Back catalogue: All genres

Review: In 2011, Banda Achilifunk & OJO served up Gitano Real, one of the year's most essential albums. It was caned far and wide by funk lovers, in particular Craig Charles on his 6 Music show. Now, two cover versions taken from the essential album have been pressed to limited edition translucent yellow vinyl. First up, 'I Believe in Miracles' is an overwhelming take on the Jackson Sisters classic with plenty of happy Latin vibes and rumba funk rhythms. Flip it over for a more abstract version of McFadden and Whitehead's seminal 'Ain't No Stoping Us Now' which is a soulful disco number packed with sunshine.

Review: The charming 'Xango' by Magalhaes from his 1986 album E Sua Guitarra on Gravasom Records is an electrifying Lambada track with haunting vocals and infectious energy that now gets reissued as part of the superb series from Mr Bongo. It is a guaranteed dancefloor rescuer for DJs worldwide and has in fact been building momentum in recent years. It remains a favourite for its driving rhythm and captivating intensity and on the B-side is 'Lambada Pauleira' by Os Panteras, which was released in 1987 on Gravasom. Known for Joutro Mundo's popular re-edit, this original version stands out with its quirky charm and undeniable appeal and is a staple for renowned Brazilian DJs, including Augusto Olivani (aka Trepanado).

Review: Tower Vinyl is very quickly becoming one of our favourite labels. its current run of releases is absolutely top notch and focuses on vintage soul sounds from across a wide spectrum. This latest 7" as part of the Free Soul series comes from Odessey whose 'Battened Ships' has big brass, funky drums and lots of killer guitar lines and rich bass, all topped with heartfelt vocals. The wonderful Terry Callier and is unique ones then bring jazz and soul stylings to the bouncy 'Ordinary Joe' on the flip.

Review: In 1985, Isy Martin Jr. released 'Rug Burns' and it became a low-key disco stepping classic. Now, Prime Time Records and Tapes has secured the rights and presents this official repress featuring that cut on the A-side so you no longer have to play high prices on the second-hand market. As well as that fresh bit of ass-shaking and funky dancefloor fun, the label has pressed a special re-do of 'Rug Burns' featuring XL Middleton and Zackey Force Funk on the B-side. It's a slightly more contemporary boogie-down sound with the same original vocal charms.

Review: It's hard to fault the work of the Original Gravity crew and when the tasteful London label's All Stars assemble it's even more important to take note. It is they who kick off 2025 with a classic funky break that is topped with spoken word samples from an MC at a big fight event (though it's not Michael Buffer, the man behind these famous words, because he has a strict copyright on them). The beats are as fiery as a heavyweight showdown with plenty of punchy horn stabs. On the flip, 'Rumble In The Jungle' is a similar sound that makes just as much impact.

Review: Four Flies presents a gem for vinyl collectors with the 7" release of Riz Ortolani's soundtrack highlights from Confessione di un commissario di polizia al procuratore della Repubblica. Side-1's 'Serena e Lomunno' showcases an exceptional quartet's jazzy spell, weaving bass, electric guitar, drums, and piano into a standout groove. On Side-2, Il ricordo di Serena continues the magic with a trio, maintaining the rhythmic essence while sacrificing none of the brilliance. The interplay of bass and drums is the backbone, adorned by electric guitar and piano's refined phrasings. The result? Irresistible jazz-funk breaks, ripe for sampling. A must-have addition to Four Flies' series of 45s celebrating Italy's golden age soundtracks and library productions, this release is essential for any serious Italian sound enthusiast's collection.

Review: Originally released in 1972, these are the only known recordings from Tulsa soul band Outback. The A-side is an eclectic, psychedelic funk ballad with lyrics drawn from religious scripture and drawing powerful parallels to Black slavery in the U.S. They lend a deeply spiritual and socially conscious edge to the track which is potent in groove as it is message. The B-side, 'Reggie's Thang,' takes a different turn and is a raw, psychedelic instrumental showcasing the band's musical range and experimental edge. Together, these are a time machine back to powerful moments in soul and funk history, now rediscovered and sure to be appreciated all over again.

Review: This is a reissue of a rare 1978 single from Whirl (aka West Indies Records Limited) which blends George Clinton's famous Parliament funk with Caribbean flair. The Outfit was one of the Caribbean's funkiest bands and they always showcased the creative potential of "Spouge music", particularly with their explosive cover of Parliament's 'Dr. Funkenstein', which they renamed 'Dr. Spougenstien'. Despite its rarity, the track became a hit in Barbados and was often mistaken for an original song. The B-side features a punchy Cosmic disco version of the Peter Gunn theme.

Review: Craft Music's Good For Dance series continues with its second instalment and this one has been curated by none other than DJ Craft himself. Joining him are talented pals Schmoltz, Bogdan Ra, Romain FX, and Outra, also known as Joutro Mundo. These deep diggers are celebrated for their prowess in unearthing hidden gems and transforming them into dancefloor anthems and that's what they do here as each artist brings a unique flavour to the mix. Schmoltz's 'Luv The States' is a peak-time percussive disco jam, Bogdan Ra brings some slap-funk drums and glossy Italo synths and 'Tell Me Why' has crunchy drums and jagged synth stabs before a camp closer in 'Colosso'.

Review: Record Shack unearth two tunes from the vaults of Austrian public broadcasting institution ORF, available for the very first time on officially released 7" record. Pressed using only the strictest high-grade equipment, the flame of soul soprano Stefanie Vhynak's 'Feelin' It' is rekindled with a rejuvenative flair: the Viennese singer cut her teeth in the USA before her return to her birthplace, where she was discovered and subsequently enjoyed a longstanding career. Though her stint with the Austrian Broadcasting Company was short-lived, it could still be argued that Stefanie's rep of contributions to the broadcaster lie among her best. The exigency of radio is paramount to good songcraft, which is why there are two versions of 'Feelin' It' here; the first of which lays down the centrality of the song's lyrics via pared-backbeat and muted funk, and the latter pulling the pull ring on the sonic grenade, allowing a full-throttle vocal and instrumental amour to explode.

Review: This new 7" offers the chance to discover unearthed killer tunes from the vaults of the Austrian Public Broadcasting Institution (ORF), which officially appear on wax here for the first now time. Stefanie & ORF Big Band are behind 'Compared To What', a hard-hitting funk cut with lo-fi aesthetics and big horns. The flip side version is a subtle tweak with just as much energy. These tracks are pressed in top audio quality as they have been sourced directly from the archive master recordings. This release is a strictly limited edition so do not sleep.

Review: This 7" is a reissue of one that first dropped back in July and soon sold out but with two extra cuts. It offered a rare chance to discover hidden gems from the Austrian Public Broadcasting Institution (ORF) vaults which were all vinyl debuts in summer. This gatefold double 7" kicks off with Stefanie & ORF Big Band's 'Compared to What,' a hard-hitting funk track featuring lo-fi vibes and powerful horns. The A-2 offers a subtly tweaked version, maintaining the same high energy. 'Feelin' It' then comes on the flipside with big brass leads, deep-cut drums and a stirring, emotive female vocal lead. A second alternative is also featured.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: ***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!