Release-Highlights in April 2024 29 Items

An Italian disco classic produced by one of Italy's top disco pop entrepreneurs – Constantino Paolini – featuring the voice of Vesuvian actress and TV personality Patrizia Pellegrino. “Musica Spaziale” is a fast paced synthy disco number adorned with signorina Pellegrino's silky smooth vocals, featuring lusty cosmic nuanced lyrics that arguably invite the listener to some form of astral bliss in the company of the blond starlet. A classic amongst collectors and specialists of the genre, made available to your record collections once again without having to sell any of your kidneys. In addition, also an extended edit, that patiently slows down the tempo but also extends this cosmic climax on the dancefloor in a manner respectful to the original masterpiece, allowing the dancers to savor every moment of this celestial voyage without all the rush of the 7" version . Flip it and things get propelled in direction to some other acidic orbits with DJ Asshole's tripped out downtempo 8' intervention. Restored, remastered and featuring original “coloring book” style artwork from its original release date.

First Dabeull's proper album of his career after several key releases - Intimate Fonk, Fonk Delight or the sought-after compilation InDaStudio.

For Dabeull, analog production is his favorite playground as showing his upcoming 9-track album, "Analog Love" (out on April 12th 2024) was recorded using Michael Jackson's Thriller console - 100% analog.

Introducing the forthcoming vinyl single from FJAAK's highly anticipated album, "fjaak THE SYSTEM." Featuring three electrifying stompers and an exclusive acapella track tailored for DJ tool usage, this release promises to captivate techno enthusiasts and vinyl aficionados alike. First up, "A1 - Redemption" unleashes an ancient acid-techno anthem, pulsating with acidic elements and an unmistakable old-school vibe. Its hard-hitting beats and minimalist structure reflect the chaotic state of our world's system, while sporadic vocal shots weave a narrative of societal disarray, urging listeners to delve into the madness. Next, "A2 - Hustle" encapsulates the relentless journey of artists striving to leave their mark in the world of music. With pulsating futuristic breakbeats and driving rhythms, the track embodies the dedication and passion fueling their creative pursuits, amidst the challenges of the road and the vibrant energy of the techno scene. Then, "B1 - Mechanic Love" delves into the intricate dynamics of relationships in a technologically infused world. Exploring the blurred boundaries between humans, machines, and cyborgs, the track navigates themes of love, intimacy, and companionship within a futuristic realm where humanity's evolution converges with technological innovation. It's a symphony of emotion and machinery, inviting listeners to ponder the complexities of existence. Lastly "B2 - Unity" featuring US artist Red Eye, the vinyl single includes an exclusive acapella version of a track featured on the upcoming album, providing DJs with a versatile tool for creative mixing and experimentation.

"Casio City Rockers" is a deep dive into the infamous archives of Brother Lee, a.k.a. Lee Skelly. The 19 tracks here are compiled from 4-track cassette machines, Sony Walkmans, dictaphones and mobile phones, and were recorded in home studios, bedrooms, hotel rooms, holiday apartments... basically wherever, whenever and however Lee could record them before he had the chance to forget them.

His cassette archive alone runs to around 600, then there's the numerous carrier bags and boxes of mobile phones, USB keys and dictaphone tapes scattered around his remote French home, all full of either completed songs or scraps of melody or song sketches, and played on whatever instrument was nearest to hand. Not being particularly sentimental or nostalgic, it's rare for Lee to look over his shoulder for this kind of stuff.

So, imagine "Money Mark's Keyboard Repair" filtered though a Syd Barrett lens, or if Daniel Johnston had been fixated on Shuggie Otis and peak-70s Stevie Wonder instead of The Beatles. Everything here may be slightly broken but it works perfectly if you get what I mean. From the funky Clavinet workouts of "Baroque Neck Brace" and "Wah Wah" to the dead-on-'67 sitar-and-backwards-guitar psychedelia of "It's All Around" to the Afrobeat-inspired "Super Capri Beat" and the bonkers Casio-goes-Acid House title track, even the breezy lo-fi soul pop of "Turquoise" and "Bossa For Ingrid", this album is a wild ride. Don't miss it."

- Jenn Hepsworth, London, 2023.

