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DEFENDED LABELS
6 Hole Records
Buzzin’fly Records
Defend Music
Eastern Development
Flo Spot Records
Go Kart Films
North Street Records
Red Parlor
Salted Music
The LA Underground
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Sam Champion
Heavenly Bender
North Street Records
September 2008
Good old hard work is how Sam Champion has got where they are. This record has been four years in the making. During this godblessed time the Champ went from wearing their influences—the Replacements, Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac, Booker T & The MG’s, Crazy Horse, Dylan—on their sleeves to amalgamating all those old good songs into something great and new. |
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The Silent Years
The Globe
Defend Music
August 2008
The Silent Years are a 6 member band from Detroit Michigan. After releasing a self titled album in 2006 and touring endlessly the band has built up a serious following in Detroit. They’ve broadened their fan base nationally by touring constantly and building national critical acclaim. The Globe is a collection of songs which reflect on humanity and the human experience itself. Through varying tales which shift focus from the minute to the abstract and gradually expand to the universal. |
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David Olney
Live at Norm's River Roadhouse Vol. 1
Red Parlor
August 2008
David Olney & Sergio Webb along with percussionist Jack Irwin give an electrifying 76 min. performance, beautifully recorded live at one of Nashville's hottest music venues. Limited Pressing- Packaged by Nashville's historic Hatch Show Print.
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Tab the Band
Long Weekend
North Street Records
August 2008
Power trio Tab the Band release their second, the self produced Long Weekend.Wasting no time at all, following hot on the heels of last year's much loved gem "Pulling Out Just Enough To Win", the boys of Tab headed back to their home studio to craft another of their rough and tumble rock records.On this second release, the guys stretched the spectrum, some songs heavier and some more poppy. The album's theme is about a girl living in the ritzy outskirts of a big city, messing around with her absentee parents' rich friends, taking trips to the city on her own and living dangerously. |
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Titsworth
12 Steps
Plant Music
August 2008
A clever combination of hip-hop attitude and house music energy, Baltimore club has proven to be the answer to the "what's next?" question. Smack dab in the middle of this wave is Washington D.C. bred dj/producer Jesse Tittsworth, who for the past few years has been lighting up blogs and dancefloors with his edits and
remixes galore. |
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Various
5 Golden Years in the Wilderness Unmixed & Selected by Ben Watts
Buzzin Fly
August 2008
Ben Watt’s Buzzin' Fly Records blows out the candles on its 5th birthday cake this year and to celebrate the label presents a sumptuously appointed triple CD unmixed album, two parts retrospective, one part future-facing. |
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Joy Askew
The Pirate Eel Pie
Red Parlor
April 2008
The 5th solo album from highly esteemed U.K. vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Joy Askew is a rare gem.
Joy Askew should be heard by everyone immediately. She is someone you will never forget." -- Bill Bentley |
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Miguel Migs
Those Things Remixed
Salted Music
March 2008
San Francisco based icon Miguel Migs' latest album Those Things Remixed is a collaborative effort by artists who worked hard to create unique interpretations for his 2007 album “Those Things.” This new remix album on Salted Music features a wide range of artists from Faze Action to Rasmus Faber. Primarily a house CD, Migs has been able to blur the lines between genres and is sure to satisfy even newcomers to the electronic scene. Be sure to tune into Miguel's webpage or MySpace for updates and details on his tour schedule. |
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TempoShark
The Invisible Line
Defend Music
March 2008
An iTunes "Staff Favorite" & featured band on MySpace, UK electro-rock band Temposhark’s debut CD, The Invisible Line, is peppered with cool collaborations; including Imogen Heap, Guy Sigsworth & Sean McGhee |
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Mlle Caro and Frank Garcia
Pain Disappears
Buzzin' Fly
March 2008
Mlle Caro & Franck Garcia’s “Pain Disappears.” A magnificent blend of minimal house, experimental electronica and indie-pop, “Pain Disappears” is an essential piece of music and it’s positioned to be the crossover album of 2008.
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Chaundon
Carnage
Defend Distribution
February 2008
Chaundon is a member of the Hall of Justus. He first gained fame on the mix tape circuit and has grown in popularity with each tape put out. Chaundon has the star power and lyrical prowess of the legendary emcees of yesterday. With production from Grammy Award winner 9th Wonder and G-Units own Ill Mind, this album is a must have. |
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Yak Ballz
Scifentology
FloSpot
January 2008
Scifentology II, the follow-up to the wildly popular first installment promises more of that unique Five Borough-flavor only one of the most talented MCs on any level can provide. Yak spits rap for real, something you feel. By touring heavily across the globe and expanding his loyal fan base with his memorable stage show, Yak is poised to be at the forefront of independent Hip Hop music with the release of Scifentology II. |
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Loren-Paul Caplin
The Lucky Ones
Go Kart Films
January 2008
A terrible violent event has occurred. A troubled TV tabloid journalist seems to be at the center of it. What exactly happened and how someone's life could intersect with such an event...is the story of The Lucky Ones.
