Good vibes compiled, a little country-tinged chaos and Rough Trade in a box.
Okay, we’re gonna start off this week with the previously mentioned ‘two utterly banging compilations’ that we have been going wild for.
Firstly, Berlin-based Colombian DJ, producer, and curator Edna Martinez dives deep into Colombia’s Picó scene for the rich and radiant Presents Picó: Sound System Culture From The Colombian Caribbean. It is a tribute to the Afro-Caribbean sound system culture of Cartagena and Barranquilla, heavy on rhythm, spirit, and community-powered energy. A joyful and utterly infectious trip through dancefloor history. Absolutely all killer, no filler.
Then, we have a contemporary buster from Soul Jazz called Queen Dem, a fierce, globe-spanning celebration of women rewriting musical rules in real time. Queen Dem brings together genre-defying voices—from Yaeji to MC Yallah—channelling power, play, and all the bass culture. An empowering listen that pulses with confidence and radical self-expression. Been playing this a lot.
MJ Lenderman & Wednesday release a limited repress of their 2021 collaborative EP, Guttering. A raw and raucous document of Southern indie rock at its most cathartic. Sits in the sweet spot between slacker anthems and country-tinged chaos.
+ Available on exclusive Olive Green vinyl.
Gorillaz celebrate 25 years with the Tomorrow Comes Today EP reissued. Featuring early hits “Rock The House” and “Tomorrow Comes Today,” plus a rare English version of “Latin Simone”. Each copy is individually pressed on Blue / White vinyl for a totally unique splatter.
Gnarls Barkley’s The Odd Couple receives a first repress since its original release in 2008. Danger Mouse’s production really does still sound masterful.
EELS swaggering Souljacker gets a new pressing and is full of eerie tones and jagged guitars. We clear forgot that it was produced with John Parish, but that makes total sense as soon as you drop the needle; a balance of menace and melancholy.
+ Limited Red vinyl.
We end today on a really fantastic collection from Rough Trade Records, with their first volume of 45s. To mark 45 years, founders Jeannette Lee and Geoff Travis have curated a journey through the label’s bold, DIY roots and irrepressible hits. Great sleeve notes too, sharing their stories and reflections.
