Techniques Berlin – The Extension of Machines [1985​-​1991] [MEC091]

Formed by high school buddies Andreas Gregor and David Rout, Techniques Berlin started in 1984 experimenting with synthesizers, drum machines and guitars. In the early stages, the band was heavily influenced by UK new romantic acts The Human League, Visage, Yazoo, OMD and Depeche Mode, as well as rising Canadian synth-pop bands Rational Youth, Men Without Hats and Trans-X. It took them a few years to master their electronic toys and create a unique blend of addictive electro-pop melodies and beautifully crafted alternative beats. “The Extension of Machines” compiles 13 extra rare and unreleased tracks from the vault. 

Techniques Berlin – The Extension of Machines [1985​-​1991] [MEC091]

VA – Kampire Presents: A Dancefloor in Ndola [STRUTLP273]

Strut introduces a pioneering new compilation ‘A Dancefloor In Ndola,’ curated by revered East African DJ, Kampire. This release marks an evolution in Strut’s approach to compilations, showcasing emerging DJ talent from across the world and embracing an innovative approach to musical discovery from the next wave of selectors. Forging her reputation through memorable sets for the Nyege Nyege Festival in Uganda over the last decade, Kampire now tours worldwide and is celebrated for her brilliantly curated sets spanning the full range of African music styles from the ‘70s and ‘80s to the present day. Although born in Kenya to Ugandan parents, Kampire spent her formative years in Ndola, Zambia. ‘A Dancefloor In Ndola’ is inspired by artists and songs that formed part of her soundtrack during that time. The compilation flows through different East African and South African genres from Congolese rumba and soukous to 1980s township bubblegum and the rich guitar-led sounds of Zambian kalindula.

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VA – Kampire Presents: A Dancefloor in Ndola [STRUTLP273]

VA – No More Bloodshed [CM23]

“These are challenging times in the middle east. As the situation in Gaza gets worst daily, we are committed to doing what we can to end this conflict, and provide aid to the residents of Gaza, as well as all Palestinians in the west bank.

All proceeds from Confused Machines’ digital sales will go directly to Physicians For Human Rights – Israel (PHRI) www.phr.org.il, which continues its medical work and humanitarian aid in the West Bank despite the difficult circumstances.

Since October 2023, PHRI has doubled its activity in the West Bank and is sending two weekly mobile clinic visits to help communities that are cut off from medical treatment due to the severe wave of settler and military violence, movement restrictions, and the financial crisis in the West Bank.

PHRI is currently unable to operate in Gaza due to restrictions by the Israeli authorities, and have been barred from delivering aid to the strip. PHRI is constantly working to resume these activities and will do so as soon as the circumstances allow.

We urge for an immediate ceasefire, the return of all hostages, and a peaceful future for all inhabitants of this troubled land.”

VA – No More Bloodshed [CM23]

VA – Rock Rendez Vous: Musica Moderna Portuguesa 1985-1986 [DE307]

The seductive sounds of Portugal swing to Dark Entries on Rock Rendez Vous: Música Moderna Portuguesa 1985-1986, a compilation of vintage Iberian synth, wave, and postpunk gems. The legendary club Rock Rendez Vous (RRV) opened its doors in Lisbon in 1980, heralding a new era in the Portuguese underground. Although touring acts like Killing Joke, Danse Society, or Echo & the Bunnymen graced its stage, RRV more vitally served as ground zero for a new generation of Portuguese bands, one simultaneously in touch with broader international musical movements while being invested in establishing a national sonic identity. Rock Rendez Vous culls 9 tracks of prime Portuguese indie tunes from the Música Moderna Portuguesa compilations released in 1985 and 1986, documenting the heyday of this movement. Jangly and brooding postpunk gems like “Levante” from Jovem Guarda, Projecto Azul’s “New Sides,” and Essa Entente’s “Festa Final” are well-represented here. Meanwhile, quirky Balearic-laced synthpop gems like D. W. Art’s “Mate” or Zona Proibida’s “Musak” add a subtly regional flare. Rock Rendez Vous: Música Moderna Portuguesa comes housed in a sleeve designed by Eloise Leigh featuring a photo of the club RRV, and also includes a double-sided insert with lyrics, photos, and liner notes.

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VA – Rock Rendez Vous: Musica Moderna Portuguesa 1985-1986 [DE307]

VA – Ranges 10 Years LP [RANGES016]

Deep dubby techno on Ranges, who are celebrating their 10-year anniversary with this lovely compilation album. It features tracks by JS Zeiter, Merv., Federsen, Gradient, Submoon, Ohm & El Choop, Tm Shuffle and Ixm.

