Review: Les Cigales, the latest release from The Offline, draws deep inspiration from the cinematic scores of the 1960s and 70s, influenced by composers like Francois de Roubaix and David Axelrod. The EP offers a mix of lush, atmospheric sounds, blending psychedelic tones with retro soul and hip-hop elements. The music weaves a narrative inspired by the love story of Gyptis and Protis, the mythical founders of Marseille, reflecting themes of longing and breaking societal norms. Following his 2023 album La Couleur de la Mer, which was a soundtrack to an imagined film, The Offlineihelmed by composer and photographer Felix Mullericontinues his evocative storytelling. The music evokes dreamlike imagery: fog-drenched villas by the sea, shadowy sailboats, and nefarious villains. Each track brims with cinematic flair, from intense drama to tender romanticism. The Offline project was born after Muller's travels along the Atlantic coast of southern France, where he captured beach life on film, later turning his visual experiences into music. With support from the likes of BBC 6Music's Huey Morgan and Deb Grant, the project has built a loyal following and continues to charm listeners with its immersive, nostalgic soundscapes.
Review: Another comprehensive collection of jazz here from the good people at Light in The Attic. This 14 track compilation has been carefully selected and compiled by Japanese jazz expert Yusuke Ogawa, who is the owner of Tokyo's Universounds record store. It comes on heavyweight vinyl with vast track-by-track liner notes by Ogawa and take sin everything from hard bop to free jazz with plenty of big and explosive moments as well as more deep and introspective sections of calm, all of which has been plucked from the vaults of Nippon Columbia. There is a reason Japanese jazz is so revered, and this record shows why.
Review: A lesser-known but electrifyingly slick city pop record (her fourth) by Junko Ohashi. 1979's Full House hears the Japanese singer's graceful but powerful contralto in full collaborative force, paired against the historic instrumental talents of her backing band, Minoya Central Station. Perhaps second only to Ohashi's timeless New York paean, Magical, Full House is yet another discographic dazzler that most likely contributed to the revival of the city pop genre after its retroactive but no less ironic recognition in the popular music sphere by the vaporwave subgenre, future funk. The mood throughout Full House is vital and joyful, suggesting something close to complete emotional fulfilment and idealistic glee on the singer's part - all part of the city pop's objective - its grand plan - to portray metropolitan life as an ultimate ideal.
Review: Legendary US funk practitioners the Ohio Played are as well known for the erotic nature of many of their album covers as they are for their super sleazy funk sounds. They never really go out of fashion which is why so many of them are always getting reissued. Ouch! is next up with a special Ruby Red Milestone Anniversary Edition on limited edition and marbled red vinyl to mark the fact it is now 40 years old. It's an upbeat and diverse mix of funk sounds that draws influence from the world of jazz and soul and pairs swooning strings with lush melodies and catchy grooves that still energise any dancefloor.
Review: Yuji Ohno's live performance in Tokyo captures the essence of his musical legacy with fresh intensity. Leading a 54-piece ensemble, Ohno brings his iconic compositions to life, weaving jazz improvisations with cinematic flair. The orchestration adds a new dimension, turning familiar tracks into vibrant experiences. Each note feels purposeful, with emotional depth that engages both the mind and the heart. This performance is a compelling reminder of Ohno's enduring influence and his ability to breathe new life into his timeless music.
Review: This French artist, who has captivated audiences with her collaborations alongside Mura Masa, Pomme and Flavien Berger, returns with a deeply personal album that explores the complexities of self-discovery and the search for meaning in a world obsessed with self-improvement. The album's title track, 'choke enough', is a poignant reflection on the need for connection and the pursuit of intense emotions. Oklou's warm, beautiful productions, a signature of her sound, conjure a liminal space where the boundaries between introspection and euphoria blur with delicate synthesiser arpeggios and found sound samples. 'family and friends', the album's first single, delves into the search for answers and the desire to escape from intangible memories. Oklou's lyrics, delivered with a vulnerable yet defiant honesty, capture the anxieties and uncertainties of a generation navigating a world where virtual and physical identities are inextricably intertwined. After gaining international acclaim with her collaborations and her critically acclaimed mixtape 'galore', Oklou's debut album marks a turning point in her artistic evolution, a bold yet introspective work that challenges listeners to confront their own anxieties and desires.
