Review: For our money, XL Middleton is one of the best producers in the game right now. His ability to craft timeless funk and electro sounds that make you want to move your ass is second to none. Here he does just that with his remix of Hannah Warm's 'Just In Time.' It's defined by his usual sense of LA cool with squelchy synth bass, stepping street soul beats from the 80s and in this case a Japanese vocal that soars through a cloudless sky on a sunny day. Flip over this tidy 7" for the original version which is a pure city pop delight.
Review: One-off masterpiece release of German minimal synthpop from Gutersloh, Germany in 1984. Recorded in a DIY recording studio in a former prison for the mentally ill, located on the outskirts of a forest near the artists' homes, aptly named Prison Studio, in 1984, the release was privately pressed on 7" by the band itself, distributed in limited quantities and has changed hands only a few times on public marketplaces since its original release. Wave Shape's Transmission has always been as rare as it is good, to quote Basso. Now, the release is made available again to collectors and DJs as the first release on Average. Included in this 12" repress are two stunning new remixes by virtuoso producers and friends Alexander Arpeggio and Aradea Barandana, each bringing their own flavour to the table.
Review: Chicago outfit Wavelength tap into the funk traditions of bands like Parliament here with a seductive and rather sleazy new EP for Soulistic 360. The whole thing has been arranged by Windy City soul innovator Rahaan and comes on white marbled vinyl 12". Opener 'Can You Handle This Funk' is slow, steamy, sensuous with its languid kicks, live, raw drums and drawled vocals all luring you into the groove. The remix is a subtle teak of the original and on the flip is 'Kemetic Dance Party' which brings more Afro style drums and some bold sax lines to get things going in a more energetic way.
Review: The newly formed Silum Records' is back with a superb second release that features Zurich collective Wavetest. They have previously released on the likes of Phantom Island and Drumpoet but this might be their best work. It is music inspired by the alpine landscape of the collective's native Liechtenstein but it also has one eye on the dance floor. These are bright, shiny disco-house cuts with happy arps, lush cosmic chords and accessible grooves that simply make you feel good. 'Gritsch' in particular is awash with warm chords and singing leads that will work in a wide variety of settings.
Review: Amidst recent praise from a variety of individuals including Ben UFO, Legowelt and the Juno review team, the Peoples Potential Unlimited label keep up the brilliant work with yet another killer disco boogie oddity from the early 80s. This Westwood / Cash twelve is the first of two twelve's from the Washington imprint to switch the focus to the career of Detroit producer Danaan Potts who can count on studying alongside a young Juan Atkins as well as spending close to 100 hours a week studio time alongside George Clinton as influences. Here he adopts the anonymous Westwood tag to add some bizarre P Funk to the delightful Orlando Cash jams "Psycho For Your Love" and "Work Those Joints". Additional PPU tweaks of both make this one of the labels best twelve's to date!
Review: Ralph White's early ventures into disco are finally gathered in one place with the first official anthology of his 1978 recordings at Sydney's Albert Studios. Better known at the time as a session player and producer in the city's studio scene, White was tapped by M7 to craft four disco pieces aimed at an emerging dance market. Over just two days in the studio and a small group of local players - including a young Tommy Emmanuel - he recorded four standout cuts, together which remain some of the most refined Oceanian disco ever put to tape. Though the original 12"s saw limited success domestically, M7's distribution push into markets like Canada, India and Argentina helped cultivate a quiet cult following. Now remastered and housed in a deluxe spot-UV sleeve with inserts featuring new liner notes and White's biography, this reissue shines overdue light on a forgotten chapter in Australian dance music.
Review: Wicked Disco demonstrate that they really have gotten no rest, sharing a new remix-remix of Whitney Houston’s version of Chaka Khan’s ‘I’m Every Woman’. While the original disco numbers, both in Khan and Houston’s incarnations, are much smoother-edged and naturalistic, Wicked Disco bring a choppier and more staccato garage house beat to the table, lending tasteful pepperings of dub delay and bass-boosting to a mix that we didn’t know needed it. A touch of generalised femininity is thus lent to the quintessential disco dancefloor, adding much extra umami to this already felicitous freakout.
Review: Who can resist a lovely one-sided, blue-marbled 12" that is mad limited? Well it depends on the tune, of course, and the good news is this one from Wicked Disco on the newly minted eponymous label is superb. 'Too Late Is What You Are' is an action-packed fusion of Afro soul, organic percussion, disco grooves and wet finger clicks topped off with a soul-drenched vocal and some big horns. The arrangement is fulsome but never over-loaded which means this one has it all, basically, and will bring great times to any dancefloor.
