Review: Having come to the fore with a pair of boogie slammers on the Cosmic Chronic label, Mickey De Grand IV's Psychic Mirrors outfit ascend to parent operation People's Potential Unlimited with the excellent Charlene. Allegedly recorded with the help of a ten piece live band, both the title track and "Midnight Mirrors" are evocative of the sort of modern lo-fi funk that PPU corners the market in these days. Bringing the Miami heat, "Charlene" is a veritable dancefloor bomb, with a rugged boogie bassline the sort of flirtatious element that hips can't say no to. B Side cut "Midnight Mirrors" is more of a late night number with some exquisite synth work. Props to PPU!
Review: More quality grooves from Washington DC label specializing in reissuing obscure and unknown 70s and 80s dance music. This time around is Dreamcast who are Davon Bryant in conjunction with Swedish guy Sasac aka King Al. "Liquid Deep" is sexy late night deep funk the way it was always intended and Bryant's smooth as silk vocals are just like... Wow! So with Dreamcast on the vocals and Sasac on the beat, we are hoping there's more things on the way from this trans coastal duo in 2017.
Review: It's well known that People's Potential Unlimited boss Andrew Morgan has some serious crate digging skills. Even so, he continues to amaze with the obscurity and quality of the releases he chooses to reissue. Serious collectors have long sought out "Let's Ride" by guitarist Willie Lee Jnr under his occasional Junei alias. Originally released on 7" back in 1987, it's a killer chunk of synthesizer-heavy electrofunk blessed with some serious eyes-closed guitar solo action. Flipside "You Must Go On" - originally the A-side of the '87 release - is fantastic, too, offering a near perfect blend of sun-kissed Balearic attitude and smooth '80s soul grooves.
Review: With fine multi-track re-edits and remixes to his name already on GAMM, KAT and Lumberjacks In Hell, it would be fair to say that Moplen (AKA Italian producer Luca Locatelli) is currently one of the most sought-after rework specialists in the disco scene. Here he makes his first appearance on A&R Edits, a sneaky imprint that has been around longer than most rework labels. A-side "A Minute" is an energetic, all-action revision of Tavares' 1975 disco gem "It Only Takes A Minute" - a song later made more famous by Brit boy band Take That. Over on side B Moplen gives his take on David Joseph's sparse, synth-powered Paradise Garage favourite "You Can't Hide Your Love", which has in turn been further extended by Greg Wilson.
Review: A sweet reissue of an underground classic from 1982 here, bootlegged badly in recent years, but Isle of Jura does it right with this remaster by Matt Colton. Q were a one hit wonder (if you could even call them that!), responsible for "The Voice Of Q". Comprised of American producers Bruce Weeden & Michael Forte with their revolving cast of musicians - this electro funk/disco project is finally getting paid its dues. Deep, funked-up and spacey disco, complete with vocoder - it almost seems familiar! A true spirit of the times. Features a previously unreleased track on the flip, "Keep It Strong" (unreleased dub edit) which is a balearic tinged number that's equally as good.
Review: Ilija Rudman and Antonio Zuza's consistently classy label is back with a standout 12" from Californian producer Michoacan, who's previously been spotted on DFA, Eskimo and many other highly regarded labels. "Knights Are Cold" is a vibrant, original and delightfully kinked slab of sunshine with a subtle pitch-bent oddness and an innate funkiness. It's smart in its reference points, but certainly not trying to be a simple 80s disco pastiche. "Be Side Me" is a slower, moodier affair but the same melodic sensibilities shine through to make this a rich selection for DJs wanting grooves with personality and attitude to spare.
Cyndi Lauper - "Change Of Heart" (12" extended club remix) (7:52)
Pet Shop Boys - "West End Girls" (The Shep Pettibone Mastermix) (8:23)
Alisha - "Baby Talk" (extended dance mix) (6:43)
The B-52's - "Summer Of Love" (Summer party mix) (6:07)
Huey Lewis & The News - "Hip To Be Square" (dance mix) (6:00)
New Order - "Bizarre Love Triangle" (Shep Pettibone 12" remix) (6:43)
Depeche Mode - "Behind The Wheel" (Shep Pettibone mix) (5:56)
Erasure - "Chains Of Love" (Unfettered mix 2009 Remaster) (8:25)
Elton John - "I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That" (The Shep Pettibone mix) (7:20)
Review: Arthur Baker is the perfect host for this new series from Demon Music which focuses on the famous extended remixes of the 80s. Each series will be a multi-disc, various artist collection that is united by one remixer, and there can be few better to kick it off than the legend that is Shep Pettibone. He was a hugely in demand studio hand who reworked multiple genres and everyone from Pet Shop Boys to Duran Duran, New Order to Level 42, George Michael to Erasure. This ambitious, widescreen collection takes in all manner of golden remixes from the world of soul, pop, synth and more.