Review: Oklou is a French musician and is known to her parents as Marylou Mayniel. She dropped her debut album back in February and on it collaborates with artists such as Bladee and underscores, while some expert studio contributions from producers like the revered A.G. Cook, plus Danny L Harle and Casey MQ. Choke Enough blends Y2K influences with medieval melodies to reflect Oklou's evolution from her 2020 mixtape, Galore. This new long player offers up a deep dive into her meticulous approach to electronic, modern, 'hyper' pop while incorporating classical rigour. Standout tracks like the title track and 'Endless' are great reflections of her unique artistic vision while balancing formal complexity with subdued emotional impact.
Review: The second instalment of the Revenge trilogy is another doozy that once again reaffirms the indomitable spirit of the vengeful Gorilla at the same time as showcasing a relentless pursuit of violent justice. Against the brilliantly evocative backdrop of cinematic beats crafted by expert producer The Dirty Sample, Ol' Gorilla Bones is in top form as he spins vivid yarns of gruesome retribution against inept rappers. While revenge remains the central motif across this 16-track album, the duo's horrorcore narrative delves into unexpected realms that range from hockey references on 'Gerry Cheevers' to literary allusions on 'Honest Proposal'. It's a fine sequel full of macabre beat magic.
Black Sabbath (feat Billy Woods & Tha God Fahim) (3:13)
Change The World (feat MoRuf) (3:11)
Peace (feat Yungmorpheus) (3:09)
For You (feat MoRuf) (1:47)
The Last Of Us (feat Quelle Chris) (3:26)
Count Your Blessings (feat Lojii) (1:32)
PGO (feat Oliver The 2nd) (3:02)
Stories (feat J'von & Vuyo) (3:20)
Recuperating (feat Gabe 'Nandez & Fly Anakin) (3:16)
Discipline 74 (interlude) (0:54)
Holler Back (feat Kooley High) (3:16)
Review: A highly detailed, point-by-point album by Coalmine Records' new production favourite Ol' Burger Beats, 74: Out Of Time is a long and winding excursion through exquisite lo-fi hip-hop, where all of its current favourite faces feature, from Lil B, YUNGMORPHEUS, Oliver The 2nd, Billy Woods, Pink Siifu and more, all aiding and abetting this upstart young beatmaker's geyser-jet into the spotlight. The thematic basis of this album is the number 74, drawing on not just the year 1974 (the politics, the zeitgeist, the aesthetics, the activism) but the seemingly inexhaustible creative wellspring that is the tempo, 74 BPM. Unwavering in this commitment, this is both a formal and contented album, adept at its evocation of unique haze-moods ('Peace') and blazing, soporific wonks ('Running').
Gettin' High (feat 12 O'Clock, La The Darkman & shorty Shit Stain)
You Don't Want F**k With Me
N***a Please
Dirt Dog
I Want P***y
Good Morning Heartache (feat Lil' Mo)
All In Together Now
Review: Happy 25th Anniversary to the late great Ol' Dirty Bastard's second studio album, a chaotic masterpiece that captured the unrestrained genius of Russell Jones during a turbulent phase in his life. Amid arrests, personal struggles and Wu-Tang Clan's shifting dominance, ODB (so named because there is no mother to his style) delivered an album steeped in unfiltered emotion and unpredictability. The recording sessions have since become infamous for their bacchanalian energy and they truly birthed a wildly unique record. Tracks like 'Rollin' With You' and 'You Don't Want To F* With Me' showcase his raw, unbridled id. Though messy and polarising, this one remains a daring and unforgettable work.
Gave My Heart/Its So (Interlood) (feat Leon Ware/Grant Windsor Big Beat Band) (5:02)
Feeds My Mind (Feal Floacist) (3:56)
De Ja Vu (feat Mayra Andrade) (3:25)
This Way That Way (3:44)
Hold Me Closer (feat Stuart Zender) (3:48)
I Want It To Be (3:47)
Doobie Doobie Doo (4:08)
Grey Clouds (5:01)
Review: One of the UK's most distinctive, consistent and authentic male soul voices returns with his eighth album in 27 years... And it's a serious piece of work. Rich in range, warmth, creativity and a keen eye on the dancefloor, everything about him feels refreshed and energised. Highlights include the Dilla-meets-Iz & Diz style "This Way That Way", the glistening Balearic charm of "Feeds My Mind", the syrupy organs and harmonies on "Insatiable". Winding down with the almost filmic narrative "Grey Clouds", it's one of those records that will have you leaping up, flipping to side A and starting all over again. Feel the love.
