Review: Two more rare grooves purloined from Cultures Of Soul's Brasileiro Treasure Box Of Funk & Soul and delivered on a sweet 45: Celia's "A Hora E Essa" is a steamy Latin funk workout from 72; all horns, cuicas and soft, honeyed vocals. Franco's "Ei, Voce, Psiu!" takes a more US funk idea with Franco's spoken vocals giving off a strong air of bandleader as the band lock down a tight groove beneath. Watch out for samba flip towards the end. Blink and you'll miss it.
Review: Mushroom Pillow is on a proud and so far successful mission to bring back Latin American music from the 60s-80s via its Relatin project. it's all about mixing up the traditional and the modern and putting fresh spins on what went before. Many of the originals they look to have gone unnoticed the first time round and that's the case here as Franc Moody adds his own twist to Elia & Elizabeth's 'Alegria.' His remix is a sympathetic one that gets the hips swinging over fat and funky disco bass and beneath the sunny Latin vocals. He strips them away on the instrumental version on the flip.
Review: The new sublabel, La Sirenetta will be celebrating the vibrant Italian Afro scene of the late 80s while aiming to elevate World Music for today's dance clubs. This initiative focuses on unearthing and reissuing hidden gems from their extensive analog collections, spanning regions from Martinique to the Ivory Coast and Nigeria to Haiti. The first release features two tracks that encapsulate this vision: 'La Danza Della Giungla' on Side-1 and 'Quella E Una Bambola' on Side-2. Both tracks are expertly edited to ensure they resonate on contemporary dance floors, presenting them in high-quality, collectible 12" formats. With this launch, La Sirenetta promises to enchant collectors and DJs alike, laying the groundwork for a series of releases designed to invigorate Afro and world music scenes.
Review: Kiss Klassics have been producing some high-quality promo double singles for a while now, this double headliner of Nelly and Fat Joe being the eighth instalment in their archival series. Side A was the runaway standout from New York rap legend Fat Joe's 2001 titanic-sized album 'Jealous Ones Still Envy (J.O.S.E.)', 'Whats Luv' with the one and only Ashanti. This marked Ashanti's debut year as an artist, the Tina Turner sample hook becoming the soundtrack of the block party and becoming one of the biggest songs of 2002. Side B needs no introduction. "It's getting hot in here, so take off all your clothes". No matter what you think of Nelly, 'Hot in Herre' continues to have the world in a chokehold over 20 years later.
Review: Mple Soul's Fat Jon is back on top form with this new slice of blissed out hip hop. It comes in 7" form on Ample Soul and opens up with the a-side roller 'Your Purpose' which was originally featured on the Samurai Champloo series. It has dreamy chords and gently tumbling drums that are imbued with an enchanting melody line. Flip it over and you will find 'Why We Dream,' a cut with noodling bass and airy broken beats and that is no particular hurry to go anywhere specific. Add in the cute vocal stabs and there is enough soul to keep you warm for weeks.
Review: Faze Action's Afro series hits a fourth and final volume with Zeke Manyika and Faze Action themselves at the helm of two new singles. The vibes on this one take their cues from Afro Latin and Balearic worlds with opener 'Maswera' bringing nice open-air festival sounds, rich horn work and expressive drum funk. Manyika's chants are the icing on the cake for this one. Then comes a nice dubbed-out remix of 'Rugare' by Faze Action with lively disco drums and loose-limbed percussion. The original on the flip is a more straight-up and dazzling disco cut while a paired back instrumental of 'Maswera' closes things down in style. Timeless Afro bombs for sure.
Review: Given the critical reception rightly afforded to Tahliah Barnett's superb debut album as FKA Twigs, it makes perfect sense for Young Turks to rustle up a swift reissue of FKA Twigs, the four track 12" that announced her to the pop music world last year. This EP was the first instance of Barnett's ethereal vocals weaved in amidst production work from Arca that was at times floating, others crushingly pressurised. Naturally the effects of the music are heightened when combined with Jesse Kanda's mind bending videos ("Water Me" especially) but late comers to the magic of Twigs will be all over this. Do check "Papi Pacify" as Arca is on some "Cry Me A River" era Timbalaand tip.
