This weeks single of the week comes from the world of Minimal Techno. Legend of the scene Bruno Pronsato and Sergio Giorgini form NDF, a surprising addition to the roster of New York label DFA Records, usually known for its house and electro output, genre’s most at home in the record labels back yard. 
The track is a spacious minimal epic, built around a calming and washy vocal sample, a slow building and intensely captivating bass line and a simple meandering synth line. On the other side, Ricardo Villalobos provides a very rigid and awkwardly arranged remix, that is somewhat disappointing.
Since We Last Met is an essential dance track, the sort of thing that could deliver euphoria as part of a DJ set, that would also be appropriate listening during a long bus journey. 
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<a href="https://boomkat.com/vinyl/325389-luke-abbott-holkham-drones">Buy Since We Last Met Here</a>
<script type="text/javascript" src="https://video.unrulymedia.com/wildfire_11244048.js"></script>

Single Of The Week: NDF – Since We Last Met

From the almost nondescript and in human sounds created by Actress in his second full length album Splazsh, to Flying Lotus’ inter-stellar menagerie of free jazz, hip hop and electronics in Cosmogramma, 2010 has already proven to be a stellar year for exciting, original and intrinsically experimental electronic music. Luke Abbott’s recently released album Holkham Drones fits well within this mould. Clearly many hours have been spent hammering all kinds of electronic machines and analogue synths to create a warm, lo-fi and sonically majestic album.
What sets Luke Abbott apart from many of this years prominent experimental music producers, is his stunning ability to create awe-inspiring melody and strong song structure. The album features many slow moving tracks, like opening two tracks 2nd 5th Heavy and Swansong and the contemplative More Room, which build muffled percussion around beautifully arranged and delicate lo-fi synths to reach a series of similarly euphoric climaxes. In tracks Whitebox and Hello Tazelaar techno influences can be heard, however they retain that same fuzzy, softness which makes so many of this albums tracks so unusual and appealing in this often abrasive genre. 
This addition to James Holden‘s label Border Community, is the perfect album for any music technology nerds, but perhaps more importantly, with Holkham Drones, Luke Abbott has produced something a fresh sounding, unique, experimental album, that has melody to hold almost anyones attention. Such a feat not achieved within British electronic music in such a striking and complete way since Aphex Twin‘s Richard D James Album or Music Has the Right To Children by Boards of Canada. This is special album, from a ridiculously inventive and talented producer. Not to be ignored.
9/10 
<a href="https://boomkat.com/vinyl/325389-luke-abbott-holkham-drones">Buy Holkham Drones Here.</a>
<script type="text/javascript" src="https://video.unrulymedia.com/wildfire_11244048.js"></script>

Review: Luke Abbott – Holkham Drones

The unusual, but ideal pairing of New Jersey’s John Robinson and London’s Lewis Parker have come together to create a new summer LP, fittingly titled International Summers.
Known for his acclaimed ‘Golden Sound’ Lewis Parker’s productions have a distinctly warm and cosmopolitan feel to them, while John Robinson rhymes are always tight if not slightly repetitive as he recites memories of globe-trotting and past summers. The pairing shine in feel good title track International Summers, with John Robinson declaring “International summers make international lovers” over a delightfully nostalgic beat. The other stand out track is the lyrically deep and beautifully produced Harlem River Drive, where the pairing prove most in sync as they are joined by the excellent Angelz INC.
Too cut short and summarise, International Summers is not a particularly ground-braking or innovative record, butLewis Parker’s warm analogue production and John Robinson’s interesting and immaculately delivered lyrics make it the perfect album to listen to on a hot summers evening or during a long day travelling.
8/10
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKpV_NR9BSE&feature=player_embedded">Album Preview.</a>
<a href="https://www.hhv.de/item_202343.html">Pre-order.</a> (Includes free tape with all album instrumentals)
<a href="https://www.projectmooncircle.com/releases/67">More Info. </a><a rel="attachment wp-att-1681" href="https://api.crackintheroad.com/music/1662-john-robinson-lewis-parker-international-summers/attachment/image"></a>

