Akiko & Masayasu Tzboquchi - "Love Theme From Sparticus" (feat Mbanja Ritchy aka B-Bandj - Clear Day mix) (4:34)
Review: Tom Browne's 1980 single 'Funkin' For Jamaica' has long been something of an anthem - a hybrid funk/boogie classic that remains a staple in sets of hip-hop, disco and soul DJs alike. Given its ubiquity, covering the song is fraught with danger, but remarkably Japanese producer Akiko and guest vocalist Mbanja Richy have successfully put a new spin on it. Their take is subtly tougher and more synth-heavy, with bilingual French/English vocals, nods to Zouk music and a bassline so squelchy it could have been lifted from a P-funk record. Over on the flip, the pair go mellow, deep and laidback on a pleasingly skewed hip-hop soul cover of Terry Callier's legendary vocal interpretation of Alex North's 'Love Theme' from 'Spartacus'. Inspired stuff all told.
Fountain Of Life Joy Choir Under The Direction Of Kevin Yancy - "I'm So Happy" (Marc Davis & Sadar Bahar edit) (6:17)
Rev Charles H Nicks Presents The Baptist Assembly Of Free Spirit Mass Choir - "Optical Illusion" (Marc Davis & Sadar Bahar edit) (7:20)
Review: If you go to the sort of quality dances where you might hear old sound disco then there is a good chance you will have lost your shit to this one at some point the past. It is a disco gospel 12" curated and edited by Chicago pair Sadar Bahar and Marc Davis. First, they up the energy levels on the joyous Fountain Of Life Joy Choir Under The Direction Of Kevin Yancy tune 'I'm So Happy' which is high speed, high spirit and life-affirming goodness. Then they tweak Rev Charles H Nicks Presents The Baptist Assembly Of Free Spirit Mass Choir's 'Optical Illusion' with swirling big band energy and magnificent organ chords.
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: This limited edition double 7" vinyl offers up Rob Hardt's hit track 'Weekend,' which you might consider to be the ultimate family barbecue anthem, as well as being the title song of the inaugural 45 Weekender Hamburg festival. The single comes with some on-point remixes by renowned DJs and producers like Rob Hardt, DJ Friction, and EFBNMXMIX who work it into different realms but all of them are still suited to summer gatherings, block parties, and smooth DJ sets. It comes pressed on coloured vinyl after originally being released for the festival's opening party on July 12th 2024 when it was handed out to 30 international 45Soulciety DJs who helped quickly make it a classic.
Review: If you like classic r&b and Afrobeat then get your lugs around this where both sounds meet in a perfect fusion on this German-Nigerian collaboration. Featuring modern, warm drums and potent basslines, this release kicks off the Sedsoulciety Recordings Gold Line series aimed at showcasing contemporary styles. 'Tell Me What You Want' is presented here in two versions: the Afro Vibe Mix on the A-side and the Groove Mix on the flip. Both tracks bring plenty of heart and also dance floor heft so get things underway in great style.
Jackie McLean & Michael Carvin - "De I Comahlee Ah" (extended) (12:22)
Chris McGregor's Brotherhood Of Breath - "MRA" (6:48)
Review: The cult Melodies International label run by Floating Points and Mafalda starts a new series here. Melodies Record Club will find each curated by a different guest DJ or producer with the first one selected by the always on point Kieran Hebden aka Four Tet. He picks some of the tracks he used to spin at the legendary Plastic People and first up is an extended version of 1975 tune 'De I Comahlee Ah' by jazz stars Jackie McLean and Michael Carvin. Chris McGregor's Brotherhood Of Breath takes care of the flip with the big band energy and excellent horn work of 'MRA.'
Menahan Street Band - "How Did I Get Here?" (2:40)
Review: The superbly classy Daptone label comes on strong with another perfect formed 7" of retro soul. This time, the label's in house crew Menahan Street Band provide their famously authentic grooves, with big horns, rolling licks and drawn out leads on 'How Did I Get Here?' which on the a-side has vocals from LaRose Jackson. Soaring high and filled with rich soul, it's another timeless tune. On the flip is the instrumental. It's a story telling tune with some cosmic synth work and nice old school tambourines for an old/new fusion that gets you movin'.