Review: Calling all locked-groove stickerers, needle twisters, and/or tonearm weight worriers, prepare your ears and needles for a wonderful trove of breakbeat bullion, ripe for the looping and the zealous hunching over. This modern rare groove emulation by Florence, 'Funky Song', lays down a phantasmically funky original breakbeat, fleshed out and swollen unto the most maximal of proportions. Then, don't forget, there's 'Let's Dance', which reworks Jimmy Bo Horne's 'Dance Across The Floor' for a rare and never-edited-before take on the perseverant, provocative hip roller of a track.
Review: This Record Store Day, Fo’ Clips Eclipse’s 1995 G-funk gem 'Just Be Thankful' resurfaces with a limited-edition 7-inch pressing on blue vinyl - the first time that the title cut and 'Can You Feel Me' have been on wax in some 30 years. Originally produced by Compton legend Tweedy Bird Loc, they blend smooth synths, soulful hooks and streetwise lyricism that epitomises the West Coast sound. 'Be Thankful' notably samples William DeVaughn’s 1974 classic to add a nostalgic touch and confirm the tune as a real bit of cult classic hip-hop history that remains influential decades later.
Show Ya How To MC (feat Def Jef & Grandmaster Caz) (3:25)
Let's Be Clear (feat The UMC's) (3:02)
Review: This release delivers a nostalgic nod to classic hip-hop with its two tracks, both reflecting different eras of the genre. Side A, featuring Def Jef and Grandmaster Caz, revives the spirit of 80s park jams with a laid-back yet funky vibe. Fokis's production and DJ Grouch's cuts make this a true ode to old-school hip-hop, brimming with energy and authenticity. On the flip, 'Let's Be Clear' teams up with Staten Island's UMC's for a 90s-inspired posse cut, with Pro.Grade's uptempo production and rapid-fire rhymes delivering a dose of lyrical firepower. A solid release for hip-hop enthusiasts.
Review: A timeless gem from the mid-80s, this ballad is a magical slow jam of its era with a soulful touch that remains irresistible. Produced and written by the legendary duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the song features their unparalleled ability to craft heartfelt melodies and lush arrangements. Its delicate piano-driven sound and tender vocal delivery immediately connect, making it an enduring favorite. Initially featured in the movie Krush Groove, the track quickly outshone its cinematic origins, climbing to number four on the r&b charts and breaking into the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1986. It introduced the group to a wider audience, transcending their early hip-hop and pre-new jack swing roots. Now released on heart-shaped vinyl, this edition feels like a perfect tribute to a song that's all about emotion and connection.
Review: As you will well know if you are reading this, prog house is back and it has been for ages. As always with any revival, there is good stuff and weak stuff. This EP is very much the corner from Forces of Nature, with authentic 90s soundscapes mixing up lush ambient synth designs, dreamy Italo drums and real musical depth. 'Jupiter' is super smooth and seductive as it cruises at high altitude, then 'Tripping' is a downbeat workout and 'The Bomb' takes you to the heavens on gorgeous melodies while the bass plunges low. 'In Your Mind' is perfectly comedown music to close the EP in style.
Review: A longtime home of lush and late night hip hop excellence, Cold Busted now welcomes Stan Forebee to the label for a tidy little limited edition 7". It features four short and superbly sweet tunes of autumnal instruemtals that will have you wanting to snuggle up by a fire and gaze at their delicate melodies and deep cut beats. The vibe is laid-back and melodic as pianos float by over warped synths and pensive groove worm their way deep into your cerebral cortex. Bastiaan van der Vlist is the man being it all and was young when he first placed classical piano before moving on to jazz, and now he brings all that to this new EP.
Review: Mr Bongo's gold-standard Brazil-45 series turns up more irresistible musical goodness here with steamy underground bubbler 'Quero Ver Voce Sambar'. This is thought to be the only ever recording by Homero Franca and it came originally on a 7" in 1976. It's warm, soulful, quite deep for Latin music and has great vocals. On the flipside is the more fiery Silvinha tune 'Mas Nao Deixe De Ir' with the raw vocals and big horns all making for a great call and response chorus with soulful samba sounds to spare.
