Back catalogue: Library/Archive

Review: The Alex Santos Orchestra is a self-described "orchestra" orchestrated for the express purpose of sanctifying one Alex Santos' lifelong love for jazz and Latin music. Following the much loved 'Alex Santos Y Su Orquesta', 2021's next step in Latinizing said quasi-conceptual ensemble, we've now landed in the project's live ambit. 'The Alex Santos Orchestra On Tour' captures just two live highlights from a much more recent outing (given the mystification surrounding the project, this may or may not have happened). Whatever the case, these recordings span both potentialities, retaining something of a highly-strung Hammond organ come upfront-drumkit drama on the B-side, 'Mr Clean', and an equally stirring version of the main theme from 'The Godfather' on the A.

Review: The Mesmerisers' debut 7" record is a Shaolin Morricone production that draws listeners into a world of exotic allure and sonic mystery. This enigmatic trio, shrouded in secrecy, deliver a musical experience that feels like it has been resurrected from the vaults of a long-forgotten studio, the record's sultry grooves transporting you to a golden age of music where boundaries dissolve and imagination reigns. The Mesmerisers craft lush melodies and seductive rhythms that evoke a timeless charm, their sound seemingly channeled from another era. The trio's mysterious identity only heightens the intrigue, as these compositions seem to have lingered in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to captivate discerning ears. With this vinyl treasure, The Mesmerisers invite you to explore a realm where the past and present merge, creating a soundscape that is both nostalgic and refreshingly unique.

Review: Curiously, 'The Winning Streak' has nothing to do with Miami Vice the TV series - in fact, the artist was an alias of library music legend Alan Hawkshaw and the track was a piece he composed in the early 1980s that ended up being used as the theme for a long-forgotten UK drama about 'family business intrigue'. The track, presented on this Miss You reissue in extended and original forms, is however a far-sighted treat - a combination of Harold Flatermeyer style synthsesiser excellence, delay-laden drums, Martin Rushent-esque percussion, trippy melodic motifs and just the right amount of sonic intrigue. A slept-on delight for sure. To round off an excellent EP, we also get original bonus cut 'Roadrunner', a synth-heavy instrumental which was used as incidental music in the TV series.

Review: The tireless work of Funk Night continues here more steamy late-night sounds. This time it's Sunday Papers at the helm and first off comes 'Smoke.' It's a dense, busy cut with sleazy guitar riffs, plenty of sonic grit, raw, edgy drums and vocal stabs as well as some hints of psyched-out soul. On the flip, the rather horribly titled 'Greasy Meat Pocket' is actually a lovely sound with pensive piano chords and signature Hammond organ grooves that make for a nice late night jaunt.

Review: 'Warlock' is the latest release to be pushed via Bob Stanley's Measured Mile imprint, and pulls two floor-friendly but still retrospective gems from the storied De Wolfe music library, based in the UK and widely known as the progenitor and originator of what has now become known widely as library music. To demonstrate the gestation times common to this corner of the music industry, these two tracks have never been heard before, and yet were recorded in 1983! First comes Reg Tilsley with 'Warlock', a full yet light-winged flight through linns of flute, funk bass and notes inegales. Meanwhile, 'Flashpoint' by Roger Jackson is a space-age tittup of booming, long-tailed proportions; it's tempered by the nagging nip of a clavichord and the formidable frown of the lowest piano note.

Review: Something's Up! is a masterful compilation that features the eclectic brilliance of John Barry's film scores. Curated by Saint Etienne's Bob Stanley, this collection highlights Barry's transition from a British arranger to a pop icon, renowned for defining the sound of the Cold War spy movie era. Focusing on music from 1964 to 1967, this album features Barry's iconic work on James Bond classics like Goldfinger, Thunderball, and You Only Live Twice, cementing his influence on the spy genre. Beyond Bond, Barry's contributions to films such as The Ipcress File and The Quiller Memorandum exemplify his ability to blend tension with sophistication. The collection also includes less-celebrated but notable scores like those for King Rat, The Chase and Seance on a Wet Afternoon, reflecting Barry's diverse range and ability to craft memorable themes beyond the mainstream. Barry's music, characterised by its lush orchestration and emotive power, extended its reach from the silver screen to the vinyl, resonating with listeners even if they hadn't seen the films - and his exceptional talent and enduring legacy in film music is on full display here,

Review: The brilliant Death Is Not The End has always done a great job of digging into niche scenes and serving up great albums that document them. Here the label presents a mixtape-style collection featuring live recordings from London's Notting Hill Carnival, spanning 1984 to 1988. Originally aired on NTS Radio in August 2018, this release marks a milestone in their 10th-anniversary series and it now comes on cassette. Highlights include sounds from renowned systems like Jamdown Rockers, Saxon, Java Nuclear Power, Killerwatt Turbotronic, Stereograph, Sir Coxsone, and Volcano Express. The audio, meticulously curated by the Who Cork The Dance crew, features contributions from Jayman, Ruff House, Keimo, Omar, Gee Wizz and Jah Humble.

