Back catalogue: Funk

Review: San Franciscan soul crooner and multi-instrumentalist Kelly Finnegan shares the 7" vinyl edition of his 2023 single 'Leave You Alone', following on from its original cassette and digital release. A lo-fi testament to unrequited love, moving on and giving in, regaling a love story from the femme perspective and recalling the soulful themes of singer Bettye Swann. This time, the record also comes backed by a B-sider, 'Thom's Hartbreak', is a sonic thank you letter to Thom Bell & William Hart, two names synonymous with the 60s-70s Philly Sound.

Review: For fans of classic soul like Lee Fields and Bobby Oroza, Kelly Finnigan's latest 45 is a pure delight. On the A-side, an upbeat Northern soul-inspired track from A Lover Was Born pulses with raw emotionisyncopated guitars and brass-powered intensity back Finnigan's story of a love in crisis. The B-side adds a bonus cut, evoking the 60s soul vibe of Stax Records with a deep, minor-key groove. Here, gospel-tinged harmonies and moody horns underscore Finnigan's heartache, capturing a timeless feel with modern passion.

Review: Hot on the heels of his acclaimed sophomore album A Lover Was Born, Kelly Finnigan makes a quick return with this soul-packed 7". The A-side, 'Get A Hold Of Yourself,' is a Northern soul-inspired stomper that channels the raw emotion of Memphis soul with heavy drums, syncopated guitars, bold horns and Finnigan's impassioned vocals. It tells the story of a rocky relationship where emotional strain disrupts physical connection then the B-side is a fresh bonus cut from the A Lover Was Born sessions inspired by Barbara & The Browns' Stax classic 'Hurts Me So Much'. It's a moody groove with gospel-infused vocals.

Review: Kelly Finnigan's latest album, A Lover Was Born, is a soulful journey rooted in the rich traditions of Midwest labels like King and Curtom. Finnigan, known as the frontman of The Monophonics, infuses this record with the raw passion and heartfelt grit that have become his signature. Across eleven tracks, he blends influences from deep soul, Northern Soul, and hip-hop, creating a sound both timeless and contemporary. From the dramatic piano echoes of Isaac Hayes on 'Be Your Own Shelter' to the stomping rhythms of 'Get a Hold of Yourself,' Finnigan shows his versatility. Tracks like 'Walk Away from Me' and 'Love (Your Pain Goes Deep)' capture his deep soul strength, while 'His Love Ain't Real' and 'Cold World' bring a harder edge with Boom Bap beats. The album's tender moments, such as 'All That's Left' and 'Count Me Out,' reveal the emotional depth that has defined his work. Collaborating with seasoned musicians and drawing from a wide range of influences, Finnigan crafts a record that feels both a tribute to and a reinvention of classic soul.

Review: Kelly Finnigan's A Lover Was Born channels the raw energy and emotion of classic Midwest soul, evoking the spirit of labels like King and Curtom with a contemporary twist. The Monophonics frontman offers a collection of tracks that blend gritty passion with heartfelt elegance, transforming deep emotions into something virtuous and timeless. Following his 2019 solo debut The Tales People Tell, Finnigan's new album marks the culmination of years of creative growth, punctuated by a string of projects, including Monophonics releases and collaborative work with other artists. Recorded across California, Ohio, and Staten Island, A Lover Was Born sees Finnigan partnering with longtime friends and collaborators like Max and Joe Ramey, Jimmy James, and Sergio Rios, to craft its rich sound. The album is a variety of influences, with tracks like 'Get a Hold of Yourself' and 'Chosen Few' featuring Northern Soul's stomping energy, while slower, soulful cuts like 'Let Me Count the Reasons' and 'Count Me Out' showcase Finnigan's tender side. His voice, echoing the rawness of Otis Redding and David Ruffin, brings depth to every song, seamlessly blending soul's past with a fresh, modern sensibility.