Review: You can always count on Egon's Now-Again label to bring the finest curios from music's hidden history into the reach of the record buying public. On this occasion they're looking to the work of Jamaican legend Boris Gardiner, a singer, bassist and guitarist with a long and winding history through the beating heart of reggae culture. Ultra Super Dub is the rarest of rare dub treasures, pulled from Gardiner's prolific mid 70s era and originally issued by a Miami-based label in an incredibly short run. On it, you can expect to hear superlative, skeletal versions of classics from Otis Redding, Jimmy 'Bo' Horne and many more. Of course, the sonic treatment is top-notch on this reissue, and there's in-depth writing from Jeff Mao to take you into the world these versions came from. This is how a reissue should be done.
Review: Candido Y Su Movimiento's cult favourite album Palos De Fuego album is a rhythmic journey through the vibrant landscapes of Afro-Cuban jazz and Latin music that was first released in the 1970s. It superbly showcases the virtuosity of Candido Camero, a percussion maestro often hailed as the "Father of Modern Conga Drumming" as the album pulsates with infectious beats, intricate rhythms, and soulful melodies, all of which embody the essence of Afro-Cuban traditions while embracing contemporary influences. As a testament to Candido's enduring impact on the genre, Palos De Fuego stands tall and is a timeless exploration of percussive brilliance that continues to captivate and inspire Latin jazz lovers worldwide.
Smokin' (feat DJ Paul & Kingpin Skinny Pimp) (6:41)
Review: Carmike's sole album is a gritty masterpiece of "slithering nightmare raps" that was originally recorded amidst carjackings and robberies and very ably and aptly captures the raw chaos of its 1994 cassette release. Now officially reissued for the first time on LP, this cult classic is dark, haunting and unapologetically authentic as it embodies the turbulence of its time. Delivering a visceral listening experience that resonates decades later, this gem is the latest of a multi-LP series exploring Memphis's influential hip-hop history These distinctive and often brutal tracks helped reshape rap music and have to be heard by anyone who considers themselves in the know.
Review: High school band directors used to press up their bands' performances to vinyl, & none made as much sweet noise as this "Texas Thunder Soul." Deluxe gatefold package as well as some previously unreleased live music, plus a bonus documentary.
Review: The long-lost disco-soul-funk album You Can Be by the Music Makers Band is finally seeing the light of day on vinyl once more with new mixes from original multi-track tapes by Kenny Dope. Forgotten in a linen closet in Macon, Georgia since 1979, this reel-to-reel treasure contains recordings from the group that previously released 'Black Gold' as The Mighty Chevelles in 1977. By 1979, now known as Music Makers Band, they captured this disco-funk gem at Capricorn Studios and here each track shines anew thanks to the fine work of funk lover Kenny Dope's work.
Stephen David Heitkotter - "I Don't Mind" (part 1) (5:13)
Christopher - "In Your Time" (5:25)
Kourosh - "Dar Enteha" (4:10)
Jb Green & Band - "Time" (5:55)
Review: US label Now Again follows up the success of its recent Forge Your Own Chains compilation with another, and this time one that has never before be available on vinyl like this. It features a fine selection of small run private presses that are all incredibly hard to find or long out of print. The bands behind the music range from legends of the krautrock scene to Turkish teenagers to Icelandic prog-rock outfits, prison funk ensembles and even the uncle of E-40. It's real, raw and full of plenty of visceral funk thrills made between 1970 and 1975 but suitable for all occasions.
Detroit Sex Machines - "The Stretch" (edit) (4:58)
Michael Liggins & The Super Souls - "Loaded To The Gills" (edit) (4:34)
Kenny Smith & The Loveliters - "Go For Your Self" (edit) (5:09)
Dayton Sidewinders - "Slipping Into Darkness" (4:31)
The Apollo Commanders - "James Brown Medley: I Made A Mistake/Lowdown Popcorn" (edit) (4:44)
Lil Lavair & The Fabulous Jades - "Cold Heat" (2:40)
The Soul Seven - "The Cissy's Thang" (2:18)
LA Carnival - "Color" (7" version) (2:35)
The Aristocrats - "Don't Go" (2:21)
The Soul Seven - "Mr Chicken" (Alternate take) (4:41)
Leon Mitchison - "Street Scene" (2:49)
Kashmere Stage Band - "Scorpio" (4:40)
Leroy & The Drivers - "The Sad Chicken" (2:55)
Review: Cold Heat: Heavy Funk Rarities 1968-1974 Vol 1 is a vibrant compilation album that encapsulates the essence of early funk music during the late 1960s to the early 1970s. Featuring obscure tracks from that era, it showcases the raw energy, infectious rhythms, and soulful grooves that defined the funk movement. From big, fat basslines to horn sections that pack a punch, each track immerses you in impossibly catchy rhythms so you journey through the golden age of this genre. With its diverse selection of rare gems, Cold Heat offers a glimpse into a musical era characterized by innovation.
Soul Superiors - "Trust In Me Baby" (feat Sherman Willis)
Outback - "Strangers In Our Homeland"
The Montecarlos - "If You Leave"
Words Of Wisdom - "You Made Me Everything"
Soul Charges - "My Heart Beats For You"
The Power Of Attorney - "I'm Just Your Clown"
James Reese - "Throwing Stones" (Kenny Dope main mix)
Richard Marks - "I'm With You Love"
Bonnie Floyd - "You're My Everything"
The Ledgends - "A Fool For You"
Apple & The Three Oranges - "Moonlight"
Review: Loving On The Flip Side compiles overlooked ballads from the flip sides of funk 45s in the Now-Again and Truth and Soul vaults, all presented in the same format as the Soul Cal anthology. This collection showcases incredible music that pairs heavy funk with sweet soul to create a sound the label calls "sweet funk." The journey began nearly a decade ago with the discovery of the Darling Dears and Funky Heavy's unique two-sided single which sparked a search that led to their full inclusion in this anthology. The process unearthed other soulful gems and now culminates in an essential exploration of black American creativity and musical innovation.
Review: This timely reissue of Zamrock's Afro-prog-psychedelic masterpiece makes its debut on vibrant yellow vinyl. WITCH was a group influenced by James Brown, the Stones, and Deep Purple and they dominated 70s Zamrock stages in their heyday. Their musical journey spanned only five years and culminated in the fifth and final rock album, which predated a split and a new disco venture in Zimbabwe. The record fuses traditional Zambian rhythms and folk melodies with progressive rock and, somewhat echoing Lukombo Vibes, it embodies the Osibas' "afro-rock" style. This release encapsulates WITCH's evolution and influence and gives a vivid glimpse into the era's musical fusion and cultural resonance.
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