Review: The Raw Factor by Omniscence is a long-awaited gem from the mid-90s era of hip-hop, finally seeing the light of day after 28 years. Originally scheduled for release in 1996 but delayed due to record label politics, this album is a testament to Omniscence's skill as an MC and Fanatic's prowess as a producer. The album features punchline-driven lyrics from Omniscence, delivered in his unmistakable cadence, and backed by head-nodding production from Fanatic. Tracks like 'Amazin' and 'Touch Y'all' showcase Omniscence's lyrical strength, while Fanatic's beats provide the perfect backdrop, blending jazz elements with boom-bap drums. The Raw Factor is an album to check out for fans of 90s hip-hop, giving off a glimpse into a time when lyricism and production were at their peak.
Review: Originally slated for release in March 1996, Omniscence's The Raw Factor finally sees the light of day, a mere 28 years later, thanks to Below System Records. Despite earning The Source's "Hip Hop Quotable" and releasing standout singles like 'Amazin' and 'Touch Y'all,' label politics shelved the album leaving fans in suspense for decades. Known for his gruff cadence, punchlines and metaphors, Omniscence made waves in the 90s hip-hop scene, even placing high in the 1994 Battle For World Supremacy. Featuring jazzed-out boom-bap beats from Fanatic this deluxe release includes 15+ tracks and bonus cuts so was worth the wait.
Review: Back in 1996, on the back of years spent showcasing skills on NYC's hip-hop underground, mic man Omniscence completed his debut album, The Raw Factor, with producers Fanatic and (more surprisingly) deep house great Rheji Burrell. Sadly, it was never issued, and it would be nearly a decade before he put out a full-length excursion, The God Hour. Described as "one of the great lost rap albums of the 90s", The Raw Factor is now finally out on CD - almost three decades after Omniscence started work on it. For those who love "golden era hip-hop", with its killer grooves and choice use of killer samples, it's a must-check set, with Omniscence's on-point raps - delivered smoothly, with a distinctively gruff flow - keeping you captivated throughout.
Review: The reissue of Oneness Of Juju's 1976 album Space Jungle Luv stands as a crucial addition to the Black Fire Records reissue series. When James "Plunky" Branch founded Oneness Of Juju in 1975, he had already spent years engulfed in the vibrant jazz scenes of both coasts. The group, previously known as Juju, was deeply rooted in New York's avant-garde jazz scene. However, upon relocating to Richmond, Virginia, Plunky gathered a fresh ensemble, blending African rhythms with funk and r&b. This lineup produced two of their most acclaimed albums, African Rhythms and Space Jungle Luv. This era marked the band's peak, with Space Jungle Luv embodying a shift towards a more serene, spiritual sound. The album showcases Lady Eka-Ete's enchanting vocals and guitarist Melvin Glover's celestial tones. Plunky's vision for this record was influenced by artists like Pharoah Sanders, aiming to deliver a message of spiritual upliftment through "space music, jungle music, love songs." Tracks like 'River Luvrite' and 'Follow Me' explore themes of unity and exploration.
Review: Cult psychedelic rap don Onoe Caponoe's fifth studio album, Concrete Fantasia on High Focus Records, is another vivid and vital work that weaves a dark fantasy that blurs genre boundaries and combines great references to fantastical realms with gritty inner-city realities. It takes listeners on a surreal journey that draws on movie samples to make intricate vignettes and adds mind-bending lyricism into the unique soundscapes. As Onoe Caponoe masterfully navigates between whimsical escapism and raw urban life, featuring characters like Pinocchio in the hood and an Ice King in a frostbitten kingdom, you cannot help but be charmed.
Review: Following 2012's fourth volume that celebrated the existential work of Tim Maia, here we find Luaka Bop exploring the legacy of William Onyeabor. A high chief and Kenyan diplomat who allegedly refuses to discuss his music, he self-released eight albums in the 70s and 80s and these are some of the many highlights. Stretching from the New York-influenced post-punk synth funk of "Good Name" to the most authentic Afro fusion of "Why Go To War", Onyeabor's range not only reflects his clear creative skill, but also the ever-developing international language of music during the fruitful period he was active. Who is William Onyeabor? Press play and find out yourselves...