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Lee Skelly: Hammond organ, Fender Rhodes, Minimoog, Wurlitzer piano, Casio Mt-65, Casio Sk-1, flute, sitar, tambura, tablas, electric sitar, Clavinet, Mellotron, guitar, bass, drums, melodica, percussion, vocals.

Long-time friend of the label Man/ipulate is back on Lumbago Records with a first solo EP under his new alias : Man/igance. New project means new touch! With a blend of new beat and techno influences over 4 tracks, this release highlights the artist’s versatility and capability to capture the essence of dance music while remaining very fresh. A must have!

HHV exclusive vinyl edition on yellow vinyl, limited to 300 copies.

Sonor Music Editions is excited to announce this revived issue of Open Air Parade, one of the most sought-after artifacts from the golden era of Italian library music.

This holy grail was originally released in 1972 on the legendary Sermi Records label (often referred to as SR Records). It features ten tracks composed by Ennio Morricone’s whistler, Alessandro Alessandroni revealing his great talent and unrivaled sense of melody, and two by the brilliant Italian jazz bassist Giovanni Tommaso, also founder and member of the legendary prog-jazz-rock ensemble Perigeo.

Open Air Parade is a masterpiece and rightfully sits among the top five in its genre. It has a beautiful cohesiveness throughout and can only be described as sincere. The music ranges from superb psychedelic lounge funk, compelling groovy jazz beat tunes, and far-ranging mood music with lush arrangements.

It’s an essential album, officially reissued by Sonor Music Editions. This 2024 repress has been carefully remastered, and packed in a thick cardboard sleeve with fully restored artwork using the original painting by Ernst Wilhelm Nay in full fidelity.

Shabaka Hutchings recently announced that he would give his bands Sons Of Kemet, Shabaka And The Ancestors and The Comet Is Coming, as well as his saxophone, a break for an unspecified period of time. His first solo album is a moving suite of primarily instrumental, meditative music that features Shabaka playing a variety of flutes. He invited artists such as Andre 3000, Lianne La Havas, Moses Sumney, Floating Points and others as guests. Shabaka plays Flutes, Clarinet and Shakuhachi.

1. End of Innocence
Jason Moran (Piano) , Nasheet Waits (Drums), Carlos Niño (Percussion)

2. As the Planets and the Stars Collapse
Brandee Younger (Harp), Charles Overton (Harp), Miguel Atwood-Ferguson (Strings)

3. Insecurities
Moses Sumney (Vox), Charles Overton (Harp)

4. Managing my Breath, What Fear Had Become
Saul Williams (Vox), Charles Overton (Harp)

5. The Wounded Need to be Replenished
Nduduzo Makhathini (Piano), Surya Botofasina (Synthesizer), Carlos Niño (Percussion)

6. Body to Inhabit
Elucid (Vox), Brandee Younger (Harp), Charles Overton (Harp), Esperanza Spalding (Bass), Chris Scholar (Electronics)

7. I’ll Do Whatever You Want
Floating Points (Electronics), Laraaji (Vox), Tom Herbert (Bass), Dave Okumu (Guitar), Andre 3000 (Flute), Esperanza Spalding (Bass), Marcus Gilmore (Drums), Carlos Niño (Percussion)

8. Living
Eska (Vox), Miguel Atwood-Ferguson (Strings), Brandee Younger (Harp), Charles Overton (Harp)

9. Breathing
Rajna Swaminathan (Mrudangam)

10. Kiss Me Before I Forget
Lianne La Havas (Vox), Jason Moran (Piano) , Nasheet Waits (Drums) , Carlos Nino (Percussion)

11. Song of the Motherland
Anum Lyapo (Vox), Charles Overton (Harp)

Not so long ago Marlena Shaw was a forgotten figure. The talented vocalist had made several LPs for respected labels such as Cadet and Blue Note, and she'd performed regularly throughout the '60s and '70s. But she hardly had what you might call diva status. Falling into the unfortunate category that slips uneasily between soul and jazz, she was accepted - but not especially admired - by aficionados of either genre. Then came the '90s, and an open-minded enthusiasm for soul and jazz - and more importantly - everything in between - soon changed that. Marlena Shaw became an icon, and the diva status soon blossomed amongst her new-found soul-jazz fans.

