Juno Recommends Disco: July 2024

Review: Scruinversal is back for another vinyl outing and this one takes the form of a reissue of some of the label head's favourite tunes. An unknown artist is behind the sunny shuffle and big horns of 'This Kind Of Latin Rhythm' while Thierry Tomas's 'Samba' is a shuffling house cut laden with glorious piano work. Funkyjaws then offers up his take on tango, Scruscru layers up the rhythms and percussion on 'Juicy Brass' and Frank Virgilio's 'Portrait Of You' shuts down with a deeper late-night feel. These are some superbly effective Latina house jams to drop on the hottest of days and balmiest of nights.

Review: Dave Lee's Z Records has always joined the dots between the best of disco past, present and future and this latest 12" is another such sublime gem. This EP opens up with a brand new cut 'Soul Underground', which takes takes a train journey to some of the most famous clubs of the disco era over a warm, bumping, string heavy backing track. Art Of Tones mix of 'I Want To See You Dance' is a funkier number with hip-swinging claps & layers of energy. Things get super smooth with 'Windy City Theme' (Glenn Underground's Orchestra Electronica mix) - an irresistibly cosmic remix of one of the most popular cuts from the Metamorphosis album. Add in the lush orchestral reprise & handy acappella and you have a joyous EP to behold.

Review: Tom Noble is renowned for his vinyl digging prowess as well as being the head of the Superior Elevation Records. Now he unveils his House Of Spirits alias with the debut single from an upcoming album on Razor-N-Tape. 'Times Are Changing' previews an album spanning nearly 15 years of work and one that blends modern-retro soul with nods to the Mizell Brothers and Patrick Adams. Recorded with live instrumentation and tailored for the dance floor, the limited 12" features an extended original and instrumental on side A, and a dynamic remix by Australian synth maestro Harvey Sutherland on side B. Infectious vocals and rich instrumentation, what's not to love?

Review: As E Live, Eli Hurwitz is such a big part of the Star Creature Universal Vibrations family that they gave him his own sub-label, Elivity Records. His latest fantastic 45 doesn't appear on either of those imprints, but rather parent label Tugboat Editions. For those who like authentic-sounding revivalist boogie, we'd recommend picking this up - both tracks are re-inventions of old tunes with E Live's colourful, synth-powered twist. Check first 'Make Me Move', where glossy female vocals rise above a squelchy bassline, shimmering synths and unfussy drum machine percussion. Even better though is Hurwitz's flip-side cover of Skyy classic 'Here's To You' - a boogie gem that he re-invents as as a deeper, smoother and dreamier slab of neo-boogie squelchiness.

Review: The latest must-check release from Micky More and Andy Tee's Groove Culture label dials down their usual groovy disco-house vibe in favour of a more expansive orchestrated disco sound (think Salsoul Orchestra), made in cahoots with DJ Meme Orchestra and topped off with a fine lead vocal from long-serving dance music chanteuse Angela Johnson. You'll find the original mix and the duo's own dub - a more groove-based affair that makes great use of a surging horn break - on the second side, with two headline-grabbing on the first. Danny Krivit delivers a typically well executed and club-ready 're-edit', while Da Lukas offers a heavier and more percussive rework that should please house-heads and disco freaks alike.

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: Infectious 70s Afrobeat vibes, courtesy of Kweku Sackey and his dynamic backing vocalists, pulsating with rhythmic depth - imagine Manu Dibango infused with Tony Allen's rhythmic flair and you're close. Richard Ormrod's crafty alto sax solo adds instrumental brilliance and with options like a shorter vocal version for quick hits and a DJ Smoove dancefloor remix for extended groove sessions, 'Feel It For Yourself' caters to diverse tastes and occasions. Whether spinning the extended Afrobeat masterpiece or the electrifying remix, DJs and listeners alike will find plenty to love in this vibrant, soulful release that demands to be felt.

Review: Tonight we're going to party like it's 1975, as two disco classics from that crucial year on the very cusp of the disco revolution are lovingly overhauled by Dave Lee. The A-side sees the original version of 'Don't Leave Me This Way' by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes featuring Teddy Pendergrass - also covered by Thelma Houston in 1976 and British duo the Communards in 1986 - beefed up and preened for the modern dancefloor, in what you'd describe as a respectful but not overly reverential rework. On the flip it's the turn of Kokomo's 'Use Your Imagination', bursting with Saturday night bustle but also boasting a funky guitar riff that bears an uncanny resemblance to the one that would turn up on Pink Floyd's 'Another Brick In The Wall pt2' a couple of years later. Dynamite party starters, whichever side of the vinyl coin you toss.

Review: The Owl & Posse EP brings together several artists on one fresh 12" that explores many Leftfield disco sounds and adjacent grooves. Pete Le Freq opens things up with the vocal-infused disco-funk of 'The Way Down' complete with splashy cymbals and elastic bass. The Owl's 'JBs Funk' is a horn-led jam that draws its samples from James Brown and Fingerman & Chewy Rubs's 'Revolution NY' has some big synth strings and unifying vocal calls over a nice organic rhythm. Monsieur Van Pratt's 'Guaranteed' is a pure good time groove with joy in its bones and soul in the lung-busting diva vocals.

