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Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


On its digital release earlier in the year, Celeste's debut album rocketed to the top of the album charts, thus making her the first British female artist to see her first set get to number one for over five years. Finally available on vinyl in a "deluxe edition" that boasts a couple of bonus tracks and an accompanying booklet, Not Your Muse remains a classy and inspired debut, with Celeste's smoky, timeless vocals fitting producer Jamie Hartman's accompanying backing tracks - a mixture of pared-back folk sounds, lavishly orchestrated easy listening, synth-laden power-pop and fuzzy, retro soul-influenced numbers - like a particularly comfortable glove.

Review: Jalen Ngonda shares two 7"-incarnated selections from his debut album Come Around and Love Me. Anyone who has had the pleasure of seeing Jalen perform live knows that he is one of the most captivating performers on today's soul scene. His voice, equal parts raw feeling and elegance, exudes confidence and charm - disarming packed rooms of rowdy concert-goers, leaving them silent as they hold fast to every syllable sung. For his studio project, however, Ngonda and his team at Hive Mind Studios in Brooklyn developed skulful blends, heavy arrangements and introspective lyrics with a Motown sophistication, leaving the listener in a blissful wash of wonderment. Ngonda creates a classic approach that is rooted in the sounds of revered pioneers, without falling into imitation; most symptomatic of this is the beautiful cinematic soul echoer 'What Is Left To Do', a song sure to dazzle for years to come.

Review: Pale Jay's latest LP Bewilderment spawns two more treasure here on this new and essential 7" from Karma Chief Records. Up first is an Afro-beat tinged cut, 'In Your Corner' with a subtly uplifting rhythm although listen deeper and you'll get locked in to the lyrics which detail an internal struggle for self-acceptance. On the flip is the album title cut which showcase Jay's signature sounds - silky falsetto over soulful harmonies and dusty hip-hop beats. This one also tell a story, this time about the breakdown of a family and the journey into self that ensues.

Review: The amount of ultra-rare, hard to find, essential Northern Soul classics seems to be infinite. Here comes another reissue that aims to right that wrong with an officially licensed pair of tunes from the Phase One Network that has artwork based on the original promo version. 'Don't You Worry Baby The Best Is Yet To Come' is brimming with soul and immediately swells your heart with its elegant strings, graceful piano chords and swirling sense of groove all lifting you off your feet. 'Try To Leave Me If You Can' is a heartbroken slow song to conjure up memories of all the loves you've lost, or maybe never had.

Notes: An upgraded replacement for the 'Splash Landing' Towel.

Soft and thick two-ply cleaning mat to place your record for cleaning off the turntable. Cushions and protects the record while cleaning with your GrooveWasher Kit.

16" Diameter Round
Thick, two-ply microfiber
Top layer is very fine soft suede style microfiber fabric
Bottom layer is thick split-fiber microfiber fabric
Hand or machine washable

Notes: Master protection: You worked hard to collect it, kept it safe and look forward to each moment you get to listen to it. Now, keep your tunes scratch-free for the next 30+ years like good collectors do with Big Fudge Premium Master Inner Record Sleeves.

Increase their value: Are you sitting on a rare album? Is it still inside its dust attracting paper cover, or polyprop bag?! Why depreciate the value, when you can use the same accessories recommended by pro collectors.

Static-reducing inners: Big Fudge Premium inner vinyl sleeves feature protective 3-Ply Polyethylene on one side and Archival Rice Paper on the other. The negative ion technology reduces friction and repels dust for "long play" protection.

Fits like a glove: Premium Master inner LP record sleeves (set of 50) are an exact 7" square.

Review: Disco Dub Band's "For The Love of Money", a one-off collaboration between producer Davitt Sigerson and reggae musician Mike Dorane, has long been considered something of a classic by those who like their disco to come with a big dose of dub-wise flavour. Here the instrumental O'Jays cover, which originally appeared on the Movers label in 1976, is given the remix treatment by long-time fans Mr Bongo. The superb A-side, in which Dorane's instrumental talents take centre stage, naturally comes accompanied by the frequently played Dub interpretation, a typically wild and bass-heavy affair that sounds like it was mixed "live" in one take in true Lee Perry/King Tubby style. If it's not already in your collection, it should be.

Notes: Keep your vinyl collection in pristine condition with this specially designed antistatic brush. Designed to clear the fine grooves of dust & fluff without damaging the delicate playing surfaces, an essential requirement for maintaining optimum reproduction quality.