Review: Frank Ocean's 'Pink + White' was produced by Pharrell Williams and features some uncredited backing vocals from Beyonce. The track details Ocean's memories of his youth and a time when someone close to him died - someone who had taught him lessons that stayed with him - and so naturally the theme of mortality features a lot. The title comes from the sky he saw while driving with this old friend and it's a gorgeously deep and sultry piece of r&b that comes backed with 'Nights' on this limited edition 7".
Review: This is a real lost South American Latin Jazz-Funk treasure from Argentina taken from some original 1974 recordings led by Carlos Franzetti. Known for his late 70s jazz-fusion album Graffiti, Franzetti recorded Dedos after returning to Argentina from Mexico where he was musical director at Fermata International. His friend Mochin Marafiotti, A&R at Music Hall, proposed the Latin Jazz project and the session featured Ruben Rada, Ricardo Lew, Emilio Valle, Osvaldo Lopez and Franzetti himself. Though initially overlooked, Dedos and Doce y Diez now receive a long-overdue reissue as they remain high on energy and deeply jazz gems with a Latin twist.
Review: The Hot Rox label drops more glowing nuggets of hip-hop goodness with a second offering on 7". These are party-starting b-boy breaks with plenty of big samples and lively beats to get the floor rocking. Ronnie Frazzle's 'The Bronx Rocker' is just that with its hi swinging claps, old school raps and al the bells, horns and whistles you'd expect. On the flip is a DJ tool in the form of the main refrain from the Queen classic, 'We Will Rock You.' A useful weapon for your arsenal for sure.
Review: Two tracks off the legendary 1993 tape-only release 'The Rhyme Wrecka' EP by Manchester hip-hop Group Freakin' Inglish, featuring Red Venom, on vinyl for the first time. This is a raucous Britcore gemstone, and an important window into a style that should be known to many more hip-hop enjoyers than most mainstream vernacular histories have allowed thus far. Seguing through the interweaving, but toothy, flows of Venom, alongside crewmates Eric-T and Yozzer, using the half-American accents informed by the predominance of gangsta rap at the time, this is still a killer record with a distinctly Northern - Salford to be precise - sound. 'Wrecka' is an apt description indeed.
Review: Five years on from their debut collaborative EP 'Frisina Meets Toco', modern Brasilian dance artists Gerardo Frisina and Toco return for a second faceoff, this time with liaising artist Luzia Dvorek serving as ringmaster. Centring on samba-infused jazz and deep house with mystical and folk influences, "deixa passar" translates from Portuguese to "let it pass", though the mood is certainly not outright passive. This delectably quartered slice of carnivalesque dance music is rather rich in sonic papaya juice, charting sustained vocal contrasts between Toco and Luzia against smoky and furnaced beats. Aperient track 'Deixa Passar' leans heaviest on languid piano, whilst dozier mists emerge on the B-side in the form of 'Ile' and its rework by Gerardo Frisina, bringing pan flutes, strings, breathy vocal counterpoints, cabasa shaker, and subtle bass undercurrents.
Review: Panorama Records' reissue of 'Salsa Na Ma' by Fruko Y Sus Tesos is a celebration of Colombian salsa at its finest. Originally released in 1973, this track is a timeless classic that still sets dancefloors on fire. The B-side, 'El Preso,' adds to the allure of this limited 7" release. Panorama Records has a track record of unearthing musical gems, and 'Salsa Na Ma' is no exception. Remastered and packaged in a vintage sleeve, this reissue feels like a rare find from Bogota. With support from notable tastemakers including Gilles Peterson and Patrick Forge, this reissue is for collectors and DJs as well as lovers of decent music.
Review: Montreal producer Jesse Futerman returns a refined sound that has carefully developed since the early 2010s. With past support from BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music champions like Gilles Peterson and Benji B and collaborations with the legendary Beverly Glenn-Copeland, Futerman is a real contemporary favourite. These four cuts blend swinging vocals and organic live drums with introspective downbeat bliss outs like 'Velvet Glove' and 'The Case of The Lost and Found' marries the sort of life-affirming piano lines and persuasive Balearic grooves that will light up more mature parties. 'You Are All The World Of Hero' is a delicate dub with fluttering percussion and hand drums lending it great intimacy.