Review: The fifth release on the rather mysterious Wicked Disco encapsulates the dazzling spirit of classic disco, channelling the soul of the late 70s with a sound that feels vintage but also revitalised. This one-sided edition bursts to life with a bold horn section that immediately grabs attention, paired with shimmering strings that weave a lush, cinematic backdrop. Add a deeply emotive vocal performance that elevates the groove into something truly joyous and layers of vibrant rhythms and intricate instrumentation and bang - you'red transported to an era of glamorous nightlife.
Review: The Williams Brothers, hailing from East Orange, New Jersey, burst onto the scene with a compelling blend of sweet soul and deep funk. Their standout double-sider featuring 'That's Life' and 'Rap On,' originally released in 1972 on Twain Record, showcases their exceptional musical abilities. This release, now a rare gem, captures the soulful depth and vibrant energy that defined the group, making it a collector's dream. Starting in gospel music, the brothers transitioned to R&B with their father's reluctant blessing, quickly becoming local sensations. Their journey took a significant turn when they won a competition by New Zealand Breweries, leading to international tours and increased fame. Despite facing early challenges, including a tragic car accident that paralyzed the youngest brother Anthony, the Williams Brothers have continued to evolve, recently venturing into EDM and gaining recognition as an electrifying opening act for major DJs. Their records, especially early releases like 'That's Life/Rap On', are highly sought after today, commanding thousands of dollars per copy, solidifying their status as an underground legend of music.
Review: Winfree's 'Friday Night,' a catchy 7" on Six Nine, delivers a fresh take on soul with a modern twist. Side-1 features the T-groove remix of 'Friday Night,' blending a slamming slow groove with funk and electro complete with vocoder work that nods to Zapp. Side-2's 'The Way She Makes It Bounce' dives into early electro sounds, perfect for low-rider music enthusiasts, channeling the spirit of Roger Troutman. This release captures the classic vibes while infusing it with contemporary elements, making it a track to check out for fans of both old-school and modern funk. Both sides, needless to say, are proper party starters.
Review: We find ourselves writing this a lot but this really is a top-tier Italo disco record that is as rare as an honest politician and way out on its own atop many people's want list. Wish Key was founded by Manlio Cangelli and their debut in 1983, 'Orient Express' quickly gained popularity and led to further releases like 'Easy Way' in 1984 and 'Life.' It's a track drowning in echo and reverb and 80s drum sounds with a nice-paced bassline and camp vocals. It comes in various versions here as well as with the signature Flemming Dalum for more club-friendly vibes
Wish & Fonda Rae - "Touch Me (All Night Long)" (9:28)
Wish & Fonda Rae - "Touch Me (All Night Long)" (remix) (7:24)
Wish & La Rita Gaskin - "Nice & Soft" (8:26)
Review: Unidisc knows what's up with this one, a reissue of an irresistible disco classic tinted with UK street soul vibes. Wish & Fonda Rae's 'Touch Me' has it all - the chilly 80s drum sounds, a raw and hooky chord sequence and a fast and squelchy bassline all topped off with a singable vocal that is hella emotive and heart swelling. As well as the almost ten-minute All Night Long mix there is a more wonky remix full of mad filter work and a second tune from Wish, this one with La Rita Gaskin. Their 'Nice & Soft' is another belting disco banger for pure good vibes only.
The Wonderland Band - "Thrill Me" (Joe T Vannelli Classic mix) (5:51)
The Wonderland Band - "Thrill Me (With Your Super Love)" (8:05)
Pure Energy - "Party On" (Vannelli Bros Classic mix) (7:31)
Pure Energy - "Party On" (8:24)
Review: Use Vinyl looks back to two iconic tracks from the 70s and 80s here for source material for a new remix EP by the Vannelli family. Joe T remixes 'Thrill Me' by The Wonderland Band into the sort of direct and funky house sound that brims with early dance music charm while the Vannelli Bros offer their rework of 'Party On' by Pure Energy which comes with plenty of energy for club contexts. Both tracks are presented as Classic Mix versions and bring plenty of new life to the original hits without forgoing the timeless, catchy and meaningful melodies that define the originals. House music like this is as authentic as it gets.
Review: Man of Mine encapsulates the soulful essence of Betty Wright's talent, making it a standout track on this 7" single release. Originally released in 1977, the song remains in high demand on the modern soul scene, attesting to its enduring appeal and timeless quality. Wright's emotive vocals, backed by lush instrumentation, create a captivating listening experience that resonates with audiences across generations. With its infectious groove and heartfelt lyrics, Man of Mine exemplifies the soul genre at its finest, showcasing Wright's talent as a vocalist and storyteller. This single serves as a fitting tribute to Betty Wright's influential contribution to funk, soul music and disco.