Review: Two towering labels, Alternative Tentacles and Crispin Glover, break the mould for a momentary merger on this artistic collision of rogue planets: a new split reissued 7" housing that infamous syncretic, Patrick Fitzgerald, Motorpsycho and Jello Biafra, and their twin versions of Fitzgerald's original song 'Punch'. Fitzgerald is best known as a pioneer of folk punk, famously channelling his sardonic wit into a fleeting, light but somehow also epical sound. 'Punch' first surfaced in 2009 as a one-off single released under Crispin Glover's remit; it's now heard once more in both versions, tracking incendiary denunciations of politics on Fitzgerald's part, amid a suicidal, guitar-driven ascension into the air.

Review: The latest volume in Mr Bongo's brilliant Brazil 45 series offers up a pair of MPB gems that have previously never featured on seven-inch before. Side A is all about Marcia Maria's 1978 cut "Amigo Branco", a disco-era interpretation of Djalma Dias' 1974 track "Nada Sei De Preconceito". Maria's cover is jaunty, colourful and ear-catching, pushing jaunty organs, sharp horns and spacey synth lines towards the ear alongside her passionate, full-throated lead vocal. Over on side B you'll find "Tudo Que Voce Podia Ser", an overlooked gem plucked from MPB artist Simone's self-titled 1973 debut LP. More rooted in samba, it's a lilting, string-laden chunk of emotional sweetness.

Notes: The high quality record sleeve is complete with centre holes, with 5mm spine which allows the use of paper inner sleeve.

***Pack of 10***

Review: Well on from his startling 2021 debut 'The Celestial Suite', Los Angeles' neo soul production maestro Pale Jay has since gone on to proffer many a 7" record, of which 'In Your Corner' is the latest treat to feast your ears. Both shorn ahead of time from his latest LP, Bewilderment, 'In Your Corner' and 'Bewilderment' are pensive retro soul falsettoers, both of which feature Jay's own, longing vocals, and evince a mood of being caught in between two difficult paths in life. The A uplifts with its surrounded Hammonds and righteous get-through-it lyrics, concerning self-discovery amid self-judgment. The B-side, by contrast, tells the story of the disintegration of a family, and skews more lo-fi, vintage hip-hop.

Notes: If you're just getting into vinyl, or finding your way back, the GrooveWasher INTRO Kit is a great way to enhance your overall experience. This Kit cleans your records using High Tech G2 Record Cleaning Fluid with our highly absorbent and washable microfiber fabric covered pad. The Label Protector Disc keeps the record label dry during cleaning.

If the price tag for other GrooveWasher Kit's is a hurdle, give this low cost INTRO Kit a try!

The INTRO Kit contains:

Microfiber fabric covered cleaning pad. Generous size: 5" x 3.5" x 1.5". Highly absorbent and grime removing fabric. Easy to use to clean records. Easy to wash when it gets dirty.

G2 High Tech Record Cleaning Fluid in 2 oz Mist Spray. More than 250 mist sprays to clean a lot of records!

Record label protector mask. Apply to the record label to keep it dry while mist spraying the G2 Fluid on the record.

Review: REPRESS ALERT: After strong turns from buttechno and label founder Pavel Milyakov, RASSVET makes one of its most decisive moves yet with this crucial slab of dance-wrecking badness from Shadowax. The Russian artist made her first appearance on a compilation on Nina Kraviz's Trip label, and now steps forward with some seriously badass techno that will draw in curious trainspotters and head-in-the-clouds ravers alike. "A & B" is a cover of 90s Russian hip-hop crew Pyanstvu Boys, and Shadowax's version is pure fire, her voice poising eerily over a punchy off-beat and droning bass. Buttechno delivers a simple, savage remix, while the B side presents an alternative mix and an acappella that should see lots of action from remixers and creative DJs alike.

Review: Big Crown does it again here with another magical 7" this time from Dave Guy, who has contributed to plenty of this label but only now makes his solo debut. It finds him working with label regulars Homer Steinweiss & Nick Movshon, who take care of production and play on the recordings. 'Footwork' is a vibrant fusion of soul, funk, and jazz that, as a trumpeter for the renowned band The Dap-Kings, brings his distinctive style to the forefront and infuses each track with infectious energy and groove. Dynamic horn arrangements, tight rhythms, and soulful melodies all make this one special and show just how skilled a musician Guy is, and apparently, there is plenty more to come.

