Suche:yo an

11th Release of the limited Florcene Funk Sublabel including 2 rare Gems and a brandnew Artwork....Vinyl Only & limited as usual.

Repressed onto white and caramel coloured vinyl, the bold and beguiling second album from Connan Mockasin furthers the cult singer-songwriter’s exploration of psychedelic pop, almost entirely self-recorded over one month in a Japanese hotel room. Blues, funk, ambient and soul headily mix on a unique suite of compositions, and on singles ‘Do I Make You Feel Shy’ ‘I’m The Man That Will Find You’ and ‘Caramel’.

Celebrating 20 years of defining, and redefining, electronic alt-pop - Metronomy ‘GREATEST HITS’ is the first comprehensive collection of their “smash hits” spanning across all 7 studio albums, and will be release alongside a separate album of BBC Sessions.

Formed in 1999 by Joseph Mount, Metronomy has released six acclaimed studio albums and become one of the UK's most influential electronic acts. Known for their distinctive visual aesthetic, innovative production techniques, and energetic live shows, Metronomy continues to bridge the gap between experimental electronic music and accessible pop. From the charm of early tracks like "You Could Easily Have Me" to the sophisticated pop of "The Look" and the dance floor magic of "Love Letters," Metronomy's distinctive sound has consistently pushed boundaries while maintaining their unmistakable identity.

The previously unreleased BBC Sessions reveal another dimension to these songs, capturing their magnetic live energy and Joe’s evolving approach to arrangement and performance, all recorded between 2009-2019 across BBC6Music, BBC Radio 1 & BBC Radio 2.

A Side: Er Mar (Submarine Mix) "Maracaibo, dance to the barracuda, yes but dance naked, zà zà! " So sang Maria Luisa Colombo, known to all of us as Lu Colombo. It was 1982, the meteoric song became and still is today a worldwide Hit that everyone has sung at least once in their life and almost never sober. Let's make a leap in time, we are in 1993 the track is taken up and remixed in several versions between Latin and Euro House, we have taken up the track Er Mar (Submarine Mix), dreamy, lustful, psychedelic, evocative, Summer in its purest form. To dance on the beach, preferably in company of Miguel and naked

B Side: FeelFly – Onda Erotica Remix A Cosmic sabba in the forest. You’ll get lost with this hypnotic sound and a minute later you’re ready for a proper trip into your hidden Erotic Dreams. With this almost ten minutes long and original version, Feel Fly delivers to all of us a signature track of the highest order. Feel Fly is an Italian electronic musician and DJ. Defined by Gerd Janson as a linchpin of the underground scene, he recently released some Balearic trance tracks on International Feel and Internasjonal by Prins Thomas, as well as transversal EPs on New Interplanetary Melodies and Hell Yeah.

fabric, the iconic hub of electronic music culture, proudly announces its latest addition to the fabric mix series: "FABRICLIVE. presents Pola & Bryson". This mix will be a dynamic exploration of contemporary drum & bass, fluid in genre, rich in emotion, and sharp in sound design. It navigates the space between soulful reflection and controlled chaos, painting a vivid picture of contrast and transformation.

Showcasing a unique blend of melancholy, emotion, and euphoria that elegantly yet purposefully harnesses the immense power of electronic music, UK-based duo Pola & Bryson have solidified themselves as one of the most talented production duos flying the flag for the genre today.

Throughout the mix, you’ll hear liquid textures layered with depth and warmth, tracks that breathe with shimmering pads, smooth rolling drums and emotionally resonant melodies. These moments evoke late night introspection and spacious clarity, tapping into the more human, melodic side of drum & bass.

But the mix doesn’t stay in one mood for long. It periodically plunges into darker, more technical territory, where the basslines twist, the rhythms fracture and tighten and the atmosphere becomes tense and futuristic. Here, the emotional gives way to the mechanical, driving energy through razor-sharp precision and relentless force.

Experimental soundscapes weave throughout, blurring genre lines and adding moments of unpredictability. At times ambient and abstract, other times intensely rhythmic, the mix balances structure with freedom, always pushing forward without losing emotional weight.

