You Don't Love Me (No No No) (feat Delroy Williams) (3:38)
You Know How To Make Me Feel So Good (5:01)
Review: Susan Cadogan is an esteemed reggae vocalist who has been since the 1970s. Now she continues her musical journey with this cover single which is taken from her excellent 2020 album Hurt So Good - Storybook Revisited, distributed by Burning Sounds. Side-A features a rendition of the reggae classic by Dawn Penn, while Side-B offers a sweet soul interpretation of Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes' track. Enhanced with Japanese-inspired artwork on the jacket, this release showcases Cadogan's timeless talent and versatility as it bridges the gap between reggae and soul music across generations.
Review: GC Cameron was born and raised in McCall Creek, Mississippi, and by the age of 22 he was already famous having joined Motown Records. He was signed up as lead singer of the legendary group The Spinners and had several web recover tunes and a few hits such as 'It's A Shame,' which was co-written and produced by Stevie Wonder. After that, Cameron left the group and went solo and teamed up with Harvey Faqua, Greg Crockett and Elgie Stover to record his best-ever work, which now makes its way onto this fine four-track EP courtesy of Soundway.
Review: Carmy Love brings a stylish hint of gospel to the beautiful vocal on this new single on Big A C. 'Rebel' was actually written many years ago yet the lyrics have huge repugnance today. The song has regularly been performed in that time with New Street Adventure but now the live version becomes all the more glorious as a full studio production. On the back is a tune inspired by the fertile soul crossover sounds of the late 60s and early 70s, with funky bass and body brass. These are tunes to warm your heart and uplift you as you leave the bad times behind.
Outside Looking In (Full radio edit version 2024) (4:58)
Review: Cash Money Experience are soul dons and if you need proof listen no further than this new 7". Darryl Howard is the vocalist and songwriter of Nu'rons and here he offers up the lead vocals while Emanuel Campbell, who is one of his co-members in Nu'rons, is responsible for the lyrics. On the extended version of 'Outside Looking In' the vocals convey plenty of pain on nice laidback drums and funky riffs. The Full Radio Edit distils things to a shorter play length but is just as effective.
Review: It's rare we hear reissues from those close to the original horses' mouths, but the work of G.U.S. Records is an exception. Run by vinyl and tape collector Gustavo C., the aim of the imprint is to re-release the soul, funk and early proto-electro of artists from Detroit whose music had only circulated in unreleased demo form. Mainly focusing on funk and boogie, '80s music abounds; notwitshstanding two former releases from rather unrecognised names, their third is a mega-rare single from Central Line. 'Love Will Find It' and 'Do You Remember' have never before seen the light of day, despite the four-piece band's long stint with the major label Mercury. The B-side is a favourite; a unusual slice of falsettoing boogie in triplet time.
Review: Priscilla Chan's critical Cantopop stylings return to the fore with a brilliant reissued EP through German label Thank You. It's proven admittedly impossible to track down any info on the motive for this one, save for its faithful unearthing of Chan's 1998 classic 'African Dance', which fuses the lively call-and-responsive musical motifs heard on the Continent with the dance-pop sensibility of her very own. Thereafter come three much more balladic bowl-overs, which reach their zenith on the unnamed 'Track 4', an incredible instrumental production that pits an undeniably eighties instrumental palette against a frankly heartfelt piano line.
Review: Leon Cook once said, "I think every musician should have the experience of being on the road with a teacher, like I was. (Jazz) is something that teaches you not only how to play your instrument but it teaches you how to be a person." Considering his craft a lifelong practice, 'Steppin' In' exemplifies this outlook. The song, originally licensed from the obscure Ohio guitarist's mega-limited LP 'Cookin' With Leon Cook', shows off his deft production, guitarwork and vocal style, and reflects on a once-lost relationship. The B-side, meanwhile, hears the relationship rekindled. Clearly, just as Cook implied, time heals all wounds, just as it teaches.
Review: Sam Cooke's iconic civil rights anthem 'A Change Is Gonna Come' was deservingly named one of Rolling Stone's greatest songs of all time and this year it celebrates its 60th anniversary. To honour the milestone is this limited edition 7" white iridescent vinyl featuring the original mono single mixes of that as well as 'Shake'. Recorded in January 1964 and included on Cooke's Ain't That Good News, the single was released posthumously in December 1964 just two weeks after Cooke's death as the B-side to the Top 10 hit 'Shake.' It remains as relevant as ever.
Yuji Toriyama & Ken Morimura - "Night Together" (4:47)
Chie Sawa - "Sea Gull" (4:07)
Review: Way back in 1982, Japanese musicians and producers Yuji Toriyama and Ken Morimura joined forces to deliver Aerobics, a soundtrack for exercise classes (really) that joined the dots between boogie, disco and city pop. 'Night Together', a superb electrofunk instrumental rich in picturesque synthesizer melodies, jazz-funk guitar solos (Toriyama was a guitarist by trade), squelchy bass and drum machine beats. It's certainly well worthy of being reissued - as this tidy "45" from Pony Canyon amply demonstrates. Curiously, it's not backed by another gem from that set, but rather another slept-on Japanese classic - 'Sea Gull' from Chie Sawa's 1974 hybrid folk-rock/psychedelic rock album 23 - Twenty Three Years Old. It's decent, but the A-side is the real winner.
