VA – The Barbershop [PERP012]

Welcome to the Barbershop. This LP arrives with tunes from some of your favorite artists representing Chicago’s underground dance music sphere on the city’s bred label, Perpetual Rhythms. A wide variety of fresh cuts and genres are showcased, ranging from Deep House and Techno to Experimental and Ambient, providing an eclectic listening experience. The central theme of the LP is “things that relate to a barbershop”, topics such as hairstyles, hair products and humor. We invite you to stay a while and experience this sonic journey with an open mind.

listen

VA – The Barbershop [PERP012]

Delroy Edwards – Aftershock [LIES110]

In the tradition of classic Chicago beat track records, Delroy Edwards comes on LIES with a 14 song double LP of stripped down drum track madness. This is straight up Saturday night WBMX mixs how material. Sparse rhythms, fat fm basslines, catchy melodies and even some italo arpeggios are the order here, all 100 percent tailor made for the working DJ. Standing strong on their own or to be layered and slammed in and out the mix, these are true to form old school cuts falling in line with the great tradition of dance music’s past which is all too often lost in the wind these days.

listen

Delroy Edwards – Aftershock [LIES110]

Virgo – Virgo [TX2018002]

Released on TRAX in the golden year of 1989 Chicago’s Virgo aka friends Eric Lewis and Merwyn Sanders, gently pushed House music towards a more musically sophisticated realm that hadn’t been explored previously. Across 8 tracks Virgo took us on a deep exploration of sound that was both masterfully arranged and produced and in direct contrast to a lot of the rudimental and jacking drum tracks that were the flavour of the day. There are few debut albums in the electronic sphere that can claim the title of ‘classic’, but this is surely one of them. A defining turning point in dance music, the dawn of what would later be referred to as the ‘deep house’ movement and sound is all evident with the grooves of this legendary record. Often listed as one of the ‘greatest LP’s of all time’, this self-titled odyssey remains an essential, must have record that never loses it’s magic, flawless in every way and still trailblazing today.

listen

Virgo – Virgo [TX2018002]

D’Marc Cantu – S.E.G. Remixes [AMR38X]

In 2017, D’Marc Cantu released the critically-acclaimed “The Lodge” LP on Altered Moods, which was the first chapter in a two-part story. The second part is now incoming, in the form of a remix EP of one of the most popular cuts on the album, “S. E. G.” The new record contains both the original track and three remixes created by Larry Heard, Malcolm Moore and Chicago Skyway.

listen

D’Marc Cantu – S.E.G. Remixes [AMR38X]

Transcendence – Concepts of Higher Dimension [STR003]

Ron Allen’s label with another worthy re-issue. Strobe gave us that deep, emotive machine-funk that exemplified the early to mid 90’s sound. ‘Concepts Of Higher Dimension’ came out in 1991 remarkably, and it still sounds fresh today, produced by Ron Allen under his Transcendence pseudonym and featuring 3 stellar tracks of bass-heavy warehouse jams. ‘Frenzy’ opens proceedings and with a title like that you’d expect some sort of drum machine beatdown, instead we’re treated to a super smoothed-out deep house cut that oozes blissed out synth pads & pan-pipe like flourishes. A true early hours gem. ‘Luv ‘N’ Happiness (Chapter 1)’ is next, stepping up the energy levels a little and utilising a well known Disco vocal sample to maximum effect. This one’s a definite nod to Chicago but done in Ron Allen’s signature style. Essential. Finishing off the EP is ‘Magique Noir’ a tough, bleeps and bassline monster that sounds like it could have dropped in Sheffield at the tail end of the late 80’s, absolutely monstrous. This jam will test your speakers no end.

listen

Transcendence – Concepts of Higher Dimension [STR003]

Lerosa – Playa De La Guancha [SAFTX001]