Review: A lesson in how to follow up an incredible album: Tomorrow followed Onyeabor's incendiary Atomic Bomb immaculately. The title track instantly set the scene with more emphasis on electronic elements and studio techniques as William sermonises without pomp. "Why Go To War" is as insistent as its message thanks to a dense lolloping groove of highlife guitars and spiralling keys. "Fantastic Man", meanwhile, takes a leaf out of Parliament's playbook, rolls it up and smokes its own and "Try & Try" closes the show with country subtlety thanks to its slide guitars and blushing keys.
Circuit City (feat video Dave & Still Rift) (3:03)
I Retired Then I Changed My Mind (2:27)
Burner Account (feat Armand Hammer) (3:27)
For Doom (2:06)
Crenshaw & Homeland (3:54)
Multi-game Arcade Cabinet (feat Rap Ferreira, Still Rift & video Dave) (1:19)
Credits Interlude (feat Serengeti) (2:09)
Peak Lockdown Raps (3:35)
Kites (feat video Dave & Still Rift) (2:17)
Track 214 (feat Aesop Rock & Diamond D) (3:34)
Review: For his eighth studio album, rapper Open Mike Eagle rather heads down memory lane, after discovering some old mixtapes that ultimately inspired him to take that path. He calls upon the classic boom-bap sounds of the 90s that he grew up with and next to that nostalgia he brings his own witty and introspective lyrical charm. There is a bittersweet sense of humour to some of the tunes and some more smooth and sensitive 90s R&B style jams with plenty of very tight and solid raps along the way.
The Cursse Of Hypervigilance (In Politics, Romance & Cohabitation)
Insecurity
Smiling (Quirky Race Doc)
Leave People Alone
A Short About A Guy That Dies Every Night
Protectors Of The Heat (feat Hemlock Ernst)
Insecurity: The Moor The Marry Her (part 2)
Dive Bar Support Group
Drunk Dreaming
Reprieve
Review: Open Mike Eagle may not have all the answers, but he asks some of the smartest questions in hip-hop. On Hella Personal Film Festival, he teams up with British producer Paul White for a psychedelic blend of soul-funk, booming drums and introspective storytelling. Recorded in London, the album continues where Dark Comedy left off-witty, anxious and deeply reflective. Eagle dissects modern life's absurdities, from social media addiction to racial microaggressions and uses that to craft surreal yet painfully real vignettes. With guest features from Aesop Rock and Hemlock Ernst, these tense anthems explore vulnerability with a cutting sense of humour.
Review: Reel People Music expands the fizzing dynamic between highly accomplished label associates Opolopo (AKA Peter Major) and Angela Johnson with the release of their brand new album Best of Both Worlds. The nine-track record is an impressive merging of soulful souls, building on the pair's previous 'track-by-track' collaborative approach, and calling on influences from Quincy Jones to The Isley Brothers. From the twizzling decrescendos of Buffalo, which hears the pair summon the bruk maestro Kaidi Tatham on recording and co-prod duties, to the sparkly, sparky whetstone electro-disco track 'The Ones You Love', we really do get the best of both worlds here; we get nine worlds, in fact.
Review: Even by the consistently high standards of Analog Africa, this release is something special. It consists entirely of previously unheard music by Orchestre Abass, an obscure outfit from Togo who released a handful of singles on Polydor Ghana in the early 1970s. Remarkably, all bar one of the tracks on "De Bassari Togo" were found on a long forgotten reel of tape that had sat on a shelf in a Ghanaian warehouse for the best part of 35 years. That was ten years ago; it's taken that long to track down the remaining members of the band and license the material. In truth, the tracks have aged exceptionally well, with the band's infectious, organ-led sound adding distinct Arabic influences (a result of the band members' time spent studying in Islamic schools) to their heavy funk rhythms and riotous Afro-funk vibes.
Review: Acid Jazz has got an ongoing deal to issue and reissue music from Benin funk supergroup Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou and the latest fruits of that is this reissue of their Le Sato album. It is a follow-up to the one they dropped back in 2021 and is another section of traditional voodoo ceremonial music from the group from the mid-seventies. The name of the album is taken from the large ceremonial Sato drum, which is played with wooden stick beaters at special ceremonial occasions. Here it can be heard in all its glory making traditional rhythms and deeply ritualistic grooves that will leave you in a trance.