Review: A deep dive into the Fania vaults has uncovered Cafe, a Latin funk and soul classic that was recorded half a century ago. To mark the 50th anniversary of this great album, which was produced by the legendary conguero Ray Barretto and originally released on Vaya Records, it gets this nice heavyweight reissue on Craft. The standout track 'Si Dame Tu Amor' delivers infectious funk grooves reminiscent of Barretto's own work, while 'Identify Yourself' is another one to light up any party. All the tunes have been cut from the original master tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio so sounds superb.
Review: Bobby Caldwell is one of those singers who has spanned multiple generations, not least because plenty of his work has been sampled in the years since by notable hip hop artists. He arrived on the scene in the 70s and soon became known for his velvet smooth soul sounds but also the versatility of his voice. His biggest single came on his debut self-titled album which like this one is now being reissued by Be With. Cat In The Hat came two years later and eventually went on to become gold-certified in the US and platinum in Japan. It's a fine mix of seductive funk sounds from the US great.
Review: Jerry "J" Johnson's California Flight Project outfit were relatively unknown during the 1980s, and it took a series of self-released CDRs and a 2010 single on People's Potential Unlimited for the Bay Area act to finally hit the big time. This eponymous album on Norway's Preservation Records picks up the story, gathering together a slew of superb West Coast funk and soul gems recorded by the outfit between 1979 and '81. This is the first time most of them have been released on wax, and they're genuinely worth a listen. Check, for example, "Dance On It", where Johnson urges us all to dance over a laidback, synth-laden boogie groove, the rubbery slap bass and sparkling pianos of "Do You Feel My Love" and the proto-San Francisco synth funk of killer album opener "California Flight".
Review: It's now a quarter of a century since Terry Callier released his Timepeace album, which was his first after a 15 year break. The record won the United Nations's Time For Peace award for outstanding artistic achievement and for "contributing to world peace." It features standout tunes like 'People Get Ready' and 'Brotherly Love' composed by Curtis Mayfield, as well as a guest spot from Pharoah Sanders on tenor-saxophone on the title song 'Timepeace' and seven other wondrous tunes that showcase soul, jazz, folk influences. This reissue includes an insert with lyrics and liner-notes by Tom Terrell.
Review: R&b and funk singer, rhythm guitar musician and songwriter Rickey Calloway hailed from Jacksonville, Florida but earned himself a global reputation. His style borrowed from James Brown but brought something new, inspired by his time playing in clubs from a relatively young age. He was active in the 70s and much of his music has been reissue do newer audiences since and now comes his King Of Funk album on Funk Night which, from the title down, pays homage to the aforementioned Brown. It features his most well known tune - the wonderful 'Tell Me' - as well as plenty of other big hitters like there particularly hard hitting 'Shake It Up, Shake It Down.'
Review: Cornell CC Carter's new album, Expressions Of Soul, marks his return after three years since the acclaimed 'Next Life'. This CD, brings together a collection of soulful tracks that showcase Carter's remarkable talent. The album includes standout singles like 'So Nice,' 'Change,' and 'Everyday,' each demonstrating his flair for modern soul. New additions to the album include the funk-infused 'When I'm Around You' and the socially conscious 'Have We Moved,' offering a refreshing variety. For fans of romantic ballads, 'I Can't Find A Way' provide deep emotional resonance, while 'Are You Alone' echoes the best of Bobby Womack. Highlights include Carter's homage to Marvin Gaye with 'Come Get To This,' featuring smooth saxophone work, and the collaboration with Julian Jonah on 'Holding Back,' which channels the Temptations' sound. With twelve tracks, Expressions Of Soul is a rich, rewarding and strong release for fans of soul music.
Review: Cassiano's Cuban Soul - 18 Kilates was first released in 1976 and is a landmark of Brazilian soul for the way it blends the groove of American r&b with native rhythms in a way few artists have matched. Long coveted by collectors, the album has achieved cult status and now returns remastered from the original tapes on 180g vinyl so it is sure to fly off the shelves. Cassiano's velvety vocals glide over lush, cinematic arrangements throughout and in doing so, evoke the grandeur of contemporaries like Tim Maia. From start to finish, this album is packed with depth, warmth and effortless cool, which makes it an essential listen for anyone who likes soul, samba and vintage Brazilian brilliance.
Review: Los Angeles trio Catpack, which is made up of Moonchild's vocalist Amber Navran, Jacob Mann and Phil Beaudreau, have delivered a whimsical and heartfelt project with this eponymous album. Featuring 11 tracks including singles 'What I've Found' and 'Walk Away', it embodies a joyful exploration of musical expression rooted in genuine camaraderie and mutual admiration. Navran describes it as "three people with distinct sounds coming together to make something new" while their jazz-influenced r&b blends neo-soul, funk, and electronic elements with quirky synth patches reminiscent of cats meowing. The album's songs, from the assertive 'Walk Away' to the whimsical 'Next To Me', reflect their creative synergy and deep friendship and help make this such a lovely work of sound.
