Review: Mr Bongo's Brazil 45's series brings us two Brazilian classics: Rita Lee & Tutti Frutti's 'Agora E Moda' and Pete Dunaway's 'Supermarket'. 'Agora E Moda' from Lee's 1978 album Babilonia is a psychedelic disco-boogie groove highlighted by squelching guitar licks, funk drums, and cosmic vocals. Rita Lee, the former lead singer of Os Mutantes and a key figure in the Tropicalia movement, left a lasting legacy upon her passing in 2023. On the flip side, Dunaway's 'Supermarket' is a rare groove/AOR gem with a standout bassline, swaggering guitar, and lush strings, showcasing his talent as a composer and multi-instrumentalist. This release celebrates the enduring influence of Brazilian music.
Review: For over 50 years, The Legendary Beyons have captivated Portland with their music and now their work is finally documented in this high-fidelity LP. Accompanied by a detailed oral history and a booklet filled with archival photography, this release serves as a period piece for those unfamiliar with the group. The album features their only surviving 20th-century recordings, showcasing soulful harmonies in tracks like 'Dreaming You In My Mind' and 'There We Were, Here We Are'. This LP offers a deep dive into Portland's Black music history through the lens of The Legendary Beyons.
Review: The Leo Zero Edit Archive is here, you can safely assume, to serve up edits from the vast archives of Leo Zero. The first volume is a doozy that kicks off with 'Love Affair' - a lazy and low sung funk burner with noodling bass riffs and a glorious vocal full of happiness. 'Let Me Love U' has a yearning male vocal that is as lovestruck as they come over more leggy mid tempo beats. 'Easy Does It' is defined by its superb string stabs and rolling drums and 'For A Living' closes out with a more house learning disco beat that is fat and fantastic. We can't wait for more.
Review: You'll find few jazz-funk era rays of sonic sunshine better than 'Give Me The Sunshine', the career highlight of relatively short-lived American soul band Leo's Sunshipp. It originally opened their 1978 debut album, We Need Each Other, but later became something of an anthem throughout the UK on the jazz-funk and rare groove scenes. If you don't already own a copy, you should cop one of these reissues. The full six-minute version of the track featured on the A-side is little more than a languid bob through sun-soaked pastures full of liquid bass, simmering strings, whistling synth lines and a smooth, ear-catching lead vocal. Also worth a listen is flipside 'Back For More', a more up-tempo modern soul club cut that's not quite as incendiary but every bit as alluring,
Give Me The Sunshine (extended UK 7" Grapevine RED 3 mix) (4:40)
Review: Leo's Sunshipp is an iconic rare groove record that gets a reissue here on Expansion. The special Record Store Day 2021 limited and hand-numbered 7" offers up two different versions, both of which are primed and ready to add at least 10 degrees of heat to even the sunniest DJ set. The original US 7" mix is languid and long legged, laidback and in a hurry to go nowhere fast. The soaring strings and steamy vocal, tumbling perc and distant horns capture a lazy afternoon soaking up some rays. The extended UK 7" Grapevine RED 3 mix ups the ante a little for slightly more energetic moves.
The Leonard Lothen Project - "In The Presence" (feat Derick Hughes) (5:17)
Gospel Clouds - "Let Us Pray" (3:38)
Review: Leonard Lothlen is a California gospel music icon who this label made contact with for this release. It comes with a concept and that is "to place two gospel compositions recorded fifty years apart on one record." It means there are two very different and diverse tunes but two equally brillaint ones on this 7" with powerful vocals from Derick Hughes on 'In The Presence.' They come with a subtle doff of the cap to the late great Bishop Rance Allen. On the flip is 'Let Us Pray,' which was the first tune Leonard did with his GC's group in 1971. It is a real rarity and expensive gem if you can find an OG, Importantly, it is worth the cash whatever you pay.