Lorenzo is a live reporter from Fame-TV a schlocky cable channel that is barely one step higher on the food chain then public access. After one of his earlier tabloid stories takes a dark and particularly sleazy turn, the duality of his existence intensifies and he is drawn inexorably toward a greater understanding and ultimately the redemption of his life.
The Lucky ones is a rumination on the conflicting values of a society and on the people who embody all of our dreams... the lucky ones. |
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Jozeemo
Cry Now Laf Later
Defend Distribution
November 2007
Jozeemo is part of the acclaimed Hall of Justus group, who's most famous offspring, Little Brother and 9th Wonder, are now hip hop household names. Raised on the infamous East Durham (North Carolina) streets, Jozeemo has long been a fixture in the mixtape circuit. He is also featured on new albums by Little Brother (Getback) and 9th Wonder Dream Merchant Vol 2). |
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Kasper Bjørke
In Gumbo
Defend Distribution/ Plant Music
October 2007
Danish DJ and producer Kasper Bjørke is a man with a mission. To make beautiful music that comes from the dance floor but is also great to listen to in your living room or riding your bicycle. In Gumbo is destined to become an electronic classic. |
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9th Wonder
Dream Merchant Volume 2
6 hole
October 2007
Dream Merchants Vol 2 is a collection of 9th Wonder’s newest beats featuring Royce Da 5’9” , the Justus League crew, Little Brother, Mos Def, Jean Grae, Memphis Bleek, Camp Lo, Sean Price, Skyzoo, and more. |
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Various
Justin Martin presents Chaos Restored
Buzzin Fly
October 2007
San Francisco’s Justin Martin is ‘one of the best US producers making European music right now’ according to i-DJ magazine. Laurent Garnier calls him ‘funky as hell’ and Ben Watt’s acclaimed Buzzin’ Fly imprint brings you his debut mix album. |
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Director: Sergio Lapel
The Pigs
Go Kart Films
October 2007
A group of middle-aged men want out of their marriages, so they hire an ex-mercenary to do the dirty work. Before long, everyone wants in on the action, and the wives of a sleepy coastal town find themselves on the endangered gender list. |
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The Kin
Rise and Fall
Defend Music
October 2007
Quietly considered one of New York City's most promising independent acts.The Kin’s sound is a dynamic exchange between Australian brothers Isaac and Thorry Koren. These multi-talented musicians not only write their own material, they also play multiple instruments, creating a rare and audibly stunning experience. |
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The Big Lie
The Big Lie
Defend Music
October 2007
Collectively, the members of The Big Lie are veterans of many bands. They have created this tremendous full-length album and subsequently disappeared because… they were never really there. |
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G&D
The Message Uni Versa
Look Records
September 2007
Georgia Anne Muldrow and Dudley Perkins unite as G&D with their fusion of original funk and dusted hip-hop. This is a soul revolution and G&D are fearless. |
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The Glass
Couple’s Therapy
Plant Music/Defend Distribution
September 2007
Couples Therapy, a seven song EP, goes from the dance floor to the bedroom and back again with a unique blend of New York Punk, Old School Rave, Hip-Hop, Indie and Madchester. |
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9th Wonder
Sunday
6Hole
September 2007
The second single from 9th Wonder’s Dream Merchants Vol 2. “Sunday,” features Chaundon and Keisha Shontelle, with summery vibes of weekend BBQs and parties. The B side, “Last Time,” is another banger featuring Royce 5’9, Vandalyzm and Knowledge. |
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Baby Elephant
Turn Me Teeth Up!
