Back catalogue: 50s/60s

Review: The fourth edition in Original Gravity's Down In The Basement series, which gathers instrumental soul and swing cuts onto worthy 7" slabs, resounding the fervent 1960s decadal gap in which mod reigned supreme. With juleps flowing and kneecaps knocking, Abramo & Nestor bring newfangled electric pianistic swing with 'Dig It!', while a twinned "hit it!" injunction is heard from Floyd James & The GTs on the reissued 'Work That Thang'; James' voice is tubed and speed-delayed to terrific effect, achieving a sprung intonation. Curtis Baker brassifies the bonanza with the lively 'Fried Fish 'n' Collard Greens', while The Native Yinzer's exiting excitation 'The Hip Strip' quilts our ears with a mnemic, down-feathery Hammond-breaks bit.

Review: This is one of those raw soul sounds that never goes out of fashion, and thankfully neither does it often disappear from availability. It features two r&b classics, the dancefloor-ready 'Last Night' and the soulful 'Don't Break Your Promises', both originally released on the Rainbow label in the UK and a long-time bastion of Aitken's mastery of blending Jamaican and British influences. The opener draws from The Mar-Keys and Georgie Fame, showcasing r&b's imprint on Aitken's style. 'Don't Break Your Promises' is a Milson Luce cover that gained fame in Jamaica before inspiring numerous versions.

Review: The third volume of this series delivers an irresistible blend of funk and 60s-inspired grooves. Side-1 kicks off with a surf-rock-infused funk jam packed with energy and retro vibes. Following that, a swinging 60s sound that combining catchy rhythms and pop sensibilities keeps the momentum going. Side-2 shifts gears a groove-heavy track led by a soulful organ that oozes vintage charm. Closing the collection, there is a gem that features smooth, funk-driven melodies, topped off by a standout sax solo and a subtle British flair. This compilation offers a vibrant mix of styles, perfect for fans of classic funk with a modern twist.

Review: Soul Junction revisits the Scot-Tees Capri master tapes here to unveil two previously unreleased tracks. First is 'My Sweet Polly' by The Scott Brothers, a late 60s dance tune inspired by Howard Scott's former girlfriend. Coupled with this is a studio version of Judson Moore's "Everybody Push & Pull," a crossover hit influenced by Rufus Thomas. The Scott Brothers evolved from the 'Elpeccios' in 1958 to the Scott Brothers Band in 1963 and were instrumental in Chicago's music scene. Their label, Capri Records, produced hits like 'We Like Girls' and worked with legends like Garland Green. Judson Moore was a veteran singer who thrived under their mentorship and went on to leave a lasting legacy.

Review: Strut rings in the holiday season with a special reissue of The Qualities' rare 1961 single 'It's Christmas Time' b/w 'Happy New Year To You!', originally released on Sun Ra's Saturn label. This mysterious vocal harmony group, guided by the visionary Sun Ra, captures a unique moment in music history. Likely recorded around 1956, the festive tracks showcase Sun Ra's influence, blending jazz and harmony group experimentation. Remastered and restored, this exclusive 7" features a new picture sleeve designed by Liam Large, making it a collector's item that celebrates both the holidays and Sun Ra's boundary-pushing legacy.

Review: These two Mirwood classics are well-known and well-loved so don't need much hype, but having both tracks on the same 45 is a true treat. 'That Beatin' Rhythm' epitomises the Northern Soul dance scene and is still drawing dancers to the floor all these years on. The instrumental flip is credited to the singer of the A-side and was also hugely popular back in the day but has received less attention in recent years with the vocal version dominating DJ spins. This pairing is a potent one that still very much gets us up and going.

Review: The Sinseers' 'For You' is the quintessential soundtrack to Southern California vibes. From the opening notes that evoke images of beautiful beach strands under the sun to the heartfelt chorus, the song transports listeners to another world. Led by Joey Quinones, a true son of East Los Angeles, Thee Sinseers defy categorisation as mere oldies players. Over the past five years, they've honed their craft, infusing r&b and soul with a modern twist. With 'For You,' they deliver a timeless blend of music that captures the essence of a bygone era while remaining fresh and relevant in today's scene.

