JASON BOARDMAN Vinyl & CDs

Review: A quarter of a century has passed since Jason Boardman and Moonboots threw their first 'anything goes' Balearic Sunday session. Aficionado, as the event became known, is now an institution in Manchester, making this celebratory compilation a special one. It boasts two previously unreleased cuts - J-Walk's sparkling 'Cool Bright Northern Morning' and a deep Begin remix of 'Alaska' by Canyons - with the rest of the 16-track set being made up of records that "mean a lot" to the two DJs and their audience. The selections are simply sublime, with our current picks of a very strong bunch including the neo-acoustic brilliance of Stanley Clarke's 'Desert Song', the turn-of-the-Millennium nu-Balearic excellence of Mudd's 'Summer in the Wood', and the baggy 'global beat' fun of 'Can't Step Twice (On The Same Piece of Water)(New Version)' by Teachers.

Review: The latest compilation on CTR, curated by Jason Boardman of Before I Die Records, dives into the rich, underground landscape of early 1980s post-punk. This collection offers a fascinating glimpse into the era's DIY ethos, featuring rare and never-before-heard tracks that encapsulate the innovative spirit of the time. From the 2-Tone-influenced Skeet in Coventry to the dub experiments of Surface Mutants with Cabaret Voltaire, the album uncovers a trove of hidden gems that have largely flown under the radar. One track even boasts a unique post-punk diss track, adding a touch of rebellion to the mix. Boardman has unearthed a variety of tracks, some even sampled by the likes of DJ Shadow, showcasing the lasting influence of these obscure artists. The compilation highlights a time when independent musicians, studios, and labels banded together, bypassing major labels in pursuit of their creative vision. While it's not a comprehensive guide to the era, this album shines a spotlight on the overlooked and underappreciated, giving these artists the recognition they've long deserved, not to mention the enduring power and creativity of the post-punk underground.