Review: In an era where originality was essential for respect, few hip-hop groups earned more admiration than Organized Konfusion. The Queens-based duo of Pharoahe Monch and Prince Po reached their peak with their 1994 sophomore album Stress: The Extinction Agenda, now being reissued for its 30th anniversary. Supported by moody, bass-heavy, and jazz-infused production, Stress highlighted Pharoahe and Po's intricate, ever-evolving rhyme styles and undeniable chemistry. The result was an album that remains a beloved classic among hardcore rap fans, standing the test of time as a defining moment in the genre.
Review: Orgone is back in California and coming in hot with Chimera, a fire-breathing spectacle of psychedelic Afro-soul. Produced by Sergio Rios (Neal Francis, Say She She), Chimera is an electrifying, dream-like odyssey, tripping through the hazy swamps of New Orleans, weaving textures of entrancing voodoo soul, thrumming Afro-funk, and stoney psyche-rock. On Chimera, the Los Angeles-based outfit carves tough, gritty, infectious grooves into heady dance rhythms. Taking its name from a mythical beast with the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a serpent, Chimera conjures a state that is at once trance-like and heart-poundingly exciting. The album opens like a heady puff of smoke in the face with 'Hallowed Dreams,' drawing the listener into a state where reality blurs and the music takes control. The focus track, 'Zum Zum,' is a hooky Afro-funk dance floor heater that synchronizes your heart rate to its propulsive percussion, the hypnotic rhythm building into a raucous, psychedelic climax. Then, on the raw and rousing 'Tula Muisi (Dance Like Them),' a tapestry of Afrobeat and heavy psych-rock bolsters the singer calls for unity and respect, which translates to "Hear the music, and dance like them".
Review: Orgone is back in California and coming in hot with Chimera, a fire-breathing spectacle of psychedelic Afro-soul. Produced by Sergio Rios (Neal Francis, Say She She), Chimera is an electrifying, dream-like odyssey, tripping through the hazy swamps of New Orleans, weaving textures of entrancing voodoo soul, thrumming Afro-funk, and stoney psyche-rock. Taking its name from a mythical beast with the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a serpent, Chimera conjures a state that is at once trance-like and heart-poundingly exciting. For instance: the album opens like a heady puff of smoke in the face with 'Hallowed Dreams,' drawing the listener into a state where reality blurs and the music takes control. Chimera will delight fans of early Orgone while showcasing the band's effortless and endless ability to shape-shift. It's an electrifying, mesmerizing record sure to exceed expectations and keep the listener rapt.
Review: Colemine Records is reissuing Orgone's 2008 classic Bacano on vinyl for the first time, here exclusively for Black Friday RSD 2024. Known for their raw, organic California soul, Orgone's music grabs you by the collar and pulls you to the dance floor. The band's journey began in the San Fernando Valley, where two friends, united by their love for gritty 60s and 70s soul, drew inspiration from the vibrant music scene in Los Angeles during the late 90s. This collaboration ignited a movement, and Orgone has since become a key player in delivering timeless funk for music lovers.
Review: On Signature, Joell Ortiz's raw lyrical prowess converges with L’Orange's time-honed production chops, resulting in a pure collaborative bombshell. L'Orange crafts beats exuding an undeniable vintage charm, which mesh delectably with Ortiz’s frank flows and delivery; most notable among these fusions is ‘In My Feelings’, detailing Ortiz’s upbringing as a young Brooklynite in search of purpose, then reflecting on his self-actualisation since those day ones. Not all is peachy, though: ‘Masked Up’ draws compelling metaphorical parallels between music industry rejection and harder street hustling, and L’Orange’s hazed-out stomper of a beat wickedly complements these harder-than-nails travails.
Review: Brooklyn don Joell Ortiz is back with one of his most potent partnerships to date. L'Orange is the kind of hip-hop producer who knows how to bridge the gap between sample-rooted nostalgia and head-twisting innovation, and so we're gifted with a full suite of beats that shock on first listen before burrowing their way into your subconscious before the second bar is finished. It's the perfect backdrop for Ortiz to lay down his crystal clear street tales, delivered with the perfect blend of venom, humour, sensitivity and stubbornness - gifts hard won on his rise to the top of the rap pile and deployed to devastating effect on this album.
