Review: Mexico-based duo Apocrifo serve up their debut single 'Indicut' with LA hip-hop and soul virtuoso Georgia Ann Muldrow on the vocal. This outfit is made up of producer Kefren Rivera and percussionist Carlos Huitro and they plenty of jazz, hip hop and electroacoustic elements into a unique sound that is exemplified here. The track is a broody, lo-fi world of sound with hip-hop beats and the yearning jazz vocals of Muldrow adding to the effect next to sombre piano chords. The instrumental strips everything back to the killer beats. This is a great first offering from this outfit who surely have plenty more to come.
Review: .German low end collective Bass Come Save Me unleash a new 45 with a strong Portland portrait as Boomarm's Gulls makes their debut on the label with a warm beat that will keep the chills at bay this winter. Add Jamaica's Wayne Daniel on the vocals and another Portland native Madgesdiq on the conscious bars and there's a vibe that sits somewhere between Roots Manuva, YT and Wyclef. Yeah it's that toasty. Stay blessy.
Review: Philadelphia-born singer and songwriter Tony Drake is best known for his super hit and Philly classic 'Living In The Footsteps Of Another Man,' That tune was a hit for Eugene Record who re-sung it with the Chi-Lites and had earlier written the 'Suddenly' tune for Drake in 1970. It was a hit, eventually, and is not in hot demand as copies are hard t find. Here it gets a vital reissue on 45rpm next to, for the first time on the format, Gene Chandler's Sublime 'My Baby's Gone.' Tow real soul classics that are short but devastatingly sweet.
Love From Philly (feat Schoolly D & Chuck Treece) (4:23)
Love From Philly (feat Chuck Treece) (4:24)
Review: Brewerytown Records and 30amp circuit - a Philly-based not-for-profit - cues up its new Live From Philly series with a first taster from blue Philly soul maestros G.Love featuring gangster rap legend Schoolly D and punk rock and skateboard hero Chuck Treece. It is quite the line-up for one EP and the A-side here packs a punch: it's raw funk music that is run through with epic rock guitars, hard bars and plenty of dark soul. On the flip is a second version that is slightly more spacious and less densely packed but has just as much attitude and spirit.
Review: Sami Galbi is a Swiss-Moroccan musician who looks to his childhood for musical inspiration. The A-side of this new 7" is a thoughtful post-breakup classic with raw synths and bouncing rhythm that melds rai influences with contemporary sounds and despite tacking a serious subject with gravitas also has a humourous edge. On the flip is 'Rruina,' a powerful follow-up with deeper darker club sounds that take Swiss-Moroccan rai-chaabi fusions into new territory. Both tunes are captivating listens from this fine talent and are sure to make an indelible impression on all who hear them.
Review: Soul Supreme is a master keyboardist best known for his covers of classic hip-hop songs by the likes of Mos Def, MF Doom and A Tribe Called Quest. Here side-steps his covers duties to handle remix productions for two of his contemporaries in the Netherlands neo-soul scene - Gallowstreet, LYMA, Shamis and Rebiere. The A side lends a wonky future house feel (a-la GoldLink, Crackazat) to '52 North', Gallowstreet's ode to the city of Amsterdam. The B tune strips it back to a lo-fi soul bapper, fleshing out its theme of loneliness in parenting.
Review: Kent Records have been doing a yeoman's job securing, collecting and releasing beloved and rare gems for a 7" reissue. Here, they collect two different recorded versions of the track 'My Little Girl'. The Bobby Garrett version from 1966 and offers a vintage soul sound while The Bob & Earl Band rendition is from 1970 and has heavy Motown influence in it. These rare soul reissues save the fans so much money versus buying an original copy. Thank you Kent!