For the first release on SAFTX , Lerosa hands out a taster of the labels new series ambitions. Vivrant house music is most definitely the back bone of Playa De La Guancha as a whole. The opening is packed with a strapping rhythm section and a vocal cut that is reminiscent of the Trax Records classic House Nation. Julius Steinhoff (of Smallpeople fame) gives Soul Tracing a modern sounding treatment that completely shifts the feel of the original and turns it into an adventurous piece of contemporary electronics.

listen

Lerosa – Playa De La Guancha [SAFTX001]

Northern Powerhouse – Slapdash Bass [NP003]

The full range of frequencies have been lovingly captured and set for eternity into nice and solid, hand pressed plastic before being bound in gorgeously minimal white paper ”inners”. Adding individual nuance to each and every record, is a stylised image of the visionary York philanthropist, Joseph Rowntree. Details of which tracks are which are lovingly incorporated into this image using a black ink to stand against Mr Rowntree’s brilliance. The hand screened label, uses the latest in dual pizza/kitchen table printing technology™ with a tried and tested lounge floor drying system to ensure any moisture is gone before the vinyl is shipped, so that transport weight can be kept to a minimum and savings passed on to you.

listen

Northern Powerhouse – Slapdash Bass [NP003]

Nick Anthony Simoncino – Mystic Adventures [VIBR012]

Having previously appeared on Vibraphone with the Isole Del Tramonto 12″ back in 2016, Nick Anthony Simoncino returns to the perennial Italian deep house label with a full album, his fourth following previous turns on Thug, Mathematic and Creme Organization. As you would expect, Mystic Adventures is a masterclass of classic drum machines and synthesisers, loaded with the passion and mystery that Simoncino has always managed to imbue his music with. The highlights are too many to list – if you’re familiar with his other work, then Simoncino has everything you need on this LP. If you’re not already wise, these nine new tracks are a wonderful introduction.

listen

Nick Anthony Simoncino – Mystic Adventures [VIBR012]

VA – Fuck Acid Part Two [EGC40212]

Part 2 of the Eargasmic Acid House comp starts with the smooth “Clear Remedy” by Chicagodeep. It’s followed by “Tres Amigos” from Secret Studio & Chicago Skyway. On the flip, “Melt” is a relentless, dark acid track by newcomers Heuristics. B2 is closing with a drum/acid machine workout by Dcook.

listen

VA – Fuck Acid Part Two [EGC40212]

VA – Fuck Acid Part One [EGC40211]

Part 1 of this Eargasmic Acid House comp jumps off with Julio Bishop’s Latin influenced “Acid Drums”. The B-side sees Jamal Moss and Daryl Cura team up on the dirty deep “Confused Transportation” a stomping spaced out acid bit. Isoke follows & captures serene early morning vibes on “Albion Beach”.

listen

VA – Fuck Acid Part One [EGC40211]

Northern Powerhouse – House Of York / Bell Pit [NP002]

Alex Handley (Auto Sound City) and Nigel Rogers (Perseus Traxx) catch up on a regular basis to casually jam out on various machines in a Kippax basement, then edit, twist and re-jam them in a York flat. Housed in a white paper sleeve, this is a fantastic example of beautifully handcrafted Yorkshire electronics, with a distinctively raw and rustic feel. The label, screen printed on a kitchen table, is a reflection of the punk ethic of the duo just doing as they please to please themselves.

listen

Northern Powerhouse – House Of York / Bell Pit [NP002]

Frankie Knuckles – Ultimate Production [TX2018001]

An essential 2 x 12″ overview of some of the legendary Frankie Knuckles TRAX classics. What else needs to be said One of the godfathers of our scene, a true classic himself, Frankie behind the wheels or behind the boards was simply top shelf all the way down the line. A real original whose influence and touch can still be felt today. His releases on TRAX at the time were the hottest things ever and they still resonate on the dancefloor today with equal measure. Featured here are some of the best tracks fusing Frankie’s love of Disco, Euro-pop, Italo and more produced in his initial mid to late 80’s golden period. Cuts like ‘Baby wants to ride’, ‘Bad boy’ and more, featuring the unmistakable vocal talents of the equally legendary Jamie Principle. It’s all here. The perfect starting point for those who have recently discovered the man and his body of work, or equally as stimulating for those who wish to have some classics in their collection. Each track is a classic, each one stands up today and effortlessly rocks the club. Remastered in conjunction with TRAX, repressed from the finest audio sources available.