Respect is a word that means much to any singer. The artist who stands up in the bright lights before an audience that has handed over their hard-earned cash has only their physical presence and naked voice to rely on. There is no hiding when you're on stage, you're the focus of attention and everybody is gawping at you. The singer yearns to communicate and entertain, and in return not only asks for appreciation and acceptance, but respect. To this end Marlena Shaw has endured decades of singing in the shadows, and she has only recently finally found her niche.

On Disc One we have 'California Soul', probably the most enduring and well-known of her many songs, but just a few seconds listening will tell you that it is much more than that. It's already a classic amongst those who have already seen the light and have danced and swayed to its timeless swing. Upon hearing it all lovers of soul, jazz – or any other kind of good music - will feel an aural glow as warm as the Californian sun. The song 'Liberation Conversation' on the flip was only ever available on her highly revered 1969 LP 'The Spice of Life'. This is where the 'Blues ain't nothing but a good woman gone bad' launches into an irresistible, relentless uptempo funk groove.

Disc Two showcases 'Wade in the Water', an ancient song rumoured to have been developed and popularised by slaves in the American south. The message is to pass on the notion that by fleeing in a bid for freedom through streams and rivers, the scent that bloodhounds use to follow their victims will be obscured. Marlena's version has long been a favourite dancefloor filler since its 45-only release back in 1966.

'Woman of the Ghetto' is one of her best-known songs and ends the set on the other side. The opening number from 'The Spice of Life', it's since been recognised for the classic it is, and as such has been afforded anthemic status. We release the original 45 version here, as used to promote the LP back in the day.

This special 2x7" product from Jazzman is dedicated to the memory of Marlena Shaw, b. 22 September 1939, d. 19 January 2024.

A trailblazing amalgam of e levator-friendly R&B and synth-forward smooth jazz, Tony Palkovic's 1986 debut goes down easy as a huff of dentist-issued nitrous. Born With A Desire's silky grooves and bursts of drum machine 1.0 endure as an '80s vision of future earth where 8-bit graphics and pastel palettes swath a synthesizer Shangri La.

Minimal Wave proudly presents a newly remastered deluxe double album of archival material by pioneering 80s minimal electronic duo Oppenheimer Analysis. Oppenheimer Analysis formed in London, England in 1982 by Andy Oppenheimer and Martin Lloyd. Their first meeting though was at the 1979 World Science Fiction Convention in Brighton. They quickly became good friends, sharing an interest in the work of David Bowie, electronic music and early synthesizer bands such as the Human League and Soft Cell. They also shared a love of old science fiction movies, 1950s graphics and comic book imagery and a fascination with post-World War II propaganda, the politics and aesthetics of the Cold War, and the social impact of the atomic bomb. Over the next few years Andy and Martin frequented the growing club scene, including Studio 21 on Oxford Street, and became involved in the developing Futurist and New Romantic style sub-cultures. During this period Martin recorded as Analysis, both alone and with David Rome of Drinking Electricity. They released their first single, “Surface Tension/Connections” on David’s Survival label in 1981. In 1982, Oppenheimer Analysis began writing and recording together at Feedback Studio in Battersea, and performed several times at The Bell, Islington, the 1983 World David Bowie Convention in Hammersmith, the Starzone Birthday Party at Camden Palace, the 1984 European Science Fiction Convention in Brighton and other live venues. Their first demo tape and twelve song “New Mexico” cassette were sold at gigs and by mail-order, and were reviewed in Melody Maker, Sounds and Soundmaker. For the years to follow, Oppenheimer Analysis became recognized among electro-music aficionados as a pioneering duo who influenced countless other bands during the club and home-recording era of the early 1980s and beyond. Their cassettes became massively collectible. In 2005 they re-formed with the release of a self-titled four song 12” EP of selections from the New Mexico cassette, including “Cold War” and “The Devil’s Dancers”. This marked the first release on Minimal Wave. Now in 2015, we’re happy to present the entire New Mexico collection, newly remastered and cut to vinyl for the first time ever, to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. This first edition of 1000 copies is pressed on deluxe ‘nuclear’ style black and white 160 gram vinyl, housed in a glossy gatefold silver and black printed sleeve, featuring all the song lyrics on the inside of the sleeve. First release date: May 16th, 2015. This quintessential reissue has been produced in loving memory of Martin Lloyd.