GFM/Defend Distribution
September 2007
Prince Paul's first project after his smash Handsome Boy Modeling School, teams him with funk legend Bernie Worrell and co-conspirator Newkirk. This funk/soul triumph features David Byrne, George Clinton, Shock G, Nona Hendryx, and more. |
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Bernie Worrell
Improvisczario
GFM/Defend Distribution
September 2007
A modern masterpiece of instrumental music by legend Bernie Worrell. 'Improviszario' features Warren Haynes (Govt Mule), Mike Gordon (Phish) and Will Calhoun (Living Colour). |
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A.R.E. Weapons
Modern Mayhem
Defend Music
September 2007
Filled with edginess, intensity, and crude rock attitude, Modern Mayhem captures the grittiness of NYC’s highs and lows and sucks you into the darkened venues hidden in New York’s Lower East Side. |
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Leyode
Fascinating Tininess…
Eastern Developments
June 2007
LEYODE debuts with Laurel Wells’ beautiful haunting lush vocals and harmonies, painted over Yusuke Hama’s scenic landscapes of backbeats that bloom into spring. |
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Tina Dico
In the Red Special Edition
Defend Music
June 2007
Tina Dico’s hit album In the Red is re-released in a Special Edition set with 2 Discs. The first includes Tina’s original album the second includes a Live Acoustic Set recorded at Copenhagen Jazzhouse. Also includes two versions of the hit song “One” as heard on Grey’s Anatomy. |
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chris and thomas
Land of Sea
Defend Music
June 2007
With sounds gathered from the landscapes of the American southwest and their unique way of performing live, chris and thomas, have made themselves a name in the Los Angeles club circuit. Now with their debut full length chris and thomas are sent to take their act national in a big way. |
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Kate Walsh
Tim’s House
Defend Music
June 2007
Kate’s debut album proper. A soothing, richly sensual work. Packing heart-stoppingly beautiful songs; the album has maturity and finesse way beyond Kate’s years. Put simply, its remarkable. |
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Ben Watt
Buzzin Fly Volume 4
Buzzin Fly
May 2007
This is the fourth installment of the ultra popular mix series compiled by former Everything but the Girl frontman and Buzzin Fly labelhead Ben Watt. It is a bracingly fresh collection and marks out Buzzin Fly as a label with a distinct and unique sound. |
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Phat Kat
Carte Blanche
Look Records
May 2007
Legendary Detroit emcee and original J-Dilla collaborator Phat Kat brings the “D”’s underground hip-hop sound to the forefront with Carte Blanche. Featuring previously-unreleased Dilla tracks, plus collaborations with Elzhi and T3 (Slum Village), Truth Hurts, and Guilty Simpson, Carte Blanche is a rugged, hardcore ride through the life and times of Phat Kat, aka Ronnie Cash. |
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Various
Go Commando with JDH and Dave P
Defend Music
March 2007
FIXED DJs JDH and Dave P throw down a mix that continues the Go Commando promise of the best electro house bangers that will keep you up all night. Featuring tracks from The Rapture, The Knife, Gossip, Four Tet, Joakim, Soulwax and more! |
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Soft Circle
Full Bloom
Eastern Developments
February 2007
Hisham Akira Bharoocha, formerly of Black Dice and Lightning Bolts debuts as Soft Circle. Full Bloom’s fuses the drum experiments of Boredoms, the world-psychedelia of Gang Gang Dance, and the warm intensity of My Bloody Valentine. 7 tracks of pure blissful energy. He has a successful art career, and also plays with the band: PIXLETAN(ON DFA). |
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One Man Army
Project F.E.T.U.S
the L.A. underground
February 2007
Finally, One Man Army’s Project: F.E.T.U.S. (For Everyone That UnderStands) is available - re-mastered and revamped with added material on Disc Two. One Man Army’s commanding vocals and thought stimulating lyrics are complimented by the production of Decompoze, the producer for Binary Star. |
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Cyssero
Protégé of the Game
Affiliated
January 2007
Cyssero's Protege of The Game is a refreshing re-birth of East coast rap. This IS the new breed and Cyssero shows it on the CD featuring The Game and Akon. The motivation behind it is simple: Cyssero wants to allow the listener to see that it's not the deal you have, it's not the features you have, it’s the force of delivery and force of flow that draws you to the flame. |
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Decompoze
Decompozition
the L.A. underground
January 2007
Decompoze, the unofficial third member of Binary Star, did majority of the production for that Hip-Hop Classic, Masters of the Universe. Finally, his solo debut, Decomposition, which is sure to become another classic. All fans of Hip-Hop can agree on one thing, Decompoze embodies the true essence of real Hip-hop. |
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Director: Christopher Martin
Welcome to Durham
Defend Films
January 2007
Welcome to Durham illustrates how gang violence is no longer the exclusive domain of urban cities like Los Angeles and Chicago. There are over 20 organized gangs in Durham, constantly attracting new members from all ethnic backgrounds. Through unprecedented access to this culture, this film offers a frank, unblinking look into the lives of local gangs, including the Bloods and Crips, and how they live in the shadow of violence and under the constant threat of death. |
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Sam Champion
Heavenly Bender
9/9/08
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Buzzin' Fly 5th Anniversary album receives praise
Buzzin' Fly - 5 Golden Years in the Wilderness, Unmixed & Selected by Ben Watt has been getting a ton of praise from the press in the past few weeks. Check out some of the quotes below:
Time Out NY - (5 Stars) "Rambling from clubland jackers to sprawling epic house and gorgeous deep material, the compilation covers rare range in this era of specialization, and its attention to quality is even more uncommon."