Review: Apparently DJ Harvey and Lovebirds have been hammering these "personal edits" from the Sirsounds crew in recent DJ sets. Listening to the clips, it's easy to work out why: they're a cut above the rest, edit-wise. There's a good variety of sounds and styles on show, from the stuttering drums, blissful guitars, dewy-eyed vocal snippets and rich boogie synths of "Love Me Right (Version)", to the eyes-closed synth solos and driving disco-funk grooves of quirky closing cut "What Does It Take". Our pick of the bunch though has to be the effortlessly eccentric Italian electro-funk insanity of "SASA", which sounds a little like it could be a lesser-known outing by Tullio De Piscopo (though don't quote us on that).
Review: A momentous reissue of Funk Masters' 1981 disco/jazz funk hit. Out of print for over 40 years, 'Love Money' was a staple of the New York underground scene, spun everywhere across the city from Larry Levan's Paradise Garage to David Mancuso's Loft. With a low swung, funk-geared groove, 'Love Money', is a truly timeless track, encapsulating the sheer energy of disco, funk, and proto-house across eras. On the B-side, Bo Kool's '(Money) No Love' is a track steeped in historical significance - it's one of the earliest examples of UK rap. With nods to the reggae and dub culture at the root of the UK's club scene, it's no surprise to learn the track was produced by Jamaican reggae DJ and producer, Tony Williams. We're delighted to hear this lauded record make a triumphant return to record bags and dancefloors.
This Is Message To You (feat Nadine Charles) (4:01)
The Negative Positive (3:17)
What's Good For You (feat Obebewa) (3:27)
Recovered Memories (feat Samii) (3:05)
She Is Virgo (2:28)
What's An Inferiority Complex (4:15)
The Disclaimer (2:04)
Review: Over his long and illustrious career, Dennis 'Dego' McFarlane has made music in many complimentary styles, but it's been broken beat with which he's been associated with for the least two decades. Alongside his friend and regular studio partner Kaidi Tatham, he's developed a particular strain of "bruk" that incorporates elements of jazz, electrofunk, soul, boogie, jazz-funk and, more occasionally, hip-hop. It's this fluid, attractive, synth-heavy sound that's at the heart of The Negative Positive, his first solo full-length for two years. It's as well-made, soulful, slick and musically rich as you'd expect, with a series of stellar vocal numbers joining a swathe of similarly impressive instrumentals.
Come Over (bonus Clear vinyl 10" - feat Le Flex) (3:40)
I Can't Stop (extended) (7:54)
Review: Dabeull, the current scene's utmost favourite 'danceable funk' purveyor, is back with bang in the form of an all-analog production, full-length LP. Analog Love enlists the help of a string of vocalists and production affiliates - including Holybrune, Dezzy Hollow, Reva DeVito, Rude Jude, and Jordan Lee - to amount to a glitzing, golden, effulgent nighttime set of funk intuits. From the lead single 'Body Heat' to the closing confabulations of 'Fabulous Kisses', every piece here is a latent hit, dripping in neon liquid and well-rounded, sawn-off textures, the latter of which was notably achieved by using the mixing console historically used for Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' at the mixing stage.
Review: 'I'll Be Good', a Mercury single release, is an excellent later track from Rene & Angela (Winbush),
still working alongside Bobby Watson, with a fat, synthesized midtempo 80s groove feel.
Review: In a move towards soulful French electro-funk from the duo that brought us 'Caipirnha', comes the latest new single from DjeuhDjoah & Lieutenant Nicholson. The two producers here bring together a vast cast of musicians playing everything from Moog to claviers, culminating in a texturally rich afro-soul single that urges us to "hold our horses" ('Pas Si Vite') in these troubling times.
