Review: This vibrant 1969 release captures the raw energy of Latin soul and funk, a perfect snapshot of Spanish Harlem's musical melting pot. With tight grooves and infectious percussion, the ensemble delivers tracks that feel alive with cultural and rhythmic vitality. Each arrangement draws from the boogaloo era's creativity, blending soulful melodies with sharp, danceable rhythms. This reissue offers a chance to experience a key moment in New York's Latin music history with its unmistakable blend of genres.
Review: Ace's introduces the Soul Harmony label with a thrilling discovery from Golden State Recorders. The 87th Off Broadway, hailing from Seaside, California, recorded a series of tracks in April 1972, with arrangements by Los Angeles' Rene Hall. These sessions, featuring the group's self-penned songs, remained unheard for decades. 'Instant Replay is the final track from these sessions to be released, following previous funk releases on Ace's BGP label. The group later evolved into Welfare, who recorded 'What About The Child' (under the name Gold) for the MRC label in 1977. The intricate harmony and high-quality production of 'Instant Replay' have already garnered praise on the Lowrider scene. The music of Larry Sanders has seen the soar among collectors, capturing the essence of a summer romance with his lush, harmonious sound.
Review: Laurence "Larry" Brown only saw two singles to his name despite his boundless talents as a producer, instrumentalist and singer, and this record from 1979 is one of them. To break training is to flout the rules of the game - this is often a necessary ritual if one is to see through one's own personal vision quest in life's existential rite-of-passages, such as love and individuation. "I've been walking the line, controlling the line... I ain't been doin' what's right, baby... in the beginning, I'd give up everything for the sake of winning..." such are the musings of a man newly in love.
Review: Bull & the Matadors, hailing from East St. Louis, brought their soulful energy to the Toddlin' Town label in 1968, joining forces with the iconic Leaner family. Inspired by Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In and its courtroom sketch craze, they released the groovy r&b hit 'The Funky Judge,' crafted by Andre Williams and Leo Hutton. Now, their unreleased sequel 'Where Did The Judge Go' finally sees the light, rescued from obscurity for eager fans on provided on the flipside.
Bobby Byrd comes strutting on posthumously through to Sedsoulsociety with 'Never Get Enough'. This ineluctable treat was first released on Brownstone Recordings sometime during the early 70s funk heyday, and was produced and arranged by none other than that ingenious titan, James Brown, together with the beautiful 'My Concerto'. We usually wouldn't forgive the removal of the latter track from any reissue, but we're making an exception here, for the fact that an even greater treat lines this B-side reissue: a formerly unreleased instrumental of said James Brown classic production. Funk completists hardly need to be told not to sleep on this one.
Do What We Gotta Do (feat Delroy Dyer/Gina Foster) (4:24)
I Like To Party (feat Andre Stevens/Imaani Kemi/Delroy Dyer) (4:35)
Gonna Make You Happy (feat Jill Francis) (3:43)
Love Dont Strike Twice (feat Easton) (3:53)
Share My Love With You (feat Imaan) (4:43)
Fantasy (feat Gina Foster) (4:38)
Without You In My Life (feat Delores) (4:00)
Sweet Vibrations (1:54)
Review: Rick Clarke was signed to Soul II Soul's Funki Dreds label, meaning he was contractually not allowed to release his music elsewhere. As such, he anonymously slipped out this album Guess Who in 1992, but now it gets a welcome reissue on Freestyle Records under the artist's given name. It is packed with creative ideas and sweet stripped back house grooves with a hint of garage swing. It features plenty of Rick's friends and collaborators who all came to his MJB Records studio in West Kensington where the LP was produced and recorded in just a few days. It's packed with raw drum machine sounds, great basslines and sweet melodies.
Review: Yet another Northern soul rarity from the criminally obscure Donna Colman, whose voice has a distinctively rounded diction, as evidenced by this newly reissued song dedicated to the overwhelm of new love. Regaling the tale of a man whom she once ignored but then came around to, original copies of this one have been posted for the insane asking price of L1,500 thankfully, due to this issue, we've got you on that front. Like Colman, we love this record too much to turn away from it.
Carolyn Crawford - "It Takes A Lotta Teardrops" (2:47)
Hodges, James, Smith & Crawford - "I'm In Love" (2:26)
Review: It Takes A Lotta Teardrops showcases the refined touch of Mickey Stevenson, delivering a timeless Motown sound. This Leon Ware and Vicki Basemore composition, although unreleased until now, echoes the classic vibes that Kim Weston also interpreted, but like hers, it remained in the vaults. The decision to shelve this gem in 1972 may have been due to its retro style during a time of evolving musical tastes, yet it remains an essential listen for Motown and Northern Soul enthusiasts. On Side-2, 'I'm In Love', stems from Carolyn Crawford's work with Hodges, James and Smith in 1971. Released under the M'Pingo label, this track embraced a more contemporary feel for its era and continues to resonate in Modern and Crossover rooms today. This single is a fine addition for collectors and fans of classic soul.