listen

Frankie Knuckles – Ultimate Production [TX2018001]

Sneaker – Rhythm Composer EP [RHYTHM024]

Sneaker delivering a quartet of insane analog rhythm/drum tracks that will make your wettest dj dreams come true. The Rhythm Composer EP is the culmination of two’s years of painstaking refining. The result? Four pieces on one amazing sounding vinyl cut filled with warm, round bass, harsh snares and crashing cymbals from the Jacob Korn-custom-built RC-808 drum machine.

listen

Sneaker – Rhythm Composer EP [RHYTHM024]

VA – Let’s Dance Records – Mike Macharello & Duane Thamm Jr. Chicago 1983-1985 [STILLM4X12013]

Jerome Derradji + Still Music present Let’s Dance Records – Mike Macharello & Duane Thamm Jr. Chicago 1983-85. The origin of house music, at least in a commercial sense, is generally associated with young African American producers from Chicago’s South Side, but one of the first Chicago house music labels was started by a young, white, gay DJ from the far west suburbs. The Let’s Dance story will take you back to the beginnings of Mike Macherello and Duane Thamm Jr. when Chicago’s house music was in its infancy. Back then, after starting as young roller disco Dj in the late seventies, Mike Macherello gradually made its way to the best radio station in 1981 – WBMX – and started a movement that still ripples through the city today. Let’s Dance’s founder, Mike Macharello, was a DJ who bridged diverse music scenes, from rock clubs to discos. The Let’s Dance record label helped establish Chicago’s dance music industry between 1983 and 1985, before becoming Play House Records (which will be reissued by Still Music in an upcoming set). Macharello’s pal, DJ Duane Thamm Jr., also from the ‘burbs, became the label’s main producer and one of house music’s most important studio engineers and producers. Mike and Duane went on to release a few legendary singles for Let’s Dance that are still to this day considered to be the earliest House music records coming from Chicago.The 12’ pack includes faithful reissues of Selenia’s ‘Single Girl’, Duane Thamm Jr. ‘Jump Trax’, the insane Knight Action ‘R-Trax/D-Rail’ 12’s along with a 5 tracks 12′ compilation and an accompanying poster insert including rare pictures and artifacts with the story of the label.

listen

VA – Let’s Dance Records – Mike Macharello & Duane Thamm Jr. Chicago 1983-1985 [STILLM4X12013]

Marvis Dee – Alpha [OA006]

Organic Analogue’s time-slipping journey into classic/future-gazing electronics continues with the arrival of Marvis Dee. This new 12″ is in fact the brainchild of Jeremiah R, the Dutch electro maverick. As Marvis Dee he’s been equally busy over the past two years, with a spin on deep Chicago house. On the Alpha EP, Marvis Dee has ample space to explore the boundaries of his sound across six original productions that strike a unique, curious chord even as they display the comforting hallmarks of hardware house music. With jacking 707 drums, punchy basslines, tumbling toms and soaring pads notes with sweet-natured harmonic. This is not house music to spell out how you should be feeling. Orgue Electronique is the perfect match for the woozy tones of Marvis Dee, and so the Dutch mainstay takes to “I Can See It In My Dreams” and delivers a powerful revision to the original production. It’s a respectful approach to the remix tradition that aligns with the overall ethos of the Alpha EP.

listen

Marvis Dee – Alpha [OA006]

Seixlack – House Crime Vol. 9 [HC009]

Fernando seixlack with some chrunchy low-fi analogue tracks on House Crime with some unexpected Chicago inspired beauties inbetween. All recorded live in one or two takes most, using a Roland MC 505 , Roland Aira TR8 , some FX pedals , recorded in cassette on a Tascam 424.

listen

Seixlack – House Crime Vol. 9 [HC009]