Review: Brazilian songstress Ceu bring out Gerando na Alta featuring London-based Franco-Senegalese singer anaiis, heralding her sixth studio album, Novela. Released via Urban Jungle/ONErpm, the 12-track album is produced by Pupillo and Adrian Younge, featuring collaborations with artists like LadyBug Mecca, Loren Oden, Jensine Benitez, and DJ/producer Frankie Reyes. Novela is a collaborative masterpiece created without digital manipulation. Recorded with analog equipment, it showcases a raw, authentic sound led by Adrian Younge on keyboards, Pupillo on percussion, and Lucas Martins on bass. The album opens with 'Raiou, featuring Ladybug Mecca, drawing you into a soulful, dramatic world. This is followed by the vibrant 'Cremosa,' with rich chords and hypnotic grooves, and the sultry 'Gerando na Alta,' where Ceu and anaiis explore sisterhood through seamless Portuguese and English lyrics. Tracks like 'Crushinho' and 'Into my Novela' continue the cinematic journey, with suspenseful production and evocative storytelling. 'Mucho Oro' offers a ballad of self-expression and love, while 'High na Cachu' brings a reggae bounce. The project concludes with the solemn 'Corp e Colo' and the anthemic 'Reescreve,' delving into Brazil's turbulent history. Novela is a dynamic and bold effort, blending Brazilian culture with elements of bossa nova, soul and funk.
Review: Eddie Chacon's 2023 album 'Sundown' cemented his status as a "low-key r&b legend", three decades after his breakthrough as half of Charles and Eddie. Now, he returns with 'Lay Low,' a collection of hazy, hypnotic tracks produced by Nick Hakim that ooze soulful charm and sophistication. Praised by The Guardian, Uncut, MOJO, and Record Collector, Chacon's music resonates with a timeless appeal. Smooth, seductive and unforgettable, 'Lay Low' further solidifies Chacon's unique place in the genre.
Review: Eddie Chacon returns with Lay Low, following his critically acclaimed 2023 album Sundown, which solidified his status as a "low-key r&b legend." Best known for his chart-topping success as part of Charles and Eddie in the 90s, Chacon has reemerged with an album of hazy, seductive tracks produced by Nick Hakim. Lay Low showcases Chacon's signature soulful sound, with its atmospheric production and warm, understated delivery. This album reaffirms Eddie Chacon's place as a master of subtle, emotive r&b, bringing a timeless yet fresh feel to the genre.
Review: For their final album, Skin I'm In, the Chairmen of the Board veered away from their signature Motown-style soul, embracing a psychedelic funk-rock direction influenced by George Clinton's Funkadelic. The album, featuring backup from Parliament-Funkadelic members like Bernie Worrell and Eddie Hazel, offers a distinctive fusion of pop-soul melodies and funky grit. Tracks like 'Everybody Party All Night' blend smooth harmonies with a dynamic wah-wah guitar riff, while 'Finders Keepers' showcases punchy horn arrangements. The album's highlight is a sprawling cover of Sly Stewart's 'Life and Death,' integrating Mellotron and synthesiser for a lush, textured sound. Despite its departure from the Chairmen's earlier work, the album's second side presents soulful ballads, including a poignant take on 'Only Love Can Break a Heart.' Reissued for its 50th anniversary on 140g black vinyl, this edition features remastered audio by Phil Kinrade and a printed inner with notes by Stuart Cosgrove. It's a compelling listen for fans of funk and a notable chapter in the Chairmen's legacy.
Ferry Ultra - "Why Did You Do It" (feat Ashley Slater - The Reflex Revision - edit) (4:26)
The Traffic - "Beat It" (4:41)
Lettuce - "Checker Wrecker" (feat Big Tony & Jungle Boogie) (5:52)
Joel Culpepper - "WAR" (4:16)
Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio - "Hole In One" (4:37)
PM Warson - "(Don't) Hold Me Down" (3:11)
Review: Who knew an entertainment career spanning the likes of comic sci-fi series like Red Dwarf and kitsch game shows vis-a-vis Robot Wars could result in a side stint curating soul compilations? Well, it's exactly what happened to Craig Charles, who also happens to have been manning BBC6 Music's soul and funk corner for almost 20 years now, not to mention regularly touring the world as a DJ. This isn't his first 'Trunk of Funk'. The first was overwhelmingly well-received by a "funk hungry public", and now, our national treasure Craigy-boy has ensured said public doesn't starve a second time round. Backboned by Charles' introductory yells to imaginary screaming crowds - "are you ready!?" - we cycle through funk bits both old and new, exclusive and widely-available, from Cha Wa to Luther Ingram to Joel Culpepper. Craig says: "Give your ears and feet enough mellifluous musical fodder to last you until Volume 3 - Awooga!"
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