Review: DJ Cat comes through on Scruniversal here as the young label continues to go from strength to strength early in its existence. This time he serves up some re-edits and reworks of old and rare records from Scru's friends' collections. Up first is 'Roots & Culture' which is a languid funk workout with Prince style vocals bring some libidinous vibes up top while sci-fi synths and raw claps and perc all flesh out the groove. 'Possibelle' then cuts loose on a much more laid back and steamy summer vibe with the sort of chords that have you laying back in the park and staring up at a cloudless sky.
Smack Dab In The Middle (7-Inch edit By Mr K) (5:25)
Review: No one edits a classic like Mr. K, as he has proven time and time again. Now the legendary studio craftsman is back and revisiting Paradise Garage and some of the club's legendary sounds. First up is TW Funkmasters' 'Love Money,' which was conceived by UK radio reggae jock Tony Williams and fuses Dennis Brown's reggae hit 'Money In My Pocket' with early rap influences. The dub version was embraced by New York's dance scene and became iconic at the 'Garage, with many homages coming later such as Larry Levan's Man Friday remake, 'Love Honey, Love Heartache.' On the flip, Janice McClain's 1979 Philly disco classic 'Smack Dab In The Middle' shines as Larry Levan's mix is reworked by Mr. K who turns up the jazzy groove with fresh breaks.
Steve Arrington - "Dancin' In The Key Of Life" (Frankie Knuckles edit) (9:07)
The Trammps - "Disco Party" (Frankie Knuckles edit) (7:42)
Review: Disco Queen just keep on pumping out the good stuff with two more divine edits from house music's spiritual and dearly missed father Frankie Knuckles. Two sides for two different peaks of the nights; Steve Arrington's "Dancin' In The Key Of Life" is that classic 11pm feel good warm up that's layered with clever momentum while The Trammps' "Disco Party" lives up to its name with incredible energy and soul and a dynamic drop into the original midway. Rest in peace Frankie.
Review: A dazzling homage to vintage disco and new wave, infused with a modern flair. Side-1 opens with 'Desire (Trey Favorite mix)', an Italo disco gem that channels the essence of Yaz's 'Situation'. Its nostalgic 80s vibe, fused with new wave influences, is irresistibly danceable. Following that, 'Search The Nite (Taped Up mix)' offers a freestyle-inspired journey reminiscent of early 80s Latin Rascals edits, delivering rhythmic charm and groovy nostalgia. On Side-2, 'Desire (Hearts Burn mix)' presents a futuristic take on the original track, layering cool vibes with experimental sounds that feel fresh yet familiar. Closing the EP, 'Search The Nite (Razor beats)' strips things down to a beat-focused version, emphasising sharp edits and rhythmic intensity. A vibrant celebration of disco, nu-disco and Italo, seamlessly blending electrofunk and freestyle influences into a cohesive, vintage-meets-modern sound.
Review: One of many stone-cold Patrick Adams disco funk gems, 1981's "Don't Let My Rainbow Pass Me By" enjoys a long-awaited reissue 37 years after its last outing. Its sprightly slippery groove and floating falsettos remain as strong and as a vital as they ever did... But at a fraction of the once triple-figure price tag it's had over the years. Don't let this record pass you by.
Review: Electro Wayne's mid 80s-focused Circuitry project get busy on Peoples Potential Unlimited with two starlit synth boogie originals; "She's Just That Type Of Girl" is a playful east coast funk flex with a slight freestyle touch to it. Harmonies, light touches on the keys and exceptional drum production, it's a sassy slice that will warm-up any floor. "Under Pressure" lowers the tempo but thrusts up the sensual urgency with great percussion and come-to-bed spoken word. Authentically done.
Review: All hail the mighty Cerrone, one of the most important figures in the development of a European disco sound distinct from what was happening in the US. His run of LPs in the late 70s introduced a new, synth-driven sound which spawned some monumental hits, the biggest of which undoubtedly being 'Supernature'. Now the veteran disco machine is celebrating 50 years of active service in music by revisiting his former glories with new versions of much-loved favourites. Alongside these productions, Cerrone has also invited some more contemporary players to produce remixes, including Dimitri From Paris and The Reflex.
