Posthuman’s Balkan Vinyl has unveiled a new compilation called Balkan Vinyl Allstars, featuring Luke Vibert, Plaid, LFO and more, hitting the stores in early May.
The new compilation is a celebration of the label’s 25th release with a new compilation by British producer Luke Vibert, LFO, B12, Andreas Gehm, Plaid, and Global Goon. Each track of Balkan Vinyl Allstars is taken from the label’s back catalogue, some of which happen to be 12-inch sold-outs and digital-only compilations.
Posthuman provided details for each of the tracks and why they ended up on the compilation:
A1: LFO “I Love Acid”
I got to know Mark Bell initially on the internet about 15 years ago, we both frequented the same record label online forum. He had a brutal, acerbic wit and enjoyed trolling people – but in person / private was one of the most genuinely kind and supportive guys, always interested in helping out new artists too. When I put together my “Acid Relief” charity compilation, he was the first person to contribute – writing this track specially. It was the last ever track he released as LFO. He is very sorely missed.
A2: Luke Vibert “Jungle Hitler”
Luke has been a mate for a long time now, we first met when he played at one of our tube station bashes in the early 2000’s. It was his track “I Love Acid” that I named my clubnight and label series after, and he’s gigged at more of my parties over the last decade probably than anyone except me or Placid. This was a digital-only track from a few years back that really deserved to be pressed on vinyl.
A3: Plaid “Hui”
Another digital-only track that needed vinyl release. I don’t think I’ve ever told them this – we first met in 2000, when they came to one of our warehouse afterparties. Someone pointed them out to me and said “See those two guys? That’s Ed and Andy from Plaid” …me and Rich were too nervous to say hello so we ran off into the stairwell for a smoke. We were excitedly saying to each other “Wow, Plaid are here!” like fanboys, only to look up and see them standing on the stairs above us. Not sure if they even heard, but we were absolutely mortified & embarrassed.
B1: Andreas Gehm “Heaven and Hell”
Bittersweet to re-release this. I found out that Andreas passed away on the same day my son was born. I’d been speaking to him just a few days earlier, he was in hospital and struggling with health and finances. Never expected that to be our last conversation. He’d released a 12″ on my label a few months previous, and we were planning on him coming to London to play a show but postponed the plan due to his health. I think it’s important that people hear this track. It’s one of his finest moments.
B2: Global Goon “Craehzrhd”
This is taken from the very first record on Balkan – “Red” from back in 2010. I still think it’s one of the best tracks I’ve ever been lucky enough to release. It’s become a bit of an anthem at ‘I Love Acid’ too. Johnny Goon has done a few things on the label since – an I Love Acid 12″ and a full album included. He’s a hugely underrated talent.
B3: B12 “Proximity”
Before I started Balkan, I worked for the B12 guys for a while, and was lucky enough to become one of the four acts to ever release on their label – along with Kirk Degiorgio, Stasis, and B12 themselves.
