21 April 2011 - 0 Comments

VARIOUS – CLUBBERS GUIDE 2011 (MINISTRY OF SOUND) – 3 x CD 

Ministry of Sound is without doubt the biggest brand in dance music right now and has been for a number of years.

The Clubbers Guide 2011 is the continuation of a series of CD’s that is the bible of Dance music across the globe. Literally jam packed across 3 CD’s, this is the collection of dancefloor smasher’s for 2011. Featuring all the biggest names in dance music, Eric Prydz, Afrojack, Roger Sanchez, Armand Van Helden, Steve Aoki, Laidback Luke, and loads more all featuring.

What you’re getting is the best collection of dance tunes for 2011 on 3 CD’s mixed by the best in the business.

For Fans of: Armand Van Helden, Eric Prydz, Laidback Luke

VARIOUS – FANIA RECORDS 1964 - 1990 – 2 x CD

Strut Records present the first ever definitive retrospective ofFania Records, the seminal New York based Label.

This new 2 x CD offering follows the development of Fania’s sound during its key years including early Johny Pacheco and Larry Harlow outings from 1964, classic Fania collaborations between Willie Colon and Hector Lavoe, seminal Latin soul (Joe Bataan, Ray Barretto), boogaloo and epic outings by Fania’s in-house super-group, the Fania All-Stars.

They started releasing in 1964 and over the next two decades Fania successfully popularized the new music to a global audience and helped create a worldwide salsa explosion. Over time, it signed most of the major Latin artists of the era.

For Fans of: Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri,

CHIXDIGGIT – SAFEWAYS HERE WE COME – CD

Another slice of Pop Punk in the way only Fat Wreck can bring.

Chixdiggit aren’t newcomers to music, they’ve been making that brand of pop punk for the last 20 years. Originally signed to Sub Pop they released the debut album Chixdigit in 1996.

After that the band toured for many years before releasing albums in 2000, 2003 and 2005. This time around the band have stuck to what they know best, writing quirky pop punk songs about love and life. If you like bands such as Lagwagon and Millencolin you’ll be wanting this release. While many bands have chosen a more hardcore route Chixdigit stick to a tried and tested formula, this is what they do best, why change it. 

For Fans of: Screeching Weasel, Blink 182, Lagwagon

UNWRITTEN LAW – SWAN – CD 

Unwritten Law wrote this album as a final goodbye to fans, instead they gelled so well together in the studio it inspired them to continue to write music.

With this, the 6^th Album, they’ve toned down a touch of the punk for a rockier sound, big hooks and a leaning towards a more pop sound, but without the cheese on the side. This is music from the heart you can hear it, it’s honest.

The band have clearly grown after there last full length effort, and in all the right ways as well. Hopefully this will see them continue to make music as a band, clearly they’re not ready to throw in the towel just yet.

For Fans of: Good Charlotte, Foo Fighter’s, Jimmey Eat World

BEATCHILD – SOMETHING FOREVER – CD 

It's clear that the work of James Yancey (J Dilla) (R.I.P) has influenced a lot of producers over the last 10 years, Canadian producer Beatchild openly cites J Dilla as a massive influence on his own work, start listening and you’ll see why.

Not that it’s a total rip off, Beatchild has his own things going on, he mixes it up across a soulful and jazz backdrop, influenced by the Detroit sound. What he also brings is his vocals, singing and rapping, a hint of Raphael Saddiq shining through really adds to the project. This is a slow burner, it isn’t instant gratification, but persevere and you shall be rewarded

For Fans of: J Dilla, Raphael Saddiq,

VARIOUS – HENRY STREET GROOVES – 2 x CD 

Henry Street Grooves were responsible for arguably 2 of the biggest crossover house tunes of the 90’s, The Bucketheads ‘The Bomb’ and Arman Van Helden’s ‘The Funk Phenomena’.

The label’s roster is a who’s who in House music, featuring releases from the likes of DJ Sneak, Little Louie Vega, Todd Terry, Ashley Beedle and many more.

The label has had several gold discs from it’s catalogue which for a house label is nothing short of remarkable.

Check this compilation, 5 of the tracks have never been released, it’s a real collectors edition, relive those moments!

For Fans of: Kerri Chandler, Masters At Work

HATCHBACK – ZEUS & APOLLO – CD 

Hatchback brings us some serious ambience with their new album Zeus & Apollo. You really need to spend some time alone digesting this to fully understand and appreciate.

Think of the experiments of Vangelis, Cluster, Michael Rother, Brian Eno, Harold Budd, Iasos, Popol Vuh, Klaus Schulze, and Tangerine Dream to get an idea about the direction of this album.

Beautifully constructed and produced, the intricate layers and melodious tones will send you spinning effortlessly out into the galaxy. Find yourself a piece of sky, put on your headphones and let Hatchback mesmerize you.

For Fans of: Vangelis, Brian Eno, Tangerine Dream

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