2008/01 Digital Picks
I decided to inaugurate a new posting category with links to the latest and greatest digital downloads available for purchase. My personal preference is for lossless files of previously vinyl-only releases. (I’m an iPod and Squeezebox addict.) I’m not receiving referral fees from any of these links—these are just my personal favorites. (Though I certainly wouldn’t turn away any gift certificates!)
On the IDM front, the Funcken brothers (who I interviewed a few years ago) have issued their huge back-catalog of releases for download at Boomkat. Juno Download has them too (though not grouped under a single label for easy linking), as does Bleep (but only as MP3s). These days I’m gravitating away from the earlier, more abstract aliases Cenik, Quench, and Funckarma, and focusing on the acid- and hip-hop-influenced ones Cane, Mystery Artist, and Shadow Huntaz. Some reviews here.
Moving on into the realm of dub techno, there’s an embarrassment of riches. Boomkat has “Dark Days” by MLZ and an untitled Echospace track, both on their own label Modern Love. I believe they are the only label so far to negotiate download rights for a Rod Modell project. Juno Download and Beatport have XDB’s only digitally available EP, the “Descap” reissue on Deep Space Media. Beatport also just added Bvdub’s Requited Love release from Styrax Records.
There’s some great traditional and experimental techno out there as well. Beatport recently scored releases from three Hard Wax-distributed German labels: Marcell Dettmann Records, Workshop, and SubSolo. And while not new additions, I’ve been enjoying intelligent Detroit-style techno from these three labels, available at all of the usual sources (though oddly some stores have a more complete selection than others): AW-Recordings (Juno, Beatport, Boomkat), Down Low Music (Juno, Beatport), and Frantic Flowers (Juno, Bleep, Beatport, Boomkat).
That’s it until next time. Remember to make a good backup of your purchases!
