We're working our way into the New Year, and this week marks the first week of new releases in quite a spell. New titles from Chris Lum, Joeski, Lance Desardi, Holmes Ives, Haris & Terry Francis, Steve Porter, and more are up in a day or two. For now, we've got two more exclusive white labels, a few more in-demand titles, and bevy of restocks from the OM Records camp to get you started. Here's a quick peek:

MARKIE MARK & DJ GARTH "The Price" Grayhound (Promo) [House, Tech-house] Hot on the heels of their massive "Anthem #1," Garth and Markie return with a bold and eclectic tech-houser called "The Price." Much in the same tradition as the Floppy Sounds classic "Entertainment," "The Price" is a trippy and twisted house rub with a message--a much-needed outlook in our sometimes frighteningly apolitical dance culture. All the tools are here: The Original Mix, an instrumental version, and the crucial Acapella. Care to express your discontent with America's ridiculous war on everyone? Care to dance in protest? Now you can do both. Famed anarchist Emma Goldman was once quoted as saying, "It ain't my revolution if you can't dance to it." Perhaps this is her Anthem #1. This week's essential pick, hands down.

www.grayhound.net

NECTAR "Liquid Acid" EP Grayhound (Promo) [House, Tech-house] Adam Tenenbaum, who has already made a name for himself with releases under his Nectar and Succulent guises, returns to the Grayhound stable with Nectar's latest Liquid Acid EP. If you've heard the man's unique approach to dubbed-out tech-house before, you might have a clue: "Fairy Trails" is a return to Tenenbaum's moodier side, boasting a Lee Perry-inspired low end bass treatment, a cabal of echoplexed effects and techy stabs, and a firm commitment to the dancefloor. "What Tha?" sounds closer to the London tech-house sound of the moment, while "Glass Acid" explodes with a classy 303 breakbeat. Forward-thinking and genre-clashing, Nectar's excellence is found in his unpredictability. Thumbs up, then.

www.grayhound.net

Also back in on the new release front are the latest records from Fries & Bridges on Nightshift and the excellent Gimme Some Sugar EP on Big Popsicle. If you missed this one the first time around, perk your ears up: Proper San Francisco house and breaks tracks from some of the city's best up-and-coming DJ/producers. Trust me--you're going to want this in your box.

Restocks in this week include incredible releases from Joeski, Photon, Inc. (a classic featuring DJ Pierre and Brancaccio & Aisher remixes), and Tony Senghore, as well as a full and complete restock with OM Records. Check the Restock section for classic titles from Mark Farina, Marques Wyatt, Rithma, Derrick Carter, Dizzy, Soulstice, Fred Everything, and much more.

More new releases on the House and Progressive fronts coming in a matter of
moments. Until then, be good.

(Norman Arenas)