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VA – Ranges 10 Years LP [RANGES016]

Timothy J. Fairplay – Dungeon Module Volume Two [DGMD006]

Timothy J. Fairplay presents ‘Dungeon Module Volume Two’ is a follow up to last years Volume One and as before a ‘compilation of tracks made by occasional visitors, Alias’s, pseudonyms, mystery producers, assumed names and alter egos who make music in Timothy’s Dungeon Module studio. The compilation begins with ‘Bad Guys’ by Timothy himself, sounding like one of those minimal wave records that were popular in Italo clubs, and ‘Success’ by Tear Jerker is raw NO-303 Chicago House music. Bizet’s ‘Farandole’ gets a west coast rework by TJF, and ‘Iron Thorn’ by Leon Kaiser is part of the unreleased soundtrack for the Poliziotteschi film of the same name. Starting side B, Based in Dawson City, Main Street Mining are back from Vol 1 with ‘Its About Time’ followed by Media Attention who is Timothy J. Fairplay and Jamie Paton, ‘Golden Era’ is heavy New Beat influenced club music. Crunchy jack track ‘Not Licensed For Use’ by P2000M made entirely with Timothy’s Casio RZ-1, and the enigmatic Antoine Rouge makes his return from Volume One with ‘Pocket Keyboard’ to close the cassette. Finally there is a digital only bonus beat track version of Main Street Mining’s ‘It’s About Time’.

Timothy J. Fairplay – Dungeon Module Volume Two [DGMD006]

VA – ENOUGH!

In the face of the atrocities committed against Palestinians in both Gaza and all occupied territories the Jor­dan­ian label Dream­ing Live issued this fundrais­er com­pi­la­tion under the title ENOUGH!

All proceeds from this compilation will support Dr. Ghassan Abu-Sittah’s Children’s fund. Dr. Ghassan had volunteered extensively in Gaza throughout multiple crises. During this genocide, he worked in both Al-Ahli and Shifa hospitals. He was a survivor of the Ahli Hospital bombing which killed hundreds. His press conference outside of the hospital, surrounded by dead bodies, will be etched in our memories forever. He has now established a Children’s Fund which aims to treat injured children, rebuild the destroyed medical infrastructure, and establish a sponsorship program for 20,000+ orphans from the conflict.

VA – ENOUGH!

VA – Defected presents House Masters – Marshall Jefferson LP [HOMAS38LP]

Defected welcomes one of Chicago house’s founding fathers Marshall Jefferson into the illustrious list of House Masters with this exclusive wax release. An artist that has successfully navigated major cross-over success while retaining utmost respect from the inner circle of electronic music’s underground, Marshall has been behind countless seminal records over his five-decade career. Now a selection of the very best tracks from his new House Masters compilation appear together on vinyl for the very first time, showcasing the impressive output of this house pioneer from his most well-known solo records, to major production credits, key remixes and the underground gems still favoured by selectors today. ‘Defected presents House Masters – Marshall Jefferson’ is an all-encompassing guide to his tremendous career. A trailblazer and genre-defining artist, Defected is honoured to welcome Marshall into the House Masters Hall of Fame with this very special vinyl compilation.

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VA – Defected presents House Masters – Marshall Jefferson LP [HOMAS38LP]

Techniques Berlin – The Language of Machines [1985​-​1991] [MEC090]

Formed by high school buddies Andreas Gregor and David Rout, Techniques Berlin started in 1984 experimenting with synthesizers, drum machines and guitars. In the early stages, the band was heavily influenced by UK new romantic acts The Human League, Visage, Yazoo, OMD and Depeche Mode, as well as rising Canadian synth-pop bands Rational Youth, Men Without Hats and Trans-X. It took them a few years to master their electronic toys and create a unique blend of addictive electro-pop melodies and beautifully crafted alternative beats. “The Language of Machines” compiles a selection of original recordings between 1985 and 1991, including some favorite tunes and a few unreleased tracks/versions. 

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Techniques Berlin – The Language of Machines [1985​-​1991] [MEC090]

VA – Electric Program l [GRTW011]

New compilation on Gravitational Waves. 6 tracks tell the story of what is considered classic electronic music in their own fashion. The artists established all in their respective niche join for an energy driven interpretation of what would otherwise fall through the cracks in the ongoing decay of techno music culture.

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VA – Electric Program l [GRTW011]

Recall IV – Interstate [MEC085]

Recall IV is the project created by Andre Fischer that reached a massive success in the German techno scene in 1990 with the release of the single “Contrast” on Techno Drome International / ZYX Records. This was shortly followed by two more releases in 1991 (“Contrast – Part 2” and the extended play “Aesthetic”) and contributions to various compilations. Andre has been a very active techno composer and producer since the late 80’s working with people like Lars Janzik, Carlos Perón, Giora Schein & Holger Wick (Konzept), Volker Then (Friends Of Carlotta) on countless projects including Scope, Scrot, Technoline, Trust in 6, ADSX, etc. “Interstate” compiles tracks from all Recall IV singles, some old compilations and a selection of unreleased cuts and remixes.

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Recall IV – Interstate [MEC085]

VA – Yarrow Ballet V.A. 01

Introducing Yarrow Ballet’s V.A. (Volume 01) featuring 10 beautiful tracks. The essence of this compilation its best describes as a listening experience that aligns perfectly with Yarrow Ballet’s musical aesthetic. It captures a balance of darkness and softness, all underscored by a sense of melancholic beauty. The V.A. also embodies a sense of community, similar to that of a close-knit family.