Review: Probably most known as the hook sampled in Zhane's breakthrough 1993 R&B smash hit "Hey Mr. DJ", it's only in recent years that it has been recognised as being from Michael Wycoff's 1982 sleeper hit "Looking Up To You". Taken from his second album Love Conquers All, Wycoff's short lived solo career sadly hit a dead end shortly after and he apparently went through tough times. That is until getting back on his feet via a new found faith and these days he is a Minister of Music at several Los Angeles area churches. "Looking Up To You" is a timeless soul classic featuring his signature vocal style, a lush string section, an even tighter brass section and powerhouse backing vocal team: you just don't get music like this anymore! B side cut "Diamond Real" (Tee Scott instrumental mix) is a more upbeat boogie number, with P-funk style elements plus neon-lit synths and disco guitar licks - wouldn't have been out of place on the Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack actually!
Review: Side-1 kicks off with a raw and funky garage band jam that perfectly captures the spirit of 1967. With its dynamic energy, the track blends elements of jazz, rock, funk and blues, creating an exciting, soul-infused experience. The rhythm section drives the track with relentless energy, while the soulful melodies and infectious groove make it a standout piece. The mix of surf rock and mod influences gives it a timeless, gritty edge that resonates with both vintage and modern listeners. Side-2 takes a more experimental turn with a unique jam laden with saxophone and rich instrumental textures. The track's experimental nature is underscored by its unconventional structure, utilizing the harpsichord to create a distinctive, jazzy vibe. The saxophone adds a layer of depth, intertwining with the rhythm to produce a mood that's both introspective and lively. This track offers a refreshing, avant-garde twist that contrasts beautifully with the raw energy of the opening side.
Review: Weldon Irvine was a pioneering musician whose innovative style and emotionally powerful melodies earned him admiration across generations and genres, from 1970s jazz and soul to 1990s club and rare groove scenes. Known for his versatility, Irvine left behind a legacy of timeless tracks and this best-of album, curated from his extensive catalogue, features eight standout songs that showcase his genius. The always-sensitive P-VINE presents this special collection in style and offers a comprehensive glimpse into the depth and breadth of Irvine's musical contributions, all of which highlight his lasting impact on the music world.
Review: Osaka's acclaimed jazz-funk band Wa Yo Set are back with a highly anticipated third album. This release marks the arrival of another gem that captures the essence of the group's signature urban folk sound, or as they call it 'ADM, Acoustic Dance Music. Seamlessly blending influences from jazz, hip-hop and r&b, the record is a dynamic and multidimensional musical trip with an innovative crossover of styles that all push boundaries. There are wiggling instrumental funk workouts, fly moments of introspection like 'Tonight Is Boogie Back Nice Vocal' and much more besides.
Review: Walt Disco are evolving. Lead vocalist Jocelyn Si, drummer Jack Martin, synth player Finlay McCarthy, bassist Charlie Lock, and guitarist Lewis Carmichael challenged norms with their debut album, Unlearning. Their new record, The Warping, reflects shifting identities, blending memory and future, and exploring younger selves and imagined personas. Written across the Atlantic, from Los Angeles to Glasgow, the album builds enhances their cinematic glam with orchestral musicians, creating a sound both organic and sophisticated. The album addresses personal themes with radical honesty, especially exploring gender dysphoria and envy. Despite a hostile world, especially for queer and trans people, Walt Disco remains resilient.
Toxic Tropic (feat Anthony Joseph/La Reyna) (3:18)
Light (4:02)
Di Yo (feat Flavia Coelho) (4:10)
Vanse Carnival (4:39)
La VI A Bel (2:51)
An Lot Soley (feat Ballake Sissoko/Vincent Segal) (4:38)
Soul Tropical (3:43)
Don't U (4:24)
Night In Madinina (3:05)
Kle (feat Ballake Sissoko/Vincent Segal) (4:19)
Review: David Walters's new album Soul Tropical on French label Heavenly Sweetness is perfectly titled. It is a lush collection of soul so tropical you feel as if you're dancing deep in a steamy jungle as the music uplifts and truly nourishes. It draws on his family heritage in the West Indies and finds David once again singing about this famous string of sun-kissed islands across 13 joyful cuts. These are tracks with rich arrangements and plenty of world instruments making a fusion of disco, zouk, Caribbean, Afrobeat and funk that make a lasting impression. An essential album as summer approaches.