Review: G. D. & The Big J's 'Movin' On' is a primo funk, disco and boogie melange that has been heating up global dance floors ever since it was first released in 1980. It is a much sought-after jam which, if you can even find an original copy, will cost you upwards of three figures. 'Movie On' is seamless and smooth, a brilliant and vibrant mix of busy guitar riffs, and claps and upbeat drums that come with a lively vocal that says to the heavens with effortless soul. It sounds like basically the same tune is included on both sides you so never have to worry about this one wearing out - which it could well do given how often you will be playing it.
Review: A historical pairing of hip-hop and soul that celebrates the connection between the iconic rap track and its sampled origin. Side-1 features 'Mind Playing Tricks On Me' by the Geto Boys', a landmark 1991 hit, widely regarded as the first Southern hip-hop classic. Scarface, Willie D and Bushwick Bill deliver deeply introspective verses exploring paranoia, mental health and street life, setting a precedent for emotional storytelling in rap. The track's haunting atmosphere and raw vulnerability put Houston's 5th Ward on the map, cementing the group's legacy in the genre. On Side-2, Isaac Hayes' 'Hung Up on My Baby' takes center stage, the soulful 1974 instrumental that inspired the Geto Boys' masterpiece. With its funky guitar licks and cinematic grooves, the track embodies Hayes' genius and underscores the lineage between soul and hip-hop.
Review: Good luck... except, we're much likelier to be the ones who'll need the good grace of fortune, as opposed to the Melbourne mates' duo GL (which, we think, stands for Good Luck - we could be wrong). First released on the EP cassette 'Love Hexagon' - described as a homemade homage to chart-unfriendly funk and 80s romance dance - this contemporary showstopper of a tune now comes to limited edition 7" vinyl and recalls the pair's slick penchant for sporty major-minor chords and convalescent handclaps, conspiring to achieve a modern take on boogie and synth funk. With buskin socks and track headbands worn aflock, the pair pose in the middle of the basketball court, as 'Take Me Back' and 'When You See' set the soul alight by way of a nostalgic adolescent flambe.
Review: The PPU label of out DC is one of our favourites. It's lo-fi sound draws on disco, funk and soul and results in always magical 7"s of delightful dancefloor heat that not only serves up killer grooves, but also plenty of memorable and heart aching hooks. This new one from Glass Pyramid has it all. 'Stop It' is a lo-slung and dusty disco gem with lung busting diva vocals and hip swinging drums that will bring tears of joy to the eyes if dropped at the exact right moment in a set. On the flip, 'Better By The Minute' is another banger with hints of UK street soul in the drums and vocals.
Review: Cordial Recordings has dug deep for this third release. It comes from the Arthur Goodjoin-helmed Singing Tornados, a band that emanated in the 1950s and are still performing locally in South Carolina today. The two songs showcased here naturally come from their most hard-to-find 7" (an original copy would set you back a four-figure sum). "Travelling Through The Land" is an impassioned soul number that sits somewhere between the stomping sound of Detroit and the more orchestral Philadelphia International sound. Typically, B-side "Stop This Fussing & Fighting" is a more laidback - if no less impassioned - affair, with Goodjoin pleading for World peace over a sumptuous, slow and groovy backing track.
Review: The supply of superlative sounds from Athens Of The North knows no bounds - rarely does a week go by with out the well regarded reissue label coming thorough with yet another obscure, forgotten, overlooked or rare gem that has is immediately fall in love. Falling into those categories again is this 7" 'The Sands of Zanzibar, Pt. 1' from Leonard Grandson. It is a floating groove that will swells the heart and is super hard to find in original form. It is thought to be from 1977 and was recorded in a Hollywood studio. Leonard sounds not unlike Steve Wonder and really hits a sweet spot on this one.
Review: The iconic soul anthem receives a fresh spin in the Lockdown remix, offering a vibrant, dancefloor-ready twist on the beloved classic. The remix maintains the smooth, emotive essence of Al Green's original while injecting a pulsating, upbeat rhythm that elevates the track to modern club standards. The seamless blend of lush instrumentation and contemporary beats enhances the groove, making it irresistible for both longtime fans and new listeners. This 12" version brings a fresh energy, keeping the soulful heart intact while adding a dynamic, infectious edge that's perfect for today's dancefloors.
