Review: The soul, funk and disco 7" community is a strong one. Besides garage rock and psychedelic rock, there might not be another genre that is so beloved on the small but mighty 45rpm format. So, it completely makes sense if you are a newer producer releasing music in these genres then definitely know your fan base. Cool Million is a Danish and German duo doing just that. Their track 'Stronger' is the track and the title of their sixth full length album from 2019. The album has gained such strong reviews that they put it now as a single along with the Dub version on the reverse side. 'Stronger' is a positive and upbeat anthem that is sure reign in the innocent bystanders to party. The Dub is a super-cool alternative version that reminds of us classic roller-skating funk track from Midnight Star or Kool & The Gang. Need a party starter? Get this!
Review: Groove Culture enlist Italy's Da Lukas for a stinging string-disco propeller, 'Doin' Me Wrong', backed up on the B by 'Good Man'. Massive pressure-house feels coincide with the trilling afterglow of disco, as rock-bottom breakdowns prefigure high-as-a-kite apexes, word-painting the A track's lyrical focus on manic depressive push-pull relationships ("you tell me don't do this, you tell me don't do that"). The B-side track is weightier by comparison, deploying waterier wahs and an echo of Motown in its otherwise relentless garagey swing.
Review: Giovanni Damico teams up once again with Star Creature for a new 45 packed with fresh boogie bangers. The A-side delivers a funky, psychedelic disco stomper that will effortlessly and quickly transport you to listeners to 1981. It has echoes of Afro sounds from Lagos and the disco energy of NYC's Lower East Side, with catchy chants and breakbeats evoking a hidden Kid Creole track. The B-side is a great take on Italo disco with dusty drum machines, percussion and vintage synths infused with Damico's own guitar and bass work. This is another great chapter in the ongoing story between artist and label.
Destiny II - "I'm Here For This" (feat Aria Lyric) (4:54)
Review: Z Recordings chief Dave Lee has teamed up on this one with Omar, a prolific multi-instrumentalist who was awarded an MBE in 2012 for services to music. The result is 'Starlight', a serving of emotive soul funk with a nod to legend Stevie Wonder. Over on the flip, we have the late night boogie-down vibe of Destiny II's 'I'm Here For This' featuring Aria Lyric's powerful vocal delivery, underpinned by an uplifting arrangement that has summertime vibes abound. A new project by Lee, it debuted earlier this year with the excellent 'Play 2 Win'
Review: When he moved to Germany in the early 1980s, Hudson People's Reg Hudson quickly connected with Johnny Davis - a funk and soul musician who had originally moved to the country in the 1960s while serving in the U.S Army. They recorded a string of tracks and albums together, though only a small number of these recordings were ever released. 'Expand Your Mind', a gorgeous, synth-enhanced, mid-tempo slab of "groove" music (a kind of warmer, more soulful and generally more organic-sounding sub-genre that sat somewhere between boogie and 80s soul), was one of those - though original copies are very hard to come by. This gem sits on side B of this issue, playing second fiddle to the previously unreleased 'Life's a Party' - a slap-bass, piano-solo-sporting slab of rubbery boogie/jazz-funk fusion.
Review: Twilight is the latest piece by long time DJ, producer and remixer, Dominic Dawson. The Japanese label Flower, has released this single to 7" complete with a remix for the second side. The title track is a catchy and funky house track that while the remix is a bit more Balearic and beachy. Both versions have their place in any house setlist and will set the tone for any eclectic DJ set. With the DJing background Dominic has, he is a great guide to setting the mood with music. Like the title artwork suggests, this is perfect music to watch the sun go down to.
Review: Dayton were an Ohio-based band who named themselves after their hometown, and for the first half of the 80s they were enjoying a prolific run of original funk and boogie jams including five studio albums. This single on Expansion leads with their misty-eyed 1983 groover 'Promise Me' - a smooth-as-silk cut with not a lick out of place. On the flip, Expansion have dialled back to the band's self-titled debut album from 1980 and the noticeably more organic sound of 'Eyes On You'. If you simply love great 80s soul tunes or want to get to know Dayton a little better, this is a 7" well worth your time.
Double A - "Oh My God" (Double A's Mid Tempo Rewor) (3:53)
Review: The EastSide Edits label outta Canada is here to provide big moments of fun for jobbing DJs. Their first EP sold out in quick fashion because of the irresistible nature of the mash-ups it contained. Now comes a second volume, this time in the form of a couple of edits. Demiur's Jacked Payboi edit of his own take on massive rap hit 'WAP' is smoothed out into a chunky house groove with all the controversial original lyrics from Cardi B and Megan the Stallion left in place. On the flip is a big, shimmering disco epic in the form of Double A - 'Oh My God' (Double A's Mid Tempo Rework).