Notes: Carbon fibre anti static stylus cleaning brush from Pro-Ject for getting dust and debris off of your stylus.

Notes: Specially formulated record cleaning fluid to deeply clean between vinyl grooves and help prolong the life of the vinyl surface. Dries to eliminate static without smears. Microfibre lint free cloth supplied in lid. 250ml.

Review: The 65th volume in Mr Bongo's admirable Brazil 45s series shines a light on Rio De Janeiro's turn-of-the-'80s boogie scene. On the A-side you'll find "E Novamente Mas Que Nada" by Ronaldo Resado, a five-minute chunk of samba-laced boogie sunshine that was originally featured on the artist's eponymous 1979 debut album. While wonderful, it's slightly overshadowed by flipside cut "Ginga", one of the highlights from Robson Jorge and Lincoln Olivetti's sought-after 1982 full-length (which, incidentally, was recently reissued by Mr Bongo and is well worth checking). Joining the dots between synth-heavy electrofunk, horn-toting disco-funk and languid jazz-funk, the instrumental track is arguably one of the best Brazilian boogie records ever made. Don't sleep.

Review: Mr Bongo's brilliant Brazil 45 series is never more relevant than in the warmer summer months. The latest transmission from the South American country's golden period is again well mastered and cut nice and loud so that the super addictive vocal o the a-side really lodges deep in your brain. It also has a nice boogie bassline and plenty of funk in the drums. Flip it over for a more driving and hard hitting bit of samba rock with MPB grooves and a call and response male/female vocal that says over the high speed grooves.

Notes: Ultra-low-budget DJ headphones with the look and feel of pro models. Rotating earpieces, closed back design and punchy sound give you DJ-style features at a low price.

Supplier's Notes:
One place a DJ cannot compromise, is in how they hear their mix. The Numark HF-125 headphones set delivers the goods with flexible 7-position independently adjustable dual ear cups, large 40mm Mylar speaker drivers, 6" tangle-resistant cord with 1/4" connector, and padded headband and ear cups.

Review: The last ten years have seen no shortage of bands with their delay pedals set to stun intent on capturing an aura of dreamlike radiance. Yet Texas 'pop-noir' troupe Cigarettes After Sex are no ordinary shoegazers, for a variety of reasons - frontman Greg Gonzalez' androgynous and dulcet tones may be part of the appeal, yet moreover it's the quality of the songwriting here, which never falls prey to the style-over-substance traps of their peers. Indeed, this debut is more than enough to justify the considerable hype around this outfit, being a collection of ditties as sultry as they are atmopsheric.

Review: Berlin native and Rubisco label head Nick Beringer lays down some serious rolling beat science for Mosaic's 5th LTDX edition. The EP kicks off in style in the shape of 'Intercity': straddling a square 4/4 house rhythm with an 'Art of Trance' spirit - all brought together in contemporary style. Layers of subtly filtered melody pulsate their way throughout, rising and falling as minimal elements collide for maximal sonic impact.Switching to more familiar territory, 'Time Shift' reins things back a notch as tight 909 beats swing to well rounded bottom end, carrying the warm layers of evolving synths and chorded elements with precision effect. Ending on the introspective mood of 'Counterclockwise', Beringer displays an even defter touch, heralding the light fantastic as the spectre of night passes by.

Notes: While the inner sleeve is the most important protection for the actual vinyl record, this won't protect your album cover from damage. Without protection, your album art is likely to get scratches and scuff marks or even tears on the spine. The colours can also fade if exposed to sunlight and heat.

These protective sleeves are made from polypropylene which is a great all-around choice for economical protection. The material is crystal clear so it won't obscure your album covers while on display. In addition, these sleeves are UV resistant which protects from sun damage and fading and keeps vinyl records in top condition no matter their age.

High Density polypropylene (HDPP) is a thermoplastic polymer built from propylene monomers. The important properties of HDPP in giving protection are:

Heat & UV resistance
Resistance to chemicals
High transparency
Stretchability
Recyclability
Crystal clear and wrinkle-free LP Sleeves

These vinyl sleeves measure 32.5cm by 32.5cm and have a low density of 0.905 gcm3, making them the perfect size for 12" vinyl records without being excessively large or too tight. They can comfortably fit both single and double gatefold LPs. This means you can slide LPs in and out with ease without the risk of damage, at the same time as retaining aesthetic value. The packs of 50 & 100 premium quality protective LP sleeves will keep your LP records in 'day one' condition, making your collection something that will appreciate the longer you keep it.