The Crown (feat Benny The Butcher & Elcamino) (2:40)
Strong Survive (3:22)
Just Different (feat Conway) (2:54)
Certain Things (feat 38 Spesh) (2:59)
Ice Baby (2:52)
Blood Stains (feat Rome Streets) (2:57)
Whole Shabangs (feat Amir Ali) (2:19)
Anemic (feat Lihtz) (2:51)
JJ Redick (2:07)
Fade Away (2:52)
Review: OT The Real and AraabMuzik team to great effect here on Zombie, a gripping listen and fresh take on hip hop that is also a great indicator of their collaborative prowess. The album pulsates with raw energy, blending OT The Real's lyrical finesse with AraabMuzik's signature production mastery, from start to finish. There are all sorts of haunting melodies and hard-hitting beats that captivate with dark and hypnotic atmospheres always luring you in further. As two prominent figures in the hip-hop scene, OT The Real and AraabMuzik deliver a relentless sonic assault that leaves a lasting impression here and shows they likely have plenty more to come.
Review: In the encyclopedia entry for psychedelic soul you're sure to find some mention of Shuggie Otis, and this is the album that cemented his sound. 'Strawberry Letter 23' is undoubtedly Otis' 'Albatross', a universally adored anthem that ploughs a furrow straight to the heart, but it grows in stature even more when you hear it in context on the 1971 album it was first released on. With George Duke lending his inimitable touch on keys amongst the ensemble of players, this is a true treasure of funk and soul with the spark of inspiration to look beyond genre conventions. Beyond the big hit, this is an album of abundant riches which rightly gets a repressing to reaffirm Otis' status as a legend in a league of his own making.
Review: A year shy of its 40th anniversary, Inspiration Information enjoys a reissue and it's still as sparkly and soul-laden as it was in 1974. Ranging from the guitar-twanging smoky blues funk of "Rainy Day" to the sultry, strutting title track, it's largely regarded as Otis's most comprehensive work of that time. According to legend it took him three years to create... 39 years later and it still sounds as good as this? We'd say that's time well spent!
B-STOCK: Creasing to corner of outer sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition
Inspiration Information
Island Letter
Sparkle City
Aht Uh Mi Hed
Happy House
Rainy Day
XL-30
Pling!
Not Available
Review: ***B-STOCK: Creasing to corner of outer sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition***
A year shy of its 40th anniversary, Inspiration Information enjoys a reissue and it's still as sparkly and soul-laden as it was in 1974. Ranging from the guitar-twanging smoky blues funk of "Rainy Day" to the sultry, strutting title track, it's largely regarded as Otis's most comprehensive work of that time. According to legend it took him three years to create... 39 years later and it still sounds as good as this? We'd say that's time well spent!
Gangsta Sh*t (feat Slimm Calhoun, C Bone & T Mo Goodie)
Toilet Tisha
Slum Beautiful (feat Cee Lo Goodie)
Pre-Nump (interlude)
Stankonia (Stanklove) (feat Big Rube & Sleepy Brown)
Review: The fourth album by OutKast, a transcendental funk fantasia and an unequivocal triumph for Southern rap. Andre "3000" Benjamin and Antwan "Big Boi" Patton, known for their inventive personas and distinct styles, push boundaries in this ambitious release. Emerging from southwest Atlanta, OutKast quickly set trends, evidenced by the Kangol hats in Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik. They address identity and location with unparalleled boldness, starting each album with an intro track that proclaims their distinctive Southern voice. Each subsequent album refines their mastery, culminating in Stankonia, where they balanced mass appeal and artistic integrity. Hits like 'So Fresh, So Clean' and 'Ms. Jackson' exemplify this, blending catchy tunes with complex themes becoming household names. Produced mainly by the duo alongside Organized Noize, Stankonia features a sonic collage from influences like Lee Perry and George Clinton. Tracks range from the abrasive 'Gasoline Dreams' to the introspective 'Toilet Tisha,' showcasing their dynamic range. The album is politically conscious yet whimsical, street-savvy yet avant-garde. Over two decades later, Stankonia stands as a revolutionary work, as vibrant and impactful as ever.
