Big things come in little packages, right? Well, Orb Audio is out to prove that old adage right with their new Class T amplifier, the Mini-T to go along with their small, but full of sound, handmade Orb speakers.

The Mini-T allows consumers to use high quality home speakers instead of poorly built, questionable sounding computer speakers. By pairing the Mini T with Orb’s award-winning speakers, consumers now have a simple, elegant audio solution that looks as good as it sounds. This is a great way to bring high quality audio to your desktop or TV without large, complicated surround sound receivers.

The Mini-T is based on legendary T-Class amplifier technology, known for its audiophile sound quality and low harmonic distortion (just .04%). Like Orb’s speakers, the Mini-T produces a rich, brilliant soundstage with detailed imaging. Together, the speakers and amp create an immersive listening experience that will not disappoint.

The Mini-T is also small, measuring six inches wide, one and a quarter inches high, and five inches deep. Finished in an attractive charcoal gray, with black gloss front, the Mini T complements any of the six available Orb speaker colors.

The Mini-T can be purchased by itself for $88 USD or can be purchased alongside a matching pair of Orb Audio speakers for $299, for a savings total of $29 off of MSRP. I’m personally digging the hand polished steel enclosure on the speakers.

The Mini-T can accept audio input from many sources including your iPod, iPhone, PC and many other sources.

[ Links: Orb Audio ]

My love for anything that MF DOOM (all caps necessary) is well known. So when Stones Throw Records came out with a 2CD limited edition lunch box of the original release of MF DOOM’s “Operation Doomsday”… I pre-ordered.

Doom’s label Metalface Record is releasing the first complete version of Doom’s debut album OPERATION: DOOMSDAY. The complete version contains the original album, alternate versions, b-sides and instrumentals – 42 tracks total, all remastered.

The bad news? You might have a bit of a problem finding these now. Good news? I have it. Well that and you might want to get in line for the MF DOOM DIME BOX.

[ Links: Stones Throw, DIME BOX ]

Every now and then there’s packaging that just screams out “I need that in my life” and The Alchemist and Oh No’s saw blade vinyl record EP “Sawblade”, with a few cuts from their upcoming November 22nd release “Gutter Water” is just that one time packaging and the content come together in a cool, creative, “DOWANT” way.

The tracklisting on the Sawblade EP is as follows:

Side A

1. The Sickness
2. Operating Room
3. Freshest Rhymes
4. Overdose

Side B

1. The Sickness (Instrumental)
2. Operating Room (Instrumental)
3. Freshest Rhymes (Instrumental)
4. Overdose (Instrumental)

With the creative genius of The Alchemist and Madlib’s younger brother (and just as creative) Oh No, Gangrene promises to be something altogether cool. The limited edition Sawblade EP costs about $20.

[ Links: Decon Records ]

Just got an update for your Zune software, didn’t see much of what it did? Neither did I until I started snooping around and found the above “Do More On The Web” option on the device portion of the options. It doesn’t do much more than state “This Feature Works Only With Windows Phone 7″ at the moment… and I’ve not one clue what else has been added.

[ Links: Microsoft, Zune, Windows Phone 7 ]

If you like hip-hop, rhythm and blues, a touch of jazz and folk, all wrapped up with adult themes and lyrics and music that’s as modern as it is a throwback to better times; Foreign Exchange comprised of Little Brother’s Phonte Coleman and Dutch producer Nicolay are coming out with their third album “Authenticity”.

Picking up where their 2008 Grammy-nominated “Leave It All Behind” set left off, “Authenticity” is the group’s most diverse work to date, with a tight, 11-track song cycle spanning the duo’s trademark brand of lush electronic soul, to stripped down acoustic pieces that recall the heyday of 70′s singer-songwriter driven folk.

