Review: We'll never tire of the incredible Brazil45 series on Mr Bongo, which has provided an authoritative window into the rich history of 60s and 70s grooves from South America. Here's a missing joint from the series which took some time to come to fruition - a split release featuring Brazilian Boys on the A side and Rubinho E Mauro Assumpcao on the B. 'Super Herois' is an obscure slice of off-kilter, psych tinged funk from 1975 that has the kind of individual sound which could find favour with a lot of different DJs. 'Tudo Ai' has a more recognisable samba shuffle, but much like the A side there's a subtle twist in the sound which leans towards blues rock and jazz, locking down on the rhythm and creating a low-key party starter in its own unique way.
Review: Rain Parade’s Last Stop On The Underground EP marks a significant return for the band, following their long break from the music scene. Known for their role in shaping the Paisley Underground sound in the 1980s, the EP showcases original members Matt Piucci and Steven Roback continuing their signature neo-psychedelic style. The release comes alongside their first full-length album in nearly forty years, Last Rays of a Dying Sun. The EP’s features 'Surprise, surprise' and 'Didn’t know what not to say,' blending the band’s familiar jangly guitars with reflective lyrics. Also included is the title track 'Last stop on the underground' and 'Happy to leave,' which capture a mix of nostalgia and progression. Their 1983 release Emergency Third Rail Power Trip was hailed as one of the standout albums of the Paisley Underground, earning high praise from critics. With this new material, Rain Parade reinforces their place in the psychedelic rock landscape once more.
All You Got To Do (feat Jimmy James & Alex Rose) (4:29)
Original (feat Marina Alberto) (4:01)
Review: Reposado aka Tequila Funk brings more Latin and Afro flavours magic to this new 7". It makes a perfectly international soundtrack for global dancefloor fun with A-side 'All You Got To Do' bringing an uptempo soul vibe with some legendary guitar from the one and only Jimmy James, while some soulful background cooing comes from Alex Rose. It's a feelgood gem that will unite all who hear it and then the reverse is a salsa-tinged delight. 'Original' has masterful piano from Marina Albero and is an irresistible gem that completes a fine two-tracker.
Review: Ricardo Bomba was not only a studio owner, engineer, pianist and composer, but so too was he an accomplished amateur skateboarder. He lay down these previously unreleased, sun soaked Brazilian tunes in 1978 after years as bandleader with the one and only Jorge Ben's live show. The master tapes were said to have been binned during a heavy studio clear out but the man himself kept a tape copy that has been remastered for this special 7". Mariana Couto provides the angelic vocals while the music all trills with joy and happiness.
Review: The charming slight crackle of a vintage stereo sound suits 60s garage rock best. If these tracks from German beat group The Rippers were scrubbed up too clean and streaming digitally it just wouldn't have the same charm. When you hear the funk-y a-side 'Honesty', with its Doors-esque organ flourishes, on this 7" format it takes you right back to 1968 when it was recorded. And B-side 'The Night At The Lagoone' is garage-psych-rock at its absolute finest. For all its woozy psychedelia, at its core is a strong pop sense that makes them appealing to fans of the Hollies or The Beatles, too. These deep cuts, lifted from an album released that the pioneering British indie label Saga Records originally released, make for a true marvel in even the most experienced crate digger's collection.
Review: The imagination of the Munster label runs unabashed, as the late 1960s French cabaret star Rita and Chilean band Aguaturbia are heard to "team up" on this wonderful 7" slither of eroticism. Both visited their respective localities in the late 60s and early 70s, with Aguaturbia especially concluding an extensive tour across Europe with an incensing performative finale in France. They also happened to each name one of their own best songs 'Erotica'. Though they never met or really formally collaborated, this new record indulges the fantasy of what it may have been like to work together, had their shoulders been hit with golden arrows. An imaginary sexploitation film soundtrack, Rita's 'Erotica' rises to the hyperventilated brim, her delighted cries building to shaky, sighing contractions, while Aguaturbia's does remarkably similar with a brasher, dust-storming fuzz-guitar melee set to fainter but still audible groans.
Review: Hector Rivera was a Puerto Rican singer and pianist best known for his boogaloo and Latin soul style. 'At The Party', the latest contribution by the Rivera estate to the 7" series Demon Singles Club, hears two cuts that debuted all the way back in 1966; two choice cuts from his contemporaneous album, At The Party With Hector Rivera. On 'At The Party' and 'Do It To Me', Rivera's charisma is evident, coming backed by a screw-tight band, with Bobby Valentin on bass and Louie Ramirez on vibes. Remastered by Phil Kinrade and presented in a 7" Discobag sleeve.
