der sozialen Kette, die Schafe tun als hirnlose Herde, was man ihnen sagt, und die Hunde sind die Geschäftsbosse, die sich am Profit und ihrer Macht über andere schamlos bereichern. Seit 1977 ist viel Zeit vergangen – und dann wieder gar nicht, denn die Erzählung des Albums hat als Kommentar auf unsere gesellschaftliche und wirtschaftliche Situation nichts von ihrer Aktualität verloren.

Das berühmte Cover von „Animals“ zeigt ein aufblasbares Schwein (heute bekannt als Algie), das in luftigen Höhen zwischen zwei Schornsteinen der Battersea Power Station in London schwebt. Die Idee für das Cover kam von Roger Waters, die Umsetzung übernahm der langjährigen Kreativpartner der Band, Storm Thorgerson von Hipgnosis Studios. Für die jetzige Neuveröffentlichung wurde das Artwork von Storms Hipgnosis-Partner Aubrey „Po“ Powell für die heutige Zeit neu gestaltet. Basierend auf neuen Aufnahmen des Gebäudes während der jüngsten Umgestaltungsarbeiten (das ehemalige Kraftwerk wird für die kulturelle und gewerbliche Nutzung umgebaut, gestaltet von Frank Gehry und Norman Foster), experimentierte Po mit neuen Blickwinkeln und erschuf einige beeindruckende neue Varianten des berühmten Originals. Po dazu: „Das Original-Albumcover von 1977 ist ikonisch und steht so sehr für sich, dass ich eine Menge Respekt davor hatte, ihm ein Update zu verpassen. Doch Hipgnosis nahm die Gelegenheit zum Anlass, das Motiv neu zu fotografieren und damit eine sich verändernde Welt widerzuspiegeln. Durch den Einsatz moderner digitaler Färbetechniken konnte ich Pink Floyds düstere Botschaft des moralischen Verfalls beibehalten, und auch die Orwellsche Tier-Analogie in Form des Schweins Algie lebt in dem neuen Artwork fort.“

Pink Floyds „Animals 2018 Remix” kann ab jetzt hier vorbestellt werden.