Review: Street Corner's FliP Sessions is a great source of beats for hip-hop heads and this eighth volume is no different. It's limited to just 200 copies and features five more exquisite little sketches that are loveably rough around the edges and full of laidback and dusty soul. After the busted breaks of GREENMINDZ, Toby Glider zones you out with lo-fi loops and Beaulemaire brings heavier beats. Side 2 has a more jazz cut from Elusive and star gazing cosmic melody from Shri!. All five of these are delightful little pieces.
Review: Greenwood's 'Sparkle,' originally recorded in 1985 and long forgotten, found a second life thanks to Tokyo's DJ Muro, who included it in his Hawaiian Breaks mixtape in 2009. This unexpected resurgence of interest prompted Greenwood to return to the studio, resulting in a full-length album in 2014 that featured a newly polished version. Aloha Got Soul brings both the original 1985 and 2014 versions of together on a 7" vinyl, now available in a stunning 'sparkling' gold variant. The track, a brilliant English adaptation from the city pop master Tatsuro Yamashita's For You album, is pure 1980s city pop with its shimmering production and infectious groove. Greenwood's newfound success with "Sparkle" has reignited their passion, leading to the release of their sophomore album, Music Book, which continues their exploration of city pop with more Tatsuro Yamashita covers. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the band, this single is a delightful piece of music history, offering a perfect blend of nostalgia and timeless charm.
Review: .Guest is a mysterious producer who delivers two stunning edits of rare and obscure tracks on this 7' vinyl. On the A-side cut 'Always Dancin' he transforms a disco gem into a groovy and funky dancefloor anthem with a catchy chorus and a smooth bassline. On the B-side, he takes a spiritual jazz tune and adds some cosmic synths and percussion on 'Krishna' to create a hypnotic and psychedelic trip. This record is a must-have for lovers of eclectic and adventurous disco music.
The Leonard Lothen Project - "In The Presence" (feat Derick Hughes) (5:17)
Gospel Clouds - "Let Us Pray" (3:38)
Review: Leonard Lothlen is a California gospel music icon who this label made contact with for this release. It comes with a concept and that is "to place two gospel compositions recorded fifty years apart on one record." It means there are two very different and diverse tunes but two equally brillaint ones on this 7" with powerful vocals from Derick Hughes on 'In The Presence.' They come with a subtle doff of the cap to the late great Bishop Rance Allen. On the flip is 'Let Us Pray,' which was the first tune Leonard did with his GC's group in 1971. It is a real rarity and expensive gem if you can find an OG, Importantly, it is worth the cash whatever you pay.
Review: Two UK Battle Weapons fresh from the guys over at the eponymous edits label. On the A, we’re hit with a new one by a frankenstein whom we can only guess, by syllogistic intuition, is an invention of the label - LL Smooth K, with ‘Fix Up The Seed’, a rope-burning mashup incorporating acapella verses from Dizzee Rascal’s ‘Fix Up, Look Sharp’. Then there’s DJ Snatch’s version of Gregory Porter’s bluesy ‘Liquid Spirit’ on the B, a surprisingly pacy curveball compared to the cutthroat injunctions of the A.
Review: Night Owls are back with a fresh take on Lee Moses' 1970s cut Got That Will, transforming the soul classic into a dancehall-inspired banger. Dan Ubick leads the production, bringing in powerhouse vocalist Gina Murrell and the tight rhythm section of Wilder, Colie, and Rivas to infuse the track with new life. As if that wasn't enough, Kingston's Ranking Joe adds his signature toasting, giving the track an extra layer of authenticity and drive. The B-side, Got That Dub, takes things deeper with Roger Rivas on the mix, dialing up the echo and delay to create a spaced-out, dubbed-up version. With steady radio play on BBC Radio 6 and KCRW, this release is already making waves. DJs and collectors will want to act fastithis record is primed for late-night sound system sets and is sure to fly off the shelves.
