Good Looking Records

In 1998, Goodlooking records released the first “Progression Sessions” mix CD, a legendary series that went on to span 10 editions - 2008 will see a brand new audio/visual concept from the legendary label that changed the face of drum and bass, with the “Bukem in Session” DVD series.

The first edition of this series sees LTJ Bukem and MC Conrad headlining the main stage of Eastern Europe’s biggest music festival, Exit festival in Serbia. This truly stunning feast of audio visual energy documents one of the most celebrated festivals to date. Voted “Festival of the Year 2007”, Exit festival takes place in Novi Sad, 80 kilometres North of Belgrade. Situated on the banks of the River Danube the festival is held within the walls of the 17th Century Petrovaradin fortress. For four days in July 40,000 Serbians welcome 10,000 foreigners from all over the planet for non-stop music.

Shot from many angles, this unique DVD demonstrates LTJ Bukem & MC Conrad’s unique stage presence, a landmark DJ set and masterful vocal performance. Exclusive footage captures the main stage in all its glory, showcasing the massive responsive lighting rig, visuals, and an awesome crowd providing a pulsating atmosphere.

“Bukem in Session – Live at Exit” illustrates the Goodlooking duo’s position as ever present torch-bearers for soulful sounds within drum & bass. Goodlooking are back on their mission, and 2008 will see many new projects and a few familiar concepts updated for this new era of audio / visual consumption.

In the meantime, enjoy the vibrant Serbian atmosphere on “Bukem in Session – Live at Exit”

Tracklisting:

1) Calibre – ‘Thoughtless’
Straight down to business with deep rolling beats. “In full Session, in full Swing”

2) Calibre – ‘Mindprint’
Classic warm Calibre: tight beats and a hypnotic B-line.

3) Funky Technicians – ‘Airtight (Furney Remix)’
As MC Conrad reminds those that know - and those that don’t - “Oldschool’s brand new”. Furney supplies a rework of this classic from ’96, by the Funky Technicians AKA Total Science, updated with a modern groove, while retaining the drifting strings and epic feel.

4) Redeyes – ‘Soul Brother’
21st Century Jazz, energetic musical D&B.

5) Brother – ‘Cold Aur’
Sonics cascade across crisp beats and a deep moving bass.

6) Utah Jazz – ‘Money’s One Thing’
A track flowing with feeling: Soaring vocal harmonies introduce delightful flute notes, and then colourful sax tones complete the picture. Conrad’s lyrics give this piece extra meaning.

7) Artificial Intelligence (AI) – ‘Desperado’
From underground basements to outdoor festivals this track has torn through every dance floor. A peak-time bomb-track!

8) A-Sides – ‘Dreamworld’
“Ultimate rough, ultimate smooth” A stone groove!

9) DJ Furney – ‘Pipes’
A track of two halves: Powerful keys and pan-pipes combine to breathe familiar dance floor melodies throughout. A euphoric twist makes this piece a future retro classic. “Original raver’s sound”.

10) Andy Skopes – ‘Yesterdaze (Bukem VIP Mix)’
Textured bass lines and carefully considered drum arrangements combine to create a heady refrain.

11) Drumsound & Bassline Smith – ‘Stay Loose (Tear Drop)’
Infectious groove! “Can’t Stop”

12) Human Factor – ‘Sunny Side’
This track has the swing that Bukem sets are built on: soulful sounds, subtle key changes and warm sub bass.

13) Icicle – ‘Reflections’
A steppers beat, pure energy! If ever a track left you wanting more...


- Rocketscience Media

Jan 2009 issue:
TOP TUNE

Utah Jazz
Leap of Faith
Good Looking (UK) GLR069

Having proved himself once and for all as d&b’s soul prince par excellence with last year’s scene-obliterating debut album ‘It’s a Jazz Thing’, this matchless funk alchemist throws down the gauntlet to 2009’s wannabes with eye-watering precision. A cascading waterfall of gold-plated strings, hypnotic guitar trills and Hollywood-smooth orchestration heralds a coasting, soul-fuelled bop-along sent from heaven, triplicate-beat wizardry nudging skilfully at its contours. Furney’s sublime staccato-shuffler ‘Pipez’ on the undercard only underlines the obvious: mug, maim or murder your way to a copy. And quick.

10 / 10
- IDJ Magazine

Two more classy tracks from LTJ and the Bukem camp that have been heavily featured in Bukems sets over the last few months. On the A we have "Food for Thought" by Everson, who gives us a classic Good Looking groove which features the 'Think' & Amen breaks, sweeping strings, sax and piano melodies that swirl in the brain creating a gorgeous roller. On the AA 'So I Need' by German outfit Syncopix takes us on a deeper ride with a track packed full of melodies and fazed strings creating an unforgettable slice of Atmospheric Funk. - Two more classy tracks

Following up from an outstanding release from The Funktastics and Peyo, goodlooking is ready with yet another stormer, this time you’re treated to a slick 12” from Soulmatic and Furney.

Track A: Soulmatic – Self Belief
Soulmatic hails from Denmark and has already made a name for himself with releases on Viper, Intrinsic and Horizons Music, but it’s his latest effort for goodlooking that will take him to the next level. With classy production and plenty of musicality ‘Self Belief’ is a stunning track and a great goodlooking debut for this artist.