XLR8R - "Wilderness proves that Buzzin’ Fly has managed to churn out some of the finest club-house (Justin Martin’s breezy “Sad Piano”) and gastro-pub soundtracks (Jimpster’s downtempo masterpiece “Square Up”) of the 21st century."
BPM - "The unmixed set (perfect for DJs and collectors) features a treasure trove of fiery dancefloor nuggets from the now-legendary imprint’s vaults – past, present and future."
UR Chicago - "This three-disc collection features 27 tracks hand-selected by Watt, giving listeners dancefloor grooves, down-tempo rhythms and vocal-driven songs...a solid package showcasing Watt’s continued creative journey."
Time Out Chicago - "The highlights from label staples such as Justin Martin are too many to mention—but remixes from Charles Webster and Radio Slave make this a must."
Ben Watt is featured and interveiwed on Earplug. Buzzin' Fly - 5 Golden Years in the Wilderness, Unmixed & Selected by Ben Watt will be out August 12th on Buzzin' Fly Records.
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Yak Ballz on Tour
It seems Yak Ballz never stops the grind. This August, he will be heading out on the road in support of Aesop Rock. Check the dates below:
August 15 in Boston, MA @ Roxy Theatre
August 16 in New Haven, CT @ Toad’s Place
August 19 in Philadephia, PA @ Trocadero Theatre
August 20 in Washington DC @ 9:30 Club
August 22 in Columbus, OH @ Skully’s
August 23 in Chicago, IL @ Abbey Pub
August 26 in Duluth, MN @ Pizza Luce
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Yak Ballz talks to MTV2
Yak Ballz fresh of appearances on two Paid Dues tour dates was interviewed by MTV2 about how he prepares for his show. Check out the video below also playing now on MTV2.
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Defend Distribution Welcomes North Street Records
North Street Records was born on the streets of New York City in early 2004. Since then, founder Chris Howerton and his long time buddy and co-founder, Joshua Builder, have been working hard to release and promote great music. New York is a big city with a lot of competition, but teaming up with innovative and creative bands, like Dirty on Purpose, Sam Champion, and TAB The Band, has enabled the label to accomplish goals with ease and efficiency. In addition to a grassroots approach to promotion and marketing, NSR attributes much of its success to combining forces with like-minded and highly motivated individuals. The label looks forward to contributing even more to the already booming independent music scene in the years to come.
We look forward to North Streets first release: TAB The Band will release Long Weekend on August 26th!
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Buzzin Fly Records 5th Anniversary 3-disc CD to be released
Ben Watt’s Buzzin' Fly Records blows out the candles on its 5th birthday cake this year; and to celebrate, the label presents a sumptuously appointed triple-CD unmixed album: two parts retrospective, one part future-facing. Buzzin' Fly - 5 Golden Years in the Wilderness, Unmixed & Selected by Ben Watt includes three discs. The first (subtitled 'Up') is, quite simply, ten of the hottest floor tracks the label has released. Historically, the story begins with Ben Watt's own 'Lone Cat'. The second (subtitled 'Down') is a different journey. Handpicked by Watt himself, it represents the deeper recesses of the imprint's output. The 3rd (subtitled 'Forward') is a clutch of brand new recently-signed tracks pointing ahead--more from the label that prides itself on helping new first-time producers.
Look for Buzzin' Fly - 5 Golden Years in the Wilderness, Unmixed & Selected by Ben Watt in stores August 12th.
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Baltimore DJ releases his 1st full length album on Plant Music
A clever combination of hip-hop attitude and house music energy, Baltimore club music has proven to be the answer to the "what's next?" question in Hip Hop. Smack dab in the middle of this wave is Washington D.C.-bred dj/producer Jesse Tittsworth, who for the past few years has been lighting up blogs and dance floors with his edits and remixes galore. This formerly obscure music man has been on a non-stop whirlwind of touring, notching up festivals and headlining clubs in just about any place on earth where club music means anything.
Tittsworth's album 12 Steps is out August 12th and features appearances by Baltimore superstars, Spank Rock and Kid Sister.
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Yak Ballz Featured in URB Magazine Podcast
YakBallz has been featured on the URB Magazine Online podcast. Yak's New Album, Scifentology II is set to be released Jan 29th, and will be a huge hit for the opening of 2008! Check out the podast here and be sure check out the album at the end of the month!
