Review: This is the debut single from Ekowmania's upcoming album Dr. Afrodub. Ekowmania, aka Ekow Alabi Savage, hails from Ghana and is the percussionist for KabuKabu and a longstanding collaborator with Jimi Tenor as well as being a founding member of one of Germany's earliest Afro-reggae bands. Titled 'Kwame Nkrumah,' it is a grand roots and reggae track produced by Jimi Tenor with tight horns, driving drums, and a compelling vocal performance supported by a majestic choir. The B-side presents a DJ Sotofett Mix, focusing on vocals, choir, and horns for a powerful choral rendition.
Review: Madrid via Cuba musical gang El Combo Batanga have finally dropped this new double-sider 7". It was teased by the early reals sou the a-side which brings plenty of dance floor filing heat with 'El Que La Rompe La Paga'. It's packed with samba shuffle, expressive horn work and results, and relentless keys work designed to get the ass moving. On the flip is 'Toca La Campana' which is a little less dense but not less rhythmic in the way it sways to and fro with fiery Spanish vocals and funk riffs.
Review: The electrifying return of El Combo Batanga. The Afro-Cuban band and Ubiquity Records favourites descend upon us once more in a sallying storm of Isthmian lightning, bridging the spirit of classic Fania and Tico Records releases, and whipping them back around and through gales of Latin funk, son, timba and boogaloo. "Batanga" refers to the traditional Cuban instrument heard throughout their records, if you listen closely: new A cut 'La Cuota' brings an urgent, hyperbolic funk, while 'Darling' contrasts with nixie moods, a heart-burning Latin soul lament.
Vudu Y Chachacha (feat Rakaa Iriscience Of Dilated Peoples - Professor Shorthair remix) (3:53)
Review: Emerging from Austin's vibrant music scene, El Combo Oscuro infuses Latin psychedelia with the mystical essence of New Orleans. Their track 'Vudu y Chachacha' marries pulsating percussion with echoing guitars and a steady bassline, creating an entrancing soundscape. On Side-1 features a remix by New Orleans' Professor Shorthair, who transforms the original into a dance-floor anthem. With Rakaa Iriscience of Dilated Peoples lending his distinctive vocals, the remix amplifies the track's infectious groove. Presented on a limited edition 45 rpm, the bone-colored vinyl with blue and violet splatter adds a visual flair to the auditory experience. Both sides of this are a fine fusion of Latin rhythms and modern beats, offering a fresh take on cross-genre innovation.
Review: Some proper sound system business here that deserves to be played nice and loud. El Indio's 'Rise & Shine' was recorded and mixed by Roberto Sanchez at A-Lone Ark Muzik Studio in Spain and is drench din sun. The horns are lazy and convey the feelings of a humid afternoon, while the vocals implore you to give all you can give and keep on rising. Interestingly they were recorded by Douglas Wardrop at Conscious Sounds Studios in London but sit perfectly in the mix. Lone Ark Riddim Force step up on the flip with their own lush dub which has plenty of effects and delay.
John Wagner Coalition - "Cold Sweat" (edit) (3:12)
Review: Mushi 45 is launching a new series featuring fresh edits of obscure covers of cuts by James Brown and the JB's. The first boasts two thoroughly obscure covers of "Cold Sweat". On the A you'll find a tidy tweak of a rousing, raucous and sexually charged 1968 version by El Klan, a Mexican band renowned for their heavyweight take on funk, soul and rhythm and blues. Over on side B you'll find an interpretation from the John Wagner Coalition that originally featured on their 1976 debut album, which unusually was made up entirely of James Brown covers. Their version is a little more laidback, with tons of spacey synthesizer flourishes, crunchy Clavinet lines and oodles and wild Hammond organ solos.
Review: El Michels Affair are widely recognised in the hip-hop game now as a cinematic soul outfit worthy of collabs with the likes of Freddie Gibbs & Madlib, Black Thought and many more besides. It all kicked off when they toured with Raekwon and other Wu-Tang Clan members before recording their cool and deadly covers of the entire Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) in 2009, giving a smoky ensemble feel to the iconic, gritty beats. Two of the choicest cuts from that album are revived here on this Fat Beats 7", namely 'C.R.E.A.M' and 'Glaciers Of Ice', which sound as tough as the original versions while subtly sliding into the heavy funk sphere undetected.