John Robinson & Lewis Parker: International Summers

The Roots are a band instantly recognisable to hip-hop. They have perfected the use of a live band with rap, they have also released ten remarkably consistent albums. In their 11th album How I Got Over The Roots join unlikely collaborators, Monsters Of Folk, Joanna Newsom, Icelandic singer Patty crash as well as R&B superstar John Legend, rappers Blu, Dice Raw, Phonte, P.O.R.N, Truck North and many more, to produce a fresh and diverse album, driven by the bands uniquely clean and uplifting instrumental production.
How I Got Over begins ponderously, with the humming and delayed percussion of A Piece Of Light, before launching into Walk Alone, a lyrically impressive track, in which Black Thought, P.O.R.N and Truck North rap about travelling alone, to an uncomfortable sounding piano led instrumental. Dear God 2.0 opens in a simular vain to Walk Alone, where stark piano and harsh vocals from Jim James introduce the suitably on form Black Thought to express the details. 
After continuing in it’s philosophical nature with Radio Daze, the album soon opens into a refreshingly positive and uplifting mood, perfectly expressed in the chorus vocals of Now Or Never where Phonte delivers the lyrics “Everything changes around me, and I wanna change too, it’s one thing I know, It aint cool being no fool, I feel different today, I dont know what else to say! “. The record reaches it’s ecstatic high with How I Got Over, a song which directly highlights the troubles and struggle of living in a ghetto, while remaining fantastically hopefull, aggressive and positive. The album then begins to calm down with the super chilled The Day as rapper Blu shines in the company of Icelandic singer Patty Crash, who delivers a whimsical hook in her disparate Icelandic style. 
With the help of Joanna Newsom the album moves into it’s reflective period as Black Thought reminds us of his importance in Right On and Doin’ It Again. How I Got Over’s biggest star collaborator John Legend, appears on the next song The Fire, true to form with the rest of the album it’s a powerful and satisfyingly singable song. The disappointing Web 20/20 is followed the albums final track Hustla, which is the most pure hip hop track on the album and features some wonderfully profound lyrics over easily the heaviest and dirtiest beat on the album.
In How I Got Over, The Roots manage to produce a diverse and artistically forward thinking album without compromising too much of their uniquely raw and refreshing sound. Numerous collaborators roundly compliment Black Thought, who is at his most insightful and uncompromising best. The album successfully delivers some important social and political messages while remaining a fun an enjoyable record to listen, sing and shuffle to.

Review: The Roots – How I Got Over

This weeks belated single of the week is most likely my favourite single of the year. It goes by way of Aloe Blacc, with his soulful number I Need a Dollar, first single from his upcoming sophomore solo album Good Things, to be released on Stones Throw Records.
Reminiscent of 70’s soul, the track is stirring, bluesy and instantly likeable. I Need a Dollar sets a very high standard for Good Things, which could well turn out to be a truly memorable modern soul LP.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iR6oYX1D-0w" frameborder="0" width="640" height="390"></iframe>