Review: DJ EPIK delivers a dynamic blend of styles on this release, showcasing his versatility across two distinct tracks. 'My Infamous Starship' stands out with its atmospheric, deep backdrop, evoking the soulful vibes of Pharcyde while maintaining a smooth, east coast flavor. The vocal performance is fluid and smooth, drawing listeners into its deep soundscape. On the flip side, 'Gotta Get Dis Money' brings a funky, 70s-influenced groove, channeling the spirit of early Too Short with its catchy flow and upbeat energy on top. This track is made for the dancefloor, combining infectious rhythm with a touch of classic hip-hop swagger. DJ EPIK's ability to seamlessly blend hip hop and r&b influences makes this release a standout for fans of both genres.
Review: 17 albums deep and Lee Fields still has something to say. Arm in arm with longstanding band The Expressions, the troupe dig deep an impeccable roll of soul: The soft harmonies and yearning horns of "I'm Coming Home", the light electronic elements on the rhythm of the hazy, laidback torch song "Never Be Another You", the swooning blues of "Let Him In", the almost highlife sparkle to the guitars on "Where Is The Love"... Each of the ten tracks hits with a freshness, energy and realness that few - if any - 70s troubled troubadours could muster. Essential.
Review: Before making it big with Maze, Frankie Beverly was the man behind Raw Soul, a heavyweight, politically conscious band whose fuzzy, full-throttle sound sat somewhere between the J.B's and Sly & The Family Stone. The band's most famous moment was 1975 single 'Color Blind', which was originally recorded as 'What's The Color?' Here that never-before-heard recording is finally issued. Rich in fuzz-soaked horns, crunchy drum-breaks, weighty bass and clipped funk guitar licks, the track features some superb, James Brown style lead vocals from Beverly. Brilliantly, there's also a chance to savour the unheard Raw Soul instrumental version, which features an extended, DJ-friendly drum solo midway through. A slice of history that's well worth picking up. As played by DJ Koco....
Review: Remark at this 1979 step-by-step musical instructional manual on how to transform the melancholias and morosenesses of glum men into feelings of gratitude. The Capreez, whose band name informally evolved from the more conservatively spelled "The Capris", were an obscure band from the Detroit area, who released singles on both Tower and Sound Records in the 1960s. The how-to in question involves telling him you love him and need him, explicating an amorous solution.
Review: The original motion picture soundtrack for The Truck Turner delivers a thrilling blend of gritty funk, soul and high-energy jazz that perfectly complemented the 1974 blaxploitation classic. Composed by the great Isaac Hayes, the soundtrack is a dynamic showcase of his signature style that blends soulful melodies with intense orchestral arrangements. Tracks like 'Main Theme' and 'Breaking Into The Business' capture the raw energy and tension of the film while Hayes' deep voice and lush arrangements bring an added layer of sophistication to the score.
B-STOCK: Creasing to corner of outer sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition
Stay Sweet (5:03)
Into New Dimensions (4:29)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Creasing to corner of outer sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition***
Star Creature boss Tim Zawada revives another boogie classic here with a special 7" release featuring two standout tracks from Gary, Indiana's I.N.D. It opens up with the A-side which showcases an underrated floor-filler that is packed with good time grooves. On the other side, the label presents a version of 'Into New Dimensions' (I.N.D.) which offers a fresh twist on the original. This release is a must-have for fans of boogie and rare grooves and it cannot fail to light up the club.
Review: India Arie was born in Colorado in 1975 and emerged as a superb singer-songwriter, producer and musician with her groundbreaking 2001 debut album, Acoustic Soul, which now gets remastered and reissued on vinyl. Defying conventional r&b norms, the album fused elements of soul, folk, and hip-hop and drew a diverse fanbase. Its honest, stripped-down beauty and Arie's rich vocal talent captivated listeners and set her apart from other artists of the time. Acoustic Soul received seven Grammy nominations, a testament to its impact, though it didn't secure a win. Nonetheless, the album remains a beloved classic and is widely regarded as her defining work.