Here We Go Again (feat Audrey Wheeler & Brent Carter) (4:49)
Doin' Alright (feat O'Bryan) (5:43)
Someone I Used To Love (4:21)
Times Of Our Lives (5:13)
I'm In Love (4:30)
Really No Chance (feat Katie Holmes-Smith) (4:18)
Love Of Another Guy (4:31)
True Love (5:21)
Every Time You Touch Me (4:23)
Can't Hide Love (4:42)
Review: London soul heavies Output/Input channel the spirit of their influences on their debut vinyl LP Forward Motion, hadron-colliding a recognizable topoi of soul and funk, and bringing all these influences together rather convincingly despite having recorded each track separately, and remotely across mulitple continents. A diverse and international group, we hear the full-bodied, co-operative vocals of Antonio McLendon, Audrey Wheeler-Downing, Brent Carter and Katie Holmes-Smith collide in an unstoppable rotation of the limelight. Meanwhile, the album remains dominated by its session artists, delivering the tightest of tight backbones and melodious acoutrements.
Review: This album offers a smooth, nostalgic journey through classic 70s soul, with a modern twist that captures the essence of that era while infusing it with contemporary flair. The standout track, 'Rollercoaster', exemplifies the soothing, sensual style of the album, with falsetto vocals that echo the best of vintage soul. 'Mulholland Drive', a collaboration with Latoya Williams, further enhances this atmosphere, blending smooth grooves with a timeless feel. While the album leans heavily on familiar Marvin Gaye-inspired moments, tracks like 'Make Me Wanna' and 'Back To Your Place' draw listeners in with their rich, soulful melodies. The music itself is both comforting and captivating, with lush arrangements and a relaxed tempo that makes it easy to get lost in the vibe. Though some may find the album too nostalgic at times, the reverence for classic soul is clear and the execution is top-notch. For those who appreciate the golden era of r&b, this album delivers a satisfying, if sometimes familiar, experience that's sure to please fans of smooth, soulful music.
Review: A stunning tribute to the golden era of Motown and soul, infused with contemporary flair, this album is the perfect homage to a legend. Drawing inspiration from Marvin Gaye, London channels the timeless essence of classic r&b while weaving his own unique artistry into the mix. The album unfolds across three thematic setsiThe Hope, The Grind and The Ascent. With gems like the sensual 'Rollercoaster', the smooth collaboration 'Mulholland Drive' with Latoya Williams and the soulful charm of 'Make Me Wanna', October London effortlessly blends vintage soul with modern sensibilities. His falsetto vocals and lush arrangements create a soothing, nostalgic atmosphere, while the album's relaxed tempo invites listeners to immerse themselves in its rich melodies. Arriving on clear vinyl, this is an emotionally resonant journey that pays tribute to the greats while embracing the present.
Review: "Dear Marvin," comments October London on this journey through themes of love, personal discovery and modern struggles, "I'm not trying to be you. That's impossible." That said, the reverence for Gaye is - obviously - evident, this heartfelt tribute to one of soul's greatest icons is given a properly contemporary feel through Snoop Dogg-mentored London's smooth falsetto and rich production. 'Make Me Wanna' and 'Back To Your Place' are rich in vintage melodies of the 60s nand 70s, pulling listeners into their warm, comforting rhythms and the album's narrative unfolds across three sets: The Hope, The Grind and The Ascent, each exploring different facets of love and personal growth. Other highlights include 'Love Me Better' and 'The Same Love' and it's not hard to see why this accomplished effort gets the stamp of approval of the mighty Dogg himself.
Black Is (feat DSTL, Sareem Poems & Rich Medina) (5:29)
Review: Golden Era boom-bap and modern hip hop sounds are fused to perfection on this new collaborative EP from the big dogs Tall Black Guy and Ozay Moore who team up with guests including KUMBAYA, Malaya and more on this fresh new gatefold LP. 'Viberite' is one of this pair's best collars - a smooth and celebratory track with mellow vibes and soulfully atmospheric textures. 'Make It Like This' rides a nice loose, tumbling beat with warming chords heating it up from below and seductive flows up top. 'Does Anybody Care?' is not only a great title but a string-laced, soul-enriching gem of a tune, too,
Black Is (feat DSTL Sareem Poems & Rich Medina) (3:57)
Review: Here comes an instrumental version of this killer record, where golden era boom-bap and modern hip-hop sounds are fused to perfection from the big dogs Tall Black Guy and Ozay Moore who team up with guests including KUMBAYA, Malaya and more on this fresh new gatefold LP. 'Viberite' is one of this pair's best collars - a smooth and celebratory track with mellow vibes and soulfully atmospheric textures. 'Make It Like This' rides a nice loose, tumbling beat with warming chords heating it up from below and seductive flows up top. 'Does Anybody Care?' is not only a great title but a string-laced, soul-enriching gem of a tune, too,
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