AC Soul Symphony - "The Philly Avengers" (7" version) (4:56)
Mistura - "If You Ever Need Somebody" (feat Tiffany T'Zelle - 7" version) (4:47)
Review: Z Records are kicking off 2023 in fine style with some seriously potent disco house wares, as if we would expect any less. On the A-side of this 7" we get AC Soul Symphony (Z main man Dave Lee to anyone else) having fun laying down the heat on 'The Philly Avengers' with a dramatic, wah wah toting funk explosion. On the B-side, Tiffany T'Zelle leads on vocals while Mistura handles the production for the swooning, passionate poise of 'If You Ever Need Somebody' - a future classic condensed into a radio-friendly edition for this killer 7".
Review: As the title suggests, there's an undeniably humid, sun-kissed and tropical feel to Act of Sedition's latest double-dose of seven-inch re-edits. Accedo Domingo lives up to his name by adding squelchy TB-303 lines and relaxed house beats to a stirring Cape Verde dancefloor jam on "Corre Riba", before Those Guys From Athens deliver a chunky, house-style revision of a turn-of-the-80s MPB classic ("No Bola"). Over on the second "45", DJ Laurel tools up an undeniably funky disco number (the stellar "Peanut Man") before Monsieur Von Pratt makes an already heavy disco-funk number even weightier ("Lose Your Mind").
Review: A new take on a Jonathan Richman classic from 1977 which has lit up clubs for 45-odd years, especially during the punk era. The track's infectious rhythm has inspired various reggae remixes but now it's getting a fresh cumbia twist. Cumbia and reggae share a common groove, making them a perfect match for DJs to mix and this one was recorded in Lima by Pancho Acosta, founder and guitarist of Company Quinto, who transforms the track into an upbeat cumbia gem. The flip side features Acosta's 'Carnaval de Jujuy' blended with Money Chicha's modern take on Peru's fuzzed-out chicha sound.
Review: Jonathan Richman's 'Egyptian Reggae' has been setting discerning dancefloors alight since its release in 1977, during the golden era of punk. Known for its infectious rhythm, the track has seen a few reggae remixes over the years. However, it was time for something freshia playful yet respectful cumbia twist. Both genres share a certain groove, making them a perfect match, and it's easy to imagine DJs weaving these sounds together in their sets. This new take on 'Egyptian Reggae' has been recorded in Lima by Pancho Acosta, the founder and guitarist of Company Quinto, and one of Peru's finest cumbia guitarists. Acosta brings his expert touch to the track, transforming it into an upbeat cumbia gem. On the flip side, we're treated to one of Acosta's own originals, 'Carnaval de Jujuy', recorded by Austin-based future cumbia outfit Money Chicha. The song blends Peru's fuzzed-out early chicha sound with Money Chicha's unique, modern interpretation of the genre, delivering a fresh, captivating cumbia vibe.
Act Of Sedition - "LDCE" (MikeandTess edit) (4:30)
Don Ray - "Got To Have Nothing" (Might Mouse dub) (4:28)
The Blackbyrds - "Rock Creek Park" (Lego edit) (4:38)
Michael Jackson - "PYT" (Bully Boy Refix) (4:40)
Review: Another double dose of seven-inch action from the Art of Sedition crew, who once again offer up a quartet of floor-focused re-edits stretched across two dinky slabs of wax. Mighty Mouse's punchy instrumental dub of Don Ray's "Got To Have Nothing" also hits the spot. On the second disc, Lego Edit flexes his muscles with a locked in, house style take of the bass-heavy classic "Rock Creek Park", before Bully Boy does his best Reflex impression on what sounds like a ground-up stems revision of MJ classic "PYT".
Akiko & Masayasu Tzboquchi - "Love Theme From Sparticus" (feat Mbanja Ritchy aka B-Bandj - Clear Day mix) (4:34)
Review: Tom Browne's 1980 single 'Funkin' For Jamaica' has long been something of an anthem - a hybrid funk/boogie classic that remains a staple in sets of hip-hop, disco and soul DJs alike. Given its ubiquity, covering the song is fraught with danger, but remarkably Japanese producer Akiko and guest vocalist Mbanja Richy have successfully put a new spin on it. Their take is subtly tougher and more synth-heavy, with bilingual French/English vocals, nods to Zouk music and a bassline so squelchy it could have been lifted from a P-funk record. Over on the flip, the pair go mellow, deep and laidback on a pleasingly skewed hip-hop soul cover of Terry Callier's legendary vocal interpretation of Alex North's 'Love Theme' from 'Spartacus'. Inspired stuff all told.
Review: The UK's Mr Bongo has been reissuing old music and putting out new tunes since the late 1980's, and the label is still going strong in 2015. This latest 7" features two of Ethiopia's greatest musicians, Alemayehu Eshete and Mahmoud Ahmed, in a head to head, split EP. On the A-side, Mr Bongo has resurfaced Eshete's "Tchero Adari Negn", a supremely funky piece with the man's own voice gliding effortlessly over hard drums and fuzy guitar riffs; "Bemim Sebeb Litlash" goes deeper and more psychedelic on the flip, and Ahmed's voice is a pleasure as always. Check their other material on Mississippi for a broader introspective.
