Mike here, & it’s that time again. Issue 66 comes to you in the month that reportedly vinyl sales surpassed those of CDs in the US for the first time since the 1980s! Vinyl records accounted for $232.1 million of music sales in the first half of the year, compared to CDs, which brought in only $129.9 million, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. Now, I was actually surprised that CDs are still being sold in those kind of numbers, but then most of us here at W&S never even really started buying them. I think I have 3 or 4 in total, which were gifts. Any format being sold is a good thing for artists and industry alike though, so this is all positive news.

So, on to the selections: We’re giving you maximum value again this month, as our album is a double. Like last month’s El Michels LP, this is one we’ve been trying to get a hold of for a bit, with the first press running out before we could get our hands on it for you a couple of months ago. Fortunately we were able to work with the label, and get you all copies of The Allergies’ album, “Say the Word.”

With this release, the Bristol duo of Rackabeat and DJ Moneyshot continue their blend of fat laced hip-hop and funk, which you just have to vibe to. This is real party music, liberally sprinkled with quality breaks. The cover art on this gatefold is also some of the loveliest we’ve ever seen, definitely among this year’s top 3 so far. I defy you to not feel good handling and listening to this one.

This month’s 12” comes from Montreal’s Multi Culti label, and is the third in the series of samplers showcasing their offering. We love them for their eclectic selection of influences (Detroit techno, Chicago acid + New York electro, Eno + Bowie, Cage + Reich, Gary Numan + Tangerine Dream) and a wide range of artists from all over the globe.

This release, “Moon Faze Sun Gaze III” includes tunes from South America, Lithuania, Japan and Switzerland, influenced by the Middle East, Mumbai and well, everywhere! It’s tough to pick a favourite here, but I’ll go with Crowdpleaser, teaming up with Egyptian homie Mah'mood for a wistful rendition of pre-Islamic poem Yasmin, featuring beautiful vocals from a Tunisian wedding singer called Habib. Enjoy!