Review: Given their respective careers, you'd expect this surprise debut album from Balearic nu-disco specialist James Bright and Groove Armada member Tom Findlay to be rather good - or at least sonically attractive with good grooves and quality musicianship. It is, of course, with the pair opting for a glossy, 80s-influenced synth sound, bubbly electronic grooves, sun-splashed Balearic pop intent and authentically executed nods to West Coast electrofunk and nu-disco pioneers Metro Area. Our picks of a very strong bunch include the synth-fired blue-eyed soul of 'Slow Dance', the sunset-ready gorgeousness of 'Flowers', the low-slung, late-night AM radio vibes of 'It's Only Rain' and the Morgan Geist-esque 'NY Disco (Smile)'.
Review: Once more unearthing a rare and classic electro funk piece, Candy McKenzie's 'Remind Me' gets a proper 12" reissue, homing in on her classic cover of the Patrice Rushen original. Chugging, slick and wacky, McKenzie's vocals glisten and flit over a raw electro beat, heralding offbeat and Texan funk guitar, electrics and basses alike. As much is true for the 'Different Style' dub on the flip.
Review: Greg Wilson returns to Running Back, celebrating 40 years since the release of the classic and highly influential Street Sounds UK Electro compilation. The groundbreaking track 'Real Time,' which opened the 1984 album, finally gets a 12" release here. Featuring a Greg Wilson edit, a Gerd Janson bonus beats edit and two 2024 reworks, this limited edition showcases Wilson's continued influence in the electronic music scene, alongside collaborations with his son, Che Wilson, including remixes for Gabriels and Confidence Man.
Review: Here comes Emotional Rescue and Konduko's last in their series of Noel Williams/King Sporty reissues, this time looking at later electro productions and the hip-hop/boogie influenced 'Sun Country'. Vocals and co-production come from Williams' long-time partner Betty Wright and as well as a vocal and instrumental mix there's a longform remix by Bay Area disco dub stalwarts, 40 Thieves.
By this point in his career, the godfather of Miami Bass had travelled a long way from his Jamaican roots in reggae and soul, paying homage to the warm climbs of the Sunshine State and laying down a much copied template using the TR-808 drum machine create the electronic emulations of the breakbeat, claps accenting the backbeat and trademark low frequencies shaking the floorboards. The instrumental stretches the arrangement, emphasising the interplay between electronics, bass, vocal samples, scratching and fx, the voice transformed into a percussive element in its own right. The flip sees 40 Thieves flexing their understated understanding of electro funk, making for a rounded, generation-jumping package.
Review: For the 29th instalment in their ongoing series of seven-inch singles, Demon Singles Club has decided to offer up a 45rpm pressing of Komiko's 'Feel Alright'. First released on legendary disco-boogie imprint SAM Records back in 1982, the track has long been a favourite with boogie DJs and with good reason. Built around a memorable bassline, squelchy electrofunk synths and unfussy machine drums, 'Feel Alright' boasts a fine female lead vocal whose lyrics extolls the virtues of dancing all night with happy strangers. As it did back in 1982, the vocal mix comes backed with an instrumental take in which producer Darryl Payne's killer bassline and synths rightfully take centre stage. If it's not in your collection already, you need to grab one of these copies pronto.
Review: The last of the Konduko series from Emotional Rescue arrives now and quite possibly it is the best of the lot from Noel Williams. His 'Fantasy' saw him work with Larry Dermer aka Der Mer on what is an effective and catchy electro jam that operates at the higher end of the tempo chart with some classic vocoder vocal action to really make it pop. Despite being released originally in 1984 this one still bangs with its emulated TR-808 beats and nagging melodies. The instrumental heightens that and then the Jonny Rock Discomix shuts down with long-form rework that shows why the DJ, editor and all-round amiable bloke is so well regarded.
Review: 'Hard Times' is a mega rare outing from Chequers which they dropped back in 1983 at the height of popularity for this sport of sound. It's irresistible electro-boogie that will get you in a spin in no time. The squelchy bass, r&b vocals and withering sci-fi disco synths all bring real colour. Flip it over and you will find the equally stellar 'If You Want My Love'. This is the first time this one has ever been reissued by its Freestyle label. Don't sleep on this surefire party starter and underground classic.