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Yak Ballz Scifentology 2 Record Release Party Jan 31st !
Join the crew for the Scifentology II record release party, January 31st 2008 at REBELNYC (251 W 30th between 7th & 8th). Featuring performances by Yak Ballz - House of Blow - Slow Suicide Stimulus - Peter Toh - Benn Grimm. DJ sets by Jedi and Melski, and other special guests!
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Amazing Reviews for Mlle Caro and Frank Garcia's "Pain Disappears"
Mlle Caro and Frank Garcia's new album "Pain Disappears" has received some exciting reviews and publicity from a number of different sources. Earplug, listed it among their top albums to watch for in'08. Yahoo's Music Blog has labeled the first track Always You as "Blissful Downtempo." Textura Calls the album a "captivating debut." ...Pain Disappears showcases Mlle Caro (Mademoiselle Caroline Laher) and her Perpignan-based collaborator Franck Garcia's deft command of multiple styles, including dance-pop, minimal house, New Wave, electro, disco, and even deeply felt balladry.
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Textura & DJ Fix Feature Justin Martin
Two recent features on Justin Martin's Chaos Restored CD.
DJ Fix says: "You gotta love success stories that start like this... at the Miami music conference, Justin's brother handed the legendary Ben Watt (you know, founder of the Buzzin Fly label) Justin's production demo CD. Ben signed the opening track, "The Sad Piano," as soon as he got back to London..., Justin Martin was well on his way.
Textura says: Justin Martin's your guide on this scenic tour through his new Buzzin' Fly mix disc Chaos Restored... Though rooted in San Francisco, the Dirtybird founding member and DJ joined Ben Watt's London-based Buzzin' Fly label in 2003 and, after garnering acclaim for singles like “The Sad Piano” and “The Fugitive,” now makes his album-length debut with an infectious party mix laid down in San Francisco in July 2007.
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Baby Elephant Pitchfork Review
Pitchfork gave Baby Elephant a 7.0 in their review of the album today.
Says Pitchfork: ...the Paul-Worrell collaboration Turn My Teeth Up! works better than both Handsome Boy Modeling School albums...[Worrell]Worrell, delivers the same kind of mad-scientist liveliness that made his work so vital in the 1970s...it's an ideal dose of funk weirdness, so deep it's gone past the knees and all the way up to the brain.
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The Glass: Spin's Artist of the Day - September 27, 2007
Spin.com has made The Glass their 'Artist of the Day' today.
Says Spin of The Glass' EP Couples Therapy (Out Now): "..a boisterous orgy of New Order-like rhythms and dramatic vocals with such a manic guitar lick, it could set any dance floor on fire."
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Pitchfork reviews Defend's upcoming releases - September 26, 2007
Pitchfork recently did write ups on a couple of Defend Distribution's upcoming releases.
Check out what Pitchfork has to say about G&D (Georgia Anne Muldrow and Dudley Perkins.) Their album The Message Uni Versa is out now.
Baby Elephant is a project from Prince Paul and Bernie Worrell out now. Pitchfork recently did a news piece on.
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XLR8R reviews Justin Martin's Chaos Restored
XLR8R has great things to say about Justin Martin's new mix CD Chaos Restored (out in October on Buzzin Fly). Along with a piece in the upcoming issue XLR8R online says:
As its name suggests, the sampler is all about breaking down house norms, keeping the intensity of standard house while adding a little quirk and wit into peak-time dancefloor smashers.
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Prince Paul and Bernie Worrell are Baby Elephant
Check out the host of reviews surrounding the release of Prince Paul's highly anticipated Baby Elephant project.
Urb says: Turn My Teeth Up has Prince Paul and Bernie Worrell, collectively known as Baby Elephant, doing what they do best: Worrell makes ridiculously fresh sounds on the keyboard and separating these concoctions are Prince Paul's near genius skits.
Impose says: Baby Elephant is like a music freak’s dream come true.
AllHipHop.com says: The trio works as a one-off supergroup brought together for Turn My Teeth Up, an album that’s difficult to categorize but definitely benefits from the deep history that each of its musicians bring to the table.
Baby Elephant Turn My Teeth Up! is out now on Godforsaken Music/ Defend Distribution.
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Welcome to Defend Distribution!
Welcome to our new site! We will be adding new updates for all of our distributed family here in the news section. Please cruise around and check out our 2007 releases, our 'Labels' page to learn about everybody we work with and our 'Services' to learn about what we do.
Check back soon there will be much news and new releases to come!
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