Review: El Michels Affair have made their name on their connection to Wu-Tang, kicking off with the essential Enter The 37th Chamber tribute back in 2009. Now Fat Beats are devoting a run of 7" releases to some of the strongest joints from that album, where iconic beats from the wider Wu-Tang universe get rendered as smoky, jazz-funk master pieces which sound so good rolling at 45 rpm on their own side of wax. On this particular entry, ODB's 'Shimmy Shimmy Ya' gets the treatment, with a children's choir-rap evocation of the lead hook that will turn heads on its own. On the flip it's Raekwon's 'Incarcerated Scarfaces', which sounds utterly essential played out by a live band.
Review: El Michels Affair returns with a new two-track release that showcases his continued excellence as both a producer and musician. The A-side, 'Mr Brew,' opens with a menacing intro before evolving into a spacious tune masterfully balancing tension and release. Gentle guitars, strings, flutes and brass weave over a heavy drum track to make for a bright and immersive landscape. On the B-side, 'Kodak' is a lesson in space and arrangement with mellow drums and beautiful instrumentation setting the perfect mood. EMA's trademark restraint ensures the vibe remains the focal point while delivering a perfectly crafted sound that never overwhelms.
Review: Cinematic soul legend El Michels Affair has written a superb album Glorious Game which is due for release later in spring. Before that full-length with Roots co-founder and lyricist Black Thought - which is a meditation on the state of the hip-hop scene in the early 2020s - we get this taster single from it. 'Glorious Game' as you would expect as all the lush instrumentation and dark soul sounds you'd expect from this artist by now with the added extra of some superbly thought-provoking mic work. 'Grateful' is another heart-wrenching and alluring sound that more than gets us excited for the full length.
Review: NuNorthern Soul's 2021 Record Store Day offering is something of a treat. It's a fresh reissue of an impossible-to-find promo 45 first issued to promote Flamenco legend El Turronero's 1980 disco album, EL Hondo. It features two tracks that have long been regular features in the sets of many dusty-fingered Balearic selectors, especially globe-trotting cult leader DJ Harvey. On the A-side you'll find the cosmic, driving, synth-laden brilliance of 'Las Penas (La Cana) - a genuine "everything but the kitchen sink" affair topped off by El Turronero's distinctive vocals - while the more exotic 'Si Yo Volviera Al Nacer', where synths and Sitars accompany the Flamenco-disco grooves, resides on the flip.
Review: Mushroom Pillow is on a proud and so far successful mission to bring back Latin American music from the 60s-80s via its Relatin project. it's all about mixing up the traditional and the modern and putting fresh spins on what went before. Many of the originals they look to have gone unnoticed the first time round and that's the case here as Franc Moody adds his own twist to Elia & Elizabeth's 'Alegria.' His remix is a sympathetic one that gets the hips swinging over fat and funky disco bass and beneath the sunny Latin vocals. He strips them away on the instrumental version on the flip.
Review: Elia and Elisabeth Fleta Malloi is the sisterly Colombian twosome known for their pop ditties as Elia y Elizabeth. Their Alegria album is a much loved record for deep diggers that got reissued a couple of years ago, and Razor N Tape have served up a selection of tunes and remixes from it. Now we get the original pressed up to its own 45 rpm courtesy of Vampi Soul. It is a sunny bit of easygoing soul with plenty of orchestral grandeur, big horn energy and the gently lilting vocals of the sisters up top. These are gloriously feel-good sounds from this superb duo.
Review: The Brazil 45 series from Mr Bongo bursts through the picture with yet another rocking 7" fire starter by two vintage pop greats - we have to say, their format simply works. First up is Elis Regina, a Brazilian singer who released a countless pop records back in the '60s, and "Ye Me Le" is a soft, seductive Brazilian soul warmer complete with blasting trumpets and that inimitable South American percussion swagger. Turkey's Senay features on the flip with "En Buyuk Sansin Yasiyor Olman", an incandescent lover's ballad that makes a welcome change to the more widely heard Turkish psych sound of the '70s.
