even more discs

Dylan Cramer The First One (DSM/Unidisc)

Unsung saxman Sonny Criss, suffering from cancer, took his life in 1977. Dylan Cramer was his last student and this is the Vancouver-based musician's loving tribute. Renowned bassist Leroy Vinnegar trekked to Vancouver from Oregon to take part in the session, which has Ron Johnston on piano and John Nolan on drums. Lots of emotion is felt here--like you are hearing Sonny himself! 8.5/10 (Len Dobbin)

Madlocks In my Life b/w Gusto 12" (Beatfactory)

Here comes Madlocks out of T.O., the first solo hip hop artist to actually be signed to Beatfactory records. The single "In my Life" is a reflection of the "made for contemporary hit radio" mentality that is ruling dance floors and bass-bins throughout hip hop. Although happy and danceable, I found myself wanting to hear Madlocks go off over something a little harder. 7/10 (Scott C)

Bran Van 3000 Drinking in L.A.: Mount Real Mixes (Audiogram)

Before BV3 hit the studio with producers Bob Power (Quest, De La) and Grim Reaper (Gravediggaz) to bump up Glee for its world release, they get into the remixology massive at home on this album-length, vinyl 12". So "Drinking in L.A." gets the beat treatment from local stars like Haig V., DJ A-Trak, Fink (Ninja Tune), Haji, and Tiga, Mateo & Delage. Side One gets a little lost in the echo chamber, but Side Two shines with its dub and D&B--climaxing in the still-killer original. 8/10 (Chris Yurkiw)

DJ Laflèche Watts Vol. 1

You can tell Laflèche has had his head ducked down in the booth of massive club (Sona) for the past couple of years, because even when he dips into the minute, early-morning jaxxy grooves on Watts, it still sounds BIG. Laflèche has got that rolling, undulating house style that's the stuff dressed-up nights out are made of. Problem is, while the mixing's tip-top, the tape's as memorable as last Saturday, circa 5 a.m.--not very. 7.5/10 (Mireille Silcott) Available at In Beat. 499-2063.