Review: Brenda is thought to be the late Brenda Lee Jones from Ohio and the subject of the b-side here, which is the biggie, "Big Mistake," is thought to be her adopted son and mistakes his real mother made. It's a super sweet affair that will swell your heart with its lush soul sound. This reissue has been cut from the original master tapes and will help out anyone wanting to cop it without paying the L800 it cuttingly goes for online. The flip of record, "Super Stoke" is lit up with big fuzzy guitars and raw funk that never lets up.
B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition
Floating Parade (3:41)
Small Changes (4:09)
One & Only (4:20)
Rebel Soul (3:26)
Lowdown (part I) (3:15)
Lowdown (part II) (2:35)
Follow Your Dreams (3:38)
Live For Your Love (2:24)
Stay By My Side (3:29)
The Rest Of Me (3:41)
Four Long Years (4:33)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***
Michael Kiwanuka's eagerly awaited fourth studio album, Small Changes, is set to continue the journey started with his critically acclaimed Kiwanuka. Once again, he collaborates with Danger Mouse and Inflo, the dynamic team behind his previous successes, Kiwanuka and Love & Hate. The album was recorded across London and Los Angeles, featuring contributions from music legends such as Pino Palladino and Jimmy Jam, enhancing its depth and texture. Kiwanuka's songwriting remains as profound as ever, blending lush grooves with introspective lyrics. He maintains his signature styleisimple yet evocative melodies that invite deep emotional engagement. The album has a soulful and timeless quality that marked his earlier work while exploring new artistic avenues. As Kiwanuka reflects on his music, he sees it as a form of communication and healing, continuing his tradition of melding personal insight with universal themes. Small Changes is poised to reinforce Kiwanuka's place as a uniquely talented and deeply relatable artist.
It Don't Have To Change (feat The Stephens Family)
Live It Up (feat Miri Ben-Ari)
So High (feat Lauryn Hill - Cloud 9 remix)
Review: US crooner John Legend's debut album came 20 years ago and soon set him on his way to the superstar status he enjoys today. It was a superb introduction to his soulful voice and unique blend of r&b, pop and hip-hop influences which is why it received widespread acclaim with its smooth, heartfelt lyrics and rich, piano-driven production. Tracks like 'Used to Love U' and the Grammy-winning classic 'Ordinary People' showcased Legend's ability to blend storytelling with emotionally charged performances. Get Lifted not only launched Legend's career but also marked him out on a path to becoming one of the most influential artists of the 2000s.
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: Los Angeles based, Dallas raised artist Liv.e showcase her sublime and singular style once more on fantastic new album. She is a musical polymath and proves it here with a 40 minute trip deep inside her own psyche that is full of twists and turns off the sort that have made the singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist born Olivia Williams such a talent since her 2020 debut. The lyrics in Girl In The Half Pearl are delivered in a stream of consciousness style that is as unpredictable as daily life and full of rich and diverse narratives. Tune in and enjoy this majestic mix of bleeps and blips.
B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition
Brotherhood Hazy Night (1:06)
For A While (3:35)
Can You Hear Me? (3:48)
Little Big Man (3:59)
Sound From The Attic (3:41)
Shape Up (3:25)
We Shouldn't Be Here (3:45)
Rolling Man (3:45)
Here Come The Shadow Heroes (3:10)
Don't Let Me Fall (3:47)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***
The French group Lowland Brothers Band offers up more of its signature blend of soul, rock and Americana in what is a superbly liberating and timeless second album, Over The Fence. Their 2021 self-titled debut was led by Nico Duportal on vocals and guitars with Hugo Deviers on percussion and guitar and Max Genouel on bass and keyboards and between them, they uniquely bridged these sounds as well as an earthy take on Americana despite the band originally hailing from the West and North of France. They aim to honour the African-American musical tradition while transporting its essence into new territory and Over The Fence continues this exploration by offering a fresh transatlantic sound that resonates with both past and present influences.
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged, record slightly warped***
From the early 1970s, Tim Maia released a string of superb albums that cemented his reputation as Brazilian music's most soulful artist - a guitarist and singer who created thrilling new musical hybrids that owed as much to U.S funk and soul as samba, bossa-nova and MPB. 1975's "Racional Volume 2", a hard-to-find set that's finally been reissued, is one of the best of Maia's key early albums. Rhythmically, the majority of the tracks feature typically shuffling South American rhythms, but the instrumentation and vocals above are far closer in tone to the sunnier, more horn-heavy end of the soul and funk spectrum (with some sweeping orchestration thrown in to add a touch of MPB class). It's a brilliant blend that guarantees good times from start to finish.
