Collection: Products

Mid '90s veteran Crazy Bank is back with the label he dropped his original heat on, Blahh! Records. Al Temper has been otherwise engaged since the turn of the millennium, but now he's back in action with some heaters that carry a torch for classic garage but don't get lost to nostalgia. "One, Two" is a 4x4 bumper with some deadly diva chops and organ keys to die for, but it's also fresh in its execution. The "Beforethebeatsbreak" remix of the track nudges the key down and makes for a slightly more sultry affair, while Perception's take sends the original in the direction of mellow, soulful 2-step. CB Step completes the set with another chilled version that works a little house shuffle into the mix, not to mention some artfully chopped breaks.

*includes insert Timely reissue of Only for the Headstrong, the seminal 12” from UK duo Psychotropic, arriving this November. Originally released in 1990 at the height of the Acid House explosion, the track quickly became a defining moment in UK dance music—melding house, breakbeat, and psychedelic pop influences into something utterly timeless. Revered by DJs, collectors, and ravers alike, Headstrong is a euphoric, genre-blurring anthem that retains a raw innocence and hypnotic pull even 35 years on. Psychotropic was formed by Gavin Mills, a rising DJ with a deep love of house and hip-hop, and Nick Nicely, a seasoned psych-pop experimentalist whose history included cult releases with Arista and EMI. The pair met during the fever pitch of late '80s rave culture—bonding over illegal warehouse parties, makeshift home studios, and a shared impulse to explore new sounds and styles. Crafted using an Akai S900 sampler, a Fostex 8-track, and a Casio CZ-101, Only for the Headstrong emerged from Nicely’s South London home studio in a single inspired session, its unforgettable loops and soaring keys capturing both the chaos and euphoria of the era. The track, and the Prince-style groove of B-side Out of Your Head, became underground hits, reaching the top of London’s independent record store charts and cementing Psychotropic’s reputation for marrying psychedelic sonic textures with club-ready grooves. Their sound stood out—rooted in DIY experimentation but elevated by emotional depth and melodic flair. Mills and Nicely’s unique chemistry would spawn further club classics like Hypnosis, Psychosis, and Feel Surreal, before diverging into solo paths in the mid-90s. Despite parting ways creatively, the duo has remained close friends, occasionally reuniting for remixes and digital reissues. Now, in 2025, Only for the Headstrong returns to vinyl in its full analog glory—remastered and recontextualized for a new generation. With freshly penned liner notes by Nic Nicely, this nostalgic reissue captures the raw, open-minded energy of a pivotal moment in UK dance music and reconnects us with the heady, DIY spirit of early rave culture.

Cat: KOMIX 4PDJ

 

The Owl

The latest joint on Minneapolis Exchange welcomes Detroit house master Javonntte on one side, and Minneapolis' Lowry Boys on the flip. Javonntte is on impeccable form, unfurling his cool and smoky strain of soul on "Say it" and amping up the emotion with the heartfelt "Tears". "Acid House" isn't quite a jacker, but more of a curious diversion into deep house with a 303 undercurrent. Lowry Boys' "Minneapolis Funk" is a blunted bumper - packing loads of swing but keeping the chord hook submerged. "Shag Carpets" is a sweet, piano-sprinkled delight, and "Pure Uncut Acapella" gives you the vocal sample from "Minneapolis Funk" to drop in wherever you want to.

This release marks the first complete album reissue on Canopy. Originally released in Nigeria in 1987, “Oppressor” was executive produced by Myke Moul himself and distributed domestically by EMI Nigeria & Tropic Records. “Oppressor”, the album, finds the sweet spot between synth reggae, boogie, and euphoric Balearic island vibes. Written by Myke Moul and arranged in collaboration with reggae star Majek Fashek in Nigeria, it was later re-crafted and recorded in France with a host of French musicians. Most notably the contribution of multi instrumentalist Pierre de St Front added engaging synthesiser parts and electronic drums. Unfortunately the pressing of the album suffered from inherent technical flaws which adversely affected the sound quality and therefore even those lucky enough to find a copy, will not be able to enjoy it without considerable sonic defects. Therefore this remastered reissue will prove welcome to both collectors and new discoverers. The titular track “Oppressor” stands out as a mid-tempo synth-reggae-boogie jam espousing the turbulent political times in Nigeria that were present in the late 80s. Elsewhere “Shadows in the Rain” is an instrumental cut displaying a jazz-funk sensibility which was unusual for a Nigerian artist at that time, and reflects Myke’s influences outside his home country. “Heading for the Top” is a boogie dance floor gem that shows the popularity of this genre at the time, as evidenced in many Nigerian releases and still sounds just as vital today. “Rescue us. O! Lord” shows Myke’s great song writing and Pierre’s fine musical skills working in tandem to create a reggae boogie tune, displaying the reggae & ska tendencies that were present in pop music in this era, from artists such as Grace Jones, Sly & Robbie or The Police. All in all, the album demonstrates something fresh & exciting for Nigerian album reissues, touching down in a reggae fusion direction, with some fuller sounding production aesthetics, making the dynamics full and crisp on sound systems while also well suited to home listening.

Digging Deeper is back with one of South Korea's most underground artists , Jesse You . Mixing styles of Electro 2000's , House , Techno , ORA E.p. is a blend of old and futuristic music . As always limited copies .

Paradise Pizza

Theo drops two sparse, minimal, yet soulful banging house joints

Various