Review: Thee Sinseers excel at expressing the complexities of love through their engaging melodies. The band, rooted in East Los Angeles, has made a name for themselves in the Chicano soul scene, led by QuiNones. The lineup also features talented musicians such as Eric Johnson on tenor sax and Jose Luis Jimenez on trombone, all contributing to a rich tapestry of influences, from 1960s rocksteady to the vibrant spirit of Ritchie Valens and Ray Charles. 'Can't Call My Baby' leads the way as one of the strongest tracks taken from their debut full length album highlighted on this 7". On Side-2 introduces 'Take A Chance', a brand new and previously unreleased track. Here, Joey Quinones shines with his distinctive crooning, urging listeners to seize the moment and embrace love before it's too late. The inclusion of a soulful harmonica adds a lively flair, beautifully blending elements of classic Motown with Latin soul influences. Together, these songs highlight Thee Sinseers' distinctive sound and artistic versatility, merging nostalgic elements with a modern twist.

Review: Side-1's 'Can't Call My Baby', highlights the powerful lead vocals of Adriana Flores, taken from the full length debut of Thee Sinseers, which has already amassed nearly seven million streams on Spotify within just three months. Flores delivers a stunning performance, effortlessly conveying the song's emotional depth. On Side-2, the band unveils 'Take A Chance', a fresh and unreleased track. This song showcases Joey Quinones' signature crooning, as he encourages listeners to embrace love while they still can. The track's soulful harmonica adds a vibrant touch, seamlessly merging classic Motown influences with Latin soul rhythms. Together, these tracks exemplify Thee Sinseers' unique sound and artistic range, blending nostalgia with contemporary flair. Thee Sinseers continue to impress with their ability to capture the complexities of love through their melodic storytelling.

Review: Originally called The Take 5, Timebox hails from Southport, Lancashire. This quintet's use of organ and vibraphone helped to heighten their obvious love of soul and jazz influences which were always reflected in their repertoire. Before signing with Deram, they recorded a standout rendition of Dizzy Gillespie's 'Soul Source' for the Piccadilly label and here we get their superbly raw and direct 'Beggin' tune, a real piece of 60s gold. On the flip, The Quik's 'Ben's Apple Crumble' brings more brilliance to a crucial 45.

Review: Thee Sinseers' debut album, Sinseerly Yours, cements their cult status among soul enthusiasts. Led by Joey Quinones, the East Los Angeles band crafts a unique blend of retro soul, low rider ballads, and contemporary R&B. The singles 'Can't Do That To Her' and 'Hold On' showcase their range from upbeat 60s harmonies to somber, old-school ballads. The album's ten tracks offer more of this delightful variety, with highlights like the lush 'Keep On Calling,' 'Give It Up You Fool,' and the title track, reminiscent of the 60s Impressions. Quinones' falsetto evokes the soul of Mark Greene, adding to the intoxicating sound. A standout surprise is 'Taking Back,' a honking-sax instrumental with a live, party vibe. Described as "vintage blissful soul," Sinseerly Yours is poised to be one of the standout soul albums of the year.

Review: Irma Thomas, born Irma Lee in New Orleans, is routinely hailed the Soul Queen of the city. Once billed among Aretha Franklin and Etta James, Thomas eventually found her own recognition as an originary light repping New Orleans, less an international, commercial success story. Beginning her career in 1959, she was one of many voices who sung for a watershed moment r&b and soul, as labels like Minit and Imperial helped solidify the genre's identification with Louisiana, with its designs on the Southern soul genre at large. In 1966, Thomas released her second solo album, now reissued here through MOV. Including the iconic song 'Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)', which was co-written by Randy Newman and country star Jeannie Seely, the track became a hit, finding a toehold on the Billboard Hot 100. Beyond its commercial success, the ballad has garnered widespread recognition, notably appearing in several episodes of the hit series Black Mirror. But it's the record as a whole that really stirs our guts, obviating Thomas' early-career openness to romance and excess: "oh-oh, take a look at this girl, I'm the girl that wants you..." goes the title track...