Review: Super Disco Edits close down their special series of releases from the brother and sister duo of Eryk and Antoinette McClinton with another four-track pearler. The pair recorded with venerated Detroit legends Mike Theodore and Dennis Coffey in around 1979 and they came at a time when they were trying to break the big time. They had already released on Honey Records and here bring plenty of funky influxes to their big disco beats. All four have some fine breakdowns and the final tune, with its 2 step beats, is a real standout.
Review: Miracle Thomas and Rob Hardt bring new life to 'Sugar Free,' the 1985 hit by Juicy, just in time for the arrival of spring. The funky bassline and smooth vocal runs make this cover instantly catchy and memorable. Miracle's sultry delivery, paired with Rob's groove-heavy production, creates an irresistible blend of old-school soul with a fresh twist. The song's infectious chant and hook elevate it to a dancefloor favourite, while the chemistry between Thomas and Hardt is undeniable. This track will no doubt soar on the charts, earning its place on playlists and keeping listeners hooked for months. It's the perfect mix of nostalgia and contemporary soul.
Review: The long-lost disco-soul-funk album You Can Be by the Music Makers Band is finally seeing the light of day on vinyl once more with new mixes from original multi-track tapes by Kenny Dope. Forgotten in a linen closet in Macon, Georgia since 1979, this reel-to-reel treasure contains recordings from the group that previously released 'Black Gold' as The Mighty Chevelles in 1977. By 1979, now known as Music Makers Band, they captured this disco-funk gem at Capricorn Studios and here each track shines anew thanks to the fine work of funk lover Kenny Dope's work.
Review: Chicago duo The O'My's return with Trust The Stars, their latest album on HiyaSelf Recordings, the label launched by Nightmares On Wax. Blending soul, hip-hop, alt-r&b and jazz, Nick Hennessey and Maceo Vidal-Haymes craft a richly textured sound shaped by collaborations with artists like Jamila Woods, Konny Kon, and Pink Siifu. This album reflects themes of love, loss and self-discovery, showcasing the duo's evolved sound and their unique position within Chicago's vibrant music scene.
Review: Re-pressed for the second time through its original issuer Sunstruck, this humble admission of low stress tolerance from the obscure Detroit nexus band Pages (masterminded by Isaac Hayes keyboardist Travis Biggs) marks out a rare subject matter for a soul and funk fancy. Like its B-side 'Mack', 'Heartaches & Pain' has the textural tartness and piquancy of a well-squeezed lemon; its tight and yellowy instrumentation matches the breezy but repressive situation so described in the song, in which Biggs recounts the tale of having to guard his heart from pain, admitting only lightness in the process.
Review: The Houston Talent Expo '82 is one of those curious releases that has come out of a very special moment in time. Moreover, it's a one-off, a exception that came to be out of chance. The group was an extended collection of African-American in the Houston area throughout the 1980s, and this was their only release as a unit. "Let's Get High" sets the scene in perfect fashion, a funky, slow-motion groove with enough soul to kill the devil himself, but there's even gear for the diggers and samplers to salivate over. The absurdly good "Chocolate Coated People" drops a wonky, gritty slice of percussion over drugged-out melodies and a sea of funkiness. This is a truly special piece of music - don't miss it.
B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition
Overture (5:45)
Feed The Fire (4:18)
Sleep (2:59)
Interlude 1 (2:13)
Indigo (3:38)
Survive (4:29)
Interlude 2 (0:37)
From The Fire (4:04)
Souled Out (6:34)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***
From The Fire is a superb new album from Audrey Powne that is about as accomplished as any debut could be. The young auteur herself has composed all nine cuts, wrote all the lyrics, plays all the piano, organ and Rhodes, does all the singing, arranged all the strings and produced everything herself as she set out to have complete creative control. It is a rich and rewarding listen with some soaring solos and meticulously crafted grooves that have already won her high praise from those in the know such as Gilles Peterson.
Monsieur Van Pratt Le Groove - "El Rap Clap O" (Regroove) (4:40)
Bully Boy - "Fear'n'Loathing In Funk Vegas" (4:34)
Ben Jamin - "Old Time Feeling" (4:50)
Review: French funk lovers Acts of Sedition roll out another tasty double 7" here that features some massive joints from around the world. First up is the Latin heat of Rare Cuts's 'Amigo Bracno' with its big, bright leads, string lushness and percolating, percussive groove goodness all finished with a great Portuguese vocal. Monsieur Van Pratt Le Groove's 'El Rap Clap O' (Regroove) hits a little harder but with similar funk playfulness and some great chord work and Bully Boy then offers the raw and strident funk of 'Fear'n'Loathing In Funk Vegas.' Ben Jamin slows it right down with the sun-kissed late night bliss of 'Old Time Feeling.'
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