Review: Samosa Records returns with Afrikano Vol. 3 which is a lovely Afro-themed, genre-blending EP featuring four standout tracks from trusted artists. Kicking things off is Vincent Galgo's 'African Rebel,' a 125bpm fusion of horns, driving rhythms, and Afro-pop bass. Frank Virgilio follows with 'Mistress,' a jazz-infused mid-tempo groover, packed with guitar riffs, organ stabs, and hypnotic bongos. Newcomer Casper Leo delivers 'Tom Tom,' a tribal delight featuring Kora guitar and melodic Marimba. Closing the EP is Lego Edit's 'El Safari,' a sultry Afrobeat banger that grabs hold and doesn't let go.
Jerome Oscar & Oscar Worldpeace - "(Why You So) Green With Envy" (4:49)
Franc Moody - "Cristo Redentor" (5:20)
Review: Oscar Jerome, Oscar Worldpeace and Franc Moody have got new music coming on the latest Blue Note Re:imagined compilation this year which is already getting us hella excited. Before we hear what is sure to be a contemporary great, we get treated to a couple of singles from it on this tidy 45 rpm. Jerome Oscar & Oscar Worldpeace go first with '(Why You So) Green With Envy' which fuses jazz styles for across the age with Worldpeace's tight and thoughtful bars. On the flip side is Franc Moody with 'Cristo Redentor' which balances jazz's traditional past with its freshest future.
Review: The seventh in this series of 7" singles is by Bristol and Avon's Kinlaw and Franco Franco and it is a rare mix of sounds with R&B, Italian rap and twisted basslines all defining the tracks. 'Crocs On The Plough' is industrial and experimental in its production - earth-shattering bass, police sirens, and soot-black synths, but background chords bring light as the vocals are delivered with guttural rawness. On the flip, the OSVMVSM version slows things right down to a crawl and the distorted synths and crunchy textures take on even more otherworld character.
Jorge Ivan Martin - "Yo Tambien" (feat Frank Santiuste - Born74 & Fradinho remix) (4:57)
Fradinho - "Iberica Latina" (4:59)
Review: Eclectic Beats Music is building up a fine head of steam and the sixth outing is a tidy 7" featuring two red-hot Latin broken beat cuts. The opener is a collaborative remix from Born74 and Fradinho who do a superb job of flipping Jorge Ivan Martin's original gem 'Yo Tambien Baile La Conga' into something more contemporary with fresh broken beats, plenty of steamy Latin flavours all finished off in electric fashion with Frank Santiuste's trumpet solos. Flip this one over and you will find Fradinho unearth an easier cut and again update with some compelling broken beats and funk as well as a rich bassline and silky synth solos.
Painel De Controle - "Relax" (extended Waxist version) (5:54)
Rabo De Saia - "Ripa Na Xulipa" (Charles Maurice extended version) (5:28)
Famks - "Labirinto" (Nick The Record extended version) (6:17)
Review: France's Favorite label dabbles in all things funky and disco-flavoured, and this time they've decided to go with a Brazilian edge on their latest 12". Painel De Controle begins with a Waxist mix of "Relax", a chilled-out boogie monster with sultry vocals, while "Ripa Na Xulipa" by Rabo De Saia is more uplifting and heavy on the disco strings. Finally, Nick The Record rewires "Labirinto" by Famks into a subtly electro-fied boogie nugget. Nice!
Review: Octave Japan collaborate with legendary illustrator Hiroshi Nagai to oversee and handle the artwork for a rare single reissue. Sourced from the vaults of the OG T.K. Records, to whom Nagai has been listening since day dot, The Perfections' super rare 1973 cut 'Love Storm' is a swelling romantic soul sundry from the Milwaukee muses, with impressive vocal glidings from the band's lead singer Harold Stewart lending to an unexpected mondegreen - we first heard "can't keep living this lifestyle" as the incorrect lapsus of "can't keep living this love storm". On the B-side comes Funky Nassau's 'Bahama Soul Stew', a much-loved modern rarity first released in 2005, much-loved indeed thanks to its 4x4 swag-bag and mellifluous Hammond dexterities.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.