Review: When deciding on tracks to release on '45' for the first time, the Dynamite Cuts team seems to mine a mixture of sought-after sets, familiar favourites and overlooked obscurities. This single falls int the latter category, featuring as it does two killer cuts from Funk In Hell, a 1976 album by library music collective-turned-instrumental funk outfit Button Down Brass (a band founded by trumpeter and arranger Ray Davies). A-side 'Superstition' is simply superb: a down-low cover of Stevie Wonder classic 'Superstition' that sits somewhere between down-low library funk and Blaxploitation movie soundtracks, with a dash of big band funk thrown in. Instrumental flipside 'Shades of Hades' is equally as vibrant, with elongated electric guitar notes, heady hand percussion and spacey synth sounds combining superbly with spy-funk horns and weighty bass.As played by DJ Muro from Japan
Review: Dynamite Cuts presents the timeless classic 'Sugar Man' by Sixto Rodriguez on a 7" vinyl. Originally released on Sussex Records, this track features a stellar lineup of musicians including Bob Babbitt on bass and Dennis Coffey on guitar, with Gordon Staples arranging the stunning strings and Mike Theodore producing. The reissue uses the original white sleeve design instead of the South African issue with a black sleeve. On Side-2, 'Only Good for Conversation,' is another standout track from Rodriguez's LP, offering a heavy groove with a bass drum loop reminiscent of Eugene McDaniels. This release is a chance to own a piece of music history at a more accessible price point than the now extremely pricey original 70s issue.
Review: Dynamite Cuts has got a couple of Roy Ayers Ubiquity projects in the fire this month - a brilliant 7" double pack as well as this 45rpm. Both sides of this one rather take quite different paths to your affections. 'A Tear To A Smile' is high-speed and complex funk for the dance floor with loopy rhythms and Roy's mad vibes playing over the top next to some neat bass work. Flip it over and you'll find the much more deep and laid-back 'Time & Space' with its lavish cosmic keys and jazz vocals all working you into a star-gazing lather.
Review: Dynamite Cuts back up their name once more with another red hot 7" of pure dancefloor gold. This one brings tufter four cuts from the inimitable Roy Ayers Ubiquity. The opener 'Hummin' In The Sun' will have you feeling the rays on your face as his signature percussion and vibes work brings a soulful groove alive. 'The Fuzz' is a more tender and intimate soul sound for late-night romancers and 'I Can't Help Myself' pics up the pace again with some funky drums and warm melodies while 'Love' has a conversational style and smooth groove.
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