War Is Coming! War Is Coming! (Disc 1: Platinum Funk)
I Got You
L.A. Sunshine
River Niger
Slowly We Walk Together
Platinum Jazz
Galaxy (Disc 2: Galaxy)
Baby Face (She Said Do Do Do Do)
Sweet Fighting Lady
Hey Senorita
The Seven Tin Soldiers
The Music Band (Disc 3: The music Band)
Corns & Callouses (Hey Dr Shoals)
I'm The One Who Understands
Good, Good Feelin'
Millionaire
All Around The World
You Got The Power (Disc 4: Outlaw)
Outlaw
The Jungle (Medley)
Just Because
Baby It's Cold Outside
I'm About Somebody
Cinco De Mayo
Peace Sign (Disc 5: Peace Sign)
East LA
Wild Rodriguez
I'm The One (Who Understands)
UB OK
Smile For Me
What If
Angel
Review: WAR's The Collection 1977-1994 is a deep celebration of the band's legacy, featuring five remastered albumsiPlatinum Funk (1977), Galaxy (1'977), The Music Band (1979), Outlaw (1982), and Peace Sign (1994)ishowcasing WAR's evolution as a "sophisticated pop machine" with their signature fusion of funk, soul, and rock. The box sets commemorate WAR's 55th anniversary and follow the success of their The World Is a Ghetto: 50th Anniversary Collector's Edition. The previously rare Platinum Funk, which includes hits like 'L.A. Sunshine', and Outlaw, featuring classics such as 'Cinco De Mayo', highlight the band's diverse musical prowess. With over 50 million records sold globally, WAR's rich sound continues to resonate, solidifying their status as one of music's seminal groups. Fans can anticipate these releases as a treasure box of rhythm and history.
Review: War's timeless fusion of Latin, jazz, pop and soul resonates anew with the reissue of their seminal albums. Celebrating their 55th anniversary, War's influence remains palpable in American music. Their self-titled debut in 1971 hinted at their distinctive sound, but it was 1971's All Day Music that defined their groove with hits like 'Slippin' Into Darkness' and 'Baby Brother.' The blend of Lee Oskar's harmonica and Charles Miller's saxophone set them apart, crafting unforgettable melodies that feel just as vibrant today. Subsequent classics such as 'Cisco Kid,' 'Why Can't We Be Friends?' and the iconic 'Low Rider' showcase their enduring appeal. Despite later challenges, War's music continues to shine, showing their innovative spirit and enduring legacy on this reissued collection. Not only a great band but a cultural phenomenon to the people of Los Angeles.
Review: War's signature sound blends rock, funk and r&b and is best exemplified by hits like 'The Cisco Kid' and the iconic anthem 'Why Can't We Be Friends?' Each track showed the group have great versatility and enduring appeal across genres as well as a fine ability to write catchy hooks and lay down infectious grooves. This compilation is a tribute to War's legacy and one that showcases their unique ability to meld different musical styles into an array of unforgettable hits. It comes on a nice translucent red vinyl, too.
Review: At the time of his passing in 2017, the late, great soul star Leon Ware was working on a new album with long-time collaborator Taylor Graves. Although he never finished it, Be With has decided to put together a final posthumous album that contains the five songs he finished for the set - which, impressively, include cameos from the likes of Kamasi Washington and Thundercat - and six cuts from an obscure, Japan-only CD from 2013. It's a wonderful listen from start to finish, with the Latin-tinged soul-jazz of "For The Rainbow", the head-nodding boogie business of "Sigh" and the synth-laden, strangely swung brilliance of "Are You Ready" amongst the highlights.
A Real Mother For Ya (Ben Liebrand Oldskool mix - bonus track) (3:20)
Review: Johnny "Guitar" Watson's 1977 funk album, A Real Mother For Ya, solidified his status as a master of the genre. Known for his exceptional guitar skills, Watson's album produced the international hit title track along with standout songs like 'Nothing Left To Be Desired' and 'Lover Jones.' This reissue also includes the 2020 Ben Liebrand Oldskool mix as a bonus track, adding a fresh perspective to Watson's timeless funk sound. Throughout his career, Watson influenced countless artists, including Jimi Hendrix, and earned a Grammy nomination for best contemporary blues album. Tragically, Watson passed away while touring Japan in 1996, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and groove. A Real Mother For Ya remains a standout example to Watson's musical genius. Available on black vinyl, this reissue ensures that Watson's electrifying sound continues to engage audiences for generations to come.