Building on the triumph of Les Imprimes' inaugural album, Reverie, Big Crown Records presents two standout tracks from the album pressed onto this 7". For the A-side, Morten provides an edit and infuses the mix with an extra dose of depth reminiscent of Larry Levan's style. The result is striking and hits harder, igniting the dancefloor with its infectious rhythm while delivering a resonant message about the consequences of investing too much in the wrong relationships: On the B-side, 'You' bursts forth with a captivating crescendo, setting the stage for a sublime sweet soul melody. This beautiful declaration of love and reassurance is equally enchanting both musically and lyrically. Morten Martens' talent for arrangement shines through on both of these lovely tunes.
Review: Norwegian outfit Les Imprimes have already found their feet with their earliest outings on Big Crown. As they continue to build towards their new album Reverie they drop another single from it here in the form of 'Falling Away' backed with 'Still Here'. Both cuts are beautiful and display fine musicianship, the sort of soul that melts your heart and breezy grooves that bring calm to your mind and body. Vocals enrich each cut and on this evidence, the upcoming album is going to be special indeed.
Review: Building on the triumph of Les Imprimes' inaugural album, Reverie, Big Crown Records presents two standout tracks from the album pressed onto this 7". For the A-side, Morten provides an edit and infuses the mix with an extra dose of depth reminiscent of Larry Levan's style. The result is striking and hits harder, igniting the dancefloor with its infectious rhythm while delivering a resonant message about the consequences of investing too much in the wrong relationships: On the B-side, 'You' bursts forth with a captivating crescendo, setting the stage for a sublime sweet soul melody. This beautiful declaration of love and reassurance is equally enchanting both musically and lyrically. Morten Martens' talent for arrangement shines through on both of these lovely tunes.
Review: It was back in 1986 when obscure UK electrofunk band Leval released their sole 7" - a sparkling slab of pop-boogie brilliance that has long been a secret weapon for dusty-fingered diggers and Brit-funk collectors. As this Athens of the North reissue proves, the record remains a brilliant Brit-boogie gem. Check first 'Our Love', a confirmed earworm that sees the band wrap duetting male/female vocals around a deliciously bustling blend of rubbery slap-bass, eyes-closed soft rock guitars, warm synthesizer chords and a dewy-eyed, jazz-funk style breakdown. Flipside 'It's Up To You' is a little more eccentric thanks to an unusual time signature and drum track, but boasts the same addictive blend of male and female lead vocals, slap bass and synths.
Review: The Lewis Connection was a Soul / Funk band from Minneapolis who may have looked like your average local band save for one exception - the guest member addition of Prince. These tracks are lifted from the self-titled album and "Got To Be Something Here" with Prince on background vocals and guitar marks the first time he appeared on a release by another artist on a track he did not write. In addition, it's also considered an early record of what would become the signature Minneapolis funk sound. This fine historically rich tune will be available in 45 rpm format for the first time.
Barbara Lewis - "Baby What Do You Want Me To Do" (2:36)
Tony & Tyrone - "Please Operator" (2:48)
Review: US American soul singer and songwriter Barbara Lewis had a smooth style that very much influenced rhythm and blues during her 60s heyday. She began writing songs at the age of just nine and as a teen, recorded with producer Ollie McLaughlin. Her best known tunes club high in Billboard charts and include 'Hello Stranger' and 'Baby I'm Yours' but here it is the swinging sounds and swooning stings of 'Baby What Do You Want Me To Do' which gets pressed up alongside Tony & Tyrone's Northern Soul gem 'Please Operator' which is more raw and urgent soul.
Review: The Soul 4 Real label do a damn fine job of digging out the deepest cuts from soul legends you know and those you don't. Jimmy Lewis may not be a household name but he wrote for the likes of Ray Charles, and with his 1974 album Totally Involved he revealed himself to be something of a pinnacle of real soul music. From a similar era when he was recording for Hotlanta, the two tracks on this 12" were previously only available on a CD compilation but they absolutely deserve to be ringing out on this beautifully crafted 7".
Review: This is the first time these two mega obscure and super rare Northern Soul nuggets have been re-released. They were initially recorded at Edgewood Studio in Washington DC in 1969 by Keni St. Lewis who was a prolific songwriter who recorded only a couple of his own tunes. He as a part of various other groups like The Cairos and The Chancellors and this was his first real hit as a solo artist after he wrote others for the likes of Billy Butler, Gene Chandler and The O'Jays.
