Crucial Material – Best Releases of the Week (November 2nd, 2018)

Every single week our minds are blown at the number of good releases that get put out.

As always, you can trust us to distill the hundreds of weekly new releases and boil them down to the best. So here you go, another serving of Crucial Material. Open your ears, your heart, and maybe your wallet!

NEW ALBUMS & EPs

Lamusa II “Vago Libero”

Genre: Experimental
Label: Gravity Graffiti
Purchase

Lamusa II returns to Gravity Graffiti with Vago Libero, an 8-track LP of fully realized, mind-bending experimental excursions. Substance assistance unnecessary, Lamusa has created an intriguing listen from start to finish, limited to 200 copies.
-Selected by Jake Stellarwell

No Smoke/Watt Noize “Koro-Koro/It’s My Life”

Genres: Tribal / Dub / Breaks
Label: Warriors Dance
Purchase

Two Warriors Dance classics get an update for 2018. Koro-Koro, a Techno/House/Dub gem from ‘89 gets a second pass by WD mainstay Ian Tregoning and Watt Noize’s It’s My Life is gently edited to great effect by Max D of Beautiful Swimmers.
-Selected by Jake Stellarwell

Afrikan Sciences “Daze Of The Weak”

Genre: Modern Beats / Techno / Hi-Tech Soul
Label: Self-Released
Purchase

An absolutely incredible EP from NYC’s Afrikan Sciences which is leaving me scratching my head as to how I should give it an accurate description other than it’s “Hi-Tech Soul”. It stands at the crossroads of American Techno, IDM and British Broken Beat. So that should give you enough of an idea.
-Selected by Lexis

Afronaut “The Earthling EP”

Genre: Broken Beat
Label: Coopr8
Purchase

The more than welcome return of Broken Beat royalty Orin Walter aka Afronaught aka Afronaut formerly of Bugz In The Attic. Oh did I mention the EP also features the contributions of Mark De Clive-Lowe, Kaidi Tatham, Mark Force, Zed Bias? If you’re a Bruk head then this is a no-brainer!
– Selected by Lexis

Neue Grafik “I Miss Something / Bed Stuy”

Genre: Broken Beat
Label: CoOp Presents
Purchase

Two proper Broken Beat EP’s in one week? It seems my prayers to the Bruk Godz were answered. France’s Neue Grafik continues to prove that it’s more than just a “London Thing” although he does get some help with great contributions from the Brits: NameBrandSound, EVM 128, Danvers all provide dope remixes
– Selected by Lexis

Abstract Orchestra “Madvillain Vol. 1”

The Hip-Hop Big Band hailing from Leeds, UK returns with this awesome live rendition of the certified classic record collab between Madlib and MF Doom. Cover / reimagined records rarely live up to challenge of touching a classic album but Abstract Orchestra is definitely did it justice.
– Selected by Lexis

Eric Lau “Examples Vol.2”

Genres: Beats / Instrumental Hip-Hop
Label: First Word
Purchase

It’s hard to get excited about a producer / beats albums these days but the 2nd volume of London-based Eric Lau’s “Examples” is definitely one I was watching out for. Absolutely sublime 28 track record for all the OG beat heads as well as the new kids looking for something miles ahead of your typical soundcloud trap joints.
– Selected by Lexis

De.Ville “Sables”

This EP is a unique blend of Arabic chanting, Raï grooves, hip-hop and late night boogie with some jazz trumpet for good measure. Let yourself be enchanted by this band of gypsies and their hypnotizing melodies and make a musical discovery you are not soon to forget. The ultimate slow-burner collection including highlights Mon Amour & 37 degrés.
– Selected by ASMA

Amira Kheir “Mystic Dance”

Genres: Sudanese, Jazz, Desert Blues, Rock
Label: Contro Cultura Music
Purchase

A unique blend of Sudanese music with jazz & desert blues from the distinguished vocalist, featuring Idris Rahman (horns), Nadir Ramzy (oud), Tal Janes (guitar), Leandro Mancini (drums/perc), Leeto Thale (spoken word), Hal Hutchinon (marimba) and Michele Montolli (bass).
-Selected by Oli Brunetti (colectivo futuro)

Reissues & Compilations

Charles Mingus “Jazz in Detroit / Strata Concert Gallery / 46 Selden”

Genres: Jazz
Label: BBE Music / 180 Proof Records
Purchase

These rare recordings from reels discovered by DJ Amir Abdullah captured live performances by the Charles Mingus Quintet at the intimate Strata Detroit Concert gallery during 1973. The performances were also transmitted live by producer and broadcaster Robert “Bud” Spangler for WDET-FM radio, not a network nor NPR affiliate, for the community to experience in real-time.
-Selected by Channel Subtext: read the full text here

Various “Musica Per L’Immagine II”

Genres: Library, Soundtrack, Ambient, Jazz-Funk
Label: FBNM
Purchase

Fly By Night Music presents a 2nd volume of rare & unreleased 70s/80s Italian library music. Cinematic throughout, ambient synths abound, but infectious jazz funk & tropical grooves are represented too. Essential!
-Selected by Oli Brunetti (colectivo futuro)

Various Artists “A New Life, Vol. 2”

Genre: Jazz
Label: Jazzman
Purchase

The Jazzman label digs deep into the vaults to compile the second volume of obscure British jazz from the seventies and eighties. All the selections featured on this brilliant new compilation have been taken from rare and often overlooked private pressings, helping shine a light on a forgotten layer of Brit jazz history.
-Selected by TJ Gorton

Elaine Kibaro “Fajrann”

Genres: Euro Disco / Synth / Electro-pop
Label: Emotional Rescue
Purchase

Two, otherwise unavailable, pieces from Elaine Kibaro’s catalog see the light of day via Emotional Rescue. Both sides are killer and I don’t see this one leaving the bag anytime soon.
-Selected by Jake Stellarwell