Back catalogue: Soul

Review: In this offering, the Italian project led by Stefano Trione, pairs the lush 80s-inspired groove of 'In The Sand' with the unreleased gem 'Tudo Pra Ela,' a sultry disco track that embodies the warmth and richness of Tirone's signature style. 'In The Sand' pays homage to the rare groove classic from iLevel, its tropical rhythm and sunny vibe transported through Julia St. Louis's breezy vocals and Marco Brioschi's trumpet melodies, creating an almost cinematic dancefloor experience. On the flip, 'Tudo Pra Ela' delves into a sophisticated disco sound, where Toco's delicate vocals intertwine with sensual backing from Priscila Ribas and a bassline from Edu Hebling that carries the track effortlessly into the early 80s. The perfect synthesis of Stefano's love for vintage sounds and contemporary finesse.

Review: Long before Ashford & Simpson cemented themselves as the first couple of Motown, Valerie Simpson i raised in the Bronx i was quietly shaping the sound of American soul from the writing room. 'Look Away', now unearthed in its original form by Kent Records, captures her early brilliance. Backed by a haunting girl group (likely some of NYC's finest session singers), this previously unheard cut i out 25 April 2025 i predates the Shirelles' better-known version and carries a raw elegance that feels entirely her own: intimate, aching, and full of melodic poise. Flip it over and you get an even bigger scoop. 'It's Just Love' is a northern soul cornerstone, made famous by a near-mythical 1966 UK-only Parlophone 7" from John Andrews. This female-led take by Simpson, who co-wrote the song, is a seismic find i not just for collectors but for dancers who've long hunted a US production that didn't seem to exist. Now, more than 50 years on, it arrives with velvet touch and timeless sway, offering a rare, crystalline view of Simpson before the spotlight.

Review: Dynamite Cuts lives up to its name once more by unearthing a deep funk treasure here, and they do the right thing and serve it up for the first time ever on its own 7". Sound Investment's 'Funky Skunk' is a raw and rhythm-heavy rarity previously confined to album-only status. It's bursting with tight grooves, gritty breaks and irresistible energy and is a dream for DJs, collectors and crate-diggers. On the B-side, 'Dirty Man' keeps the heat alive by delivering more deep-fried funk goodness. Both cuts showcase the band's raw musicianship and groove-driven spirit. Authentic funk vibes don't come much better than this.

Review: Henley-born British soul singer Dusty Springfield's time in Memphis marked a turning point in her careeriboth an artistic triumph and a personal gamble. By the late 60s, she had outgrown the UK's pop scene, craving the depth and authenticity of American soul. Recording in the same studios as her heroes, backed by Atlantic Records' finest, she delivered some of her most breathtaking performances. The smoky tenderness of 'Just A Little Lovin'' and the aching vulnerability of 'I Don't Want To Hear It Anymore' showcase her gift for storytelling, while 'No Easy Way Down' and 'I Can't Make It Alone' push her voice to extraordinary places, balancing control with raw emotion. But despite the album's brilliance, commercial success eluded it, deepening her self-doubt. Springfield was a perfectionist, often wracked with insecurity, yet here she sounds unshackledifully immersed in the music she loved, even at great professional risk. Decades later, its impact remains undeniable.