For 25 years, fabric has stood as a cornerstone of the UK’s drum and bass movement, a place where the genre has not only thrived but evolved. More than just a club, fabric has been a vital incubator for underground sounds, consistently championing drum and bass alongside a wide spectrum of electronic music. From early pioneers to cutting-edge innovators, its legendary room two has become hallowed ground for DJs and ravers alike. As a bastion of innovation and inclusion, fabric has shaped the soundscape of UK nightlife, influencing global trends while staying fiercely true to its roots.

In addition to the mix album, fabric and Pola & Bryson unveil the brand new original single "Worlds Apart" an emotional vocal lead anthem featuring the incredible vocals of Emily Makis. The track balances Emily’s heartfelt lyricism with Pola & Bryson’s signature crisp liquid drums and deep and intoxicating basslines. The 2 acts first combined on the track "Complete" alongside Monrroe and followed it up with the certified hit, "Phoneline", dubbed by Radio 1 as the D&B Anthem of 2023. With a history of making pure magic happen when they join together in the studio, "Worlds Apart" certainly delivers on those high expectations.

Mysterious Bristol based Rali Pibs, carves out 6 stunning tracks, undefinable in the left-field. File under Industrial-Synesthetic-Amnesia. “U Paradise” is a solid mix of atmospheric chugging, primal, bold and abrasive yet textured, rich and full of emotion. Outsider music with a hint of pop edge that is sure enough to make heads twist on the dance-floor (tried and tested). If you don’t believe us stick Shaka on in the club and see what happens. Weirdo music with a cosmic and emotive tinge that we love at the inc.

An incredible journey through the dark and seductive soundtracks of the Italian nights, this compilation takes you deep into the after-hours soul of Rimini, Riccione, and Milan between the late 1980s and the early 1990s — a period of wild experimentation, underground parties, and sonic exploration. Eight rare and visionary tracks, all produced in the Belpaese, reflect a sound that was too ahead of its time to be fully appreciated back then, yet feels incredibly fresh and relevant today, as if they were made for the dancefloors of now.

In the middle of this evocative collection, a blasting remix by Milord stands out — a peak-time weapon that has already destroyed dozens of dancefloors with its hypnotic energy and raw power. Also featured is the stunning debut of Luca Sorrentini, who breathes new life into an obscure Italo-Arabic track originally composed by Ray Ridha
Credits.

g 7The Twenty-one Song Salute (Owed to G.G. Shinn and Cleoma Falcon) [feat. Tyler Bryant]







[g] 7The Twenty-one Song Salute (Owed to G.G. Shinn and Cleoma Falcon) [feat. Tyler Bryant]

[g] 7The Twenty-one Song Salute (Owed to G.G. Shinn and Cleoma Falcon) [feat. Tyler Bryant]

Neo funk rising star Buscrates aims high with Blasting Off, his first full-length album. The Pittsburgh-based keyboard cosmonaut has been grabbing ears since his days hooking up beats with the hip hop crew East Liberty Quarters, but after slinging spicy one-offs to a slew of hot labels like Omega Supreme, Voyage Funktastique and Razor N Tape (as well as contributing production to Wiz Khalifa and Curren$y's 2009 project), the time has come for a full-length featuring his growing modern funk repertoire.

"I'm a '90s hip hop dude, but I grew up on that '80s funk stuff," Buscrates acknowledges. DJ gigs provided a working knowledge of the jams that moved a contemporary crowd, and as his collection of keyboards and drum machines grew he began blending the best of both decades with his personal futuristic edge. "I was nice on the MPC but I wanted to have a little more dynamic range with what I was doing," he notes. The self-described "certified synth geek" was soon branching into sounds that recalled '80s legend Kashif crossed with the hip hop bounce of DJ Spinna, and the modern funk community took notice.