Review: The opening notes of Sun Goddess set the tone for what feels like the perfect soundtrack to a summer afternoon. Track one, 'Sun Goddess (Instrumental)', introduces a playful yet sophisticated guitar riff, effortlessly blending elements of funk and soul. It's the kind of groove that immediately hooks you, a little funky, a little laid-back, making it impossible not to nod along. Things get even more vibrant with track two, 'Sun Goddess (feat Mykah 9)'. Here, the energy is dialled up, offering a soulful twist as Mykah 9's vocals glide smoothly over the beat. The track oozes warmth, combining funky rhythms with a band-like cohesiveness that makes you feel like you're right in the middle of a live performance. It's an immersive experience, with the vocals adding richness and depth to an already bright sound. Both tracks embrace that quintessential summer vibe, blending funk, soul and a touch of band music to create something undeniably upbeat and positive. Mykah 9's contributions, particularly on 'Sun Goddess', add an extra layer of groove, making it a standout. There's an ease to these tracks, an effortless cool that makes them feel timeless, and together, they deliver a feelgood, sun-soaked energy that's hard to resist.
Review: Mr Bongo kickstarts a new Afro 45s series with serious intention; all-girl troupe from Guinea Amazones De Guinee take the lead with a live recording from Paris, 1983. Taken from their Au Coeur De Paris album, it's the perfect example of a live recording with the balance of musicianship and crowd participation precision tuned. Flip for the previously rare 1980 recording by Ivory Coast's Moussa Doumbia whose smoky vocals and JB-level shrieks hit hard over a clam-tight Afrofunk rhythm. What a way to start a new series.
Review: Manchester producer Atomphunk's collaboration with Seattle duo Mugs and Pockets, featuring DJ Deviant, is a standout summer release. 'Summer Jam' is a vibrant track with a popping funk bass line and lively rhymes that evoke the spirit of the Native Tongues, blended seamlessly with the Grand Central/Fat City groove and the West Coast bounce of Jurassic 5. This track is poised to be Regulate's biggest hit yet. On the flip side, 'Back For More' takes a more laid-back approach, with Atomphunk crafting a synth-driven groove perfect for those hot, sticky summer days. Crisp beats and Pockets' (from MAP) smooth delivery make this tracka great blend of funk, hip-hop and groove.
Review: The third volume of this series delivers an irresistible blend of funk and 60s-inspired grooves. Side-1 kicks off with a surf-rock-infused funk jam packed with energy and retro vibes. Following that, a swinging 60s sound that combining catchy rhythms and pop sensibilities keeps the momentum going. Side-2 shifts gears a groove-heavy track led by a soulful organ that oozes vintage charm. Closing the collection, there is a gem that features smooth, funk-driven melodies, topped off by a standout sax solo and a subtle British flair. This compilation offers a vibrant mix of styles, perfect for fans of classic funk with a modern twist.
Miele - "Melo Do Tagarela (Rapper's Delight)" (instrumental) (4:10)
Review: Although Brazil's Banda Black Rio remain infamous for the albums that they recorded in the late 1970s, two beautiful LPs that rode that singular wave of samba-ridden jazz dance, 1980's "Miss Cheryl" is an outstanding tune, and we can hear why RCA picked it up back in the day. Mr Bongo provides us with the reissue here and, if you haven't heard it, it's an absolute delight which switches between disco, psych, and something inherently Brazilian - there's even a wacky synth in there, for good measure. Compatriot Miele appears on the flip with "Melo Do Tagarela (Rappers Delight)", a sublime slice of early, electronic boogie that sounds as fresh today as it did back at the tail end of the 70s. A devious little reissue that you should own...
Beastie Boys vs MFSB - "Check It Out People" (4:19)
MFSB - "People All Over The World" (dub) (4:11)
Review: On his last two singles on Soopastole, mash-up maestro DJ Soopasoul smashed together elements of Stevie Wonder and Redman/Method Man, and James Brown and Crooklyn Dodgers. For his latest trick he's decided to pepper an edited version of "People All Over The World" by Philadelphia Soul legends MFSB, with raps from a stone cold classic Beastie Boys tune. It's the sort of thing that shouldn't work, but the Beasties' flows work perfectly over the flanged guitars, undulating bass and unfussy 4-to-the-floor Philly Soul grooves of the MFSB track. You can hear his instrumental rework of that track on the flip; it's so good that it's arguably worth the entrance price on its own.
Beastie Boys Vs MFSB - "Check It Out People" (4:19)
MFSB - "People All Over The World" (dub) (4:08)
Review: The latest edition in DJ Soopasoul's "Soopastole Edits" series looks like it may fly off the shelves, and with good reason. The lead cut is not an edit per se, but rather a crafty, clever and expertly produced mash-up that places selected rap flows from the acapella version of Beastie Boys classic "Ch-Check It Out" over a tightened up and fattened up rearrangement of MFSB's disco-era jam "People All Over The World". Sometimes these kinds of mash-ups can be messy, but this genuinely isn't, with the Beasties' vocals fitting the backing track like a glove. Over on side B Soopasoul shares his tweak of the MFSB track, which is entirely instrumental bar periodic use of the band's female backing vocals. In a word: ace!
