Books

Cover Story Vol. 2: Odd, Obscure, Outrageous Album Art

The Waxpoetics team came together again to release another edition of Cover Story, a book series chronicling some of stranger vinyl album covers that a collector may run across. Head over to Waxpoetics to see more of Cover Story, Volume 2: Odd, Obscure, and Outrageous Album Art.

Dave Tompkins Is A Vocoder Maniac

Dave Tompkins heads over to NYC’s Big City Records to share some of his favorite albums that utilized the vocoder and a bit of the strange history behind the device’s creation and rise in popularity.

Be sure to check out Dave Tompkins’s recent book, How to Wreck a Nice Beach: The Vocoder from World War II to Hip-Hop, which is available now.

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The BeatTips Manual 5th Edition (Twitter Giveaway)

Here’s a chance to win a copy of the 5th edition of The BeatTips Manual: Beatmaking, the Hip Hop/Rap Music Tradition, and the Common Composer written by Amir “Sa’id” Said. The 5th edition of The BeatTips Manual, which is scheduled for a November 23rd release, covers many of the traditional stumbling points for aspiring producers … Read more

On The Record: The Scratch DJ Academy Guide

Authors Luke Crisell and Phil White deliver one for the DJ’s.  On The Record, The Scratch DJ Academy Guide documents the world, history, and techniques of DJ’s.  Featuring interviews and contributions from notables such as Grand Master Flash, Z-Trip, Yoda, Q-Bert, A-Trak, Craze, Stretch Armstrong, and DJ AM, On The Record promises to deliver previously … Read more

Extraordinary Records: Shows Off Extraordinary Vinyl Collections

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Extraordinary Records showcases the stunning record collections of Alessandro Benedetti and Peter Bastine.  With pictures and commentary for over 400 multicolored vinyl and elaborate record covers, flipping through the 435 pages is like browsing a collection of pretty vinyl centerfolds. 

Add to fact that Extraordinary Records features commentary from none other than legendary producer/songwriter Giorgio Moroder and there are no excuses to be had.

Head over to Taschen for more info or to browse through the entire book.

More pics after the jump!

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The Funky & Groovy Music Records Lexicon

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Another consideration for your holiday lists… The Funky & Groovy Music Records Lexicon is 460 Pages of reference info, label scans, valuations, and analysis of rare LP’s and 45’s.  Claiming to be "the most extensive reference book for Soul, Afro, Jazz, Latin, Funk, Hip-Hop Collectors, DJ’s, and producers today," this is sure to assist in your quest for deeper crates, better beats, and stronger record knowledge. 

Head over for more info on how to grab a copy.

More pics after the jump!

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Dynamic Producer 10 Track Commandments Giveaway

We’re doing a little Fall cleaning over here at Crate Kings and ran across a copy of Dynamic Producer Presents: The 10 Track Commands written by Felisha Booker and Ingenious from Dynamic Producer.  The 10 Track Commandments is a quick 39 page, pocket size book featuring ten tips for up and coming producers.  Winning a … Read more

Producer’s Edge Magazine Available Free Online

Producer’s Edge Magazine is serving up free for all copies of the online version of their magazine.  Issue 3 features articles on mastering, the classic Akai S-950 sampler, synth design, along with interviews from Pete Rock, Just Blaze, and RZA. View Producer’s Edge Magazine free online.

Wax Poetics 31 – MF Doom x Shuggie Otis

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Wax Poetics #31 is now available featuring Shuggie Otis and the mysterious metal faced MF Doom on the the cover.  Always a good read… this issue promises to be interesting.

Grab the current issue over at the Wax Poetics store.

Shuggie Otis after the jump!

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