HHV Exclusive edition on red wax, limited to 75 copies worldwide.

The discography of the phantom Gruppo Sound exceeds over thirty titles published in an undefined time frame between the Eighties and the Nineties. However, there is very little information about this curious pseudonym. it is possible to find a library music album by Gruppo Sound inside the Canopo, Deneb, Flower, Monosound Records and Teams catalogues, all managed by Flipper Music publishing group, but both the creators and the musicians have never been the same. Gruppo Sound is only a collective name, maybe to identify a certain number of 'new' productions characterized by an electronic background And, not by chance, the author of “New York City” is a single artist, the multi-instrumentalist Gabriele Ducros. Son of the prolific composer Remigio Ducros, he first followed his footsteps in the field of music libraries and soundtracks and then become the author of many tracks for television commercials of a certain relevance, winning some international awards. “Some of these tracks may have been associated with a pornographic film. Others were, however, made as brief comments for a theatrical show, perhaps never made”, remembers Gabriele Ducros. What unites the thirteen pieces is the same musical language, which derives from a widespread funk and jazz matrix. Both genres are thus declined through a different approach and taste, in line with the fusion trends of the time, when the early synthesizers were used by few artists. A handful of electric guitar notes for a 'urban' mood, the acoustic ones from a dreamy morning awakening. Electronic keyboards to arouse a sense of nostalgia in the listener, while flute and saxophone always punctuate different atmospheres. A computer melody, a theme for children and a sophisticated ode to the fusion sound of the Big Apple, perhaps true source of ispiration of the work. “New York City” is not a concept album, but one of the best cross-sections of Gabriele Ducros' great creativity.

Die limitierte Auflage kommt als "rauchig schwarzes" Vinyl mit Download-Karte, die digitale Bonustracks enthält. Nach Ausflügen in Deep House, Acid und Techno, die ihn laut Resident Advisor zu "einem der fesselndsten Künstler Berlins" gemacht hatten, brachte Lorenz Brunner 2013 sein Projekt Recondite mit dem Album „Hinterland“ bei Ghostly International unter.

Der Produzent schaute auf die Heimat seiner Kindheit, Niederbayern, und nutzte Field Recordings, um die Musik mit den Emotionen der Jahreszeiten in der Region zu verbinden. „Hinterland“ präsentierte eine besondere Atmosphäre - eisige, unheimliche, melancholische Musik, die intime Melodien mit knackigen Perkussion-Sounds kreuzte -, die zum Markenzeichen von Recondite werden sollte. "Das ist das Album, das irgendwann aus Recondite herauskommen musste", sagte er damals. "Es ist Recondite." Ein Jahrzehnt später ist der Sound immer noch ganz und gar sein eigener.

Recording technology was completely revolutionized in the 80s by the multitrack recorder, with the popularity of 24-channel SSL consoles sweeping the world. Japanese pop music created during this wave of digital improvement is now recognized worldwide as "City Pop." Techno Pop was another offshoot born of the same revolution. Precise, computer-controlled beats produced by groups like Yellow Magic Orchestra (ymo) introduced a different type of sound to the masses. By now, these works have been brought into the international limelight and continue to be a major influence on today's music.

At the center of Tokyo’s Techno Pop scene was Alfa/yen Records. The label left behind an impressive body of work, but much of it wasn't made widely available... until now! This new, definitive compilation focuses on the music archives of the YEN Records catalog, available for the first time exclusively at Light in the Attic. This is a true celebration of Japan's Techno Pop scene of the 80s, reissued with the intent that future generations, internationally, will be able to discover, enjoy, and appreciate Alfa/yen and its significant contributions to the sonic landscape of the 80s and beyond.

Alfa/yen

The label was established by Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi in May 1982, within Alfa Records. For Haruomi Hosono, it was a long-awaited label driven by producers and artists, and for Yukihiro Takahashi, he enjoyed experimenting with his works at a private studio. The label continued to release high-quality works not just by YMO and related artists but also unique artists such as Hajime Tachibana and Jun Togawa, and cutting-edge bands such as Testpattern and Interior. Unfortunately, the label ended in May 1985, but its success led to a later boom in indie labels, and it continues to have a profound impact on Japanese music.