Big Jim Hangers & His Men Of Rhythm - "Jungle Fever" (3:41)
Moon People - "Hippy Skippy Moon Strut" (2:36)
Review: Several new 7" cuts by our good friends over at Bou Ga Louw have landed in our grasp, the Argentinian label pushing brand new South American funk and soul heaters. Big Jim Hangers' 'Jungle Fever' is a high-octane instrumental ballad clearly dedicated to the dirtiest of acts out there, sex. Moans, groans, organs and drums complete the recipe, and this is an attitude mirrored on the B-side with The Moon People's 'Hippy Skippy Moon Strut'. This is a riotous mix of Afrobeat, funk, and jazz, and a mise-en-scene for free love.
Review: Soon, Bristol beat-maker Boca 45 will celebrate 20 years in the game with a compilation on Bomb Strikes entitled Bombs From The Vaults. This typically floor friendly 7" is described by the label as a "companion piece" and contains two sticks of bona fide dancefloor dynamite. On the A-side, the cider-loving producer joins forces with West Country band Mohawkestra, cutting up recordings of the funk outfit in action with emphasis on the combo's DJ-friendly breakbeats. On the flip, Regular Boca 45 collaborator Kelvin Swaby takes to the mic, delivering a gravelly funk-rock vocal that perfectly compliments the producer's killer manipulations of an old dancefloor anthem.
Review: Mad About brings the funky goodness here with a superb double sided 7". Sonny Bravo kick off with 'Tighten Up' which brings nice loose break beats and ton pot percussive clatter. The big horns are the icing on this particularly delicious cake. On the flip is the more Northern Soul style sound of Mongo Santamaria's 'We Got Latin Soul' with its fiery South American spirit, blasts of horn and edgy stabs all topped off with a great vocal that oozes cool. Another fine outing from the always on point Mad About.
Calibro 35 & Marco Castello - "Lunedi Cinema" (1:57)
Calibro 35 - "Chaser" (3:02)
Review: Calibro 35's latest release showcases the band's ability to explore new sonic territories while paying tribute to the legends of jazz-funk. This limited edition 7" vinyl includes two standout tracks, 'Lunedi Cinema feat. Marco Castello' and 'Chaser.' 'Lunedi Cinema' revisits Lucio Dalla's iconic theme from RAI TV's Monday Movie, infusing it with a fresh jazzy disco-funk feel. Marco Castello's scat singing adds a playful yet sophisticated layer to this energetic reimagining, keeping the spirit of the original intact while adding a modern flair. On the flip side, 'Chaser' is a groovy jazz-funk stormer originally composed by Piero Umiliani for the 1975 noir film The Body. Calibro 35's rendition brings the song's cinematic intensity to life, weaving in funky rhythms that make it an electrifying listen. Calibro 35 once again prove their versatility and creativity in this thrilling release.
Review: Lugnutbrand Records hasn't put out an endless stream of music since their debut back in 2011, but we're very much into the labels who prefer to deal in quality over quantity. Moreover, the imprint has called upon the services of Capriccio, Magnant & Associates, a collective of highly experiences funk and soul musicians from America's Bay Area who have come through with 2 kick-ass versions of "Local Government Victory", the sort of funky, wayward groove that'll get the whole place nodding their heads by the second roll of the chorus. This is some funky-ass gear, for the enthusiasts...
Review: Kent Soul pay homage to two diva-level chanteuses who deserve a little more space in the soul footnotes than they currently have. Originally released on Paradox, Charlene Southern's "Can You Win" was part of a collection that was marketed to Stax. You can instantly here why; a thumping upbeat groove, slim-line instrumentation (just straight-up guitar and bass) and real belly-driven vocals, it's raw and emphatic and honest in its dynamic. Perhaps best known for her covers, Margie Joseph was a lot more prolific than Charlene and this full-bodied, big band jam was one of her earliest releases. Complementing the stripped back A-side with broad horns and lavish pianos, Margie fronts with real confidence and timeless soul-stirring vocal prowess. Two sides of the soul coin, there's something for everyone here.
Review: Two of Funk Night Records' most distinctive and innovative acts join forces for two outstanding pieces of psychedelic fiery funk fusion. Estonian duo Misha Panfilov Sound Combo set the bedrock on "Soul Strut". All fuzzy, unkempt and energetic, it sets the scene for Detroit's Coco Buttafli to lay her scorched heart on the line in an almost metal-like style. "Electrifying Woman" takes us even deeper into the psychedelic mindset as the groove is given a swampy, dizzying feeling while Coco spits spoken word with such a savage honesty you can't helped but get sucked into the story. Two of a kind.
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