Review: This Mr Bongo Brazil 45 reissue features two classic tracks from legendary duo Jorge Ben and Miriam Makeba. Side A presents 'Xica Da Silva,' one of Jorge Ben's most iconic songs from his equally legendary Africa Brazil album which has long been a must-have for any discerning head. This magical MPB track with its laid-back funky samba vibe instantly transports you to the blissful shores of Rio de Janeiro as Ben's vocals tell the story of a historic Brazilian icon. On the flip side, Miriam Makeba delivers a captivating, slowed-down rendition of 'Xica da Silva' which is enriched with strutting guitar, off-beat piano, and hypnotic drums while her powerful voice takes centre stage.
Carlton Jumel Smith - "I Can't Love You Anymore" (4:35)
Cold Diamond & Mink - "I Can't Love You Anymore" (instrumental) (4:34)
Review: Since making his debut back in the early 1990s, Carlton Jumel Smith has periodically popped up on a variety of soulful house and modern soul releases. Here the little-known vocalist takes a different approach, re-casting himself as a throaty, James Brown influenced '70s soul singer. He's at his heartfelt, full-throttle best on "Can't Love You Any More", a deliciously heavy and authentic chunk of Southern-fried deep soul complete with additional falsetto parts from fellow singer Pratt. The key to the track's success is the fantastic backing provided by Cold Diamond & Mink. Proof is provided on the flip via the band's effortlessly good instrumental take.
Review: Mr Bongo's brilliant Brazil 45 series is never more relevant than in the warmer summer months. The latest transmission from the South American country's golden period is again well mastered and cut nice and loud so that the super addictive vocal o the a-side really lodges deep in your brain. It also has a nice boogie bassline and plenty of funk in the drums. Flip it over for a more driving and hard hitting bit of samba rock with MPB grooves and a call and response male/female vocal that says over the high speed grooves.
M Hawk - "Beat Me Till I'm Blue" (No Horns version) (2:41)
The Mohawks - "Beat Me Till I'm Blue" (Horns version) (2:42)
Review: 'Beat Me Till I'm Blue' is a wonderfully funky classic by The Mohawks presented under the M Hawk alias, the Hawk in question being none other than KPM Music Library overlord Alan Hawkshaw, who wrote the themes from everything from Grange Hill to Countdown. It was a real cornerstone of the late-1960s library and soul-infused grooves of the sort that diggers still fawn over today, and sample fiends still search out. The track delivers Hawkshaw's distinctively driving Hammond organ riffs, tight drum breaks and irresistible rhythms, all of which have made it a favourite among DJs for decades. Two versions are served up here, one with the iconic horns and one with them stripped away, and both offer plenty of energy. .
Review: Paul Mac Innes is a real modern soul boy with a Motown twist. His latest single 'Falling By The Wayside' was written at some point before the pandemic hit and has been produced by Mattias Axelsson who also loves Motown. The original was shelved during lockdowns but then the pair decided to pull it out again during a post-Covid live show. It went down a storm and so it was time to finish it properly. They head to a studio in Gothenburg with some talented musicians and perfected the lovely tune that is now presented here on a tidy 7".
Review: This new 7" from Jimmy Mack is a delightful piece of sunny soul. The Wisconsin man's a€iPop Goes The Weasela€™ was originally released in 1983 and has become an incredibly hard to find tune, and expensive when you do. The original sets off on an airy groove, with gentle flute leads, trilling chords and the effortless vocal melting your heart. On the flip side is an edit from a friend of the label, Bristol's Admin, who is one of the hottest edit talents in the game right now. His version is cleaned up a little but is sympathetic to the original with plenty of feel good grooves.
Review: Mako & Mr Bristow return with Stank Soul Edits Vol. 7, delivering two soul-infused sister-funk tracks. 'One Sweet Bomb' enhances the original's arrangement with added bass and drum elements, aligning it with the golden age of soul. On the flip side, 'Why Do You Bass Me Up?' transforms an uptempo funk pieceioriginally lacking a basslineiinto a dancefloor-ready banger, thanks to contributions from former Big Boss Man bassist, The Hawk.
This duo really know how to revitalise classic sounds for contemporary audiences.
Review: Sofia Manari and Inokasira Rangers are not strangers to working together on their own unique covers of some classic sounds, all reworked into fresh dub grooves. This time they turn their focus to 'First Love, which is a lush listen with Manari's soothing and sultry vocal delivery. On the flip is another laid-back dub sound with a constant rhythmic pulse, natty chords and more clean and soulful vocals from Manari making this a sweet little 7" from Japan's finest, Parktone.
