Laurent Garnier’s COD3 QR returns with a stellar four-track vinyl release featuring U.S. luminaries, K’ Alexi Shelby and DJ Bone, alongside French wizard Marc Bedikian and one of COD3 QR’s star players, Squal G.
Marking the 10-year anniversary of Chicago legend K’ Alexi Shelby’s grooved out, vocal laden house bumper ”The Dancer”, with a reissue that shines a light on four standout remixes from four true greats, Ron Trent, Ian Pooley, Glenn Underground and Grand High Priest.
Bad Manners welcomes none other than Mr Vertigo himself, K’ Alexi Shelby to the label. One of the founding fathers of Chicago House blesses the label with a four track EP ranging from far-out twisted-ness to puristic deep house class with a stop in uplifting piano-land in between.
Dark Entries is again presenting an essential classic: the Chicago house anthem Essence of a Dream, by Risqué III. K’Alexi Shelby’s illustrious career has included releases on legendary labels such as Trax, DJ International, and Transmat, as well as collaborations with high profile artists such as Marshall Jefferson and Pet Shop Boys. But his musical journey began at the young age of 12, when he befriended Ron Hardy and Frankie Knuckles while frequenting the Music Box and Warehouse. In 1987, Shelby’s first solo release, Risqué III’s “Essence of a Dream” b/w “Risqué Madness,” was to be cemented in Chicago dance history. He was accompanied in the studio by his cousin and production mentor, Mr. Lee. The tracks effortlessly propulsive house rhythms (courtesy of the Roland TR-727, TR-707, and TR-909), salsa-inflected bassline, and oneiric strings fuse magnificently with K’Alexi’s steamy, Prince-esque verse.
Dekmantel announce the re-issue of some of the most era-defining trans-Atlantic, techno cuts from the early nineties, thanks to cult label Djax-Up-Beats. The Dutch label was responsible for releasing some of underground’s most archetypal underground dance music, mixing together Chicago and European artists alike, and acting as the launch pad for some of today’s biggest producers. This timeless music is being re-issued on vinyl for the very first time. Founded in Eindhoven at the turn of the 90s, Djax-Up-Beats quickly earned an international reputation for being a reputable source of Chicago house, acid techno, and floor-filling, heavy hitting straight up, underground 12”s. This first re-issue volume sublimely blends esoteric, ambient sounds, with staunchly fierce, and energetic electronic rhythms. Throughout the eight-tracks you can hear the sounds of sequencers, drum machines, and motor-city basslines. It defined the beginning of an era that never went away. Whether you’re a collector, or DJ looking to add to the your left field techno collection, the re-issue of Djax-Up-Beats best records is not one to pass up.
The legend DJ Pierre digs through the vaults for a 12 track/12 artist double LP showcasing acid’s true pioneers from around the world. Acid 88 features new and original tracks from some of the style’s top producers that are flying the flag today for the Roland TB 303: Luke Vibert, Tyree Cooper, Mr. C, Posthuman, K Alexi Shelby and many more. Dedicated to the memory of Phuture co-founder DJ Spank Spank and respected German acid producer Andreas Gehm: who both passed away before their time in the summer of 2016. Each of them have a track included. Black & Yellow Vinyl with DJ Pierre’s acid history in the sleeve notes.
Richard Rogers’ Black Booby re-edits return with BB07, which sees Chi-town original and Ron Hardy protege Gene Hunt -a Black Booby veteran from BB04 – digging out more vintage DAT dopeness on the double-A-side; which features raw-as-hell analogue house workout ‘1015’(a take on the Dion & Tony track from his ‘Chicago Dance Tracks’ collection on Rush Hour back in 2011) alongside the very aptly-named (and appropriately drum-fuelled) ‘Dr Roland’. Meanwhile on the B-side you’ll hear UK house music OG Terry Farley sharing production duties with another 90s house veteran, Stuart ‘Stretch’ Silvester. ‘Play House’ (Original Mix) is a synth-heavy jacking houser with serious dancefloor intent; plus check out the ‘KKlassik Mix’ by another Chi-town don, K’Alexi Shelby, who chases the original headlong down a dark alley littered with emotive samples and thumping keys.
As a DJ and promoter Rick Wilhite has been holding it down for over twenty years. His ‘Vibes New & Rare music’ record store has been a main source for soulful electronic music in Detroit until its closure a few years back. The ‘Vibes New & Rare music’ compilation only features material that Rick Wilhite truly believes to represent the artists. After releasing Volume 1 in 2010, Wilhite now delivers the sequel, featuring pioneers and new talents alike from New York, Chicago and Detroit.
You should know the drill by know… Mr. K Alexi – Don’t You Know, Greg Perry – Come Fly With Me & Drum track 1.
Rick Wade, K.Alexi, Fantasna and Jorge C signing in for this 9th release for the South American Ojodeapolo label. A fine Various Artists compilation titled Combo EP. A-side begins with Jorge C. “Baile” a set of playful chords , seductive machine drums plus percussions,voices & whispers and surrounding baselines. Followed by “Sun On My Face” by the legendary Chicago star K Alexi Shelby consisting on a mysterious, hypnotic and sensual refreshing summer hit. B-side continues with the one and only Rick Wade, who delivers a tremendous track called “Darling Your Love” transporting us to his own sound-signature developed before by his own imprint Harmony Park label. Last track is “Faraon”, a real deep-acid-anthem that comes by the hand of the young promise Sebastian Mella aka. Fantasna, one of the best kept secrets from Santiago de Chile.
It’s time to celebrate! At catalogue number 20 Uncanny Valley extends its compilation-concept to 12 tracks spread over three records (or as a bundle if you prefer digital). The tracks will also be released as a CD compilation. With new music by label-regulars like Jacob Korn, Cuthead and Credit 00, friends like RVDS & K’Alexi or Filburt and fresh talents like Goetterkreis & Steve Kasper it is an exciting ride along the winding roads through the Uncanny Valley. The three records are visually linked with distinctive artwork by the ever-reliable Paul Waak.
Tribal/spiritual Chi-house by Chicago legend K-Alexi Shelby, who delivered so many hot classics… x-rated whispering included of course!
The Hipodrome Of Music 