Right By Your Side (JD B-Boy Fantasy remix) (4:22)
Review: Lexx's latest release, 'Right By Your Side,' is a disco-infused collaboration featuring the smooth vocals of Stones Throw recording artist Stimulator Jones. The track exudes Balearic and pop disco vibes, inviting listeners to groove along to its infectious beat. On the flip side, Jamma-Dee from Los Angeles offers up a remix that adds a slightly more uptempo flair while maintaining the essence of the original. Lexx's production skills shine through, creating a seamless blend of retro and contemporary sounds that will surely get dancefloors moving. With Stimulator Jones' catchy and Jamma-Dee's expert remix, 'Right By Your Side' is something to get your hands on.
Review: Fantasy Love re-issues a cherished soul and funk underground classic. Liason was a legendary Bay-Area group who were known for their vibrant performances and distinct sound. Led by Morris 'Skid' Clay, Liason was originally released on their independent imprint, 'A.L.C.' and named after three of the group's members' astrological signs: Aquarius, Libra, and Capricorn. Recorded in 1977, this double single shows the spirit of the band in these stellar songs. 'Life' features a grand vocal performance with a fantastic horn section while the B-side, 'Disco Party' enjoys dancefloor romp from the disco heyday. Both tracks are special in their own way. For those people looking for rare grooves, look no further!
Review: Numero are taking a look through the cult Chicago label Magic Touch and dusting down some of the most coveted releases from their archives, starting with this smokin' hot joint from Light Touch Band. It's a record of two halves which kicks off with the laid back rap of 'ChiCAGO (Is My Chicago)', a funky-as-hell jam which pays tribute to the Windy City in fine style. The flip is the real gem though, as 'Sexy Lady' swerves into P-funk flavoured waters with dazzling results. The OG copies of this record were changing hands for crazy money, so don't hang around while this one's in reach.
Review: Light Touches Records continues its mission to shine a spotlight on rare gems, forgotten classics, and unknown grooves with their tenth release, helmed by Andrea Passenger. Digging deep into disco, afro, boogie and funk, Passenger delivers four expertly edited tracks. On the A-side, 'Roots' offers a driving disco tune for peak-time moments, while 'Psych Afro Roller' takes things into more adventurous territory. On the flip, 'New Dance' adds boogie flair with quirky synths, and 'Feel The Feeling' wraps it up with a moody, deeper vibeiall edited without overdubs for maximum authenticity.
Review: 'On A Magic Carpet Ride' was a single originally written by Randazzo/Pike who worked on a lot of Little Anthony records. It is a Northern Soul classic, as is a much sought after and hugely expensive version by Bradford born singer Kiki Dee, who was the first white British female to be signed to Motown in 1970. This cheeky one-sided 7" makes the soul stunner available once more in original form and is full of big bouncing drums, string stabs, soaring vocals and unbridled upbeat joy.
Review: The red hot Dynamite Cuts label happily serves up this slice of rare groove magic from Little Beaver. The unique artists write both of the tunes included on this 7" for his "When Was The Last Time" album and neither has appeared in this format before now. It comes with a cover as iconic as the tunes, which are both soul-stirring and heart-wrenching slower dancers. 'Concrete Jungle' has an eye-watering falsetto over deep bass and swooning strings with plenty of funky chords, then 'I Just Love The Way You Do Your Thing' is another aching beauty with elegant grooves.
Review: Richmond, Virginia's Tyrone Thomas is widely known in the world of crate digging for his iconic 'Seven Minutes of Funk,' a track sampled countless times throughout music history. But to those immersed in Northern Soul and Low-Rider Oldies, he's better remembered as Little Tommy, the teenage prodigy who emerged in the 60s on the Sound of Soul label. At just 16, Thomas released his debut single, 'I'm Hurt' b/w 'Lov'h,' which has since become a cornerstone of both genres. The raw emotion of 'I'm Hurt' struck a chord with Low-Rider communities, while 'Lov'h' became an enduring favourite for Northern Soul fans. The rarity of this 45 continues to drive demand, with clean copies often fetching hefty sums.
