This week's first update is online now at Primalrecords.com, and wow. This week's exclusives are absolutely riveting. A full-length album from Robsoul Recordings mainman (and one-half of Fries & Bridges) Phil Weeks? We've got it months before a full release. The latest from DJ Ali for Deepen Discs? Only here. Exclusive pre-release copies from Joshua Collins, David Duriez, and our very own Justin Corbett? Check this out:

PHIL WEEKS "Yeah, I Like That" LP 2x12" Robsoul (Promo) [House, Tech-house] I hate to toot our own horn, but what the hell. Toot! Our good friend Phil Weeks has given us the ultimate hook-up: Advance DJ copies of his debut artist album, not due out until May of this year! If you've been keeping up with Mr. Weeks, you'll have a good idea of what to expect: Deep and techy house, twisted vocals (often courtesy of the man himself), and a laundry list of suprises including an original Fries & Bridges track ("Zap Earth"), a collaboration with Chicago luminary Diz ("Waiting For Someone"), and the currently-being-caned-by-everyone "Song For Maya." Eight tracks in all, not counting the sprinkled a cappella bits waiting for the savvy mixer. This is the next level.

www.robsoulrecordings.com

DJ ALI "That's The Break" (Original & Ben Neville Mxs) Deepen Discs (Promo) [House, Tech-house] If you can recall our Primal Records Year-End lists, then you'll no doubt recall DJ Ali's name as the producer most name-checked as Artist to Watch this year. Here's why: On this exclusive pre-release, Ali turns in "That's The Break," a classic slice of funky house music underneath mutated vocals and a tight subby bass line. On the flip, Vancouver resident Ben Neville flips the remix with a housey breaks feel that does a little mutation of its own--into a fat and chunky four-to-the-floor houser with a dancefloor agenda. Can I pick both sides?

www.deepen.cc

JUSTIN CORBETT "Monolith / Stasis" Slow Motion Sequence (Promo) [Progressive, Tech-house, Breaks] Another breakout talent from the Primal Records stable: Our very own Justin Corbett presents his debut artist release and the first release for his Slow Motion Sequence imprint. This one won't be headed to distributors until after the Conference, but we've got the exclusive pre-release. "Stasis" is a quality deep progressive houser in the early Bedrock vein, while "Monolith" is my pick--funky, dubby, techy, slightly breakbeat, cut-up, and an absolutely massive b-line. We can't really pigeonhole this one into a genre, but trust me. If Lee Burridge and Craig Richards' Tyrant night at Fabric is currently inspiring you, you'll want to hear this one.

www.slowmotionsequence.com

JOSHUA COLLINS "Token Ring" EP Grayhound (Promo) [House, Tech-house] Speaking of genre-blending, Chicago's Josh Collins returns to the Grayhound fold this week with the follow-up to his hugely well-received New Found Notions EP. In my opinion, this one is even stronger: "Never Let Go," the focus cut on this 3-tracker, continues in Collins' tradition of atmospheric and dubby tech-house, while the flip goes deep on "Frodo" and ruthlessly funky on "Melodic Feedback." It's an exercise in diversity, and as always, Collins delivers in a big way.

www.grayhound.net

DAVID DURIEZ "Buggin Da Headphones / Keep House Underground" Robsoul (Promo) [House, Tech-house] Another exclusive from Phil Weeks' Robsoul camp and
this one is extremely limited. The latest from David Duriez is a hip-hop meets Chicago house masterpiece--by the numbers, it's all about the 303 and the 808 here. On the flip, Duriez hands in a darker moment with "Keep House Underground," a compelling tribal tech-houser that's more Peace Division than Derrick Carter, but righteous nonetheless. First come, first serve, as always.

www.robsoulrecordings.com

Lots more in this week, and I want to write about it all, but here's the shortlist: New remix and production work from Jay-J & Kelvin K (the loooong-awaited release of "One Day," finally!), Laron (wanted to give this a separate review, but Christ, this one is good!), Simon feat. Latrice Barnett, Robin Porter & EBE, Meat Katie and Lee Coombs, Isolee, Afro Deep, Alexi Delano, Slide, Life Project (new faces to watch, trust me), and much more.

New label output from Miguel Migs' Transport imprint, Shva Muzik, Kingsize, Nite Grooves, Advance, Multitracked, Future Dreams,Statra, Method, and Finger Lickin', amongst others, is also in.

And don't forget: More restocks from Robsoul are in--including a very limited amount of Fries & Bridges' Uprock 3000 Vol. 1 EP--as well as a full restock of Iz & Diz's "Love It, Dub It," remixed by Mark Farina and Fred Everything. If you missed it before, now's your chance.

Also, be sure to check out our fine and stylish line of merchandise from Tango and Nightshift. We've got sweatshirts from both labels, just in time for those chilly April showers.

www.primalrecords.com/merchandise

More to come this week, including new releases from Random Factor, Home &
Garden, and Blakkat, are on the way. Watch this space.

(Norman Arenas)