Five Records From Sound Metaphors
Nestled away in the heart of Berlin’s Kreuzberg is a very lovely little record shop named Sound Metaphors. The Moon Roq crew have stopped by there to pick up slices of left-field disco, sunshine-filled obscurities and some fine pop-not-pop gems. There is a distinct musical flavour that comes from the exceptional taste and digging practices of the store’s owners, Castro Moore and Nemo Ripoll (above) who are best known by their DJ names, Castro & Nemo. They’re also the pair behind one of Berlin’s most special of parties, the gorgeously named, H.A.N.D. (which stands for “Have A Nice Day”) (and is also a mighty fine record label worthy of it’s own article...). But, we’re here today to discover and enjoy some music. So let’s do that. We asked them to pick out five records from their Berlin store that they have on sale right now, that in some way or another represents the record shop itself. A mightily tricky task for any music-obsessive, no doubt, so lets see what they chose...
J.C. Lodge “Alien” (1984)
The first choice is just lovely, of course. Originally released on the legendary Jamaica Records in 1984 as the opening, politically-tinged track from J.C. Lodge’s debut album “Revealed”, it’s a delicate song with a powerful message. Big chunky drums, flange-filled guitars and a very catchy piano riff. We like very much. Oh, and yeah, it’s absolutely been reissued as a one-sided wonder this very year. Listening and purchasing business below:
Nando Litteri “A.E.A.E.O.” (1985)
Their second choice is a plinky-plunky Italo one with a chorus that will have you happily singing “ayeayo” all day long. The original 1985 release also features a sweet instrumental version fit for the more discerning listener on the b-side. Meanwhile, you may be happy to hear that this piece has been very recently re-issued on Proxima Records. Have a listen and find a selection of purchase links below:
When speaking to Resident Advisor on opening their store back in 2015, the pair said, "We wanted to create a simple and pleasant atmosphere with good acoustics and a good sound-system," and they surely achieved that. It’s fucking lush. Take a look below. I mean, phwoar.
Various “Respect The Unexpected: In The Age Of Sci-fi” (2020)
It’s absolutely impossible to pick just one or two tracks to feature from this excellent, freaky compilation - so you’re going to have to listen to the bloody lot. Luckily it’s very easy to do that since it’s all available for download on good ol’ Bandcamp. Having said that, we have actually chosen one track to lead with, the medieval-kinky atmosphere that is “Altro non è'l mi'amor” by Kӣr. In a nutshell, the record is a superb “soundtrack homage to the 80's science fiction b-movie scene composed by contemporary artists” and put together by Berlin label Kashual Plastik. Checkity check it out below:
Cracy Coconuts “Rubberdub Dance” (1987)
Who says Austrians can’t do digi-dub? Not us, anymore... This special little piece was actually produced by ‘70s disco legend Supermax and originally released on Bellaphon. But yes, you guessed it, it’s been reissued this year as a very desirable 7” on Edition Hawara. And who are the vocalists, you ask? They’re actually Supermax’s daughters. Yes, that’s right, it’s a family affair and it’s cuteness overload. Enjoy the vocal and instrumental versions below, and nab a physical copy whilst you can:
Hybryds “Lust” (2002)
Just when you thought every record was going to be from the mid-eighties. What a sexy choice to finish on. Originally released as a limited edition mail-order exclusive in 2002, the 4 track EP became very desirable, prompting a full remastered reissue on Transmigration only 18 years later. It’s a haunting dive into the Belgian industrial scene and ties Sound Metaphors’ five records up nicely.
So, there we have it. Five records that are currently on sale in-store at Sound Metaphors in Berlin, that embody or represent the very store itself. Beautiful. And to close, we wanted to share one of the finest disco sets you will ever come across. Nemo & Castro doing what they do best in the garden of Cocktail D’Amore, Berlin. Enjoy: