Review: Many Hands is a fresh label helmed by Jona Jefferies and Kava that here kicks out an eclectic EP with four tracks from various members of its musical family. Dan Aikido opens with '0800 TXT4 Herb,' a smooth fusion piece that builds a laid-back groove, blending fretless bass, jazzy keys and soulful vocals all reminiscent of Rare Silk's 'Storm.' Ernie Ruso's 'Stroke It' offers slow, sensual r&b infused with P-funky wah-wah effects while DJ Nomad's 'African Boy' brings upbeat pop house next to funky organ and a female reggae MC.Jefferies' closer 'A Change Will Come' samples Dr. Martin Luther King Jr with a rave-inspired beat and soulful piano. Cracking stuff.
Peter Seiler - "Timebend" (feat Sheryl Hackett) (4:32)
Eoism - "Ultraverse" (5:00)
Voertuig - "Cego" (5:19)
Voertuig - "808 Ambient Jazz" (3:45)
Eoism - "Even Flow" (5:45)
Review: Colkin from Raw Soul and Mauke Club sets the tone on this new FUTUR compilation, which has been curated by Benedikt Meger with a spherical acid house meditation. Peter Seiler's track, a standout from the reissue of his debut album Flying Frames, features Sheryl Hackett's soulful vocals and merges song structure with jazz improvisation. Eoism from Pulse Drift, Undersound, and Inch By Inch delivers low-swung electro flavours perfect for sunset vibes while the B-side opens with Voertuig of Tonal Oceans and Cobra Club who presents a seriously raw acid jam followed by an experimental, jazzy piece, reminiscent of the 90s downtempo era. 'Eoism' closes things with a floating, futuristic banger, going to make a well rounded (in more ways than one) and ultimately very useful piece of vinyl.
Review: Private Stock Records is slowly but surely building up a golden catalogue of funk magic. This fourth EP is another high-class double dose that opens with Cutso's 'Fallen Love (Woo Woo)', a swirling slow burner of a tune with heavy, languid drums and twisted vocal samples that eventually coalesce into a warming party vibe. Excel's 'Had To Shut You Down' is a glorious soul gem with lush Philly strings and ornamental arrangements that raise your spirits and elevate your mood with its seductive grooves, not to mention a classic r&b vocal sample.
Review: Moiss Music released a hot pair of EPs in February and repeat the same trick in May with another quality double drop. It is a various artists offering as always with DJ Delivery's 'Never Gonna Give You Up' a sure-fire floor-filling anthem to start things off. It's got loopy drums and string samples as well as sumptuous vocal harmony then Borka & The Gang keep the feel-good vibes alive with 'Kidding Feelings and Even Funkier's' Dance With Your Feet' is another smile-inducing bit of disco warmth with withering sic-fi synths and hip swinging claps. Jordan Reece's 'Prayer' has hints of gospel in the vocal while noodling keys and tight kicks all get looped to perfection.
Review: Lee Jeffries and Matt Early kick off Sonic Wax Records' new Disco Edits label with a deep dive into 'Lady' which is something of a classic, sought-after gem that will reportedly cost you over a grand to find in decent condition. First up the pair elevate the original with their Disco Dust mix which is perfect for main house rooms and the inks of the glammed-up Glitterbox crowd. It features bold production and diva vocals and then Opolopo delivers a moody, pulsating disco remix that infuses the original with some stylish grooves and quality production. Both tracks have been played plenty already by heavyweights like Opolopo, Kenny Dope, Bobby & Steve, and Wade Teo.
Review: A pivotal moment for this label, Easy Going marked a milestone in Italian disco culture. In the late 1970s, nestled in Rome's Piazza Barberini, a vibrant gay club thrived as a meeting place for cultural icons and DJs. Founded by Claudio Simonetti, the group paid homage to this iconic spot with their eponymous debut album, originally released in 1978, which is now remastered and reissued on glossy white vinyl by FullTime Production. The album's standout track, 'Baby I Love You,' with its hypnotic keyboards and captivating melody, epitomises Italian disco brilliance. Other tracks like 'Do It Again,' a dancefloor anthem reminiscent of Studio 54, and covers like Creedence Clearwater Revival's 'Suzie Q' and the ballad 'Little Fairy,' are sure to ignite parties around the world once more.
Review: You can always rely on Super Disco Edits for exactly that. The long-running label's 68th such serving is from the Ebony Rhythm Funk Campaign and features a couple of their previously unreleased joints. Opener '69 Cents' brings slick and sleek afro drumming with some splendid horn sections powering things along. A smooth and soulful vocal ride in amongst the drum grooves and takes you on a fine trip. On the reverse is 'That Is Why,' which slows things down a little and gets more loved up. The backing vocals lend the whole thing an air of class as the lining trumpets soar and the mellifluous chords sink you in deep.
Review: It's time to don your leathers and strap in for another ride on go-slow master Eddie C's Read Motorbike. This time out the Canadian deep disco specialist kicks off his latest 7" with 'D8 With The Rain.' As always it is a super smooth groove that is smartly embellished with dusty old samples that tug at the heart. 'Sweet Honey' is a sunny one with plenty of joyous little chords and a carefree groove that flaps and slaps away down low. Easy to love, hard to pull-off grooves once again from the evergreen Eddie C.
Review: Freestyle Records has got a brilliant and rather rare bit of boogie here in the form of Eddie Capone's 'I Wont Give You Up.' This is the first officially licensed reissue of this 1985 gem by the reggae, funk and soul mainstay of that decade. He played with various noted outfits such as Chairmen of the Board, Arthur Brown's Kingdom Come and Edwin Starr and was also in the short-lived band Casablanca. He founded the Treatment band in the early 1980s and played with a rotating cast of musicians. The tunes included on this 7" are some of them with Diane Jones providing vocals on the A-side, which is the standout gem.
Review: Disco Segreta unveils a mesmerising tale from late 1970s Italian disco that spotlights Sicilian maestro Franco D'Accardi. Leading ASA (Artisti Siciliani Associati), Franco blended genres including disco, folk and rock when, in 1979, he collaborated with American model Adrienne Edwards, releasing 'Mystic Night' and 'Disco Dancing' on a limited 45 RPM record. 'Mystic Night' electrifies with its fusion of drums, congas, and Adrienne's vocals creating a seductive disco masterpiece. Disco Segreta revitalizes these gems, including the B-side's vibrant rendition of Stanley Turrentine's 'Disco Dancing,' preserving their allure for contemporary audiences. These reissues celebrate the twilight of Italy's golden disco era in impeccable remastered form.
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: Antal has already been dropping the worldly beats on this EP which is a fine stamp of approval for Israeli DJ and collector Elado. This marks his debut on the label having won plenty of fans for his offering on Eddie C's cult Red Motorbike. The music take its cues from all over the planet - Africa, India and the Middle East - and brims with disco joy, funk richness and plenty of earthly soul. 'Big Baba' is a classy party starter with good time feels, 'Gulab Jamun' is a foreign language acid laced love song and 'Blame' is synth heavy disco funk.
Review: After successfully showcasing his wares via EPs on GAMM, Razor N Tape and Barefoot Beats, fast-rising re-editor Elado pitches up on Bonfido Disques for the very first time. The resultant 12" contains some of his most interesting re-edits yet, with Elado cunningly opting for eccentric and oddball source material. 'Deepy Mango' sounds like a cross between proto-house, post-punk synth-pop and Kwaito - and that's a great thing in our book - while 'Space Lokum' is a throbbing revision of what sounds like a North African electro-disco obscurity (an Arab take on the Giorgio Moroder sound, basically). Over on the flip, 'Massi Tobi' is a boogie-era tropical disco gem from the Francosphere given a subtle makeover. In a word: excellent!
Review: Israeli DJ and collector Elado is back on New York City's Razor N Tape with some more rare edit action. On the A-side of Elado Edits Part 2 we have the sweltering Latin vibes of 'Big Baba' followed by the low slung affair that is 'Disco Hummus'. Over on the flip, there's an awesome disco cover of The Beatles on 'Sun' and one more late night dancefloor heater in the form of 'Simba'.
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: Andrew Meecham is one of the most widely respected figures in the Births underground music. He is a synth wizard who never repeats himself but has always managed to maintain a wigged out, psychedelic sound coughed in disco but with hints of acid, house and synth. This frankly bloody brilliant new single is another one packed with colour, tooting arps, cosmic rays, chugging bass and lush textures that is so vibrant and vivid you want to bath in it. Both an extended vocal mix and instrumental are included and both are faultless.
Review: Disco lovers Leng enlist enduring disco wizard and studio genius The Emperor Machine for a big new single here that was made alongside Severine Mouletin. It comes as two versions on this new 12", with the extended vocal going fist. It's a steamy and tropical bit of disco with feathery, whispered and seductive French language vocals over squelchy synth bass and hip swinging claps. Cosmic twinges finish it in style and on the flip side it gets a little more wild and tropical. An eco-system of synth daubs and neon colours bring the groove to life in a more interplanetary way.
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.
Money Talks (Sean P Special mix - instrumental) (5:58)
Are You Gonna Be (instrumental) (4:27)
Review: 'Money Talks' by En to End is a street and soul disco classic from the end of the 80s. It's a real favourite here at Juno HQ and so whenever it reappears we're glad to see it. Right now Backatcha Records has got two versions available with a yellow label edition and this straight black label edition with slightly different versions. The tunes stand up, however, they are presented - two delightful slices of dance floor action with oodles of romantic vibes. 'Money Talks' (Sean P Special mix) is doused in vocal harmonies and glowing keys and on the back is the deeper, more sentimental 'Are You Gonna Be' with instrumentals of both on the flip side.
I Still Love You (feat Intrigue - instrumental) (4:50)
Review: En-To-End's 'Money Talks' is an old school street soul classic from the late 80s. It's been reissued before by Backatcha Records but is an ever-green anthem so is also welcome back. This version comes with a yellow label on limited 12". And so to the tunes - 'Money Talks' is a low-slung groove with spoke-sung vocals and lush chord work. Also included is the brilliant drum work of 'I Still Love You' with its r&b vocals and irresistible groove. Instrumentals of each feature on the flip but the vocal versions really are the ones.
Review: Originally released on the Soulful Thangs Vol. 7 compact disks for Latin Soul Recordings in 2007, the song 'It's So Hard To Say So Long' by the Equasions took on a life of its own. A timeless soul and funk single recorded in San Antonio in 1971, revered by sweet soul collectors internationally, has now become available for the first time in over 50 years through Symphonical Records. In partnership with band leader and songwriter, Robert Williams, this group also features high school classmates Vernon Shannon, James Hartfield, Ricky Cotton, and Lamar Sumter. 'It's So Hard To Say So Long', is a poignant sentiment to lost love, yet hope created through beautiful harmonies, whereas 'World Of Loneliness' is a psychedelic reflection of society of the era, which Robert mentions remains true today. Big shout out to Symphonical for putting out this very desirable 7"
Review: Since first appearing last summer the label has retained its air of self imposed anonymity, while keeping the spotters busy with a supremely rewarding approach to digging up and re-editing "lost classics from the raw, decadent and formative birth of club music" in a manner befitting of modern dancefloors. People who class themselves as knowledgeable on the sounds that pumped out from the mixing desk of Ron Hardy at the height of his popularity probably won't have much trouble placing the source material for the four tracks here, but the genius of the EROS series is the way they've been edited which betrays a mastery and understanding of the music a legion of soundcloud dwelling hopefuls could only dream of. As the series' final release, it's hard not to think of the often stated platitude that all good things must come to an end.
Review: Isle of Jura revisits the wonderful 'A Muto' by Esa here with a fresh reissue of it in original form with various remixes. It was originally released in 1986 on the 'Atesa' album and became an instant hit in Cameroon and Africa. The lyrics of tell the story of a woman leaving her husband, frustrated with her isolation as the housekeeper. The song blends Makossa, a brass-heavy style from the French Cameroons, with Ambasse Bey which is a traditional fast-paced dance music from Cameroon. When it was first written, Martin gathered session musicians in Paris and personally programmed the drums and synths using a Linn Drum and Yamaha DX7 to create a unique fusion of modern and traditional Cameroonian sounds.
Review: Isle Of Jura come through once more with a superbly in demand reissue of a sought after disco cut from the 1980s. 'Save Our Love' by Escape From New York is a blend of disco, new wave and funk that has a mystical atmosphere and drums perfectly of their time. The vocal is full of yearning under the shimmering synths and on the flip is an even more 80s-leaning tune, 'Slow Beat' (dance mix) has more obvious 80s leanings and the 12" closes with the Instrumental of 'Save Our Love, stripping back the vocals and giving more air to the bass.
Review: Milan duo Eternal Love made their debut last year on local imprint Polifonic's Itria Vol. 2 compilation and follow up here on Sydney's Planet Trip. Comprising of four tracks, the Altar EP features some Balearic rave inspired by the late '80s Ibiza sounds as heard on 'Flotamos', while the following cut 'Terra Trance' is as much a zeitgeist of that magical era with its loved-up vibe. Over on the flip, we really enjoyed the celestial and new-agey groove business of 'Geo Geo'.
Review: ** PPU REPRESS ** Following the killer Moon B album II, the peerless Peoples Potential Unlimited wind back the clock to bring us some unreleased late '80s material from Evans Pyramid. The alias of Boston musician Andre Evans, the disco and boogie project was the subject of an extensive retrospective a few years ago, but PPU have managed to uncover these two further gems regardless. "Where Love Lives" is the killer cut here, an "accelerated funk anthem" whose vintage synth bass sounds particularly relevant in today's retro-obsessed musical climate. On the B-side is "I Want Your Body", from Evans' side project Royale, a more classic disco number that still hits all the right notes.
Ebony Evans - "Loving You Is All I Wanna Do" (4:38)
Lewzarius - "Step Up" (4:54)
Review: Ebony Evans is a superb soul talent who for this single worked with Manny Campbell who wrote and arranged. Originally recorded in 2004, 'Loving You Is All I Wanna Do' appeared on the Luv's Fire CD Maxi Single and later on a full album in 2006 through Coastal Records but now debut on vinyl thanks to Soul Direction. On the flip side, Lewzarius' 'Step Up" shines as a rich collaboration between Campbell and Haran Griffin, who is best known for 'Movin' Much Too Fast.' Atlanta-born Lewzarius recorded this track during his time at Coastal Records in the late 90s.
Review: Oh we do so love a mysterious white label. Everything You're About To Hear Is True appears to be a disco edit label with plenty of Balearic chops, which leads in with a supremely slinky rub down of Lynsey De Paul's 1981 disco funk masterpiece 'Strange Changes'. Things pitch down without holding back on blue-eyed funk for 'Jesus Train', originally by Swedish songwriter Per-Erik Hallin. On the flip there's no less than three hits, from the boogie funk perfection of 'Get It' to the jazz funk ascendance of 'Surge' and the swooning disco of 'Wilson'. Rock solid songs given a respectful touch up for the discerning DJ.
Review: There is currently only one copy of this on Discogs and it is listed at a rather eye watering L1200. Thankfully this reissue means you can own an undeniably brilliant tune for a much more reasonable price. It is a seminal New Orleans joint from the main man Eddie Bo who made it for the hugely popular group The Explosions. Juanita Brooks is the powerhouse soul sister who provides the vocals and on the other side is something just as good - a deep soul gem to warm you to your core.
Review: Soul Jazz Records are focusing on the fertile New Orleans scene right and and are reissuing a load of out of print, hard to find or eye watering expensive 45rpms. Most of them have been written and produced by the legendary funk machine that is Eddie Bo and this one features in the pocket drum playing from New Orleans's great James Black. His super tight rhythms power along both parts of these big, party start funk tunes. Expressive and guttural vocals light up each one with plenty of horns for good measure.
Peter Britto - "I Want Your Love" (Ben Gomori Festival Romance edit) (7:58)
Emmanuel Kahe & Jeanette Kemogne - "Ye Medjuie" (Ben Gomori Open Goal edit) (7:49)
Black Truth Rhythm Band - "Umbala" (Ben Gomori M'bala edit) (6:20)
Review: Monologues boss Ben Gomori has served up plenty of edits of African classics for labels like Sterns Music and Analog Africa, and now presents four Afro-Caribbean reworks licensed from tastemakers in the scene, namely Mr. Bongo, Soundway Records and Analog Africa. He injects South African legend Marumo's 'Khomo Tsaka Deile Kae' with big beats, while Black Truth Band's 'Umbala' is paired back to a disco bumper. Emmanuel Kahe Et Jeanette Kemogne's 'Ye Medjuie' brings 1980s Cameroon funk and Peter Britto's lo-fi soca gem 'I Want Your Love' is beefed up for the club. Useful tools for sure.
Turned Your Back (Atjazz extended remix instrumental) (5:03)
Review: J Axel and Eva Essa find magical harmony on this new collaboration on the Do It Now Recordings Vinylized label. 'Turned Your Back' is a perfectly heart-melting, life-affirming bit of soul-drenched and intimate deep house with gorgeous vocals and super smooth drums all healing you to your core as the gentle rhythms wash over you time and time again. It's a faultless original but one that is also ripe for remixing and who better than Atjazz who slightly ups the tempo but keeps the deep, wavy rhythmic vibes and adds a little cosmic magic in the synths. A sublime package indeed.
Mark Knight & Armand Van Helden - "Don't Abuse It" (extended) (5:47)
Cloud One - "Disco Juice" (Fabrikate rework) (4:47)
Full Intention - "Sky;s The Limit" (6:37)
Ewan McVicar - "Plain Outta Luck" (5:59)
Review: KooKoo offers up a sampler of what it is all about here and it spans some big-name house talents and equally big tunes. Mark Knight & Armand Van Helden open up with 'Don't Abuse It' (extended) which is a full-throttle house sound with diva vocals and plenty of raw fills. Cloud One's 'Disco Juice' (Fabrikate rework) brings some 70s disco energy to modern production and Full Intention's 'Sky's The Limit' is a celebratory house cut with loose grooves and freewheeling pads. Last of all is the party-starting disco house pumper 'Plain Outta Luck' from Ewan McVicar.
Daryl System & Mr Fantasy - "Sequential Love" (4:37)
Review: Barcelona-based Italian label Dance Conmigo makes a bold debut with a four-track release that is fully aimed at igniting dance floors. The opener from Lukinsky sets the tone with a dreamy, nostalgic journey you won't want to let go of while Elgo Blanco raises the tempo, perfectly bridging day-to-night vibes. On the B-side, Flavio Folco's signature style shines on a track featuring a dynamic live bassline and energetic arrangement. Last but not least, the EP closes with a collaboration from Daryl System & Mr. Fantasy that delivers a warm 80s-inspired groove and cosmic harmonies that transport you to another dimension.
Review: Established by the late DJ Ajax, Australian label Sweat It Out is back with a new release this week by label staple Tino Piontek aka Purple Disco Machine. Originally releasing under the aliases Stereofreak and Stereofunk, Piontek debuted on the Sydney-based label with his acclaimed Soulmatic LP back in 2017. The Dresden-based producer serves up some typically neon-lit night moves on the scorching disco inferno of 'Dopamine' that's sure to set the dancefloor alight on the A side. Over on the flip, Piontek streamlines the groove into a more functional and bass-driven affair for DJ use on the handy club dub.
The Ray & John - "Day By Day" (instrumental) (6:08)
Angel'o - "Angelo" (5:19)
All Trouvee - "Darling" (3:50)
Angel - "Tomorrow Night" (3:53)
Eggs Time - "Feeling Action" (4:12)
Review: Leng Records' 59th release is something a little different: a very personal collection of largely obscure and hard-to-find gems, mostly created by European pop producers in the late '70s and early '80s, from artist and record collector Paul Beckett. Firmly Balearic and sun-soaked in tone, there's plenty to set the pulse racing throughout. For proof, first check Ray & John's 'Day By Day (Instrumental), which sounds like Please-era Pet Shop Boys reclining at a pool party in Rimini, before admiring the space rock/synth-pop fusion of 'Angelo' by Angel'o. Over on the flip, Beckett offers up three more slices of glassy-eyed goodness, with the loved-up deep synth pop of Angel and the fretless bass-sporting wooziness of Eggs Time standing out.
Bibleway Church Of God In Christ - "Since Jesus Came Into My Life" (3:09)
Eliezer Mass Choir - "Where He Leads Me" (3:01)
Review: If you're looking for an introduction into the world of original 1970s and '80s gospel funk and gospel soul, you can't do better than Tone B Nimble's ongoing Soul is My Salvation series of double A-side "45s". This is the eighth edition in the series and contains two more thoroughly obscure workouts. On the A-side you'll find Bibleway Church of God in Christ's 'Since Jesus Came Into My Life', a fizzing gospel-soul stomper that was first featured on the organisation's 1980 private press LP What Do You Say About Jesus. Over on the flip there's a chance to savour Eliezer Mass Choir's 'Where He Leads Me', a more disco-tinged number that reminded us a little of the Joubert Singers' much-loved 'Stand on the Word'.
Review: Courtial With Errol Knowles's Don't You Think It's Time album gets a first ever vinyl reissue here, and gets deluxe treatment. The original was recorded in 1976 in San Francisco's Bay Area and soon became a real collector's classic for its vital soul and jazz funk sounds. To be honest, the cover art alone is worth the entry price here, but the sounds sure are sublime, with wiggy synth lines weaving their way in and out of the funky drumming on 'Don't You Think It's Time,' 'Best Of Friends' offering lush string sounds and silky grooves and 'Love Nevermore' having a bit of a samba shuffle next to the acoustic guitars and golden Rhodes chords.
Review: The reissue of Earth, Wind & Fire's Greatest Hits album brings so many timeless classics back to the fore while celebrating the iconic band's soulful blend of funk, r&b and disco which so defined an era. This collection captures their iconic tracks like 'September,' 'Boogie Wonderland' and 'Shining Star' and shows the vibrant brass, infectious rhythms and harmonies that made them such legends. Remastered for enhanced audio quality, the reissue invites listeners to experience these chart-toppers with fresh clarity s is a must-have to experience the energy and spirit of one of music's most influential bands.
Review: The music of Earth Wind and Fire is pretty inescapable, but you won't find us complaining. The American soul, disco and funk collective have crafted some of the greatest dance floor tunes of all time, and they still bang decades later. This Ultimate Collection gathers together the best of them on nice heavyweight yellow vinyl. From the epic 'Boogie Wonderland' to the more sentimental 'Fantasy' via super funky gem 'September' there is plenty to love here. First released in July 1999 on Columbia Records, it claimed high in the album charts and remains an invaluable collection.
(Don't Worry) If There's A Hell Below, We're All Going To Go (6:05)
People Get Ready (4:22)
Getting Over (2:14)
I'll Bet You/California Dreamin' (3:44)
Popcorn/Oye Como Va (5:48)
I Love You For All Seasons (3:05)
East Of Java (2:08)
Walk On By (2:41)
Review: In 1971, in the midst of America's conflict in Vietnam, the US army held a 'battle of the bands' contest and showcased the two winning bands in a promotional album. East Of Underground, the gritty runner-up, managed to capture the spirit of America with their sweet-soul covers of Sly Stone, Curtis Mayfield and Funkadelic. The quality of the recording is superior, as is the musicianship: the falsetto harmonies, the gritty guitar, and the devouring drums...
Explanation Of The Funk (feat Dre King & DJ Stylus) (4:08)
Three-Season Crank (feat Raja Kassis) (6:11)
Slip 'n Slide (5:22)
Alligator Confrontation (5:09)
Off The Rails (5:57)
Pull My String (4:50)
Bleeps, Sweeps, & Creeps (2:30)
What Happened To Yesterday? (5:07)
Black Bird Dub (4:47)
Review: Glenn Echo & Daniel Meinecke won plenty of acclaim with their last outing What Happened To Yesterday?! and now they quickly back it up with a third outing on MotorCity Wine Recordings What Happened To Yesterday? Vol 2 is another blend of heady, dubby sounds with cosmic dance vibes that span serval sub-genres with ease. 'World In My Head' kicks off with lo-fi and low-key depths, and further downtempo tracks like 'Explanation of The Funk' with Dre King's trumpet and DJ Stylus's cuts, and 'Three-Season Crank' with Raja Kassis's guitar further sink you into blissed-out beats. The flip side has dancefloor-friendly jam 'Off The Rails,' then moves into dubby, meditative territory and ends with the gorgeous 'Black Bird Dub' which allows Echo's eclectic production and Meinecke's keyboard mastery to shine.
Review: Glenn Echo and Daniel Meineck are back on Detroit label MotorCity Wine with their first new music in two years following their well-received Partly Cloudy album. What Happened to Yesterday? is, we are told, the first of two albums from the pair that will arrive several months apart. It finds the pair get super hazy and dubby, with psychedelic charm swirling around their absorbing grooves next to subtle cues taken from the diverse likes of DJ Premier and King Jammy. There is a superb Moog-based cover of De La Soul's 'I Am I Be', Afro-Carribean disco in 'Dancehall of Grandeur' and epic jazz-rock on Volcano Sound' so dig in and prepare to be wowed.
Review: Cameroonian legend Victor Edimo's rare and collectable Decca Nigeria album Thank U Mamma enjoys its first reissue since being released in 1981. Five tracks tight but crammed full of vibes, this is one of the funkiest, sunniest and most vibrant albums to come out of Lagos in the early 80s. From the blissed, bless 'thank you' vocal loop of the title track to the blazing feels of "Marina Drive" to Victor's signature freak bass licks on "You", this is such a beautiful album from start to finish.
Review: This work by Alf Emil Eik is a serene and soothing soundtrack for moments of relaxation, meditation or peaceful ambience. Eik's ethereal melodies transport listeners to a realm of inner peace and timeless beauty. Each track blends intricate layers of sound and evokes serenity and wonder while the harmonies resonate deeply within your soul. Uplifting yet introspective, the music invites reflection on the beauty of life and the mysteries of existence. A fusion of classical, ambient and new age influences abound here and prove Eik to be a master composer.
Review: A veritable French fusion institution; classically trained Cameroon musician Eko Roosevelt Louis was responsible for a catalogue of exciting jazz funk, disco and afrofunk records throughout the 70s and remained active touring Europe until the 90s when he returned to Cameroon to inherit the role as tribal chieftain from his grandfather. Released in 1979, Funky Disco Music was his third album and packs some of his most powerful compositions. The triumphant title track says it all; laidback, charming and full of positivity it sets the scene for the whole trip. Highlights include the rock-tinged soul chugger "Une Chanson Sans Paroles", the highlife uplift of "Doi Da Manga" and the smouldering showstopper finale "Emen Ango". Dig deep and enjoy... Africa Seven promise more Eko reissues in the near future.
Fait Le Chat 9do The Cat) (12" version - bonus track)
Review: Jazz-trained musicians Lauren Rinder and W. Michael Lewis were not only amongst the most prolific producers of the disco era, but also - thanks to a love of synthesiser sounds - genuine pioneers. This double-disc retrospective focuses on one of their numerous projects, studio band El Coco, showcasing cuts from their first four albums (Brazil and Mondo Disco from 1975; 1976's Let's Get It Together; and 1977 set Cocomotion). Starting off breezy and summery with all manner of South American influences (see 'Disco Carnival' and 'Masquerade'), the collection bounces between heady disco ('Disco Mondo', 'Let's Get It Together', 'I'm Mad As Hell'), quirky, synth-heavy covers (a cheeky but genius cover of 'Yakety Yak', AKA the Benny Hill theme tune), low-slung disco-funk ('Heartbeat'), eccentric horror-disco ('The Count of Monte Disco') and gritty Blaxploitation workouts ('Put On Your Jeans').
Review: .El Michels Affair is nothing if not prolific. Fortunately, the band leader, composer and musician is also hella talented. This is one of his most famous and iconic albums in a discography that is full of them, not least because of course it tackles some of the most iconic source material in hip-hop, namely Wu-Tang Clan's seminal Enter The 37th Chamber. He flips it into an instrumental tribute to the world of the great band and no matter what format it appears in, it plays sells out. Cop this latest reissue now and sink into its lush orchestration, sweeping grandeur and elegant grooves.
Review: If you don't know (well, even if you do know it is still true), Californian multi-instrumentalist Brian Ellis is Egyptian Lover's keyboard player, and is also a member of Campus Christi with Peanut Butter Wolf. He steps out alone here with a new and outlier funk album that shows off his idiosyncratic style. It is a raw and dense sound that mixes up bold funk and gritty psychedelic soul while embracing the darker edges of both styles. Along the way, Ellis explores themes of truth, authenticity and the pitfalls of wealth while reflecting on the cost of giving away one's heart. Tracks like 'The Real Deal' and 'Money Drives Me Crazy 'capture these ideas with unfiltered emotion.
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