Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Featuring Mervin's unmistakable falsetto delivers an anti-war message over a lush dub-infused backdrop, radiating hope and defiance. The track's atmospheric depth, blending melodic elements with rhythmic precision, is pure brilliance. On Side-2, the Upsetters' version reimagines the song, allowing Perry's dub wizardry to shine. Stripping back vocals and emphasising the instrumental layers, the dub version highlights hypnotic basslines, echo-laden effects, and a more prominent groove. The interplay between restraint and innovation transforms the track into a meditative dub experience. Junior Mervin's Cross Over 7" is a roots gem steeped in the signature magic of Lee "Scratch" Perry. With a message as powerful as its production, you've got the true recipe for a classic.

Review: Both tracks on this crucial new drop from Duke share a common theme of love and harmony, which were of course the cornerstones of reggae and part of the reason it has such an enduring appeal as the universal need for compassion and unity has never diminished. In fact, it might be more needed now than ever. First, 'Peace & Love' by U-Roy, The Jamaicans, and Tommy McCook & The Supersonics is a timeless cut with U-Roy's toasting sat next to horn-driven rhythms that were first released in the 1970s. Similarly, Tommy McCook & The Supersonics' "The World Needs Love" captures the essence of70s reggae, with McCook's smooth saxophone leading the instrumental arrangement.

Review: With a title paying homage to London's cultural epicentre for the hippie and mod movements that would serve as precursors to the punk rock revolution, The Carnaby St. EP offers up a seasoned cross-Atlantic meeting of sonic minds between two seminal punk acts on either side of the sea. With legendary UK Subs frontman Charlie Harper and long-time bassist Alvin Gibbs linking up with Dead Boys guitarist Cheetah Chrome for a balls-to the-wall blowout celebration of some of the most quintessential cuts from the British Invasion that initially put them on their life-long trajectories, here the mutual veterans tear through faithful yet feral renditions of The Rolling Stones' 'Paint It Black', The Yardbirds' 'For Your Love', and our personal favourite; 'Taxman' by The Beatles. 3 covers, 7 inches and decades' worth of punk rock legacy.

Review: The Ultramagnetic MCs, a pioneering hip-hop group from the Bronx, NYC, are celebrated for their innovative sampling, complex rhymes, and surreal lyrical style. Founded by Kool Keith, the group also includes Ced Gee, TR Love and Moe Love, with Tim Dog joining unofficially in 1989. Their track 'A Chorus Line,' initially the B-side of a single, quickly became one of their standout hits, introducing Tim Dog to the scene, while the instrumental from 'A Chorus Line' was later reworked for Tim Dog's controversial debut single, 'F--- Compton,' produced by Ced Gee, which played a significant role in igniting the East Coast/West Coast rivalry of the 1990s. This 7" release features both parts 1 and 2 of 'A Chorus Line,' offering a glimpse into the early days of Ultramagnetic MCs and their influential role in hip-hop history, capturing the raw energy and groundbreaking creativity that defined their legacy.

Review: Croatian producer Umbo makes a raucous return to Breakbeat Paradise with this two-tracker of throwback funk edits. A-side 'No Sugar' is a no-nonsense breakbeat soul cut, filtering vintage vocal hooks through crisp drums and rubbery basslines. On the flip, 'Saoco Root' cranks the tempo and energy, fusing jazzy brass, hype vocals and Beastie Boys swagger into a fast-cutting party tool. A continuation of BBP's long-running Toxic Funk series, this latest volume slots right into the label's wheelhouse: dusty, high-energy edits with bite.

Review: Universal Cave set out on a brand new cosmic spelunk. Flipping a pair of raucous Latin disco pancakes on a searing summer lowrider bonnet (in lieu of a non-stick pan), these free-range disco ovules pack much underfoot promise for the discerning dancefloor. The Philly collective kicks things off with the spry 'So Soft So Sweet', with an elusively sourced sing-along hook, blazing synth-gasms, and impulsive drums. 'Mishugina Mambo', on the other hand, gleans its inspirations from the classic Sofrito Specials series: bold horns fly in the face of relentless percs, urging everyone and your mother to get moving.

Review: Universal Cave and the Street Road Band pay tribute to Dan Strimer's cult classic '(Till You're) Back In My Arms' here many years after it was originally released on Lost Nation Records in 1977. After Universal Cave spotlighted the track on Soft Rock for Hard Times Vol 8, the label embraced the idea of a fresh cover 47 years later. The Street Road Band reimagines the tune as a mellow, southwestern-Balearic ballad featuring Andre Ethier's vocals, Charles Simon's guitar, Jesse Spearhawk's pedal steel and more musical riches. UK Balearic maestros Coyote take the multi-tracks further by transforming it into a lush, dubby groove that is perfect for Cafe Del Mar.