Review: The Shake & Bake Band's Shake & Bake is an undeniable invitation to hit the dancefloor. Side-1 kicks off with 'Shake & Bake (part 1),' where the band lays down a groove that's nothing short of exhilarating. The track stands out for its originality, offering a vibe that feels almost hedonisticiperfect for those looking to experience something fresh and exciting. On Side-2, 'Shake & Bake (part 2)' strips things down, bringing in a hoedown-like twist with the addition of a harmonica. The drumming intensifies, building excitement as the funkiness truly shines through in this version. Overall, Shake & Bake delivers two distinctive takes on a groove that will keep the energy high and the dancefloor moving.
Review: By K-pop standards, rapper-turned-popstar G Dragon (Real Name Kwon Ji Yong) is something of a veteran. He's been a star in his native South Korea since the tail end of the 2010s, enjoying success for a trio of albums released between 2009 and 2013. Ubermensch, officially his fourth full-length, sees him return to solo action following a period spent working as a songwriter and producer for other artists. It's a typically entertaining, fun and boisterous set that sees him sing (and more occasionally rap) atop tracks that variously mix and match elements of P-funk, EDM, disco, synth-funk and 21st century pop. K-pop fans take note!
When You Touch Me (CD1: Taana Gardner - Expanded edition)
We Got To Work It Out
Just Be A Friend
Paradise Express
Work That Body
When You Touch Me (Kenton Nix extended mix)
Just Be A Friend (Kenton Nix extended mix)
Work That Body (Kenton Nix extended mix)
That's The Word (12" club version - CD2: singles & remixes)
Heartbeat (12" club version)
No Frills (Larry Levan club mix)
I'm Comin' (radio mix)
When You Touch Me (Special Disco radio version)
When You Touch Me (Special radio version)
When You Touch Me (MAW re-edit)
Work That Body (MAW re-edit)
Work That Body (Wing It For The A-man Tom Moulton edit)
Paradise Express (Gomi's Tribute vocal mix)
Review: After taking part in Kid Creole's typically eccentric Aural Exciters project, vocalist Taana Gardner joined forces with producer Kenton Nix and delivered a debut album on West End that remains one of the strongest disco full length outings of the late 1970s. This double disc set presents an expanded version of that set of CD 1 - complete with Nix's 12" extensions of key cuts 'When You Touch Me', 'Just Be a Friend' and 'Work That Body' - with CD2 collecting the vocalist's later West End singles. These include Larry Levan's legendary takes on 'Heartbeat' (a boogie-era slow-disco classic) and 'No Frills', as well as later Masters at Work takes on 'Work That Body' and 'When You Touch Me' and a surprise house-style Tom Moulton revision of 'Work That Body'. In a word: essential.ay.
Review: Immerse yourself in the world of Ginger Root, where Cameron Lew's meticulous craftsmanship shines through. Since 2017, this Southern California multi-instrumentalist, producer, songwriter, and visual artist has drawn a dedicated following with his remarkable albums, films, and global tours. Ginger Root's soundia polished blend of synth-pop, alt-disco, boogie, and soulireflects Lew's Asian-American heritage and love for 1970s and '80s music, including Japanese City Pop and its Western counterparts like French Pop and Philly Soul. Lew's third LP, Shinbangumi, marks his debut on Ghostly International and is set for a 2024 release with an accompanying visual album. This album represents a new chapter for Lew, showcasing his confidence and intention in presenting Ginger Root's definitive sound. Tracks like 'No Problems' and 'Better Than Monday' highlight Lew's signature style, blending diverse genres into cohesive songs. With Shinbangumi, Lew masterfully weaves his influences into a modern and refreshing sound, creating an album that serves as both a nostalgic homage and a bold step forward.
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