For his first full-length, Buscrates has crewed up with an ace team of collaborators, featuring vocalist Sally Green on the bouncy lead single "Lost And Found" and "Eight Nine." Kate Moe Dee takes over mic duties for the second single, "How Ya Gonna Do It," a slinky groove that slides in place alongside groups like the Sunburst Band and Rene & Angela as an exemplar of sophisticated R&B. Adding to those credentials are the sultry vocals of Anda on "Believe," but of course, it wouldn't be a Buscrates set without some stank, neck-snapping instrumentals. "Five Days" and "Sure Shot," both collabos with the drum technician DJ Epik, will rattle speakers and have already been lighting up message boards on recent Buscrates DJ sets. Round things out with some easy gliding, jazzy funk ("Turn It Out" with Brothermartino on flute and "Evergreen" featuring Tony Ozier) and you've got all the ingredients for a high-flying cosmic ride with Buscrates at the controls.

[b] A2 Gathering Storm / Il Pleut À Mourir [+Clatters Like Worry]
[c] A3 "Welcome To Barco AM/PM..." [L.A.X.; 5/14/00]





[i] B5 [...+The Buildings They Are Sleeping Now]





[o] D3 [Glockenspiel Duet Recorded On A Campsite In Rhinebeck, N.Y.]
[p] D4 "Attention...Mon Ami...Fa-Lala-Lala-La-La..." [55-St.Laurent]


[s] D7 [Antennas To Heaven...]

"The Land of the Sun, the Moon and Cosmic Melodies" is a conceptual Opera of III movements, inspired by a cosmogony that features the planets of the sun and the moon. These two characters guides us on a journey of light and shadow, rising and setting in a cycle of unexplored musical territories.
The Collective Move presents its debut album with a broad palette of sounds, ranging from jazz to opera, from southern Italian folk music to northern Indian classical music, orchestrating a 60-minute "sonic narration" that ends with the fable "What do the birds tell?".

The Collective Move is an international group of young musicians formed in the Amsterdam Conservatory in 2022. The Collective's vision is to unite diverse artistic expressions and musical genres, inviting diverse artists and musicians from diverse cultures and countries to collaborate in flexible and interdisciplinary formations.

The debut single from Soul Music nobility, The Womack Sisters, is a one-two punch of soulful excellence. "If You Want Me" displays uncompromising rawness with pop-sensible control in equal measure. Propelled by the percussive attack of the piano and the hard-hitting call and response vocals, the track has a satisfyingly feel-good swing, allowing the groove to accentuate the hook. Sure to be a universally filed disc for DJs looking to bring some life to the dancefloor. On "I Just Don't Want You" sisters Kujcha and Zeimani's plaintive background vocals and BG's powerful lead come together like a harmonic bouquet in full bloom. A deeply soulful ballad at its core, it tells a tale of someone coming to terms with the pain of being in love with Mr Wrong when you know you deserve Mr Right.

The album introduced a lush, complex dream world that the singer, composer, and producer created and inhabited largely on her own. She produced all the songs, and wrote and performed everything on the self-released collection outside of a re-imagined cover of Pink Floyd’s “Green is the Colour” and 2 other tracks (“The Time,” “Give It Back To You”), which started as instrumentals written by Survive’s Kyle Dixon (who composed the Stranger Things soundtrack with his bandmate Michael Stein), to which Ainsworth wrote melodies and added lyrics. Ainsworth, who’s relocated to Los Angeles from Toronto since 2017’s Darling of the Afterglow, explains that the collection revealed itself to her “as a play taking place in Mother Nature’s vanishing home,” aka Phantom Forest, and that she’s singing from 3 perspectives: herself, Mother Nature, and Greek Chorus. For instance, of the album’s opener, “Diamonds Cutting Diamonds,” she explains: “The Greek Chorus sets the scene, narrating and offering direction on how to enter Phantom Forest. It’s my hope that the listener will imagine the narration to be directed to them as well, as they begin the journey of the album.” You’ll get a sense of this from the collection’s edenic cover art and the playful, pastoral video for the album’s first single, “Can You Find Her Place.” Its inspiration came from Ainsworth’s love for Italian Renaissance painter Botticelli’s 15-century masterpiece “Primavera,” an allegorical representation of the burgeoning fertility of the earth in spring. She notes: “The video features the Greek gods of the painting in a choreographed Baroque style dance.” Keeping with the personal feel of the collection, her sister Abby Ainsworth directed the clip. In line with the classical and historical depths of Phantom Forest, Ainsworth, who holds a Masters Degree in film scoring composition from NYU and studied composition as an undergrad at McGill, notes that although the album might be considered pop, she approached it as an orchestrator. “Even if I’m dealing purely with synths,” she says, “The songs are like a score, each one an evolving journey. I love to use strings so I’ve included my string arrangements on ‘Tell Me I Exist’ and ‘Can You Find Her Place.’ I recorded live musicians on drums, bass, and guitar on ‘Edge of the Throne,’ ‘The Time,’ and ‘Floating Dream,’ and wove those live elements into my programmed elements.” Phantom Forest is a beautiful, vast collection that mixes the historical and the hands on, with hooks about the apocalypse and people obsessively using face-recognition software to see what paintings their face match with, in search of some kind of connection. It’s a journey that holds up to close listening (and lyric reading) and to dance floors, but that can also exist on a purely emotional plane. In all cases, it asks that you listen, and take some kind of action.