VA – Yarrow Ballet V.A. 01

VA – Togo Soul 2 [HC79LP]

Hot Casa Records present Togo Soul 2: Selected Rare Togolese Recordings from 1974 to 1989. A treasure-trove of rare and unusual recordings mostly recorded in Lomé during the 70’s and 80’s. A fusion of traditional voodoo chants, raw soul and even Electro Funk . Finding these tracks and their rights holders hasn’t become any easier even after few trips all over this west African country bordered by Ghana , Benin & Burkina Faso. Hot Casa Records, with the kind help of Roger Damawuzan, selected thirteen tracks, a snapshot of some hundreds of rare and often forgotten tapes from the most prolific, professional and exciting phase of the country’s recording history included international stars like Akofa Akoussah, Gregoire Lawani to Roger Damawuzan compared as the James Brown from Lomé to forgotten tapes and brilliant songs in Mina, Kabyié and Fon language. Many of the tracks featured here are peppered with innovation and experimentation highlighting how diverse, the music scene in Togo was at the time even if the political context influenced their creation. Many of the original albums these tracks are taken from high prices online due to their rarity and so it’s with great pleasure that we present a selection here that evokes a golden boomtime in Togolese music history.

vinyl / CD

VA – Togo Soul 2 [HC79LP]

VA – Many Shades Of House (Selected By Lea Lisa) [FVR192]

Favorite Recordings and Lea Lisa present Many Shades of House, a personal selection of House music tracks that have a very special place in Lea Lisa’s heart and in her record box. Amongst this selection, Many Shades Of House is including many very rare and hard to find titles, mostly never reissued on vinyl until now.

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VA – Many Shades Of House (Selected By Lea Lisa) [FVR192]

VA – Congo Funk! Sound Madness From The Shores Of The Mighty Congo River: Kinshasa/Brazzaville 1969-1982 [AALP098]

The making of Congo Funk!, a journey to the musical heart of the African continent, took the Analog Africa Team on two journeys to Kinshasa and one to Brazzaville. Selected meticulously from around 2000 songs and boiled down to 14, this compilation aims to showcase the many facets of the funky, hypnotic and schizophrenic tunes emanating from the two Congolese capitals nestled on the banks of the Congo River.

vinyl / CD

VA – Congo Funk! Sound Madness From The Shores Of The Mighty Congo River: Kinshasa/Brazzaville 1969-1982 [AALP098]

VA – Disco Dances From Turkey: Roman Disko Ritimli Oyun Havasi [SR003]

There are mysterious records. Records hiding and showing something at the same time. This is one of them. It is made from two records that were most probably released in the mid-1970s, most probably primarily by Turkish Roma. It brings together what Anadolu pop music lovers always dream of: Anatolian geleneksel (traditional folk tunes), disco and funk, jazz and hard rock, psychedelic sounds, hard-hitting drums, Arabesk percussion, and hip-hop friendly breaks. Put together in a careful, smooth production with a warm, relaxed and dance-friendly vibe. Here you get it: Roma-nized instrumental Turkish pop music in all its facets of the 1970s.

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VA – Disco Dances From Turkey: Roman Disko Ritimli Oyun Havasi [SR003]

VA – xoxo [BAKK020]

The Den Haag label, Bakk presents it’s closing release. This concluding compilation contains a selection of the many artists that took part on the label, from the first demo until the last drop of ink printed. 11 years, 11 tracks. xoxo

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VA – xoxo [BAKK020]

VA – Zeitgeist Chrome Vol. 2 [CT173]

Cold Transmission presents the second chapter of their Zeitgeist Chrome series, dedicated to the finest electronic music. Includes songs by Grey Gallows, Kalte Nacht, Oliver Decrow, Rina Pavar, Teatre & Years Of Denial.

VA – Zeitgeist Chrome Vol. 2 [CT173]

VA – Africamore – The Afro​-​funk side of Italy (1973​-​1978) [FLIES65]

Continuing Four Flies’ dedication to delving into lesser-explored periods of Italian music, Africamore takes us on a captivating journey into the intersection of Afro-funk and the Italian soundscape during the six years between 1973 and 1978 – a time when disco was looming on the horizon and the nightclub market was rapidly expanding. Before reaching Italian shores, the infectious sound originating from African and Afro-Caribbean roots traversed both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, landing on New York dancefloors, where DJ Dave Mancuso discovered “Soul Makossa” by Manu Dibango. In 1973, from Mancuso’s Loft parties, the song’s hypnotic groove spread to the rest of the globe, including in Italy, where it sparked a wave of imitations and variations. Tribal influences thus found their way into Italian soul-funk and early-disco productions released between 1973 and 1978. Combining feel-good vibes with driving rhythms, world-style percussion, and even synths, all these productions pushed the boundaries of dance music at a time when disco had not yet taken over. In doing so, they sowed many of the seeds of the later Italian cosmic scene and its unique mixture of African elements, disco-funk and electronic music.

vinyl / CD

VA – Africamore – The Afro​-​funk side of Italy (1973​-​1978) [FLIES65]