When I Feel Like You Love Me (instrumental) (2:58)
Review: Epsilon Record Co. has done great work here by getting a new one out of Mantis who is back after 40 years with a brand new and super soulful single. It is one rooted in the classic though, with nice lo-fi and not overproduced drum work, glorious chords and a feel good vocal. 'When I Feel Like You Love Me' is utterly uplifting and cheery and is sure to melt all hearts who hear it. An instrumental is offered up on the flip but do the right thing and plenty the full and magical vocal version.
Review: A charmingly ethereal platinum gem of synthy disco-soul, Mantis' 'Love Was Born For Me' is a formerly unissued slice of genius dance music from the lesser-spotted New Hampshire, US fivesome. Allen Atkins, Baxter Fullerton, Alvin Harrison, Vernon Stewart, Rocky Whitaker, Paul Ungar all came together as fresh graduates of Dartmouth College back in 1976, and decided to take a shot at stardom while they were young, as the trope goes. Never quite finding favour with the "free" hand of the music market - of course, most of the best talents tend to be smothered by it, not lifted up - it's only now that they're seeing more recognition than ever before, thanks to the reissuing work of our friends over at Epsilon. Now we hear the beautifully songwritten 'Love Was Born For Me', citing the feeling of jubilance and renewed confidence in love, not to mention the wowowow-ing lo-fi slow jam, 'Do We Have A Love', which shows off the incredible vocal melisma of Allen Atkins.
Review: The wonderful Brazil 45 series from Mr Bongo is back with its big old torch to shine a beam of deserving attention on two standout funk and bossa nova tracks from Rosa Maria, which originally came in 1972 and have remained in demand ever since. The A-side, 'Deixa Nao Deixa', blends Afro-Latin guitar, wild horns and percussion with infectious vocal harmonies that all coalesce into a Brazilian funk classic. On the B-side, 'Avenida Atlantica' delivers alternating funk and bossa beats beneath layers of vocals, horns and percussion to bring big energy and dancefloor-ready heat. This reissue ensures these timeless tracks become available for your rotation once more.
Mariah & The Machine - "All I Want For Xmas Is A Dog"
Run Winston - "Wonderful Christmas In Hollis"
Review: Get ready for the ultimate holiday mash-up here as this fun 7" brings together two festive anthems that will light up your turntables, and the party. First, Mariah and her Machine deliver a cheeky twist on 'All I Want for Christmas is a Dog' by reminding us that owning a canine is a lifelong commitment. On the flip side, Winston puts a fresh spin on Run-D.M.C.'s 'Christmas in Hollis' by giving it a vibrant Queens New York makeover. With ill reindeers and Jam Master Sleigh, this record is sure to deck the halls and add some serious holiday cheer to your collection.
Review: The MARK IV's single 'If You Can't Tell Me Something' is a soulful masterpiece encapsulating the essence of the 1970s r&b era. Released during a time of great musical innovation in this genre, it weaves a rich tapestry of smooth vocals and funky instrumentation with infectious rhythms and heartfelt lyrics. It's a nostalgic, heartwarming sound to listen back to as the harmonies and tight arrangements keep you locked in. A truly timeless gem, 'If You Can't Tell Me Something' not only captures the spirit of its era but also resonates with contemporary audiences which is the very definition of a classic, if you ask us.
Review: Pianist and composer Ricardo Marrero and The Group's A Taste is as rare as an honest politician. Now the magical Latin sounds are available for all once more as P-Vine serves up a special edition 7" with 'Babalondia' and 'And We'll Make Love' making this a must-cop. They are taken from a debut album that is as good as it gets and originally came on the famed tax scam label TSG. The a-side here brings the funk with floor-filling grooves to spare while on the flip it's more of a mellow outing with vibrant female vocals getting you in the mood and the groove.
Nico Gomez & His Afro Percussion Inc - "Lupita" (7:16)
Review: Mr Bongo continue to churn out top-quality re-edits and here they enlist Danny Krivit aka. Mr. K, the New York producer who has longstandingly helped prop up the dance scene there since the early 1960s. Krivit is responsible for perhaps some of the earliest and most significant disco and funk edits on Earth, so we're more than happy to hear these new ones out, in which he lends his ear to two mambi from Latin extraordinaires Sabu Martinez and Nico Gomez. Percussive clanks and boxy slaps abound on this audiophiles' charm.
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