Nach dem frühen Tod von Adam Schlesinger durch COVID-19 im Jahr 2020 dachte das IVY-Trio nie, dass es ein weiteres Album geben würde. Aber die Band hatte einen großen Fundus an unfertigen Songs und Demos in einem Lagerraum in Rhode Island aufbewahrt, der bis zu den Anfängen der Band zurückreicht. Als Andy Chase und Dominique Durand im Jahr 2023 die letzten Vinyl-Veröffentlichungen ihres Katalogs vorbereiteten, reisten sie nach Rhode Island und hörten sich die Bänder an, die sie dort vor all den Jahren zurückgelassen hatten; Bänder, die mit Notizen wie ,Adam's Wacky Idea 1997" beschriftet waren, ,Stupid Cat 2005" oder ,Das hier könnte gut für Shallow Hal sein`. Zusammen mit ihrem langjährigen Freund Bruce Driscoll (Freedom Fry) beschlossen die beiden, ins Studio zurückzukehren und an diesen Aufnahmen zu feilen. Obwohl sie sich nie wohl fühlen würden ein Album unter dem Namen IVY ohne Adam zu veröffentlichen, wurde ihnen klar, dass sie das nicht mussten. Adam hatte seine Parts bereits geschrieben und aufgenommen - er ist auf jedem Song zu hören. Das Trio holte sich auch Freunde ins Studio, die über die Jahre an Ivys Platten mitgewirkt hatten, um diese Songs zum Leben zu erwecken. "Traces of You" enthält alles, was wir an Ivy lieben und immer geliebt haben. Könnte da noch mehr kommen? (Ja, das könnte es.)

Ready for take off?

With his new album 'Cruise Control', Satin Jackets presents a perfect musical soundtrack for relaxed moments that take us away from the stresses of everyday life. The title of the album is meaningful: 'Cruise Control' stands for the feeling of switching on the autopilot, leaning back and enjoying the journey to the fullest - an atmosphere that the album unfolds.

The album is a collection of singles that have been released over the last few years and are all interwoven at their core. Because no matter where you listen to the songs, they work, images arise in your head and your feet rarely stay still. Satin Jackets remains true to himself with his album sound, as he repeatedly receives feedback from listeners who appreciate the positive mood in his songs and which always puts them in a good mood.

The songs are first created in the producer's head and then develop together with the features, who add their own touch. For Satin Jackets, 'the most important thing is this immediate feeling that it fits musically and atmospherically'. This can also come out of nowhere, as was the case with David Bay and Small Black, who got in touch with the producer and it was an instant fit.

'There are always those magical moments when a song comes out of nowhere. Once I had an idea for a chord sequence that I couldn't get out of my head, but somehow that certain something was still missing. I then spontaneously asked a bassist friend of mine if he would like to play something to it - ten minutes later we had a hook that carried the whole piece. It's these unexpected, spontaneous inspirations that make the process so exciting.'

'Cruise Control' is more than just another album from Satin Jackets. It is an invitation to enjoy the moment and surrender to the music - a soundtrack that creates a good mood and takes us on a relaxing journey. So just switch on the autopilot again, put on your headphones and let yourself go.

Ready for take off?

