Background Video

Japanese producer Meitei’s album ‘Komachi’ takes inspiration from ‘80s and ‘90s Japanese icons such as Susumu Yokota and features twelve minimalist, jazzy ambient tracks. It’s haunting, delicate and very much recommended by us!

In September 2019, Japanese label Superfly brought us the eagerly-awaited reissue of Ayizan’s ‘Dilijans’ LP. Recorded in NYC in 1984, this gem features five incredibly smooth spiritual jazz masterpieces led by Haitian genius Alix Pascal. This one is really something special!

An exceptional album, one of our favourite genre hybrids here at Phonica. Reissued with the help of Warp records. For the best part of 5 years Stereolab experimented and toured their unique sound across the globe, bringing a mixture of Krautrock, exotica, jazz and early electronica. Considered by many as a high watermark for the band, 'Dots & Loop's' consolidated their studio expertise with their honed group playing. The album features guest players Sean O'Hagan (Ex-Microdisney) and John McEntire (Tortoise).

An off-the-radar fave here for some of us in the shop, originally released in 2003, but only on CD, under the name of singer, guitarist, keyboard player and songwriter for Prefab Sprout, Paddy McAloon. If gorgeously recorded orchestral strings, and mainly instrumental music is your thing (with the odd bit of well placed poetry) you definitely need to buy this and listen all the way through in one sitting, quite simply a stunning masterpiece. Conceived and recorded after McAloon was diagnosed with a medical condition that seriously affected his vision, the audio has been remastered for this reissue and also features new artwork and some sleeve notes written by Paddy McAloon, who clearly thinks this sits better in the Prefab Sprout canon ““I thought we could do anything. And Megahertz is true to that spirit. The music here is of a piece with everything I’ve ever written. It’s from the heart.The album was never issued on vinyl at the time, so this is its debut on the format and it comes as a double LP set (with download code) – audio across three sides and and etched side B.

In December 2019 Nexus 21’s classic 'The Rhythm Of Life’ LP from 1989 received a much-deserved reissue to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Ten of the group’s iconic raw house and techno masterpieces feature on this excellent double 12”. Very much recommended!

Zann’s sought-after LP ‘Strange Ways / Inside Jungle’ was originally released as a private press in 1990. Now, thanks to Isle Of Jura, this experimental, Middle & Far Eastern eight tracker finally receives a full reissue. Top!

Music From Memory does it again! This time its Música Esporádica’s ultra-rare and ultra-smooth self-titled ambient experiments from 1895 that receive the full reissue treatment. Perfect home listening material!

Originally released in 1992, Trans-4M’s ambient-house and dreamy trip-hop styled album 'Sublunar Oracles' was reissued via Young Marco’s Safe Trip label during the summer months of 2019. The perfect soundtrack to a hot and hazy summer’s day!

A highly creative album, Michael O’Shea made his own instruments out of an old door, some strings and chopsticks and combined them with phasers and echo units to create a truly unique experimental/folk sound. Definitely one of the more interesting reissues that passed through the shop in 2019!

Selva Discos and Optimo Music joined forces to reissue this irresistible slab of late ‘70s / early ‘80s Brazilian gold. Touching on elements of ambient, jazz and experimental music, with Afro and Latin influences, as well as a strong political message, this album is truly unique.

Twelve of CFCF's ultra-breezy Balearic and downtempo gems feature on this sublime album from 2015. We were very pleased to see this one get a reissue!

Five years after its original, digital-only release, this epic album from our favourite Dutchman Legowelt finally received a much-deserved vinyl release thanks to Solander Recording Company. All kinds of trippy, spaced-out ambient goodness split across this 3xLP!

Originally released in 1986, Yutaka Hirose's Nova has since become one of the most fascinating Japanese minimalist/ambient/environmental albums of all time. WRWTFWW Records have been making some giant blimps on our radar over the course of the past twelve months.

Hardcore Nigerian psychedelic Juju Funk recorded in the Acorn studios in 1977. If you’re looking for some seriously raw and hypnotic funk sounds, then look no further!

Habibi Funk gave us this gem of an album from Casablanca - recorded in 1973 but never officially released. Traditional Gnawa sounds meet funky electronic guitars and air-tight percussions, split across seven highly infectious tracks. Its a real scorcher!

Jeff Majors’ ultra-rare private press spiritual jazz LP ‘For Us All (Yoka Boka)’ received a much-deserved reissue via Invisible City Editions towards the end of 2019. Originally released in 1986, this stunning LP features nine glistening and cosmic jazz masterpieces. Just what you’d expect from one of Alice Coltrane’s former students!

Back in January, Mr Bongo delivered the incredible reissue of Akofa Akoussah’s self-titled album from 1976. Rich, percussive and soulful folk music from the masterful Togolese singer. Stunning!

Joanna Brouk’s 1980 album 'The Space Between’ was previously only available on three rare cassette tapes until Numero Group came along and gave it a much-needed vinyl reissue. Four mesmerising new age masterpieces feature here. A good one to zone out to!

This once overlooked album by Jan Jelinek was given a new lease of life in 2019, some twenty years after its initial release, courtesy of Fatiche Records. Dusty, glitchy IDM, minimal house and techno goodness all over this one!

Although this is a reissue it was a new name to us, this beautiful ambient album drawing on classical composition and acoustic stylings, commanding a deep tranquil spirituality. This feels like a timeless LP, swaying from folky nostalgia to inspired jazz movements. Limited to 300 copies, including a booklet with illustrations and texts.