Limited to 200 copies in this color way, only available at HHV in Germany.

Big Crown Records is proud to present Brainstory's sophomore full-length album Sounds Good. Based in L.A. but hailing from the Inland Empire's own Rialto, California, two-thirds of Brainstory, Kevin and Tony Martin are brothers by blood, while Eric Hagstrom is a brother through their music and long term friendship. Since they started the band they have constantly faced situations that forced them to rise to the occasion. They got signed to Big Crown Records, they stepped up their game. Covid happened, they learned to record themselves. They started touring a ton sharing the stage with the likes of Lady Wray and they got their live show super tight. All of this time spent grinding and growing has certainly paid off. The path to take their art to the next level is clearer than ever, and once again, they are here for it. If there is one thing that is abundantly clear on Sounds Good, it's that Brainstory has leveled up. Part of this evolution is undoubtedly attributed to having access to and working constantly in their own studio in Long Beach. Another major factor is that their brotherhood has expanded. "I've been playing music with my brother all my life and now with Eric for a long time," Tony tells us. "Leon, though, is like another brother I've just met." Leon Michels, Big Crown's co-owner, produced this record and applied his unmistakable golden touch in crucial ways. The other member of the extended Brainstory brotherhood whose contributions were essential to the album, is studio engineer legend Jens Jungkurth who controls the tones and textures of the music. "That's what you're hearing, our connection, the fun moments, the little details," Kevin describes. "This record isn't half what it is without them_and it made us want to match that effort," and match that effort they did. Album opener "Nobody But You" is an uplifting, dance ¬oor burner, that shows off a new side of Brainstory's range. Drummer Eric Hagstrom's crushing back beat lays the foundation for an inspirational feel good banger that manages to take the uncomfortable truth that "nobody will save you but you" and turn it into pure blissful motivation. "Peach Optimo" is a laid back half time tune that blends the bounce of Down South Hip-Hop with California G funk and Jazz. They once again show off their B said ballad talents with "Gift Of Life" but this time taking the genre to a new place with lyrics about existentialism and a track that is drop dead gorgeous, haunting, and profound all at once. "NyNy" is an homage to Kev and Tony's recently deceased grandfather while "Too Yung" is a show stopping, deeply personal, stripped down number about being introduced to alcohol at a young age. They put another hit on the boards with "Hanging On," a Latin / Psychedelic Soul inspired banger featuring Claire Cottrill on background vocals while "XFaded" addresses the all too common vicious cycle of smoking and drinking too much over a trippy shuf¬e. "It's been four years since our last full length record, and with everything that's happened since, it's like we've been catching up to ourselves." That's one way to describe change: catching up to oneself. Each member of Brainstory has gone through shifts, both personally and musically, and all of that threads through Sounds Good. It's easy to say that the music industry can be short on lasting, genuine relationships. However, for Brainstory, from day one it's been about standing by each other, for each other.

This is Apollo Brown's very first beat collection put together in 2007 a few years before winning the Red Bull Big Tune Championship in Detroit and then signing to Mello Music Group. The collection has been such a popular record around the Mello Music Group office for the past few years that we decided to make it available to everyone for a one time pressing on vinyl. Over 30 tracks from Apollo Brown.

Los Angeles artist Open Mike Eagle's "A Special Episode Of" takes on social pressures and emotional expectations in creative, entertaining, and relatable way. Described as Art Rap, this follow up to "Dark Comedy" features production from Gold Panda, Exile and more has been streamed over 20 Million times. This special Artist Series Edition of vinyl features an original oil painting rendition of the cover art by KipDaFog and is a limited one time pressing.

Limited edition of 100 copies, only available at HHV!

Shabazz Palaces is fronted by Ishmael Butler (Digable Planets), whose relentless drive to reinvent hip-hop continues unabated in his fifth decade on the planet. When Robed in Rareness hit digital platforms in 2023, NPR Music called it "enchanting and subversive," while Pitchfork noted that "Shabazz Palaces' futurism has always been interwoven with the past and the present, their songs sparkling tapestries of old-school shit-talk, proggy psychedelia and melodic flossing." Robed in Rareness is wrapped in this diversity as Butler and a team of close collaborators swagger through the eras of rap." "Exotic Birds of Prey" continues the modus operandi of "Robed in Rareness": a respectful look at the past, an embrace of the ever-evolving present, with feet firmly planted in the future. Where "Robed in Rareness" distorted sounds like shoegaze and ambient into the Shabazz Palaces multiverse, "Exotic Birds of Prey" mixes these elements with twisted electro and funk vibes.