Tracklisting:

• 01. The Last Fall
• 02. Authenticity
• 03. Eyes To The Sky
• 04. All Roads
• 05. Fight For Love
• 06. Maybe She’ll Dream Of Me
• 07. Don’t Wait
• 08. Make Me A Fool
• 09. Everything Must Go
• 10. Laughing At Your Plans
• 11. This City Ain’t The Same Without You

I don’t mind admitting that I’m a fan. I don’t need to listen to a whole bunch of “yeah’s” screamed at me nor way too explicit lyrics being in music that I’d rather relax with my friends and/or lady with. And from what I’ve heard thus far, Foreign Exchange will be Grammy nominated, if not Grammy winners this next time.

Click “Maybe She’ll Dream of Me” above for a free download and introduction to the latest Foreign Exchange sound which comes out tomorrow, October 12th in stores and iTunes.

[ Link: Foreign Exchange Authenticity ]

Just got word that Foreign Exchange, comprised of Phonte Coleman of Little Brother and Dutch producer Nicolay are coming up with a follow-up to their Grammy nominated “Leave It All Behind”. “Authenticity” promises to be expand on the soulful sounds that got them nominated for their last album.

Lead single “Maybe She’ll Dream Of Me” is a playful, synth-driven hip-hop groove featuring a rapped verse from Phonte that evokes the band’s “Connected” era, while the epic opener “The Last Fall” finds Phonte singing some of his most cynical lyrics to date (“Love is at worst an excuse/at best it’s a truce…”) over a frenzied Nicolay production jammed with layers of strings, guitars, and dense choral harmonies.

Head over to the Foreign Exchange website to view the track listing and for other news about this upcoming release, here.

I cannot wait for this to drop.

[ Links: Foreign Exchange Authenticity ]

After seeing such Apple iPad and iPod Touch accessories like a jacket just for carrying an iPad or even putting an iPad into the front of a shirt, I figured it was going to be no time that it would be used as a wall-mount.

I didn’t have to wait long:

iPort®, the inventor of the world’s first in-wall system for the Apple iPod®, is once again poised to advance the integration of Apple products into the home. Since its inception, the iPort brand has helped consumers experience Apple’s products in new and exciting ways allowing them to listen to, and experience their music and video libraries throughout their home. As Apple’s products have evolved from entertainment sources to intuitive touchscreens with the iPhone® and iPad™, iPort has continued to innovate new ways to incorporate them into consumers’ lifestyles.

Continuing the tradition, iPort has introduced two new products in its Control Mount Series for the Apple iPad and iPod touch®. The CM2000 Control Mount for iPad and the iPort CM100 Control Mount for iPod touch both integrate the handheld Apple touchscreen products in an attractive in-wall frame, transforming them into in-wall touchscreens for display of weather, news, stocks and many other preferred Apps.

The CM100 also transforms the iPod touch into an in-wall Internet radio source, and easily connects to any stereo or audio/video receiver. Users can download their choice of any Internet radio apps available in the App Store and play the audio back through any connected stereo system.

The CM100 for the Apple iPod Touch mount kit costs $250 and the CM2000 mount kit for the Apple iPad costs $499.

[ Link: iPort ]

Last year, I reviewed the Eos Wireless iPod Speakers and Dock and came away impressed at the build quality, sound (from such small speakers) and the rather impressive wireless range. In fact, they gathered RTL’s very first 5 out of 5 score.

This summer, Eos Wireless sent their newer Eos Converge system that will connect a PC/Mac as well as just about any other music source. So for the 175 or so Microsoft Zune fans out there – I count myself as one of them – you can actually connect via the auxiliary input and share your tunes throughout the house without having to drill once. Just add music and power and you’re good to go.

Of course… I like to test things differently.

For my long-term test, I played with these things outside on my acre of so immediate backyard and used them to entertain folks during my July 4th weekend outside and during my recent birthday celebration last weekend. And each time, I’d plug into either my Zune, my Mac or once my own stereo without issue. Just take one of the black plastic wireless transmitters, plug in your audio source, and pair it with a wireless receiver, attach some speakers and play your music however you wish. With an effective range of 150 feet, I didn’t anticipate any problem given that I was limiting my area to one acre – which is 212 feet by 212 feet.