Review: DJ Muggs brings his latest instrumental hip-hop tinkerings to Madlib and Egon's Invazion Music Library Series, which allows the two beatmaking legends' friends the opportunity to experiment with the form in whichever way they choose. Taking after the mood and feel of library music pieces, Silver Cloud adds to the many additions to the label to pay homage to the Piero Umilianis and Alan Hawkshaws of yore, albeit through a hip-hop lens. From 'No Time' to 'Calm Down' to 'Fast Arp', Muggs takes a functional approach to beatsmithing, crafting everything from tempo-synced, two-tone moody piano expositions to full-blown lo-fi whackers.

Review: Among the figureheads of French disco, Bernard Fevre, better known as Black Devil, probably had the shortest-lived career, but was among the brightest minds of them all. Although his first album Disco Club, released in 1978, went unnoticed at first, it has since become a must-have, a collector's item which has led a lot of listeners to further investigate his extensive work. Fevre experimented with such a wide gamut of styles that it has been hard not to lose track; though perhaps one such aide l'equilibre is this newest compilation/lookback record, Space Oddities 1976-1985. Spanning a huge swathe of Fevre's records, some more touted and others more waylaid, this compilation can only begin to help us firmly grasp the cosmic breadth of the artist's work, some of which is indubitably club-bound, some of which is comparatively cinematic and scenic. Here's hoping Giordano Bruno was wrong about the open universe - Fevre's explorations are so expansive that they verge on boundlessness.

Review: The reissue of Fratelli Malibu's "Ciro Miami" brings a refreshed take on Andrea De Fazio and Paolo Petrella's imaginative project. Known for their work with the "Nu Guinea" live band, De Fazio and Petrella infuse "Ciro Miami" with a nostalgic yet futuristic soundscape, highlighting their deep love for synthesisers and drum machines. The album's music vividly portrays the escapades of Ciro, a Neapolitan emigre chasing the American Dream. Through a blend of bright synths and punchy drum patterns, it captures the allure of neon-lit nights, opulent car culture, and the dizzying highs and lows of excess. The tracks evoke the excitement of cocktail bars and gambling dens, as well as the pulsating rhythms of video games and space fantasies. The reissue offers a chance to rediscover the album's dynamic energy and creative ingenuity. The sound palette, characterised by its retro-futuristic vibe and vibrant melodies, not only celebrates the original release but also enhances its appeal to a new generation of listeners. The album's journey from euphoria to disillusionment, all conveyed through its infectious beats and shimmering textures, remains as captivating as ever.

Review: This is the first-ever reissue of Gianni Marchetti's 1978 LP Solstitium, which was originally released as part of RCA's "Original Cast" series in limited promo copies and has long been considered one of the most rare and enigmatic pieces of Italian library music. Library music was primarily created for television, radio and film but often yielded hidden gems that fused jazz, lounge and soul into storytelling vignettes of sounds. Marchetti's wonderful Solstitium is a prime example of innovation within this space which rightly remains a classic in the history of Italian music.

Review: The sound of Medline exploring the deeper edges of electronic music, crafting a sonic landscape that's both hypnotic and evocative. 'The Edge' is a journey through atmospheric textures, pulsating rhythms and subtle melodies, creating a mesmerising soundscape that's perfect for late-night listening or introspective moments. The production is pristine, with each sound carefully crafted to create a sense of depth and immersion.

Review: Renowned DJ and selector MURO is a Jedi-level compiler and this new collection of his delves into Victor's extensive archives to spotlight a world of Japanese jazz, fusion and AOR. It take sin plenty of internationally known names like Yasuko Agawa on the sunset sounds of 'L.A. Night', Sadistics who offers the more psyched out guitar leans of 'On the Seashore', Yuji Ohno's neo-Balaeric bliss-out 'The Dawn of Seychells' and Hiroshi Fukumura's soul soothing Ry Ayres-style melodies on 'White Clouds.' These are luxurious sounds and timeless tracks with MURO's signature funky perspective making this a brillaint choice for brighter, warmer days.

