Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Those who frequented Manchester clubs in the early 90s - particularly those where local hero Hewan Clarke plied his trade - will have danced to 'Got To Make Sure', one of a handful of killer street soul records made by Lancastrian vocalist Hughie Crawford as U-Bert. It is considered by some knowledgeable collectors as one of the greatest street soul records of all time. It's certainly been hard to find - hence this much-needed reissue from Backatcha Records. Happily, all three essential versions of the track are present. The original A-side 'Pablo Mix', a smooth, seductive and effortlessly soulful affair rich in loved-up dreaminess and fluttering synth sounds, comes backed by its original B-side, the jauntier and more dubbed out 'Minister Mix', and the more up-tempo, dancefloor ready 'Remix' (originally remixed under the alternative U-Bert & Co alias). Simply essential.

Review: Years after their 1970 sessions at Damon Studios in Kansas City, Bump & The Soul Stompers, under the direction of Jerald "Bump" Scott, adopted the name Unnatural Funk Band, a nod to the era's unconventional naming trends. Despite their efforts, "I Can Remember" failed to find a label. This led them to the famed Cavern Studios in Independence, Missouriiliterally carved out of a limestone cavern. The result is a fascinating juxtaposition of sounds: 'Living in the Past' offers a wistful, falsetto-laden journey with a laid-back narrative, evoking a nostalgic aura. In contrast, 'Strange Happenings' delivers a remarkable funk experience, revealing the band's prowess in crafting vibrant and innovative grooves. This track, a hidden gem from a virtually undocumented Kansas City soul ensemble, was uncovered with the help of Scott during the Numero Group's 2013 research for the Eccentric Soul: The Forte Label compilation. Unnatural Funk Band's release, featuring these previously unreleased tracks, represents a significant find for funk aficionados. The limited-edition 10" vinyl showcases their unique blend of nostalgic funk and innovative rhythms, a testament to the enduring impact of their music.

Review: A few years after recording at Damon Studios in Kansas City, Bump & The Soul Stompers-led by Jerald "Bump" Scott-rebranded as the Unnatural Funk Band. Unable to find a label for 'I Can Remember' they recorded at Cavern Studios, a unique space built in a Missouri limestone cave. Their track 'Living in the Past' features a nostalgic falsetto, while 'Strange Happenings' showcases a standout funk groove. This previously unreleased music was rediscovered with Scott's help during the Numero Group's research for the Eccentric Soul: The Forte Label collection, which now brings fresh attention to this rare Kansas City soul act.

Review: Do you know Utena, Fukuoka's hottest soul jazz band comprised of Yamagiwa Mai, Seigo Takeshita, and Toshiyuki Morishige? If you don't, now is the time to get familiar as they drop their debut 7" single on Exhume Exhume Production, which is a label helmed by DJ Horishi. This double A-side features a stunning reimagining of the Japanese classic 'Natsu Hikari ni' which was originally by Tasumiko Yamaga and is transformed with smoky, soulful jazz stylings. The flipside presents 'Moon,' an original track by vocalist KAYO and guitarist Soraha (aka KEIJI), which showcases the band's signature new soul sound.

Review: Fresh on the heels of a first-time-on-CD edition of The Undisputed Truth's first three albums compiled into a single record, the American Motown signees and psychedelic soulsters now hear a revisiting of their first album - the emergent basis of the now renewed interest in the band - onto a limited edition LP by Kent Soul. Known for its prescient mixture of the classic Tamla Motown soul sound with psychedelic rock, fan favourites such as 'You Got The Love I Need' and 'Since I've Lost You' come amix with many covers, including 'I Got Heaven Right Here On Earth' and 'Like A Rolling Stone'. The sound is nocturnal and rife with tender, candlelit, story-time moods, with a slinky dark slickness contrasting a otherwise normally bright psychedelic sound.