Is this the 12th volume of the 21st Century Roots series? It's been a long time since we plunged into all those new roots reggae, dub, dancehall, ska and hip hop grooves that are getting released all over the world. We've included the stellar reggae remix of Selah Sue by our operator Grant Phabao for those who haven't got the free virtual release yet, and a superb unreleased remix from our irie Greek collegue Blend Mishkin, who graced us with a visit last year and should be back for the World People series of mixes on Paris DJs very soon. This is a 15 track selection out of thousands listened...

Various - Shapes 11:01 - Compiled by Robert Luis
(2CD/LP with 2CD) Tru Thoughts TRUCD/LP239, 2011-10-10

The new bi-annual Shapes compilation from Tru Thoughts Recordings is coming out in october and once again it's full of classic tracks, new signatures and exlusives for a very cheap price tag. The first CD is a nice selection of horizontal grooves, songs & electronica from the vast palette of style from the label's recent output. Among the discoveries : new signings Anchorsong from Japan, and his trippy live downtempo music, Lossy from East London, a duo of jazz-infused electronica, groovy, soulful and uplifting trip hop, a new track from songstress Kinny, the kind of perfect sweetness for the ears to rub yourself into, the glorious reggae interpretation of the Dr Who Theme by the Smerins Anti-Social Club (only available on a strictly limited 45 for record store day before) and of the Dr. Dre hit Nuthin' But A 'G' Thing cover in cumbia mode by Quantic Y Su Conjunto Los Miticos Del Ritmo (only available on a limited Serato 12 inch before). The second disc is a more clubby, uptempo affair, with a tendancy towards crunchy or bassy speed-ambient. Among the notable new stuff are the afro-wobbly remix by Débruit of Saravah Soul is killer bouncy electro deconstructivism, Hint bringing hard to describe, crazy & addictive dance thingies to the table, and label honcho Rob Luis alias Nirobi who's also there with his heavy bass and percussive dancefloor beats to rock the roof off. Djouls - Paris DJs

Smerins Anti-Social Club - Dr Who (feat. Tenor Fly)
(Limited 7") Tru Thoughts TRU7234, 2011-04-16

Since 2002, Smerins Anti-Social Club have been keeping crowds jumping with their acclaimed performances in packed-out venues and muddy fields across the United Kingdom. Now the Bristol-based eight-piece have teamed up with Tru Thoughts records to release an ultra-dubby version of live favourite, Doctor Who. An instrumental take of the track is already available on Tru Thoughts' latest Shapes compilation, while the single, featuring guest vocalist Tenor Fly (Freestylers, Congo Natty), will be released in early 2011. The track, produced by John Hendicott, has already been picked up by DJs such as Don Letts and Rob da Bank, and has found its way onto BBC Radio 1 & 2, 6 Music and BBC Asian Network, confirming the far-reaching appeal of a band who have played with acts as diverse as reggae legend Horace Andy and outrageous hardrockers the Darkness. Smerins Anti-Social Club's live show owes much of its success to the band's unique energy, which comes from mashing together a wide range of influences - from 'thirties swing to heavy dub, funk and drum'n'bass - and playing out the resulting sound with a combination of skilled musicianship and punk-rock attitude.

Various - Shapes 10:02 - Compiled by Rob Luis
(2xCD/Digital) Tru Thoughts TRUCD226, 2010-12-06

The new bi-annual Shapes Compilation from Tru Thoughts is a killer one. 16 tracks on the first CD that make for an enjoyable listen at home or on the mp3 player and 14 on the second one which has an ear to the dancefloor... Including lots of exclusives, new tracks, rare remixes, as always...