Review: We're not going to tell you who is behind the Divine Who project, though if you have a working knowledge about gospel disco DJs and nu-disco producers, you can probably join the dots. Either way, their self-titled gospel rework series is genuinely top-drawer. After a couple of tidy 12" singles they offer up a seven-inch for the first time. A-side 'Weekend (Dubbed Out Mix)' takes a squelchy, joyous and infectious mid-80s electrofunk-gospel number - and subtly touches it up and even more subtly dubs it out for modern dancefloors. On 'Forget Me Nots', they deliver their altar-ation (sorry) of an exquisitely soulful, tactile and loved-up cover version of Patrice Rushen favourite 'Forget-me-Nots' complete with a killer slap-bass breakdown.
Review: DJ Bacon's new edits LP Super Disco Raps takes two forms: firstly as a full-length 16-track LP, and secondly as a selectors' single edition, the latter of which you see here. 'Vol. 2' hears two extra remixes that did make the big disc's cut, but Bacon decided they also suited a limited edition 7" release for good measure. Playability is the implied reason: on the A we've a glossed-out disco scratch-tool remix of Wu Tang Clan's 'Gravel Pit', on which ghostly rap acapellas are laid to a lackadaisical funk beat, and on the B there's a similar version of Ultramagnetic MC's's 'Moe Luv's Theme', which loops and skips about an unmistakable four-beat, wax-scrubbing hook.
Review: Originally released in 2017, 'All Night Long' now gets a well-deserved vinyl release on 7". A tribute to the golden era of funk and disco, this release perfectly captures the electrifying energy of the early 80s while keeping things fresh for modern dancefloors. 'All Night Long' is a shimmering fusion of funk, soul, disco and electro, dripping with nostalgia. The groove is infectious, with crisp drum machines, funky basslines and synth stabs that instantly bring to mind classics from the likes of The Whispers or Shalamar. It's the kind of track that oozes retro charm but remains undeniably timeless. On the flip, 'Funkin On The One' shifts gears into a deep funk workout inspired by legends like Zapp & Roger and The Gap Band. Heavy slap bass, talkbox vocals and tight rhythms make this a certified dancefloor bomb, embracing the spirit of 80s funk with authentic precision.
Funkin On The One (feat Funkin' On The One) (4:42)
Review: These are two proper old school dance floor heaters from DJ Friction - yes, the very same - who in 2017 debuted his boogie and modern funk project, Ground Control, with first album Boogie Some More via Sedsoul Records. The glorious tunes feature vocals from David Whitley, Tansy Davis, Adriano Prestel, Ciaan, and Talkboxers Sin2 and CJ and now two tracks from the album come on this exclusive 7". This marks the beginning of a new era for DJ Friction who launches Soulsonic Recordings. Both of these are two more colourful and charming neo-boogie bangers with rich licks, bold basslines and irresistible funk.
Review: Eastside Edits delivers another stellar release with two DJ-friendly versions of 1976 chart-toppers! DJ S, the talented Greek DJ/producer/remixer, brings his magic to the table with this 7th release from the label. 'Moves At Midnight' on Side-1 revitalises a disco favorite from the 70s with punchier drums and a steady, mixable groove. It retains all the essence of the original while eliminating the clumsiness of mixing a vintage 45, offering disco perfection. On Side-2, 'Lay Down That Boogie' injects new energy into a 70s funk/rock classic. This funky edit features a DJ-friendly intro, subtle arrangement tweaks and beefier drums, preserving the original feel while enhancing its dancefloor appeal. DJ S once again showcases his tasteful editing skills, making this release a great find for disco and funk enthusiasts.
Kool & The Gang - "Give It Up" (DJ Soopasoul edit) (4:02)
Aretha Franklin - "Rock Steady" (DJ Soopasoul edit) (3:30)
Review: Jalapeno jive maestro Soupasoul had another standout year, in 2024 and only heightened his reputation for crafting exceptional edits that bring new life into funk standards and hidden gems. With a sharp focus on the groove-rich breaks, he is back once again with another instalment that will ignite dance floors everywhere. This time his scorching rework of 'Give It Up' spotlights dynamic horn interplay and soulful jazzy choruses and 'Rock Steady' celebrates Aretha's powerful vocals paired with a killer breakbeat. These finely tuned edits honour the originals while adding fresh energy.
Review: All Right Fresh serve speciality brews of West and East Coast nu-funk, soul and hip-hop. Here they welcome DJ Spinna and J Rocc for the very latest edition in their Wrecka Stow Edits series, which hears two further majestic remixes of classic r&b reelers. First up is Spinna's version of Prince's 'Starfish & Coffee' with the renamed 'Maple Syrup Jam', which strains and thins Prince's already prickly granules to provide that extra ophiuroid zing. Then J Rocc follows up with 'Re Purple Music', also a remix of a Prince cut, 'Purple Music', providing ever further filtrated disco-funk panache.