Review: King Sporty is something of a chameleonic artists, not that many people know. He started out int he 70s making reggae and soul 7"s, then moved into disco, boogie, hip-hop and electro 12"s during the 80s, and then when house music hit in the 90s he evolved once more. This new drop from Emotional Rescue takes a tune from that late era. 'Computer Music' is four to the floor with electro influences and a lazy break that pull you in deep. Far-sighted chords bring a serene sense of cosmic majesty while a filtered vocal adds space age vibes. A dub is included as well as the Universal Cave Discomix by the Philadelphia DJ and production crew. A retro-future EP indeed..
Review: Addmoro were a lesser known Los Angeles-based disco outfit active throughout the late 70s and early 80s, and their sound was unique for its ahead-of-its-time weight and phonk, not to mention a difficult-to-match versatility, both traits evidenced by this Kalita reissue of the obscurity 'Rock & Roll Skate' here, first released on their very own Addmoro Records. The titular A-sider and 'Keep On Tryin' were released originally in 1985, with the former coming as a ploddy but groovy hard-hitter - which could've easily predicted the reams of modern-day producers who would the style on for size decades later (but not quite achieve it so well) - and the latter a surprise-taking curveball in a stumbly-funky, disco-electro mood.
Review: A superb 12" slab of rare South London British jazz funk, originally released in the UK in 1984 by Jamaican-born producer Tony Williams, the man behind the seminal Funk Masters' jazz-funk masterpiece, 'Love Money'. Now heard again, 'Keep On Searching For Love' is emblematic of London's 80s dub disco sound, with its every constituent part recorded, arranged and processed to the discotheque-addict's letter. Gated snares and acapella croons abound, with the uplifting vocals of Linda Taylor shining as brilliantly as star at the peak of its supernova. The flipside instrumental, 'Eastern Lady', comes complete with hypnotic bassline, drum machines, synths and stabbing horn lines; both tracks have been lovingly remastered from tape and now come exquisitely repackaged for you to enjoy. Gotta keep on!
Review: Emotional Rescue is at it again with another fully licensed and remastered offering, this time bringing to wax Mataya's Golddigger with a previously digital-only 'tape Mix.' Zimbabwe-born and later London-based Mataya "Clifford" Chewaluza was a core part of the vibrant West London music scene, using his songwriting, production and multi-instrumentalist skills on albums for RCA and Virgin. He also dropped a few 12"s and this one was released in 1988. It's a cult curio with crashing 80s production, disco-tinged grooves and plenty of subtle African rhythm which includes a standout dub mix from Jura Soundsystem.
Review: Isabel Roberts' mid-80s single 'Love Situation' featuring Robert Chandler, is revitalized on this limited 12" release, part of Backatcha's 'Hot Vinyl' reissue series. These UK electric-boogie-synth-funk tracks are essential for any dancefloor. 'Love Situation' is a smooth, soulful jam with a catchy melody, perfectly complemented by Chandler's vocals. The instrumental version on the same side allows the groove to take center stage, making it ideal for those crucial dancefloor moments where the music needs to shine on its own. On Side-2. 'Just Fall in Love,' continues the vibe with a romantic, yet danceable track that's just as versatile. The inclusion of its own instrumental version ensures this 12" is a complete package, offering both vocal charm and instrumental grooves. 80s fans of the groove will surely find some enjoyment with these on their turntable.
Review: Backatcha continues to delve into the back catalogue of British 80s soul outfit Intrigue, a combo born in the Britfunk and boogie era whose independently released records have long been sought-after by disco diggers and record collectors alike. Having already reissued the band's best-known tune, 1982's 'I Like It', they've now turned their attention to a more overlooked gem: 1986 single 'One Touch'. Glossy, colourful and effortlessly soulful, it's a fine chunk of polished, club-ready 80s street soul with nods to electrofunk. Flipside 'Touch Down', a more extended affair, is an alternative, largely instrumental dub mix that adds layers of effects to key elements while stretching out the synth-heavy groove.