Sharnell Morton - "You Are My Shining Star" (5:22)
Janice Nicki Harisson - "Magic Of Love" (4:23)
Direct Connec Shun - "He's No Good" (7:43)
James Family - "We've Got It Made" (4:35)
Network & Co - "Spirit Of The Boogie" (4:03)
Marlon Hunter - "Did You Forget My Number" (3:36)
Spice Of Ice - "Star Struck" (5:53)
Executive Suite - "When It Comes To Lovin Me" (3:15)
Review: Some two years after helping launch Favorite Recordings' reissue-focused SOL Discos imprint, label co-founder Waxist returns with a second volume of "Message In Our Music", a compilation focused - like its' predecessor - on little known "modern soul" from the late 1970s and early '80s. It is, of course, packed to the rafters with rare, slept-on gems, the majority of which change hands for silly money online. Highlights include - but are by no means limited to - the gentle gospel-boogie slickness of Sharnell Morton's "You Are My Shining Star", the glistening guitars and sun-kissed vocals of Direct Connec Shun's two-step soul gem "He's No" and the purple-coloured synth-funk hustle of Spice Of Ice's "Star Struck".
David Nathan - "Ain't Nothing Like The Love" (unreleased version) (4:03)
Billy Cole Aka Winston Francis - "Smile" (3:41)
Glen Missick & Lovespiration - "Message In Our Music" (2:50)
Sass - "Do It" (3:23)
The Harden Brothers - "Deep Inside Of You" (4:29)
Don Scott - "Love With Me" (2:54)
Jack Sass Band - "Where Is The Love (You Promised Me)" (2:56)
Review: After a series of exceptional singles, SOL Discos fire up the album engine for the very first time with this fantastic exploration of modern soul from the late 70s to early 80s. Curated by label founder Waxist, Message In Our Music features numerous exclusive reissues and unreleased cuts; David Nathan's swooning take on "Ain't Nothing Like The Love", The Harden Brothers' silky smooth "Deep Inside Of You" and the vital up-tempo positivity of Don Scott's "Love With Me" are just a handful of essentials on this immaculate collection. Complete with detailed notes, pictures and quotes from the original artists, SOL Discos have created something genuinely special here.
Review: Following the massive success of his 2021 debut album Gratidao, French producer Wealstarcks returns with another standout record, this time called Valeu Obrigado.' Once again he skilfully blends house and electro sounds with the vibrant energy of Funk Carioca culture to make for a collection of tracks that are filled with soulful grooves and irresistible dancefloor anthems guaranteed to get any crowds moving. Most notably these sounds showcase Wealstarcks' knack for creating fresh, dynamic grooves that work on modern ears but also maintain a deep connection to authentic Brazilian funk influences. It comes as a limited edition release that will no doubt be a longtime favourite in any collection.
Review: This is the unreleased soundtrack from Bartleby, the British drama film from 1970 directed by Anthony Friedman. It was an adaptation of the short story Bartleby, the Scrivener; A Story of Wall-street by Herman Melville. The plot revolved around the young audit clerk Bartleby, who as a result of being overwhelmed by the pressures of modern life withdraws into his own world. 31 years later, there was another remake directed by Jonathan Parker, with Crispin Glover in the lead role. Sound wise, it is a' blissful mix of British pastoral jazz and serious drum, double bass and string action'.
At The Disco (feat Tanyayette Whilloughby - version 3) (8:09)
Can't Fight The Feeling (6:45)
Fire Down Below (version 2) (5:24)
Who Cares? (feat Leroy Burgess - version 3) (8:36)
Loose Joints (version 3) (5:41)
Review: We love an album with a nice specific remit and they don't come much more specific than The Love Magician Archives - Disco - New York City 1978-79. Vol.2. It is the latest project on Past Due to involve Weeks, who signed with the label back in 2019 and since then his work as a singer, songwriter, musician, and producer has been showcased for all and proven what a key player he was in the New York disco, boogie funk and house scenes and beyond from the late 1970s to the 1990s. It came on several different labels and as part of various different groups and now comes a second collection of it that is just as good as the first.
Review: Ben Westbeech returns with his first solo full-length since 2011's There's More To Life Than This, marking a new chapter in a varied career as a singer-songwriter, DJ, hit producer and curator. The Glitterbox release hears Westbeech step back from the mic to focus fully on production and arrangement, bringing together a cast of musicians to channel a message of self-empowerment and inner peace, through pristine delays, diachronic desert grooves and a freed disco-bedience. Joined by fellows RAHH, Dames Browbn and Obi Franky, Westbeech's latest is a full-length ode to changing times and inner openness.
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