Review: This latest is a reissue of a Congress Productions EP featuring their seminal 'Neptune'. The much-sampled early 80s jazz-funk classic comes in original form next to two unreleased cuts. The first is a rare boogie cut 'Live It Up' that has been extended for more dancefloor heft having first been dropped under the D'aile' alias as a B-side. Then comes 'Kevin's Funk' which is named in reference to Incognito trumpet player Kevin Robinson, who played as part of a Congress-associated line-up for this session.
Review: Released in 1971 and written and recorded by Dave Hamilton (one of Motown's most prolific and influential session players), Sugar Billy Garner plays the consummate band leader over a relentless groove that rolls with drama. Billy gets sweatier, the guitars get busier, the dynamic gets heavier and heavier... So heavy it rolls into a second part. Primed for the floor, it still hits hard 44 years after its release.
Review: BGP has been busy of late and is turning out a busy run of fine 45rpms right now. This one is a pair of tunes from Detroit soul singer and songwriter Willie Garner aka Billy Garner, Sugar Bilal, and several other variations. It is two versions of his debut single from 1971 on New Day and if you can find one of those original copies on 7" then you will also need to find over 500 quid to make it your own. This reissue saves you the financial hit and offers up both parts of the raw as you like, James Brown inspire funky numbers. .
Review: G. D. & The Big J's 'Movin' On' is a primo funk, disco and boogie melange that has been heating up global dance floors ever since it was first released in 1980. It is a much sought-after jam which, if you can even find an original copy, will cost you upwards of three figures. 'Movie On' is seamless and smooth, a brilliant and vibrant mix of busy guitar riffs, and claps and upbeat drums that come with a lively vocal that says to the heavens with effortless soul. It sounds like basically the same tune is included on both sides you so never have to worry about this one wearing out - which it could well do given how often you will be playing it.
Review: Cult outfit The General Store laid down four songs in the year of 1967. They release two of them, but the other two have remained under wraps ever since. Now, more than half a century later, they are getting pressed up to vinyl for the first time thanks to Perfect Toy who have decided to cut just 300 copies. The band themselves have given full blessing for this one and as soon as the needle drops you're taken into a swirling, high-octane world of raw 60s rock heavy funk. It is very much a case of Tower of Power meets Funkadelic with a lo-fi twist.
Review: Mr. Bongo provide a stark slice of Brasiliera with a split 7" tackling star works from scene-fellows Georgette and Claudia, making up the 26th release in their esteemed Brazil-themed series. For this one, the label home in on two firm favourite artists of the 70s Rio scene, whose same two featuring tunes have already been released side-by-side by the label in 2015: Brazilian samba singer Georgette, whose 'Kirie' brings tense suspended flavours to a lively, formerly hard-to-obtain album cut from 1976; and fellow MPB vocalist Claudia's 'Com Mais De 30', a cover of Marcos and Sergio Valle's original version, which commands a springy downbeat and vocal echo. Both made famous again by their selections by various present day popularisers such as Four Tet and Gilles Peterson, Mr. Bongo clamp their mitts on the fervour once more.
Review: The Artless Cuckoo label has done a fine job of showcasing the work of lesser-known German outfit Ghia his year by releasing an album of rediscovered 1980s recordings as well as a special 7". Now Thank You has put together this 12" package with three different versions of 'Don't Leave Me Alone.' The original dropped in 1987 and was an instant euro-pop classic. An OG copy on wax is tough to find these days so often fetches three figures. Soon as you hear the tune though you know why - it's effortlessly catchy with mounting tension and super creative vocals.
Review: Detroit will always be known as the birthplace of techno but the mighty fine Star Creature label does a fine job of offering up different sonic perspectives from the Motor City. Kibbi Gibbon is a new outfit from the 313 that makes a great mark here with two effortlessly cool and breezy new instrumental funk cuts. 'Still Dreamin'' is all leggy drums and thinking melodies with squelchy lines and warming bass that will prove irresistible once the sun comes out and even beyond the time it sets. 'Declaration' on the flip slows things down a little for some extra romance with whimsical leads and a distant cosmic glow.
Review: Gipsy Power Band - what a name that is, by the way - debuts with aplomb here and mixes up a fiery sonic stew of flamenco rumba, rock and funk that captures the essence of a unique time in Spanish music. Formed in Madrid in 2022, the band originally paid tribute to "cine quinqui," a Spanish exploitation film genre, by performing tracks from its iconic soundtracks and other hidden gems from the mid-70s to early 80s. Drawing inspiration from artists like Los Chichos and Las Grecas, they lit up Madrid's stages with their vintage repertoire. Now, they've evolved to create original music and it comes in the form of these two songs.
Review: The PPU label of out DC is one of our favourites. It's lo-fi sound draws on disco, funk and soul and results in always magical 7"s of delightful dancefloor heat that not only serves up killer grooves, but also plenty of memorable and heart aching hooks. This new one from Glass Pyramid has it all. 'Stop It' is a lo-slung and dusty disco gem with lung busting diva vocals and hip swinging drums that will bring tears of joy to the eyes if dropped at the exact right moment in a set. On the flip, 'Better By The Minute' is another banger with hints of UK street soul in the drums and vocals.