Single of the Week: Aloe Blacc – I Need a Dollar

The first World Cup in Africa is under way… In celebration we are sharing two extra-special world cup mixes!
Using an idea stolen from a recent Gilles Peterson world cup radio show; myself, Juzzam and some other CITR friends have spent the past few weeks compiling two hour long mixes. With 32 tracks representing every nation competing at the world cup, the two mixes showcase all types of music, from Ivorian Hip-Hop to Chilean Techno or Algerian Rai as well as a fair few surprises. Here are the track listings and links to download, so get listening! 
<ul>
Disc 1 </ul>
Group A – (Compiled by Taggerty) 
1. France – Mc Solaar – Qui Sème Le Vent Récolte Le Tempo 
2. Mexico – Mexican Institute of Sound – El Microfono 
3. South Africa – Dj Mujava – Township Funk 
4. Uruguay – Canario Luna – Celeste
Group B – (Compiled by Josh) 
5. Argentina – Malon – Dale Negro 
6. Greece – The New Hopes – I Found Love 
7. South Korea – Kim Jung Mi – 어디서 어디까지 
8. Nigeria – Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey and his Miliki Sound – Alowo Majaiye
Group C – (Compiled by Dan) 
9. Algeria – Cheb Khaled – La Camel 
10. England – LV ft. Josh Idehen – Lost 
11. Slovenia – Jorge Ben – A Jovem Samba (Klasick Remix) 
12. U.S.A – Madlib – Slim’s Return
Group D – (Compiled by Raisin) 
13. Australia – Cut Copy – Out There On the Ice 
14. Germany – Beau Mot Plage – Beau Mot Plage 
15. Ghana – Masekela – Lagunta 
16. Serbia – Bedak – Inje
<a href="https://www.mediafire.com/?2hkyjmjzvzn">Mix Link</a> 
<a href="https://www.mediafire.com/?tzjtdmjjtzk">Separate Tracks</a>
Disc 2
Group E – (Compiled by Taggerty) 
1. Cameroon – Manu Dibango – Soul Makossa 
2. Denmark – Analogik – Frank Lysettewaltz 
3. Japan – Budamunky – Strings Of Madness 
4. Netherlands – Rednose Distrikt Ft. Benny Sings – Miss Moral
Group F – (Compiled by Gallits) 
5. Italy – Mike Francis – Night Time Lady 
6. New Zealand – Julien Dyne Ft. Mara TK – Layer 
7. Paraguay – Los Blue Caps – No Me Mires Mas 
8. Slovakia – Bez Ladu A Skladu – Hore Bez
Group G – (Compiled by Juzzam) 
9. Brazil – Jorge Antunes – Cinta CIta 
10. Ivory Coast – M.A.M feat Nayanka Bell – Hypothese 
11. N. Korea – Lil In Suk – We Will Always Look Up To The Central Committee Of The Party 
12. Portugal – The Beautiful Schizophonic – Un Etourdissant Reveil En Musique
Group H – (Compiled by Cutyourhair) 
13. Chile – Ricardo Villalobos – Dexter 
14. Honduras – Acidmunky – Shake It Off 
15. Spain – El Guincho – Antillas 
16. Switzerland – Dex Malente – Gipsy Kings feat. Analogik (Round Table Knights Remix)
<a href="https://www.mediafire.com/?x3jmj4ibtj1">Mix Link</a> 
<a href="https://www.mediafire.com/?i5dmon5qerz">Separate Tracks</a>
(the mixes are in a different track order to the separate tracks)

The World Cup Mix

For this weeks single, we are going for something fresh, with the latest single from Candian indie band Born Ruffians, What To Say . This is first single from their forthcoming album Say It, out 31st of June, on Warp Records. The instruments are simple and edgy, while the song is completed by some beautifully introvert vocals from singer Luke LaLonde.
Below is a link to the video for the track, which features a quite incredible usage of an oscillator.
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tFDF1rwUO8">Born Ruffians – What To Say</a>
<a href="https://bleep.com/index.php?page=release_details&releaseid=23796">Pre-order Say It</a>
<a href="https://www.myspace.com/bornruffians">Myspace</a>

Single of The Week: Born Ruffians – What To Say

<a href="https://admin.crackintheroad.com/uploads/2010/05/Cosmogramma-650.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-669" src="https://api.crackintheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Cosmogramma-650.jpg" alt="" width="650" height="650" srcset="https://api.crackintheroad.com/images/2010/05/Cosmogramma-650.jpg 650w, https://api.crackintheroad.com/images/2010/05/Cosmogramma-650-150x150.jpg 150w, https://api.crackintheroad.com/images/2010/05/Cosmogramma-650-300x300.jpg 300w, https://api.crackintheroad.com/images/2010/05/Cosmogramma-650-494x494.jpg 494w, https://api.crackintheroad.com/images/2010/05/Cosmogramma-650-165x165.jpg 165w" sizes="(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px" /></a>Since releasing the tremendous Los Angeles LP in 2007, Flying Lotus has helped the founding of Brainfeeder records, led a huge serge in popularity for LA based electronic beat music and has gained an almost god like status amongst many experimental music fans. So, when news broke that he would release his new album, it was almost expected that the record would be a masterpiece.
Described by Flying Lotus as his ‘Star Wars’, Cosmogramma is a real epic, in which the music flows from one jam to another through a sea of delightful melodies and other worldly sounds, as something designed to be listened to all at once. The album features an enviable cast of extras including the hugely gifted Thundercat (bass guitar), Rebekah Raff (harp), Ravi Coltrane (tenor sax), Thom Yorke and Laura Darlington to name a few. So naturally, the album incorporates a huge variety of genre’s and sounds, making it very dense and hectic at times, which can be slightly overwhelming. However it is all so beautifully layered and is a sum of many incredible parts, that after a few listens you will start to hear something new every time, making it potentially very addictive.
The album kicks off aggressively with Clock Catcher, Pickled! and Nose Art, three tracks including a lot of hard synthesis and some improvised bass guitar, over glitchy electronic beats and noises. Soon it lulls into a nostalgic wave of classical strings and harp, before the introduction of the wondrous Zodiac Shit, a stomach churning arrangement of strings, hums, wobbles and snappy percussion.
As Cosmogramma reaches it’s half way point, the upbeat, synth led Computer Face//Pure Being is followed by possibly the most hyped track on the album, ..And The World Laughs With You a somewhat chilled track boasting some delightfully vague and droney vocals from Radioheads Thom Yorke.
The second half of Cosmogramma is where it really sets itself apart as a masterpiece. In Arkestery, German Haircut and Recoiled, with the help from Steve Ellisson’s cousin Ravi Coltrane on tenor saxophone, elements of free jazz are infused with electronic noises and soundscapes to stunning effect. In between those tracks is the fabulous dance track Do The Astral Plane, which creatively uses improvised vocals to create melody and rhythm. Other tracks, Table Tennis (featuring Laura Darlington) and Dance of the Pseudo Nymph also stand out, through their originality and delicate arrangement. Finally, this trippy epic comes to an end with Galaxy In Janaki, a reflective track which finishes the album in a very satisfactory and optimistic manor.
In Cosmogramma, Flying Lotus, has made a big step-up from his previous album Los Angeles, to produce a magnificently dense, atmospheric and original cosmic masterpiece that justifies all the hype and expectation. Though it won’t please everyone, Cosmogramma is Flying Lotus’ career defining record so far, and is well worth a listen.
<a href="https://bleep.com/index.php?page=release_details&releaseid=23694">Buy (Bleep)</a>
<a href="https://www.brainfeedersite.com/">Brainfeeder</a>
<a href="https://www.myspace.com/flyinglotus">Myspace</a>