Satin Jackets präsentiert mit seinem neuen Album "Cruise Control" einen perfekten musikalischen Begleiter für entspannte Momente, die uns vom Alltagsstress befreien. Der Titel des Albums ist vielsagend: "Cruise Control" steht für das Gefühl, den Autopiloten einzuschalten, sich zurückzulehnen und die Reise in vollen Zügen zu genießen - eine Atmosphäre, die das Album entfaltet.

Das Album ist eine Sammlung der Singles, die über die letzten Jahre erschienen und im Kern alle miteinander verwoben sind. Denn egal, wo man die Songs hört, sie funktionieren, es entstehen Bilder im Kopf und die Füße bleiben selten still. Mit dem Albumsound bleibt Satin Jackets sich treu, denn immer wieder bekommt er die Rückmeldung von Hörer:innen, die die positive Stimmung in seinen Songs schätzen und die immer wieder für gute Laune sorgt.

So entstehen die Songs zuerst im Kopf des Produzenten und entwickeln sich im Anschluss gemeinsam mit den Features, die ihre eigene Note mit einbringen. Für Satin Jackets ist es "das Wichtigste dieses unmittelbare Gefühl, dass es musikalisch und atmosphärisch passt". Das kann auch aus dem Nichts kommen, so wie bei David Bay und Small Black, die sich bei dem Produzenten meldeten und es sofort passte.

"Es gibt immer wieder diese magischen Momente, in denen ein Song quasi aus dem Nichts entsteht. Einmal hatte ich eine Idee für eine Akkordfolge, die mir nicht aus dem Kopf ging, aber irgendwie fehlte noch das gewisse Etwas. Ich habe dann spontan einen befreundeten Bassisten gefragt, ob er etwas dazu spielen möchte - zehn Minuten später hatten wir einen Hook, der das ganze Stück getragen hat. Es sind diese unerwarteten, spontanen Eingebungen, die den Prozess so spannend machen."

"Cruise Control" ist mehr als nur ein weiteres Album von Satin Jackets. Es ist eine Einladung, den Moment zu genießen und sich der Musik hinzugeben - ein Soundtrack, der für gute Stimmung sorgt und uns auf eine entspannte Reise mitnimmt. Von daher einfach mal wieder den Autopiloten einschalten, , Kopfhörer aufsetzen und fallen lassen.

Smith & Liddle from the North of England breathe new life into the sounds of classic music eras heard in their debut 7inch single release "Piece of You" b/w "Minute Ago" from their upcoming debut album. Smith & Liddle's music is a glimpse into the sounds of Laurel Canyon and echoes the ways in which musicians of the 60s & 70s started to change direction as the years progressed. Reflecting the duos wide music tastes and even wider record collection, the music you can expect from their own output weaves between Soft Rock, West Coast soul and 60s beat, offering an ultimately wide appealing and joyful collection of songs and sounds to be enjoyed.

Who doesn't love a good edit? And who really does them much better than Danny Krivit, a veteran of the game with millions of them (probably) to his name. Here he turns his hand to Sjuya Okino's 'Thank You (feat Navasha Daya)' which is a jazz dancer with effervescing broken beats, busy chords and live percussion under a freeform scat vocal that brims with soul. On the flip, DJ Kawasaki edits a Dimitri Form Paris mix of 'Give Your Love A Chance (feat Clara Hill)' which has a Chic-style bass riff and big disco energy that's ripe and ready to bring good times to any party.

Within the nine carefully composed tracks of Young Bones, Mel D’s characteristic voice stands out in all its facets, varying from fragile to powerful, haunting to playful, but most of all soulful. With a voice that’s both extraordinarily clear and melancholic, Mel D is something surprisingly rare: a singer whose artistic expression goes beyond the mere use of her voice. On Young Bones, Mel D uses contemporary figures, rephrasing them into timeless formulas. Her unique musical language embodies references to genres like Indie or Alternative. In other moments, her sound leans baroque, then jazzy, soulful, and contemplative. Each song represents an ode to being connected: to the world, other people, and most of all to the beauty of music. Mel D draws her inspiration from struggles felt in the current world climate: “I have felt overwhelmed by the world we live in and its countless challenges,” said Mel D. “As if we’re all a bit directionless in our own lives.” Nevertheless, Mel D uses her musicality as a tool for resistance - using it to transform sadness and anger into creativity, and to give world-weariness a voice that seduces, comforts, and inspires. On Young Bones, Mel D sings us to a place where we might find hope - with songs rooted in concern, solidarity, humanness, and empowerment, inviting the listener to lean into those feelings. Bring the Witches Back, a hymn to witchcraft, is a quiet song that summons the return of witches with feminist urgency, for more love and magic to open ourselves towards each other and the world. Soft, a soulful song with a tender melody, gently lulls the listener into an in-between dimension, full of opportunities. Meanwhile, in the coming-of-age ballad, Slowly Growing, she raises questions about belonging and identity, pointing directly at our emotional core. Where Do You Look When It Hurts? speaks to the sensation of exhaustion and emptiness, offering musical warmth and a sense of community in moments of lethargy. Finally, listening to the album, one always feels in good company. Playfully working in folk and electro-pop elements, Mel D takes us on a ride toward love and a sense of belonging, particularly on the track We win. Young Bones was recorded in Zurich and Paris with two outstanding producers of our times: Renaud Letang, who has previously collaborated with Feist, Chilly Gonzales or Lianne La Havas, and Dino Brandão. The latter recognized Mel D’s artistic uniqueness during their first meeting, inviting her to a recording session in his studio and bringing her into the band of Swiss superstar, Faber. Mel D’s solo project was more a product of coincidence than planning, as she says, even though an undisputed talent and passion for music had always been apparent throughout her youth. During her studies in fine arts in Zurich, she founded the electronica-duo mischgewebe, and composed soundtracks for theater and movie productions, as well as for exhibitions. Long before forming her current artistic identity, she went by the nickname Mel D, in a humorous reference to the Spice Girls. Although her personality and musical language suggest thoughtfulness and a melancholy touch, Mel D acknowledges that an honest laugh is never out of place, making her sympathetic and approachable.

Brian Auger, Julie Driscoll and The Trinity are today best known for their hit recording of Dylan’s then-unreleased This Wheel’s On Fire which is included here, together with covers of songs by the Staple Sisters, Nina Simone, Donovan, Mose Allison and David Ackles. Add in some band-written originals and you have twelve cool tracks mixing jazz, r’n’b, psyche and pop. All songs were specially recorded for the BBC, sound quality is excellent throughout.
Comes with full sleevenotes.




d A4 | Why Am I Treated So Bad




d A4 | Why Am I Treated So Bad




d A4 | Why Am I Treated So Bad




[d] A4 | Why [Am I Treated So Bad]




[d] A4 | Why [Am I Treated So Bad]




[d] A4 | Why [Am I Treated So Bad]




[d] A4 | Why [Am I Treated So Bad]

I H8 Camera is the improvisation collective of ‘Master of Ceremonies’ Rudy Trouvé who, for more than 15 years now, has been leading an ever-changing line-up of absolute top-notch musicians through an insane adventure across rock, jazz, folk, krautrock, no wave, post-punk...boundless improvisation starting from a few brief pointers...innovative, contrary, abrasive and often very brilliant.

This double album was recorded during a 5 day residency at the famous club L’Archiduc in Brussels with a killer line up of Rudy Trouvé (Guitar, vocals) Stef Kamil Carlens (Bass, vocals), the late and dearly missed Matt Watts (Vocals), Teun Verbruggen (Drums), Teuk Henri (Guitar) and Jef Mercelis (Korg MS 10). Guest appearances by a.o. Roland Van Campenhout (Guitar) and Catherine Graindorge (Violin).
An intense and adventurous album, super hot CBGB’s vibes in Brussels!

