Germany's inimitable magazine for music, media, culture and self discipline, De:Bug, presents one selected album for a special price each month.

'Woah! Have you heard the new Traxman album on Planet Mu?', says Bleed as he storms into the De:bug office. Since no one has, reactions are muted, and Bleed leaves the room, slightly disappointed. Waiting for the subway on the way home I recall this incident, and knowing that music can work wonders in such urban settings I put on said Traxman album, 'The Mind Of Traxman', to see if it might sweeten the commute.

A vibraphone sounds and intones rising an falling seconds. Soft field recordings in the background. A playground? Whatever! Bass and snare drums follow. This already sounds mighty cool. The melody sticks. Sample cut-ups in service of the groove. Excellent. Already I stop minding the fact that my huge backpack doesn't exactly endear me to my fellow peak-time travelers. The second track doesn't change that. Packing real soul into its notes, a saxophone blares. Again thoroughly chaffed and grooving. A smacking snare offers support. A vocal sample follows suit. "Itz Crack". It's getting chaotic. The beat stumbles. The saxophone keeps losing it completely. On top of it all, these soulful chords. I start laughing. To myself of course, considering the situation.