The setup… well, there isn’t really any. If you ever conquered the whole square peg toy when you were a kid, well you can handle this too. It’s simple enough to where this is the kind of gift that works well even with a luddite. On the back of the wireless transmitter, there’s an miniUSB connector, an audio in/out connector. On the back of the powered wireless receiver, there’s an RCA connector for some speakers and a power plug input alongside the power switch. Again, it’s so gosh darn easy to set up. And this time, Eos Wireless sent along their Eos loudspeakers that have a black ash finish and are made of solid wood with a 1 inch dome tweeter and 5.5 inch ported woofer. And the speakers do not feel cheap and light by no means. They’re solid enough to where you do not want to drop them on your foot – I did once, my toe still hurts.

So how does it sound? After connecting up everything, the transmitters, receivers and speakers all combine for an expandable – up to four wireless receivers – and spread your music to all around you with a solid, good sound that doesn’t sound out of balance and does not bottom out on bass-heavy music nor too bright on the highs. The Eos loudspeakers are studio grade in build and sound; balanced and nearly good enough to sit alongside my much more expensive Polk Audio and Paradigm speakers that I tend to us in the house. And that’s a good thing.

Are there any cons? Yes. The build quality, while great does leave a bit to be desired in the looks department. They’re functional, non-obtrusive, but are not as smooth or “cool” as the Sonos multi-room offerings. The speakers are $99.95 per pair – you can purchase Polk Audio studio speakers for cheaper if you’re watching websites like Dealnews.com or so. Beyond that, the system does what it says it will do and without fuss. And the cool part… I was using my Apple iPhone to connect and control my iTunes library from the patio via the Apple Remote app.

During the festivities, all of my guests asked where they could buy the Eos Converge system and how much it cost. The Eos Wireless Transmitter and Receiver sells for $99.95 each, while the powered version of the Eos Wireless Receiver costs $149.95. The Eos Loudspeakers are $99.95 for a pair. It sounds a bit expensive, but the fact that you can move, connect and never have to drill or worry about making holes in your walls. To me, that’s worth the level of entry. You can still order then from the Eos Wireless website and they’re still offering free shipping – which is a good thing, the speakers are heavy.

Yet again, Eos Wireless receives a 5 out of 5 (Highly Recommended) from Remove The Labels. Just sad that I have to send back the review system after using for so long. It works very well and I’m sure I inspired a few purchases.

[ Links: Eos Wireless, Eos Converge System ]

First up is “SunStorm” from the Detroit born, Washington DC based producer/multiple instrumentalist that’s fresh off of producing a killer track from Little Brother’s last album “Two Step Blues featuring Darien Brockington” and “Zo and Tigallo Love the 80′s” (if you find this, buy it on the spot) as well as work on Foreign Exchange’s Grammy-nominated “Leave It All Behind”. The dude has been busy.

Indie soul siren and American Idol vocalist Sy Smith serves up a slice of 70′s soul on the breezy “Greatest Weapon Of All Time,” and Lady Alma, a Philly veteran and stalwart of the UK house scene, takes it to the dance floor on the frenetic “Free Your Mind.” The album’s lead single, “This Could Be The Night,” features Darien Brockington, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Eric Roberson, and Rapper Big Pooh of Little Brother over a thumping two-step groove specifically intended for the ‘steppers’ of Zo’s native Detroit. Another highlight is the Phonte-assisted “Flight Of The Blackbyrd,” Zo’s heartfelt homage to the 70′s jazz/funk fusion of The Mizell Bros. and George Duke.

Grown up music and definitely worthy a listen or three.

And the second recommendation comes from Slum Village “Villa Manifesto“, originally a trio of Detroit based MC’s and producer J Dilla which has evolved in many forms, taken on members, lost members due to deaths (R.I.P. J Dilla and Baatin) but kept going on strong. Featuring tracks produced by Khrysis and the late J Dilla and featuring the late Baatin, this will invariably be our last look at Slum Village as a whole.