Review: The Ellis Hall Group's upcoming 7" release, 'Music, Sweet Music,' on Super Disco Edits is sure to find its way into many DJ sets. Originally recorded in 1978, this release is the second in a series where the label unearthed hidden gems from the archives. Ellis Hall Jr. and his Boston-based band bring two tracks that didn't make it to their Night Shift TV performance but are now seeing the light. 'Music, Sweet Music' is a breezy, summer anthem reminiscent of the Blackbyrds and Stevie Wonder, packed into a short but sweet 2:38 runtime. On the flip side, 'Forward Motion' offers a funkier vibe with a new wave edge, kicking in with powerful horns, driving drums and infectious melodies. Featuring Ellis Hall on keyboards and vocals, alongside a talented lineup, these tracks are perfect for fans of classic funk and soul.
Alton Ellis & The Flames With Tommy McCook & The Supersonics - "Rock Steady" (2:38)
Phyllis Dillon With Tommy McCook & The Supersonics - "Rocking Time" (2:50)
Review: If you're on the hunt for Jamaican classics from the 1960s, you could do worse than copping this double-header from the combined talents of Alton Ellis, vocal group the Flames, Phyllis Dillon and the era's most prolific backing band, Tommy Cook and the Supersonics. On side A you'll find 'Rock Steady', a hugely influential rocksteady gem that features Ellis' encouraging us to dance atop a weighty, horn-heavy riddim track. Over on the flip Phyllis Dillon takes over lead vocal duties on another Treasure Isle gem from '67, 'Rocking Time'. This one is even more club-ready, with McCook's cheerful horn arrangements catching the ear.
Review: The latest release from Peckings Records features two classic tracks that exemplify the golden era of reggae. On the A-side, Alton Ellis and Phyllis Dillon deliver a heartfelt rendition of 'I'm Just A Guy,' showcasing their harmonious vocals and timeless appeal. The B-side presents Joya Landis's 'I Love You Baby,' a soulful tune that complements the A-side's emotive tone. This 7" single is a must-have for collectors and reggae enthusiasts, offering a nostalgic journey into the rich musical heritage of the genre.
Alton Ellis & Slim Smith - "Sho-Be-Do-Be-Do (I Love You)" (2:55)
Alton Ellis - "Be True" (2:41)
Review: This reissue brings a fascinating piece of reggae history back to the light, showcasing a unique collaboration between Alton Ellis and Slim Smith. Recorded in 1971 at Chalk Farm Studios, this 7-inch single captures a moment of creative exploration and cross-cultural fusion. Side A features 'Sho-Be-Do-Be-Do (I Love You)', a mid-tempo soul duet where their voices intertwine in a display of effortless harmony and heartfelt emotion. Their performance blends soulful melodies with a distinctly Jamaican rhythmic sensibility. On the flip, Ellis takes the lead with 'Be True', a reggae-funk infused cut that highlights his versatility. The track is a testament to Ellis' ability to seamlessly blend genres. Originally intended for release on A&M Records, these tracks were part of a larger project spearheaded by producer Stanley Pemberton. This reissue sheds light on this intriguing chapter in reggae history and allows listeners to appreciate the artistry of Ellis and Smith in a new light. Their collaboration is a testament to their vocal prowess and their ability to create music that transcends cultural boundaries.
Bobby Ellis & Val Bennett Mazuies - "The Arabian Sound Of Reggae" (3:18)
Owen Gray - "It's Time For Love" (3:21)
Review: This red hot double sided 7" 'It's Time For Love' / 'The Arabian Sound Of Reggae' is a classic joint from 1975. Japan's Dub Store has licensed a reissue here that makes it affordable again to all. Bobby Ellis & Val Bennett Mazuies join forces first up on 'The Arabian Sound Of Reggae' make for a nice roots roller with hypnotic melodies layered up over the earthy drums. On the flip is Owen Grey's 'It's Time For Love' which is another gem. Both tunes were produced by Bunny Lee and bring that timeless roots sound.