Shabazz Palaces is fronted by Ishmael Butler (Digable Planets), whose relentless drive to reinvent hip-hop continues unabated in his fifth decade on the planet. When Robed in Rareness hit digital platforms in 2023, NPR Music called it "enchanting and subversive," while Pitchfork noted that "Shabazz Palaces' futurism has always been interwoven with the past and the present, their songs sparkling tapestries of old-school shit-talk, proggy psychedelia and melodic flossing." Robed in Rareness is wrapped in this diversity as Butler and a team of close collaborators swagger through the eras of rap." "Exotic Birds of Prey" continues the modus operandi of "Robed in Rareness": a respectful look at the past, an embrace of the ever-evolving present, with feet firmly planted in the future. Where "Robed in Rareness" distorted sounds like shoegaze and ambient into the Shabazz Palaces multiverse, "Exotic Birds of Prey" mixes these elements with twisted electro and funk vibes.

serpentwithfeet, the Baltimore-born singer and songwriter, is a versatile talent who moves naturally from chapter to chapter in his career. His third album, Grip, is based on the dance floor of black gay clubs and is about the intimate moments that happen there and after, no matter the venue. It explores the small moments of physical touch and how they come about. Whether it's a grip around the waist or the face, serpentwithfeet manages to explore all angles. Grip and the black gay club have an interesting relationship: the club is public; the dance floor is obviously a place where people look at and observe each other. At the same time, the black gay club is a safe communal space, it's "for us" and in that sense very private, very intimate. These clubs offered him a different atmosphere, a different comfort and a different sense of welcome that encouraged him in a new way. From start to finish, Grip sonically relives the highs and lows of not only a club night, but also a romance. "Damn Gloves (ft. Ty Dolla $ign and Yanga YaYa)" captures the adrenaline rush of a nighttime climax with a thumping bass embedded in a dance production that mimics the speed of a heartbeat as intimacy boils up between two lovers. "Spades" uses a sweet, guitar-driven melody to create a tender moment, as a slow dance would. "Lucky Me" is sweet and honest, without anything to distract from the actual moment. His voice, a glistening guitar melody and enchanting synths serve as the driving force to foster a new romance. It's a work that emphasises the moments closest to the heart. Over the course of his seven-year career, he has proven his versatility through R&B music that is both sombre, spiritual and joyful. serpentwithfeet continues to push the boundaries of his art.

After a hiatus of almost 4 years Berlin-based label Avec Plaisir Records is finally back with their second outing: A stunning collection of six almost forgotten Progressive Rock oddities by the Austrian Band Crazy Temple.

Being mostly active in the late 70ies, the bunch of youngsters around the songwriting duo Günter Schiller and Herbert Bachinger only released one cassette „Heavy Birth“ as well as the sought-after 7-inch record „Homecomer“ in 1980 shortly before the band was scattered to the four winds. Their productions were recorded in the myth-enshrouded Ebensee Studio, were two members of the band were on the payroll.

Despite their fairly young age Crazy Temple established a very unique and authentic sound, carried by breezy synthesizers, meandering guitar-solos and the mature voice of Günter Schiller that seems heavily influenced by the favorite bands of their time. Being able to maintain a room in „Schloss Ebenzweier“ where already Franz Schubert was composing might have helped equally as the herbs the teens were smoking during countless hours of rehearsal.

The completion of the first long-player by Crazy Temple was originally planned for early 1981 - 43 years later the plan is put into action with the help of Avec Plaisir founders Sandra & Hendrik Stein. The record comes with six fully remastered original tracks recorded in 1980 complemented by three different takes on „Ev’rything’s Alright“ and „Homecomer“ by label-wright Sandra’s Alias Frinda di Lanco. The reproduction of Oto Atman’s etching „Die Träumerin von Eden“ as cover artwork adds zest to the authentic look of this release.