Review: Years after their 1970 sessions at Damon Studios in Kansas City, Bump & The Soul Stompers, under the direction of Jerald "Bump" Scott, adopted the name Unnatural Funk Band, a nod to the era's unconventional naming trends. Despite their efforts, "I Can Remember" failed to find a label. This led them to the famed Cavern Studios in Independence, Missouriiliterally carved out of a limestone cavern. The result is a fascinating juxtaposition of sounds: 'Living in the Past' offers a wistful, falsetto-laden journey with a laid-back narrative, evoking a nostalgic aura. In contrast, 'Strange Happenings' delivers a remarkable funk experience, revealing the band's prowess in crafting vibrant and innovative grooves. This track, a hidden gem from a virtually undocumented Kansas City soul ensemble, was uncovered with the help of Scott during the Numero Group's 2013 research for the Eccentric Soul: The Forte Label compilation. Unnatural Funk Band's release, featuring these previously unreleased tracks, represents a significant find for funk aficionados. The limited-edition 10" vinyl showcases their unique blend of nostalgic funk and innovative rhythms, a testament to the enduring impact of their music.

Review: A few years after recording at Damon Studios in Kansas City, Bump & The Soul Stompers-led by Jerald "Bump" Scott-rebranded as the Unnatural Funk Band. Unable to find a label for 'I Can Remember' they recorded at Cavern Studios, a unique space built in a Missouri limestone cave. Their track 'Living in the Past' features a nostalgic falsetto, while 'Strange Happenings' showcases a standout funk groove. This previously unreleased music was rediscovered with Scott's help during the Numero Group's research for the Eccentric Soul: The Forte Label collection, which now brings fresh attention to this rare Kansas City soul act.

Review: Two rare instrumental covers of the 1969 classic 'Spinning Wheel' by Blood, Sweat & Tears. Produced by the legendary Lee "Scratch" Perry in 1970, these were first released on the highly exclusive Spinning Wheel label, and, as the label name suggests, both tracks are fortuitous roulettes encircling dusty instrumental dub. It also happens to be the first ever release on Harlem Shuffle, marking the start of a small, pantherine catalogue. For the rather fast brachiations of 'Haunted House' - a poltergeist of a track, fettered to the weathered-down needle nib on our own turntable, causing psychokinetic rotary reactions - and the bicyclic, two tone dub reinvention 'Double Wheel', these tracks showcase Perry's technologising approach to dubbing, prioritising energy above all. Fitting for Perry's lifelong kinghood over dub music at large, the subgeneric name was, of course, baptised "boss reggae".

Review: After a four-year hiatus, Urban Volcano Sounds returns with their eagerly awaited single, "Disco Taberna," released on 7" vinyl. Known for their Balearic crossover style, urban boogie influences, and elegant sound production, the track showcases their signature blend of lush strings and soulful melodies. "Disco Taberna" is a nod to the golden age of 70s disco, capturing the era's opulence with meticulous production. The track's lush arrangements and soaring strings reflect a deep respect for the classic disco era, while the urban boogie influences add a modern twist. The single's release follows the inclusion of their track "Ame no Uta" from their previous album "Blue Hour" in the "Tangent" compilation by Nick The Record & John Gomez, released by MR.BONGO in July. This feature has further cemented Urban Volcano Sounds' growing reputation, both in Japan and internationally. "Disco Taberna" not only reaffirms the group's commitment to high-quality sound but also highlights their evolving influence in the music scene. The single's blend of nostalgic and contemporary elements promises to captivate both longtime fans and new listeners alike.

Review: Do you know Utena, Fukuoka's hottest soul jazz band comprised of Yamagiwa Mai, Seigo Takeshita, and Toshiyuki Morishige? If you don't, now is the time to get familiar as they drop their debut 7" single on Exhume Exhume Production, which is a label helmed by DJ Horishi. This double A-side features a stunning reimagining of the Japanese classic 'Natsu Hikari ni' which was originally by Tasumiko Yamaga and is transformed with smoky, soulful jazz stylings. The flipside presents 'Moon,' an original track by vocalist KAYO and guitarist Soraha (aka KEIJI), which showcases the band's signature new soul sound.

Review: UZOO brings their raw energy and smart lyricism to new this new single which comes on Ill Adrenaline Records from the US. This project highlights the collective's dynamic sound which blends gritty beats and sharp, thought-provoking lyrics which add up to a refreshing take on hip-hop while staying rooted in the genre's golden era influences. 'Attack' hits hard with heavy, precise drums and gravelly vocals next to a mix of string samples, dark soul synths and eerie melodies that float way up above the drums.