Review: Like many of the best tunes from the Northern Soul era, this is a revered gem and a highly sought-after original which has been known to trade hands for well over 2000 English pounds. As such it is extremely collectible with both sides offering up monster tracks. 'Love Finds A Way' is a big raw lung buster with snappy drums and lush harmonies adding plenty of soulful warmth. On the flipside, 'I Need Some Loving' is another big one with all the right textures, rhythms and hooky vocals.
Review: Tapping vocalist Latrell James on Bostonian vox duties, Live A Little dishes out a deep 12" and promises to deliver it straight to our doors, not unlike pizza delivery. Across a woodfired record, we're assured we've "got it good", with an initial "get it, get it, good" sample rounding out a ferrety lead beat, as "cribs" and "crooks" are further concept-checked by James. Caserta flips the A with a melodious meander on the B-side, lifting the record from its opening certis of loose-slung 4x4s and haggard textures for a reversion that brightens, smoothens and softens everything out, as if to say, "chop-chop!".
Review: Former Paper Recordings artist Sophie Lloyd apparently started working on "Calling Out" whilst gripped by the January blues. Her intention was simply to make "happy music". To that end, she turned to her gospel roots. The results, shared here on 7" single for the first time, are little less than spectacular. With collaborator Dames Brown in tow, Lloyd's vocals - accompanied by a gospel choir, of course - simply soar above a jaunty, piano-heavy track rich in live instrumentation. It sits somewhere between traditional gospel, house and disco, with a flipside instrumental brilliantly showcasing the quality of the instrumentation throughout. The piano solos, in particular, are breathlessly good.
Review: Whether she likes it or not, Sophie Lloyd will always be known for the unfeasibly uplifting gospel disco-meets-gospel-house anthem 'Calling Out'. That was released five years ago and ever since, she's struggled to embrace it's shadow. With 'Angels By My Side', Lloyd seems to have embraced this, delivering another fine gospel-powered number that inhabits a similar sonic space while being different enough to avoid accusations of treading water. It's genuinely good, too, with Pauline Taylor delivering superb lead vocals over a hybrid gospel disco/stomping gospel sound hybrid full of Hammond organ licks, booming bass guitar, piano house riffs and stirring orchestration. In other words, it's another anthem in waiting.
Review: Some six years (give or take a few months) on from the release of their superb debut album Psychedelic Disco Cumbia, self-styled 'NYC tropical supergroup' Locobeach are back! This time round, they've treated us to a genuine rarity: a rarely spotted double seven-inch EP. All four tracks have, apparently, been extensively road-tested in their live sets and become, in their words, "fan favourites". They begin in stellar fashion via a head-nodding, cumbia-powered cover of Cure classic 'Close To You' (it's genuinely great - one of the best covers we've heard for a while), before imagining a suitably tropical spy chase on the urgent and percussion-rich 'Idea Desesperada'. On 45 number two you'll find the cheeky cumbia-soul-meets-yacht-rock cheekiness of 'Isabella' and the surf-flecked, high-octane tropical fun of 'U.S Marshall'.
Review: Since making his debut at the tail end of the noughties, DJ/producer Loftsoul (real name Masahiko Uchikawa) has served up some scintillating material. While his original productions mostly gravitate towards the soulful end of the deep house spectrum, he's not averse to delivering the odd downtempo gem too. Here he launches a new series of white label, hush-hush reworks via a desirable seven-inch single. On side A he delivers a dusty, beatdown-style rework of Marlena Shaw classic 'Ghetto Woman', adding her distinctive vocals to a head-nodding mid-tempo house beat smothered in reverb-laden electric piano riffs and solos. Over on the flip he tastefully tools up and beefs up disco-funk classic 'Bump & Hustle', adding to the original drums with his own crispy and crunchy drum machine beats,
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.