Review: Farfalla Records' reissue of Wonderland of Sound to celebrate its 50th anniversary is a nostalgic nod to the classic 70s library sound. Originally released in 1974 and produced by Brillant-Musik's Werner Tautz, the album was recorded in Zurich and features the talents of the Big Band Rainbow-Orchestra, comprised of Europe's finest session players. Wonderland of Sound epitomises the era's jazzy bliss, with splendidly funky compositions and arrangements that feature a ultra-stylish horn section. The album exudes a timeless charm, transporting listeners back to the heyday of European library music. Throughout the record, the craftsmanship of the musicians shines through, creating an exciting album that is both evocative and infectious.

Review: Oscar 'Sholto' Robertson's album Letting Go of Forever prides itself on being an expansive musical journey, building on the momentum of his critically acclaimed EP 'The Changing Tides Of Dreams'. This 26-track double LP reflects Sholto's rich influences, from Mozart's dramatic 'Lacrimosa' to David Axelrod's eclectic productions. The album's initial tracks, including the evocative 'For The Love Of Stripes' and the atmospheric 'Ligurian Storm', are a signature blend of orchestral and instrumental artistry. 'For The Love Of Stripes' features lush strings and choral elements, interwoven with flutes and percussion to create a nostalgic, dreamy vibe. The track is inspired by the concept of stripes as both a visual divider and a symbol of individuality, which Sholto translates into a stunning musical narrative. 'Ligurian Storm' tells the story of a stormy journey through Italy, combining harp, vibraphone, and synths to evoke the beauty and drama of nature's transformation. Drawing comparisons to the Cinematic Orchestra and Surprise Chef, Sholto's work merges the soulful warmth of jazz and the experimental spirit of 60s and 70s soundtracks. This album should resonate with emotional depth and cinematic flair for anyone who listens.

Review: Nothing was as new and exciting as a synthesiser in the 70s and 80s. For forward-thinking adverts in particular, electronic sounds were essential. TV producers and advertisers sought to use music akin to "Tubular Bells," Tomita, and Jean Michel Jarre and so music libraries like De Wolfe, Bruton, Parry, and Chappell quickly adapted. Compiled by Bob Stanley, new album 'Tomorrow's Fashions' features advertising jingles, TV themes, and space exploration tracks with beatless ambience from that very era. Despite being 40-50 years old, the music feels fresh and finds jazz veterans like Brian Bennett and John Cameron embracing synthesizers. This electronica predated new age and ambient music, and also influenced pop, early Human League, and Warp Records as well as being sampled by MF Doom and Kendrick Lamar.

Review: In the 70s and 80s, nothing was as revolutionary as the synthesiser. Electronic sounds became essential for forward-thinking adverts, with TV producers and advertisers seeking music akin to 'Tubular Bells,' Tomita, and Jean Michel Jarre. Music libraries like De Wolfe, Bruton, Parry, and Chappell swiftly adapted. Bob Stanley's new album, 'Tomorrow's Fashions,' compiles advertising jingles, TV themes, and space exploration tracks with ambient beats from that era. Despite being 40-50 years old, the music feels fresh, featuring jazz veterans like Brian Bennett and John Cameron embracing synthesizers. This electronica predated new age and ambient music, influenced pop, early Human League, Warp Records, and has been sampled by MF Doom and Kendrick Lamar.

Review: Over three decades of musical exploration and innovation have cemented German guitarist and bandleader JJ Whitefield as a stalwart in the realm of authentic, timeless music. As a founding member of the Poets Of Rhythm in the early 90s, Whitefield pioneered a hard-edged take on 70s street funk, setting the stage for the Deep Funk scene to come. His subsequent ventures under various pseudonyms, including Karl Hector, showcased his versatility and eclectic influences, drawing from Ethiopian Jazz, West African funk, Kraut-rock, and ambient sounds. With his latest album, The Infinity Of Nothingness, Whitefield delves into the astral realms of spiritual jazz, paying homage to influences like Sun Ra and Pharoah Sanders while forging his own path. The album's mature, delicate orchestrations evoke a trance-like atmosphere, with subtle accents of hip-hop, library and avant garde seamlessly integrated. Tracks like the sparse opener 'Nothingness' and the expansive 'Infinity Suite' demonstrate Whitefield's ability to create music that not only honors his influences but also stands the test of time. The Infinity Of Nothingness represents a culmination of Whitefield's lifelong musical journey, showcasing his unwavering dedication to authenticity and innovation.