Review: In a move towards soulful French electro-funk from the duo that brought us 'Caipirnha', comes the latest new single from DjeuhDjoah & Lieutenant Nicholson. The two producers here bring together a vast cast of musicians playing everything from Moog to claviers, culminating in a texturally rich afro-soul single that urges us to "hold our horses" ('Pas Si Vite') in these troubling times.
Double Dee - "Found Love" (feat Dany - Dimitri From Paris remix edit) (3:27)
Jestofunk - "Say It Again" (Micky More & Andy Tee remix edit) (4:29)
Review: For the latest instalment of the label's occasional seven-inch series, Groove Culture has decided to offer up fresh takes on classic Italian house hits. On side A, the legendary Dimitri From Paris gets his mitts on Double Dee's 1990 number 'Found Love', re-imagining it as a colourful blend of rubbery nu-disco and hands-in-the-air piano house that rightly places Dany's recognisable lead vocal front and centre. Flip for label chiefs' Micky More and Andy Tee's take on Jestofunk's 1993 classic 'Say It Again'. Like much of their work, the Italian duo's translation blurs the boundaries between funk-fuelled house and revivalist disco, with flanged, occasionally bluesy guitars, strung-out synth solos and energy-packed sax lines catching the ear.
Review: Amy Douglas is the latest addition to the Razor-N-Tape talent ranks and serves up a mighty fine rough 'n' tumble New York disco double A-side 7" to open her account. The opener is 'Freak At Night' with stiff synth stabs and strident drums that get the party pumping while the belting vocal brings the soulful hook. Absolute dynamite. Things are a little more loose on the flip with 'Bit-O-Honey' having more jangling drums and guitar riffs underpinned by a funky bass riff. The vocal is more florid and expressive making this a different but equally impactful sound.
Review: Italy's foremost investigator of 60s and 70s library music and jazz fusion sounds can do no wrong if you ask us. Everything they put out is sumptuous whether it's an old reissue or a new outing. Here we have the pair of bassist Federico Amorosi and keys, synth and programming wizard Valerio Lombardozzi cooking up some brilliant blends of cosmic funk and Italo disco, all with fresh flavours from soundtracks and synthporn from days gone. The A-side is an instrumental with a lush mid-tempo groove and the flip has a more infectious dance sound.
Review: Originally released way back in 1978 on a thoroughly obscure seven-inch single, Nina Dunn's sole single, 'If You Want My Love (Do It)' is one of the rarest Canadian disco records around. The team behind the Le Freak label are fans and have delivered this much-needed reissue. The title track (side A) is a righteous slab of funk-fuelled, orchestra-sporting disco built around a typical 'walking bassline', cut-glass strings and a brilliantly sassy, emotion-packed lead vocal from Dunn. Original B-side 'Stay & Dance', meanwhile, is a deeper and more laidback two-step disco affair with warmer horn arrangements, simmering strings and a killer, Clavinet-sporting groove section later in the track. Disco gold all told!
Review: Contemporary classical seems to be having a bit of a moment in the sun right now a it breaks out of its traditional confines and makes a mark on the wider world. Bartellow, who is one third of the Tambien project and also goes by the name Beni Brachtel in the classical scene, is back on ESP Institute with a second full length. Noosphere brings together parts of some of his theatrical scores for WUT, Odipus and Antigone and Der Zauberberg amongst others. It takes in cues from Baroque and Impressionism with plenty of sweeping drama and moments of intense emotionality across four sides of sound.
Dave & Maurissa - "What About My Love" (Special 45 version) (4:53)
Disco Sparks - "Keep Your Eye On The Sparrow" (feat Christine Wiltshire & The DS Orchestra - Special 45 version) (3:48)
Review: The second taste of what is to come from the Dave & Maurissa album, 'What About My Love' is a modern slightly boogiefied take on the Johnnie Taylor classic. Here Maurissa shines with a heartfelt soulful vocal performance over Chic styled guitars, hip-cracking bass guitar and squelchy leads. On the flip is Disco Sparks's 'Keep Your Eye On The Sparrow' (feat Christine Wiltshire & The DS Orchestra) which is another life-affirming, lush disco/soul cut with funk drenched basslines, epic brass sections and standout vocal turns. Both specially edited for 7", this is an absolute must-buy for disco lovers.
The Sunburst Band - "Secret Life Of Us" (Special 45 version) (3:27)
Dave & Maurissa - "Look At The Stars" (2-Step Soul mix) (5:02)
Review: This 2023 RSD release on Z Records is a treat for fans of soulful disco and 2-step garage. The A-side features a special 45 version of 'Secret Life Of Us', a catchy and uplifting anthem from The Sunburst Band's fourth album. The B-side showcases a 2-step soul mix of 'Look At The Stars', a smooth and romantic tune from Dave Lee's Produced With Love II album. Both tracks showcase the vocal talents of Maurissa Rose, who adds warmth and emotion to the songs.
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