Review: Death Is Not The End's 333 series reissues the exceptional original cut of the late Hortense Ellis' wonderful 'Hell & Sorrow' here. It was originally produced by Jimmy Radway and released on his Fe Me Time label in the mid-1970s and remains a popular joint on the sound system circuit. Here this most classic track is paired with the iconic DJ counteraction 'Tribulation' by Big Youth, which offers a compelling glimpse into reggae's rich history while also laying down a nice fat rhythm.
Review: The Liquidator Music crew have been putting out classic Jamaican rhythms ice the mid-cities and still goes strong. This is an all new one from Jamaican act Roy Ellis who sings over his backing band, Cosmic Shuffing, from Switzerland. They are acclaimed in ska and rock steady circles for good reason and help bring these tunes to life. 'Shine Your Light On Me' is an easy going roller with lo-fi drums and dusty riffs that hook you in while Ellis does his work up top. 'Merry-Go-Round' then cuts loose on a summery and swirling vibe with conversational lead trumpets and natty chords.
Review: Original rudeboy Roy Ellis is best known for his Symarip association. Here he's back with an all-new 7" that shows he is still on top of his game. 'Rudy Skankin' On The Moon' actually first dropped as a set of vocals by Melbourne Douglas on Original Gravity's Reggae Dynamite Vol. 2. Now it comes as a sequel to 'Skinhead Moonstomp' which was an OG skinhead reggae anthem by Ellis's Symarip. It's a timeless sound with all the swagger you would expect, great vocals and plenty of Hammond organ action. Flip it over for an early reggae version by the Woodfield Rd Allstars.
Review: 'Haven't I Been Good To You' has never actually been available on vinyl before aside from on one compilation back in 2006. It was recorded back in 1967 and is as raw and emotional as soul gets. It was a debut for her on Warner and was a rather controversial tune that divided the option of fans. Lorraine never managed to reach the heights of this one again and left the music industry in the 1970s Jerry Ragovoy produced the subtle sounds to accompany the most fantastically expressive vocals. A real gem.
Review: Ever since their first record launched on Futuristica Music, back in 2008, Emanative have been quietly shaping the contemporary jazz-dance landscape - an achievement for which they are rarely accredited to. Hopefully, we can change some of those misconceptions by telling you just how special this new EP for Jazz45 is sounding! The opening "New Day" features the soulful vocals of Ahu over a rolling, breaks-centric groove with plenty of melodic quirks and, of course, the unstoppable euphoric power of the flute; the flipside's instrumental allows you to get even closer to the music constructed by Emanative, which is undoubtedly the outfit's long-running forte.
Review: A new school roots tune from Bruges, Belgium that draws on a rich heritage of reggae and dub and adds some fresh modern twists. The vocalist Emma delivers a nice and airy, breezy vocal that floats up top over the rumbling rhythm and fine production by Dub Traveller. It's got plenty of natty chords, organic percussive textures and neat melodies and on the flipside, Dub Traveller & Roots Explosion hook up for 'Free Dub' which is a cavernous dub with lots of room for you to get lost in as you marvel at the studio desk magic unfolding around you.
Review: Dutch label Fontoyard is back and doing what it does best early in this new year, and that is serving up fresh rhythms from some of reggae's best talents. This one is the sound of T Gibbs in collaboration with Empress Ahavah who is responsible for writing the original tune. It is a superb stepping riddim that is perfectly driven by a heavy bassline. Up top, like all the most crucial dub, is a mystical melody that captivates the imagination, and some silky smooth vocals. Flip it over and T Gibbs offers up a nice and tasteful dub that dials things back to the inviting low end.
Review: Backatcha is on a superb run of releases right now with top tunes from Leonie and Learoy Green dropping around the same time as this stepping street soul gem from En to End. This is primo boogie from the late 80s now landing on 45rpm for the very first time. It's been taken from the tape archives of London singer-producer Tony Shand and kicks off with the vocal version of 'Nothing's Happening'. His rather deadpan vocal has an aloof kind of allure next to the squelchy bass and glowing keys. The instrumental strips it away to allow the retro production to shine.
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