Track AA: Furney - Distance
For the flip side we welcome back the inimitable sounds of Furney with another modern take on that classic goodlooking sound. ‘Distance’ is packed full of crisp breakbeats and subtle musical flourishes and rounds off this 12” perfectly. - Nu Urban Music

On the back of the success of Makoto's "Believe in My Soul" album, goodlooking once again signal their return to the limelight with the highly anticipated release of LTJ Bukem and MC Conrad's "Switch and Drum Toolz." Having received huge support from a host of DJs across the scene including Fresh, Fabio and Furney, "Switch & Drum Toolz" are already well on their way to becoming some of 2007's top tracks.

After a short hiatus from production, "Switch" sees the welcome return of LTJ Bukem as a producer with his deep and soulful sound back in full force. With a back catalogue of such seminal tracks to his name, "Switch" is guaranteed to continue LTJ Bukem's reign as one of the finest producers around, and if that's not enough, his forthcoming second solo album "What Price Art" will surely set in stone Bukem's reputation as a prolific and legendary artist.

Opening with smooth and sultry classical guitar strings, "Switch" gives way to a simple yet crisp beat whilst letting the dusty female vocal glide effortlessly over the track. Instantly recognisable as a trademark Goodlooking track, LTJ Bukem's sound still sounds as fresh and innovative today as it ever has!

The AA side "Drum Toolz" is another highly anticipated release from the Goodlooking stable, with the much talked about collaboration finally making it to release. Ahead of his forthcoming album, lyrical veteran MC Conrad ditches his mic in order to turn his hand to production; teaming up with relative newcomer Furney, in an old skool vs. nu skool combination. Furney and Conrad have excelled in "Drum Toolz" truly capturing the classic Goodlooking sound and bringing it right up to date with impressive style.
The track stays true to its title and features intricately worked drums, which without question are the feature of the track. The choppy Amen style beats give the track a proper Jungle vibe accompanied with the neatly arranged vocal which compliments the track perfectly, whilst still letting the drums do all the talking!

"Switch” and “Drum Toolz" is a sure sign of Goodlooking's return to form, from the recent releases of the successful "Believe In My Soul" LP by Makoto to the forthcoming solo album from MC Conrad as well as LTJ Bukem's eagerly awaited second solo project entitled "What Price Art:" things truly are looking good! - GLO

What a week for all you purveyors of great music, two new Good Looking Promos in the same month. Long term GLR artist 'Tayla' and new artist 'Tidal' bring us two rollers of the highest quality that you'd expect from the GLR camp. Tayla's beats laden 'Turn it around' is built around a gorgeous Piano Chord and sax . Tidal's 'Impressions' is an atmospheric roller of the highest order and will keep those GLR fans very happy. - Nu Urban Music

There is not much more we can tell you about LTJ Bukem and his Good Looking label that has not already been said in thousands of articles over the last 15 years. We are just pleased to say that the label is once again firin' on all cylinders with a string of top quality releases in the pipeline. These latest two Bukem approved offerings are everything you would expect from this oh so classy label. On the A side long term playa Greg Packer comes with Rolling beats, warm but suspensful strings and laden with hooks but still dance floor friendly. On the AA the up and coming Furney comes with a beautiful atmospheric roller that will have the GLR fans purring. - Nu Urban Music

It's so good to see Good Looking rolling out the releases again, especially when the the quality is as good as this. On the A side is Slovakian artist 'Smote' who has been steadily building up his rep with releases on labels such as Midnight Sun, Vibez, Strictly Digital, and RedMist. On this occasion he comes with the eerily deep "Genteel Poverty" a deep tech based roller with some serious string drops. On the AA London based producer 'Specific' comes with a deep atmospheric roller "Time". Specific's sound is soulful but still able to work on the dancefloor. Drawing on a lot on ideas from the house music that he used to listen to. His melodic use of arranging samples always create a unique sound that is recognizable almost immediately as his own. Recent solo releases have pushed Specific forward as a capable producer in his own right, with tracks gaining airplay on Radio 1 and 1Xtra as well as featuring in many major DJ sets around the World. - Nu Urban Music

Since Good Looking Records was launched back in the early 90's with its first release by LTJ Bukem called Demons Theme, GLR has built a worldwide fan base for its Atmospheric & Liquid sound that has dominated the Drum N Bass scene since. After a short break during 2007/8 the label is finally back on a roll with a plethera of releases out on the street now and plenty more in the pipe. Out now or soon to be released are tunes by Funktastics, Peyo, Soulmatic, Furney, Greg Packer, Tayla, Tidal, Specific & Smote.

Also on the cards is the 75th release and to celebrate this milestone LTJ has finally agreed to issue one of his most in demand tunes from the last few years, never before available 'Atmospheric Jubilancy' will finally get a vinyl release and on the AA, LTJ has called on Calibre to complete this awesome double sider. The release will be available at first on promo as a limited edition Picture Disc followed by full black vinyl issue.

Also on the cards will be a new series of CD mixes by LTJ Bukem called the 'Mellow Yellow', featuring tracks from the deeper side of Good Looking. - Nu Urban Music