Review: Flying Lotus- Cosmogramma

Over the past year or so, James Blake has quickly become a real head turner within the UK underground dubstep scene, with a series of impressive releases on fashionable labels, Brain Math, Hessle Audio and Hemlock.
The 22 year old music student will soon drop a new EP on influential label R&S. The title track CMYK manipulates warped R&B samples, synths and an complex array of keys, echoes and washes to create a truly original, melodic banger. Expect to hear this track being played a lot over the next few months.
The full EP will be released on R&S Records on May 31st.
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQoQirZwxE4">Listen to CMYK.</a>
<a href="https://www.myspace.com/jamesblakeproduction">Myspace.</a>

New: James Blake – CMYK

<a href="https://admin.crackintheroad.com/uploads/2010/04/BLK-JKS-Zol.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-394" src="https://api.crackintheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/BLK-JKS-Zol.jpg" alt="" width="608" height="438" srcset="https://api.crackintheroad.com/images/2010/04/BLK-JKS-Zol.jpg 608w, https://api.crackintheroad.com/images/2010/04/BLK-JKS-Zol-300x216.jpg 300w, https://api.crackintheroad.com/images/2010/04/BLK-JKS-Zol-494x355.jpg 494w, https://api.crackintheroad.com/images/2010/04/BLK-JKS-Zol-165x118.jpg 165w" sizes="(max-width: 608px) 100vw, 608px" /></a>
South African rock band BLK JKS are to release a new EP just in time for the World Cup, entitled Zol!. With the title track BLK JKS step away from their usual psychedelic guitar riffs and frenetic drum solos, to produce a summery and upbeat pop song, about soccer… With “I can roll and shoot at the same time” infectiously being proclaimed over some funky bass, a distinctive african rhythm and a sun drenched guitar riff, the song fits perfectly as a soundtrack the excitement and anticipation for the World Cup in South Africa.
<img class="aligncenter" src="https://www.secretlycanadian.com/thumbs/SC217.jpg" alt="Zol!" />
On the 10th July the band will perform alongside Alicia Keys, Amadou & Mariam, Black Eyed Peas, John Legend, Shakira, Tinariwen and others as part of the FIFA World Cup Kick Off Celebration at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, South Africa. The 5 track EP will be released 8th July on Secretly Canadian.
<a href="https://thefader.cachefly.net/blk-jks-zol.mp3">Zol!(mp3)</a>

New: BLK JKS – Zol!