Dies ist das achte Album von DESTROYER, das ursprünglich 2008 erschien. Hier etabliert sich Dan Bejar aus Vancouver als ein Künstler, der so verschroben und rätselhaft wie DAVID BOWIE, so symphonisch und bombastisch wie SCOTT WALKER und so fantastisch literarisch wie BOB DYLAN ist. Eine Sammlung von Songs, die frisch und neu ist und dennoch wie die Faust aufs Auge in das Werk von DESTROYER passt. ,Von allen zeitgenössischen Schreibern ist er der größte Einfluss und die größte Inspiration. Weil er anmaßend ist, aber anmaßend auf die Art und Weise, die es zu einem Spiel macht, uns vorzumachen, wie grandios wir alle sind." - Will Sheff, OKKERVIL RIVER

Johnny Davis and Reggie Hudson were American songwriters stationed at a G.I. base in Germany when they composed "Expand Your Mind”, a
song they originally wrote for Marvin Gaye but decided to put out on their own. Davis and Hudson stayed on in Germany where their music
careers flourished.

Johnny Davis, who handled the lead vocals, became one of the real voices of Milli Vanilli years later. Recorded in 1985, featured here is the original 12" version of "Expand Your Mind" including the original instrumental version.

The next destination on the Eccentric Soul journey, Eccentric Spiritual Soul is a rare groove with a transcendent, introspective f lair. Laced with lush wind arrangements and anchored by warm, reflective rhythms, this compilation channels the meditative pulse of a spiritual soul. A Solid companion for quiet contemplation—whether you’re deep in a Sunday read or wandering through nature’s quiet sermons. Flute Not Included.

World Of Echo announces the reissue of two remastered albums by Japanese guitarist and songwriter Naoki Zushi, 1988’s Paradise, and 2005’s III. Two classics of Japanese psychedelia, both Paradise and III were originally released on Org Records, the imprint of Shinji Shibayama of acid-folk group Nagisa Ni Te, with whom Zushi has guested on second guitar for decades. Both intimate and expansive, rich with revelatory songwriting and blasted, sky-scouring guitar, these reissues return these albums to print for the first time since the 2000s. It’s the first time III has been officially released on vinyl, with an extra, previously unreleased track, “Under The June Moonlight.”

Recorded in Kyoto’s Townhouse Studios in mid 1987 and released in limited-to-500 vinyl pressing in 1988, Paradise emerged from a scene in Kansai, Japan that was embracing the idiosyncracies of 1970s singer-songwriters, the soaring solos of early seventies psychedelia, and the DIY impulse of 1980s post-punk. While Zushi’s musical history stretched back to the early eighties – he was a founding member of Jojo Hiroshige’s noise outfit Hijokaidan – he found his feet with groups like Hallelujahs, whose dream-pop collection Niku O Kuraite Chikai Wo Tateyo was recently reissued by Black Editions, and Idiot O’Clock.

Paradise appeared two years after that Hallelujahs album and share much the same membership – Zushi’s backing band on several of the songs includes Shibayama on drums and Ken-Ichi Takayama (aka Idiot) on electric guitar, though just as often, Zushi plays all the instruments himself. The coordinates here are wide-reaching – you can hear the volume and intensity of Neil Young & Crazy Horse (on “Hallelujah: Left Side” and “Paradise: Midday”), the slow-motion magic of Galaxie 500, the idiosyncratic spirit of The Only Ones, all mixed up with tender guitar miniatures and stumbling garage-psych-pop moves.

Seven years later, after the transitional album Phenomenal Luciferin, Zushi released III. Perhaps his masterpiece, it’s already been bootlegged on vinyl, but this reissue is the real deal. The album was recorded at Studio Nemu over seven years, and sees Zushi backed by Shibayama (bass) and Masako Takeda (drums), his erstwhile bandmates in Nagisa Ni Te. By this stage, Zushi had started to really stretch out, and many of the songs on III swoon languorously, taking their sweet time to say what they need to say. It’s rich with lovely, melancholy songs, in a similar realm to bandmates Nagisa Ni Te, of course, but you can also hear traces of everything from Syd Barrett’s The Madcap Laughs, through seventies private press loner folk, to the slow-burn meanderings of the likes of early Low or Damon & Naomi.

When interviewed by Shibayama in the mid-nineties, Zushi said of Paradise, “it was a sort of collection of songs that had meant something to me up to that point… it was my paradise. I wanted to create paradise.” That’s something Zushi achieves on both of these albums – visionary Japanese psychedelia, en route to paradise. - Jon Dale







g Under The June Moonlight vinyl only bonus track