We take another quick scope around the world and check out what the extended Academy fam are up to, just before the 2010 edition kicks off.

Estonian explorer of all sounds cosmic, Madis Nestor drops a scenic review of last year over at the Well Played blog, taking in highlights of 2009 like Wah-Chu-Ku, DâM-FunK, Roska, Instra:mental, Parallel Dance Ensemble, James Pants, Joy Orbison, Floating Points, and Bullion, and turning the lights down low.

Class of '03 Jneiro Jarel comes through with two remixes on MF Doom's Gazillion Ear remix 12" this week. Taking Doom's flow to a whole different place to the haunted reggae fairground vibe of Dilla's original, Jneiro delivers an intergalactic beats twist, and teams up with TV On The Radio's Dave Sitek for a chugging afro-stepper - both are offset nicely by Thom Yorke's spooky, stripped-down electronic rework. On a side note, can't wait to hear what FlyLo and Thom Yorke cooked up on FlyLo's forthcoming LP...

Two Academy veterans who need no introduction unite on the latest Mojuba 12", as Chez Damier comes with number two in the limited edition Time Visions series, while Carl Craig reworks the track Help Myself on the flip into a lush piano-led burner.

Parisien edit don Pilooski steps out on the last of the RVNG of the NRDS series from RVNG INTL. His one-sided excursion into some Les Baxter and Yma Sumac type disco-dimension brings the jungle wildlife right to your doorstep, with a plaintive vocal version blending into a dub version.



Another mix bringing the goods comes from ex-participant, Istanbul native, and visionary lady of beats Ahu, guesting on Alex Nut's Rinse FM show last week. Pulling out a rack of fresh bits, she joins the dots between deep garage and soulful r'n'b vibes.

Finally, Manchester rudebwoy Illum Sphere drops a mix and interview for the good folks at Shook magazine, as the beatmaker talks about the trials of production, his forthcoming project on Fat City, and future plans for his club night Hoya:Hoya.

BONUS:
Madis Nestor (Tallinn, Estonia) - Catalunya Calling
Ahu (Dolly, Istanbul) - Train Wreck Mix - Volume 5
Chez Damier (Presciption, Chicago) - Fireside Chat - New School/Old School feat. Cajmere
Carl Craig (Planet E, Detroit) - Fireside Chat