Erykah Badu recently released her latest album New Amerykah Part 2. Return Of The Ankh, a record to partner her previous effort 4th World War. Erykah Badu describes Return of the Ankh as a representation from the right side of her brain, which makes for a carefree and emotionally driven record to contrast the intensity of 4th World War. The album was produced by many, including J Dilla, Questlove, Madlib, James Poyser and Georgia Anne Muldrow who all give it quite a hip-hop edge. The record is so warm and full of bass that it makes you feel fuzzy inside and the hip hop element gives it head bopping addictiveness. All the tracks are superb, however the two standout tracks for me would be Love, produced by the much mourned, late J Dilla and Window Seat. Love is a song comparing adoration and fear to vibratory frequencies, the song is introduced delightfully by Erykah and the beat is a soulful masterpiece that Dilla fans will instantly recognise and love, with the vocals complimenting it perfectly, soulful and catchy. Window Seat is perhaps predictably great for listening on the bus, a super smooth track discussing love and loneliness.
Return of the Ankh brings Erykah Badu back under the spotlight in style, with romantic charm and smooth production.
<a href="https://www.mediafire.com/?miziozymdjq">Love</a>
<a href="https://www.erykahbadu.com/">Official Site</a>

Review: Erykah Badu – New Amerykah Part 2. Return Of The Ankh

<div style="text-align: left;">Darren J. Cunningham, co-runs London record label Werk Disks and also makes his own music under the moniker Actress. Actress first gained a small amount of attention when he released his No Tricks EP back in 2004. After spending a long time writing and promoting his label with influential and important releases from Lukid and dubstep producer Zomby, he finally released his debut LP Hazyville with very high expectations. Although lacking a little in variation, the ambience drenched LP was a short but defining record, clearly displaying Actress’ talent in making original and interesting music.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.honestjons.com/doc_library/Originals/36068.jpg"><img style="cursor: hand; width: 170px; height: 170px;" src="https://www.honestjons.com/doc_library/Originals/36068.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">Soon to release his second album entitled Splazsh, Actress has built a fairly large buzz. Releasing two tracks with Zomby on his blog, an EP entitled Machine and Voice on NonPlus and the single Paint, Straw and Bubbles which includes and remix from Zomby and the album track Maze. For me, the highlight of these releases is Maze, an instantly addictive track built on a base of brutal pulsating synth and a stunning hook that immediately demands your attention, layered with rhythmically arranged bleeps and clicks. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;"> 
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">Actress will soon release his second album Splazsh on a date currently unknown. </div>
<div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0pNmTmYqcc">Maze (youtube)</a> </div>
<div><a href="https://www.thefader.com/2010/01/08/zomby-and-actress-za-mp3s/">Actress/Zomby Tracks</a></div>
<div><a href="https://www.honestjons.com/shop.php?pid=36069&g=1">Buy</a></div>
<div> 
</div>

Introducing: Actress

L.A. electronic musician Daedelus recently released his new EP, entitled Righteous Fists Of Harmony. It is presented as a soundtrack to the failed Chinese resistance (Righteous Fists Of Harmony) against western forces at the turn of the 20th century. If you are already a fan of daedelus, you may know of his ability to create a warm and dense atmosphere, and that is very noticeable throughout the piece. This is a slow paced EP that drifts you from one track to another seamlessly in a wash of strings, harp and carefully thought out electronic noise. Daedelus also includes his wife Laura Darlington, Amir Yaghmai and Kid A all on vocals, all of whom compliment the music delightfully.
<div style="text-align: left;">This EP is a must for anyone who liked his album Denies The Day’s Demiseand anyone who is interested in atmospheric music. The EP is out now on Flying Lotus’ label Brainfeeder and is available on 12″ Vinyl, mp3 or FLAC formats.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.normanrecords.com/records/114613">Buy. (12″)</a> <a href="https://www.boomkat.com/item.cfm?id=288938&highlight=288947">Buy. (mp3/FLAC)</a>
<a href="https://www.mediafire.com/?wnum52wgm">Order Of The Golden Dawn (Feat. Laura Darlington) – Daedelus</a>
</div>

Crack in the Road

NDFSince We Last Met

Luke AbbottHolkham Drones

John Robinson & Lewis Parker: International Summers

The RootsHow I Got Over

Aloe BlaccI Need a Dollar

The World Cup Mix

Born RuffiansWhat To Say

Review: Flying Lotus- Cosmogramma

James BlakeCMYK

BLK JKSZol!

Erykah BaduNew Amerykah Part 2. Return Of The Ankh

Introducing: Actress

DaedelusRighteous Fists Of Harmony