While Norman is motoring his way across Europe for the next week or so, we're here chugging away with 35+ new releases and restocks in all sections of the store. Here's the hit list:

JADO "Chase tha Cat / What What?" Anonymous Jado, better known for his work with Dizzy for releases for the Doubledown/Lowdown label group, offers up a solo outing for the second release on the San Diego-based Anonymous Recordings. First off, "Chase tha Cat" starts off with a tight, shuffling percussive groove and spaced-out effect stabs before moving straight into a funked-up undulating bassline. Various vocal samples play off each other, and a tight key line keeps popping up for the duration of the track to keep things moving along nicely. On the flip, my pick goes to "What What?" which heads straight for the dancefloor with it's tough beats, acidic bass groove, spaced-out pads, and tripped-out samples.

http://www.anonymousrecordings.com

JT DONALDSON "Simple Pleasures / Leave Your World" Icon The ever-prolific Mr. Donaldson serves up two tracks of quality on Texas label Icon. "Simple Pleasures" is a funky, soulful groover that has an undeniable Chicago shuffle to the beats and the bass, while also simultaneously giving a nod to the West Coast with a filtered horn loop and some subdued space effects. "Leave Your World" has a little bit of a 2nd Shift feel to it, with its female vox, electric bass loop, and smooth key stabs making it perfectly engineered for the deeper floors.

EARTH DEULEY "Decomposition / Four Dimensions" Low Pressings Quickly becoming a store favorite, Earth Deuley churns out the latest Low Pressings release and hypnotic doesn't even begin to describe this one. Both of these tracks groove on like there's no tomorrow, and once you start listening, you honestly can't stop. Tight percussion, subterranean basslines, eerie atmospheres and foreboding vocal samples all lend equally to the vibe. It's no wonder why Clive Henry and Justin Drake (of Peace Division) are all over this.

SASHA "Airdrawndagger" 3x12" LP Kinetic Since the mid-’90s, promises from Sasha that the album "was coming soon," quickly turned into an industry joke as anticipation grew as to when the ever-elusive album would actually be completed. Well, here we are in 2002 and the long-overdue artist album is here. Co-produced by Charlie May (of Spooky fame), Tom Holkenborg (better known as Junkie XL), Simon Wright, and James Holden, Airdrawndagger's collaborators comprise a veritable who's-who of progressive house. Nine tracks in all, ranging from the sublime downbeat styles of "Mr. Tiddles" and "Dremples," to the tough, tech grooves of "Magnetic North," and the undeniably club friendly sounds of "Boileroom" and "Bloodlock." Airdrawndagger is at the top of my chart this month and has already started creeping it's way into my all-time list, so in other words, I love it.

http://www.djsasha.com

Other hot releases and remixes come from Freestyle Man, Tarantella:Redanka, DJ Vitamin D, Way Out West, Swag, Ian Wilkie, The Little Men, Deep Funk Project, Slam, and the 6400 Crew pres. Tony Hewitt.

And as Norman says, be good!

(Justin Corbett)