Slum Village’s 6th studio album serves as both a reunion and a memorial album. “I wanted to pull the whole squad together,” explains T3. “The reason why we call it Villa Manifesto is that it was a statement we want to give our people because we had been away for so long. What we’re doing, what’s going on, how we’re feeling and where we’re at today.”

Proceeds from album sales will benefit the late J Dilla’s Mother (Ma’ Dukes) and help support Baatin’s family.

If you have more music recommendations, send them along.

UPDATE: T3 of Slum Village has confirmed that this is indeed the last Slum Village CD that will come out. Buy it via iTunes or Amazon or your local music store.

[ Links: Zo! Sunstorm, Slum Village Villa Manifesto ]

I can’t believe that it’s been 20 years of Ninja Tune already, but Ninja Tune is doing it up big with an absolutely huge limited box set of 3 hardback cases packed in an outer box which includes 6 fully-packed CD’s (some 126 songs!), 6 x 7″ singles, 2 posters, 20 stickers and the hardback edition of “Ninja Tune: 20 Years of Beats and Pieces”.

The Ninja Tune XX Limited Edition Box Release will have new music from Amon Tobin, Roots Manuva, The Cinematic Orchestra, Kid Koala, Mr Scruff, The Bug, King Geedorah, Zomby, Jaga Jazzist, Bonobo,Toddla T, Daedelus, Dorian Concept , Eskmo, Floating Points, Jammer, Two Fingers, Wagon Christ, The Heavy, cLOUDDEAD and many others. And also include new remixes from Switch, Autechre, Benga, Cut Chemist, Modeselektor, Roots Manuva, Diplo, Gold Panda, Mark Pritchard, Amorphous Androgynous, Rustie, Prefuse 73, 808 State, Tunng, Todd Edwards, Scuba, Joe Goddard, King Jammy, The Orb, Tom Middleton, Micachu, Metronomy, Gaslamp Killer, Kronos Quartet, Dan Le Sac, Mala, El-P (and EL-B) and many more.

What got my attention was the unreleased track by King Geedorah (MF DOOM) featuring Biolante (Kurious) called “Snake Charmer”. All of that music and art for $160.00 at Ninja Tune’s website.

[ Links: Ninja Tune XX ]

Let’s face it… the whole R&B scene plain sucks right now. There are no real standouts – no, R. Kelly does not count – and the music has all somehow blended together for one boring, monotonous sound that have very little substance outside of finding the most crass way to tell another person that you want to lick, stick or do something nasty to the person or it reminds you of another song (or ten) before it.

So receiving a heads up about YahZarah’s “The Ballad of Purple Saint James”, a singer that comes from around the DC area originally and has sung backup for Erykah Badu and done work with North Carolina’s Little Brother and the grammy nominated Foreign Exchange… this was the needed “grown folks” music that I needed to hear from an artist. Showing the range from soulful, to insightful, Yahzarah’s newly released “The Ballad of Purple Saint James” is a killer addition to any R&B lover’s collection. To me, the stand out track was “All My Days”, almost didn’t make it past that song.

Got Apple iTunes? You owe it to yourself to sample it.

[ Links: Yahzarah "The Ballad of Purple Saint James" ]

There may be people that get their cubicle party on, but I am guessing that pocket-sized mixing decks will mostly be destined for the classrooms of overindulged teenagers – and for lonely adults seeking to entertain themselves. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t approve.

From Think Geek:

• Everything you need to mix back and forth between two MP3 players.
• Pocket sized for instant DJ action.
• Preview the next song with a separate, volume-controlled headphone jack.
• Easily fade between MP3 players with the smooth slider.
• Includes: Mixing deck, 2 short audio cables (for connecting to MP3 players), 1 long audio cable (to connect to speakers – not included), and earbuds.
• Batteries: 4 AAA (not included)
• Dimensions:
  • Mixing Deck: approx. 4.5″ x 2.5″ x 1.25″
  • Long Cable: 40″
  • Short Cable: 17″

Price: $24.99

Link to the original article…