Review: He may have started life as a dusty-fingered hip-hop beat-maker, but French producer Julien Ozonder AKA Young Pulse is undoubtedly best-known for his party-starting disco, soul, funk and jazz-funk reworks (for proof, check his ongoing Paris Edits series on GAMM, which has so far notched up eight instalments). On 'Shake Your Body Down', which lands on the label founded by the Funky French League collective he's a member of, he combines samples from a forgotten disco gem with his own beats and instrumentation. On the A-side 'Disco Mix', that means squelchy bass, 126 BPM disco drums and mazy synth solos aplenty; while on the 'Beat Street Mix' he limbers up for the breakin' at the Paris Olympics via an authentically early 80s sounding electro workout.
Review: 'Music & Time, 1983-1985' by Take Three brings together the soulful sounds of former South London vocal harmony group Alpha, fronted by sisters Jackie & Jean Heron and Marlene Richardson. This compilation, produced by the trio S.H.E. (Steve Sinclair, Peter Hinds, and Kevin Ellis), showcases their work during the mid-'80s, including both released and previously unreleased tracks. From the infectious groove of 'Tonight's the Night' to the reggae-infused 'Can't Get Enough (Nice Up Reggae Mix)', this collection captures a rich blend of UK soul, funk and dance, spotlighting an era of underground brilliance.
Review: On their latest must-check release, the team behind reissue specialists Thank You have raided the back catalogue of obscure Los Angeles singer/songwriter Carmen Clayton. It brings together tracks recorded and released between 1984 and 86, all of which were produced by serial disco/boogie producer-arranger Kevin McCord. On the A-side we get the 12" and 7" versions of 'Throw Down', a hybrid freestyle/electrofunk number laden with energetic synth-bass, clipped guitar licks, bubbly electronic melodies and strong lead vocals courtesy of Clayton. Over on side B it's all about 'Time To Move', an even more excitable, peak-time ready slab of LA electrofunk-meets-Miami freestyle action that's presented in both extended and instrumental mix forms. An essential reissue all told.
Review: During the first half of the 80s, Andy Sojka and Richard De Jongh wrote and produced countless UK jazz-funk, electro, soul and boogie jams, working with both obscure and relatively well-known acts (Atmosfear included). They also released a handful of singles of their own under aliases, including this one as Distance. Long out of print and finally getting a reissue courtesy of Freestyle, 'Just One More Kiss' is a superb chunk of breezy, synths-and-drum-machine driven chunk of British electrofunk featuring sweet lead vocals from Janet Halley. Over on the flip you'll find the original instrumental/dub version, 'Just One More Mix', a fine alternative take that wisely concentrates on the groove, guitars and synths and largely avoids cheesy 80s production trickery and stuttering edit effects.
Review: Who is Magou? That's anyone's guess, however it is said to be a mysterious side project by an otherwise respected Italian producer and DJ. They return to Berlin's Toy Tonics for a full and proper double 12' release, a debut album in-fact, taking in disparate elements. We really enjoyed the low-slung modern disco on offer ('Eco' / 'Borges'), as well the neon-lit Italo numbers ('Pas Jolie' / 'Sample Dream') and were even impressed a by that bit of electro-boogie ('Heather's Body') - all blended in a classy and understated manner throughout.
Review: Peoples Potential Unlimited or PPU, is one of the freshest funk labels out there, whether serving up new funk sounds that sound old, or reissuing classic funk sounds that seem bang up to date. Often lo-fi in design but high in emotion, they make for party-starting gems with real swagger. This latest limited 7" is a reissue of a classic from The X-Man, who has apparently been locked away in the Detroit Psychiatric Hospital for the last 30 years. His aggressive funk style pairs driving drums and taught synths with libidinous vocal delivers and plenty of great guitar riffs. Here we have the driving 'That Body' paired with the more deep and bumping 'Fire Up'. Both bang.
Review: Freestyle Records has got a brilliant and rather rare bit of boogie here in the form of Eddie Capone's 'I Wont Give You Up.' This is the first officially licensed reissue of this 1985 gem by the reggae, funk and soul mainstay of that decade. He played with various noted outfits such as Chairmen of the Board, Arthur Brown's Kingdom Come and Edwin Starr and was also in the short-lived band Casablanca. He founded the Treatment band in the early 1980s and played with a rotating cast of musicians. The tunes included on this 7" are some of them with Diane Jones providing vocals on the A-side, which is the standout gem.
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