Golden Boys - "Segura Na Cintura Dela (O Gaviao)" (2:38)
Silvio Cesar - "Beco Sem Saida" (2:21)
Review: Mr Bongo's essential Brazil 45s series notches up release number 89 via a blast of heavy dancefloor pressure that touches on both Brazilian funk and samba-rock. On the A-side you'll find Golden Boys' 1975 gem 'Segura Na Cintura Dela (O Gaviao)', an irresistible slab of full-throttle, orchestra-sporting, Hammond-heavy samba-funk marked out by strong group vocals and some superb musical arrangements. Over on the flip you'll find another classic from the same producer (Milton Miranda), Silvio Cesar's 1971 carnival masterpiece 'Beco Sem Saida' - an infectious excursion that found fame in the 2000s when Drumagick sampled it on 'Sambarock'.
Nuit De Fievre (Pellegrino Nottata Stellata remix) (5:08)
Review: Be Strong Be Free's 7" series is on fire this year and now comes back with a third instalment. It is 'Nuit De Fievre' and it comes from label owner Gratts, aka the "Belgian down under," who revisits disco's golden era by assembling a stellar studio team starring the Moody Mae band in the company of Reinhard Vanbergen on violin and Jaj from Paris on vocals. What they cook up in return is elegant boogie and disco that will chime well with fans of Dimitri From Paris. The B-side features Pellegrino's jazz-funk rendition, adding Mediterranean flair straight from Vesuvius. Both sides promise deliciously uplifting grooves for any disco enthusiast.
Review: Greenwood's 'Sparkle,' originally recorded in 1985 and long forgotten, found a second life thanks to Tokyo's DJ Muro, who included it in his Hawaiian Breaks mixtape in 2009. This unexpected resurgence of interest prompted Greenwood to return to the studio, resulting in a full-length album in 2014 that featured a newly polished version. Aloha Got Soul brings both the original 1985 and 2014 versions of together on a 7" vinyl, now available in a stunning 'sparkling' gold variant. The track, a brilliant English adaptation from the city pop master Tatsuro Yamashita's For You album, is pure 1980s city pop with its shimmering production and infectious groove. Greenwood's newfound success with "Sparkle" has reignited their passion, leading to the release of their sophomore album, Music Book, which continues their exploration of city pop with more Tatsuro Yamashita covers. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the band, this single is a delightful piece of music history, offering a perfect blend of nostalgia and timeless charm.
Review: Mr Bongo's authoritative Brazilian 7" series continues apace with this delightful gem, featuring the magical talents of Guto on the A-side and Tony Nunes on the flip. Guto's 'Transito Livre' is a sweet slice of MPB (musica popular brasileira) which switches time signatures with flair from verse to chorus. Tony Nunes turns the heat up with 'Por Favor', a 1973 cut which sounds like it could jump right off the turntable with its fiery, funky urgency. Another essential purchase for all those who love hidden nuggets from Brazil's abundant musical history.
Review: The Shake & Bake Band's Shake & Bake is an undeniable invitation to hit the dancefloor. Side-1 kicks off with 'Shake & Bake (part 1),' where the band lays down a groove that's nothing short of exhilarating. The track stands out for its originality, offering a vibe that feels almost hedonisticiperfect for those looking to experience something fresh and exciting. On Side-2, 'Shake & Bake (part 2)' strips things down, bringing in a hoedown-like twist with the addition of a harmonica. The drumming intensifies, building excitement as the funkiness truly shines through in this version. Overall, Shake & Bake delivers two distinctive takes on a groove that will keep the energy high and the dancefloor moving.
Review: Immerse yourself in the world of Ginger Root, where Cameron Lew's meticulous craftsmanship shines through. Since 2017, this Southern California multi-instrumentalist, producer, songwriter, and visual artist has drawn a dedicated following with his remarkable albums, films, and global tours. Ginger Root's soundia polished blend of synth-pop, alt-disco, boogie, and soulireflects Lew's Asian-American heritage and love for 1970s and '80s music, including Japanese City Pop and its Western counterparts like French Pop and Philly Soul. Lew's third LP, Shinbangumi, marks his debut on Ghostly International and is set for a 2024 release with an accompanying visual album. This album represents a new chapter for Lew, showcasing his confidence and intention in presenting Ginger Root's definitive sound. Tracks like 'No Problems' and 'Better Than Monday' highlight Lew's signature style, blending diverse genres into cohesive songs. With Shinbangumi, Lew masterfully weaves his influences into a modern and refreshing sound, creating an album that serves as both a nostalgic homage and a bold step forward.
El Hijo Del Buno - "La Danza Del Espiritu" (feat Los Gaiteros De Pueblob Santo) (3:32)
De Mar Y Rio - "Bailen Y Gocen" (3:52)
Umu Obiligbo - "Udemba" (3:35)
Amadou Balake - "Massa Kamba" (4:33)
Joi N'juno - "Samemala" (5:18)
Avila Santo - "Wole" (3:44)
Oliver N'goma - "Icole" (5:15)
Patrick Saint-eloi - "Ay Pwan Van" (5:53)
Timothee Et Pot & Co - "Rentre Dans Ton Hlm" (2:59)
Adelasio Muangole - "Nao Fatiga Muangole" (5:24)
Locobeach - "Idea Desesperada" (4:05)
Review: Guts is a renowned French producer, DJ and vinyl connoisseur known for curating impeccable selections of global sounds. He has done so three times before for this series on Heavenly Sweetness and now returns with a fourth volume that arrives just in time for party season. This essential compilation traverses vibrant Latin rhythms, dynamic Afrobeat, soulful grooves and infectious tropical rhythms to make for a far-travelling listen. Again it shows off Guts' unmatched ability to uncover hidden gems and present them with fresh energy in an eclectic yet cohesive celebration of music's global spirit.
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