Review: The latest single from Finnish indie label Timmion Records is 'Souvenir' by The Rosettes, fronted by vocalist Tytti Roto. This sombre, mellow 70s-flavoured ballad is delivered with raw emotion, lacking in sophistication but rich in depth, reflecting on the world's dangerous and harmful conditions. Timmion Records introduces new talent with The Rosettes' 7" vinyl single, blending soul and jazz with smooth pop sensibility. Dubbed the 'Khruangbin of the North', The Rosettes bring a fresh cinematic perspective to contemporary soul music. On Side-1 'Souvenir' offers a deep soul experience showcasing Tytti Roto's emotive storytelling and the band's melodic depth. The Side-2, 'Green Ray,' delivers a psychedelic soul groover with a funky backbeat, evoking a 1960s vibe. Drawing inspiration from Cymande and Isaac Hayes, The Rosettes infuse their sound with experimental elements while keeping it catchy and accessible.
Review: While most celebrate Patrice Rushen's wondrous disco and boogie tracks of the 80s, her early output was more heavily tipped to jazz and jazz funk. This single reissue from BGP makes the point in no uncertain terms by shining a light on 'Haw Right Now', a certifiable jazz-dance monster with absolutely stellar playing from Rushen and her band, including Joe Henderson absolutely shredding it on sax. Pulled from her 1974 debut album Prelusion, this jam is backed up by the opening track from her 1975 follow up Before The Dawn. 'Kickin Back' is a loose and freaky funk jam sunk way down low, all the better to sneak into your subconscious.
Review: Dan 'The Drum' Spalding, known for his house and rave DJ sets, teams up with dance music producer Ronnie Turner and DJ/vocalist Emma Noble to reinvent Coffee's 1980 disco take on 'Casanova'. Originally sung by Ruby Andrews in 1967 and penned by Jo Armstead, the trio's version channels a retro, jazzy vibe that could easily pass for a lost Blue Note gem from the '60s. Their fresh spin breathes new life into both versions, delivering a timeless, love-infused track that's sure to keep dancefloors moving. It's cleariCasanova isn't done yet.
Zeca Do Trombone & Roberto Sax - "Coluna Do Meio" (2:58)
Review: Mr Bongo offers up an incredible 86th volume in the Brazil45 series, and this time it's Black Rio funk from two mainstays of the sound, Toni Tornado & Zeca Do Trombone. A-side 'Sou Negro' is from Tornado's 1970 EP on Odeon Records. It's a sought after number that despite lasting only just over two minutes still makes an indelible impression. Zeca Do Trombone & Roberto Sax join forces on the flip for 'Coluna Do Meio,' which is a more smooth, easy going jazz laced tune compared with the raw and direct a-side. This one has an acrobatic vocal and sunny riffs bringing pool-side vibes under clear blue skies.
Review: Grapefruit is set to release "Rain: Tomorrow Never Comes: The NYC Sessions 1967-1968," a lost Psychedelic Pop gem from the Anglo-American trio formed post-Lomax Alliance. Featuring a Beatles-meets-West-Coast sound, this album was recorded with the help of Young Rascals engineer Chris Huston but never secured a recording contract. Despite performing at iconic venues like the Whisky a Go-Go and the Fillmore, the band disbanded after a brief stint as The Gypsy Wizards Band. This first-ever issue includes original tracks and six previously unreleased songs. With vintage handbills, posters, and photos by Linda Eastman, this release is a great discovery for fans of melodic West Coast Psychedelic Pop.
Review: The Real ShooBeeDoo is a super rare recording from Montreux festival sessions back in 1982 led by Detroit Tribe Jazz icon Reggie Fields. He played with a top lineup of all-star names including pianist Earl Van Riper who brought rich musical experiences to the table while the tenor saxophone comes from Robert Barnes who was noted for having worked with the great Donald Bird. Completing the picture is Tani Tabbal on drums who lent his skills to Sun Ra and others. All in all a great piece of jazz history.
Review: Legendary U.S jazz drummer and Black Panther Steve Reid and his band, The Legendary Master Brotherhood, are best known for their cult classic debut Nova from back in the late 70s. He also played in Sun Ra's Arkestra, was a Motown session drummer and backed James Brown at the Apollo. His other album Odyssey Of The Oblong Square is no slouch either though. It is a deep spiritual jazz classic from the master drummer and Vietnam conscientious objector. This special one-off reissue comes on lovely gold vinyl meaning those long and often fruitless searches for a hard to find original are no more.
Review: Curyman II, set for release via Diamond West Records, is the highly anticipated follow-up to Roge's US debut album. This album honors the roots of Brazilian music while pushing its boundaries, showcasing Roge's evolution as an artist. Collaborating with legendary figures such as Seu Jorge and Arthur Verocai, who arranged strings for both Curyman albums, Roge creates a vibrant tapestry of sound that bridges the past and future of Brazilian music. With a career spanning over two decades and multiple accolades, including a Latin Grammy nomination, Roge is a pivotal figure in the resurgence of Musica Popular Brasileira (MPB). His previous release, Curyman, produced by Thomas Brenneck of the Budos Band, celebrated samba infused with messages of resilience and hope. Curyman II promises to build on this success, delivering even more infectious samba rhythms and thought-provoking lyrics. As Roge continues to evolve, he remains dedicated to sharing Brazil's rich cultural heritage with audiences worldwide, making this album an exciting invitation to immerse in his soulful musical world once again.
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