Reinforced seams for added strength and durability

Whenever you want to listen to your favourite albums, you can rest assured that they have been stored securely and will be in pristine condition for your enjoyment. Then, when storing them or putting them back on display, there is no risk of fading from UV, age factors like dust build-up, or accidental damage, like spillages. Paperboard LP covers are vulnerable to tears, scratches and marks, so in order to keep their value, these vinyl record sleeves are a must.

Ethically sourced and fully recyclable LP sleeves

Should the vinyl sleeve come to the end of its life for whatever reason, you can be assured that the material is fully recyclable with usual plastic household recycling. You can rest assured that minimising damage to our planet is a top priority.

Review: Insanely funky business from Senegal's famous Orchestra Baobab (who are still touring and toiling 40 years later), "Kelen Ati Leen" is a really sweaty, heavy slab of funk that stares west for inspiration and a mild psychedelic Hendrixian sheen. "Souleymane", released three years after the A-side in 1978, takes more of a Latin influence as the horns get steamy over a rigid highlife spine to create a detailed and very physical groove.

Review: Supreme musica popular Brasileira and bossa-nova vibes here on two tracks from Mr Bongo's leading Brazilian 45's lady, Claudia. "Deixa o Morro Cantar" features on Claudia's very first 7", released in 1965 by RGE Brazil. Her version of "Mas Que Nada" is said to be more of a jazzy/folk-funk take on the Ben classic. A relatively recent discovery made during the label's last trip to Brazil, Maria das Gracas Rallo was born in 1946 in Rio de Janeiro. She has become the most awarded singer outside of her home country and was most popular internationally in 1982 with the song "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" from the musical Evita. Moreover, she has recorded over twenty albums and has amassed huge record sales throughout her successful career.

Review: Mr Bongo kickstarts a new Afro 45s series with serious intention; all-girl troupe from Guinea Amazones De Guinee take the lead with a live recording from Paris, 1983. Taken from their Au Coeur De Paris album, it's the perfect example of a live recording with the balance of musicianship and crowd participation precision tuned. Flip for the previously rare 1980 recording by Ivory Coast's Moussa Doumbia whose smoky vocals and JB-level shrieks hit hard over a clam-tight Afrofunk rhythm. What a way to start a new series.

Review: Johannes Kolter is Kolter, an artist formerly known as DJOKO, and now a hotly tipped breaks and garage head who has already got plenty of attention. Here though he makes a grand and widescreen statement with the first release on the all-new Pilot label. It is a stylish and adventurous record with plenty of killer cuts from the downbeat hip hop opener to the deep house delights of 'Journey' via the elastic and energetic future house kicks of 'Roboflow.' Showcasing both a knack for well craft synths and expert drum programming precisions, this record plays out like a mini DJ set with all the twists and turns you need to keep you on your toes and fully engaged.

Review: Mystical dreamweaver Edward has previously brought out some of his classiest club-tooled gear for Trelik, with 2018's Rumours EP being a particular highlight in his glittering career in minimal. Breaking a protracted silence for Baby Ford's label, this new three-tracker once more takes us into the unique atmospheric zone Edward occupies with his productions. 'The Giver' has an unnerving, desolate quality but it's also rock-solid in the rhythm department, with subtle threads of warmth to balance out the eeriness. 'Memory Motions' is a spicier cut with a pronounced house jack to propel a tense set of sonic motifs, with a special mention to the wobbly organ-like chord line. 'Tuned' is the most upfront of all the tracks, using some processed piano hooks and a full compliment of nagging, funkified ingredients to make a certified, if left-of-centre, party starter.

Review: It's over 25 years since Baby Ford decamped to the studio with, alternately, Mark Broom and the late Ian 'Eon' Loveday to re-examine the depths and possibilities of collaborative underground techno. The result, as we now know, was a giant step forward into a new sound, with a new label, Ifach, that would go on to define the blueprint for a more minimal sound it would take others a decade emulate. Monolense, four bittersweet, emotional, stripped bare explorations of techno has long been sought-after, commanding high prices on the secondhand market, and is finally getting a re-release. This is not just a moment in time, but a bookmark in UK techno history.