Review: Over the years, Andrew Meecham's albums as the Emperor Machine have variously explored his love of the Radiophonic Workshop, synth-heavy dub disco, mutant boogie and electronic punk-funk. On 'Island Boogie', a set inspired by the annual Rotation Garden Party micro-festival and its' infamous custom-built soundsystem, he offers up colourful, synth-heavy takes on nu-disco and Balearic boogie with a sun-soaked jauntiness and plenty of analogue electronics. The results are rarely less than stunning, from the atmospheric, acid-flecked excellence of 'La Cassette' and a riotous cover of La Fox's 'S-s-s-single Bed', to the Chicken Lips-esque 'Devoilez-Vous' (a dubbed-out treat with added hand percussion), bubbly electrofunk number 'Wanna Pop With You' and the heady, slow-motion electronic psychedelia of 'Cha Murreh Etem'.

Review: Mr. K Edits' latest release caters to roller skaters and groove enthusiasts alike. It features two mid-tempo tracks uniquely edited by the studio scalpel master himself as they make their debut on 45rpm. First is Rodney Franklin's 'Felix Leo,' which was originally overshadowed by his hit 'The Groove.' It unfolds with hypnotic chords trimmed to their essence and unfolds at a gradual, majestic pace with captivating and lush strings making it all the immersive. Second up is Prince's early gem 'In Love' which showcases his instrumental prowess with drums, bass, guitar, and creamy synth lines. Mr. K extends the mix seamlessly, enhancing its danceable rhythm and timeless appeal with his usual class.

Review: For his next outing, Nebraska has curated a mini best-of EP that serves up a quartet of tunes that have been digital only until now. Side A opens with 'Senza Parole,' featuring a weird and wonderful vocal sound and some loose hand claps under Italo-infused disco-funk drums. 'Let Me Be The One' is a nice tripped out and slow motion 90s downtempo jam and 'Funkbraska' is an homage to French Touch with filtered synth loops fizzing with sugar goodness over a characterful bassline, and last of all is 'Love + Hate', another low slung hose groove that oozes cool and has a fantastic bassline propping it up.

Review: REPRESS ALERT!: Edoardo Barbi is an alias of Gledd, the label head at Saint Wax, co-owner of Radio Mundo Records and a prolific producer who hails from Italy but is based in Mexico City. For this new EP, he taps into his love of 70s church funk and classic gospel and serves up a quartet of emotionally intense cuts that each tell a unique story. They all have their own moods and subtly uplifting grooves and are defined by the famously meticulous production style of Gledd. When you want to make the dance floor move in a different way than usual., these four cuts should be your go-to.

Review: Those with good memories may remember Noema's African Shakedown imprint - it released two fine collections of Afro-fired re-edits in 2012 and 2013 respectively. Here it returns for the first time since with another strong four-tracker of reworks from the main man and the mysterious 'Magic Jams'. Opener 'The Janja (Magic Jams remix)' is a cheery, rolling and gently funky Afro-disco workout, while 'The Wander (Magic Jams edit)' offers a tight, chunky and guitar-rich dance through Afro-funk territory. Over on side B, Noema's 'The Enemy' remix is a gorgeous, sun-soaked Highlife shuffler and EP highlight 'The Zebra (Noema remix)' is a lightly dubbed-out, mid-80s synth workout peppered with echoing organ licks, squelchy riffs and atmospheric fretless bass.

Review: Barbara Lynn (b. 1942) is an American rhythm and blues guitarist, singer and songwriter best known for her 1962 R&B chart-topping hit, "You'll Lose a Good Thing". Her highly sought after 1976 song "Movin' On A Groove" gets a much needed repress here from London's Soul Brother, with the funky "Disco Music" featured on the flip. The title track is a soul anthem for those who know, and it's been sold for extortionate prices on the second-hand market but thanks to Soul Brother you can finally get a copy for a reasonable price! A very strong 45 release for DJs and collectors alike.

Review: Emotional Rescue continues its love affair with Glen Ricks here by reissuing his solo debut release. 'Keep On Dancing' is a cult and hugely coveted cut that fuses disco and reggae in some style. Ricks had a first successful musical career in The Fabulous Flames then moved between Canada and Jamaica and eventually got stuck into music in earnest again in the Caribbean. He wrote this one with writer and producer Chris Stanley and it came out first on 7" in 1981, then on 12" a year later. It has a superbly soulful vocal and a groove full of subtle bump that is sure to bring joy to any dancefloor. Idjut Boys' Dan Tyler also adds his own spin under his NAD alias for a more heavy and dub-laden take.

Review: To celebrate ten years of one of London's most loved underground club nights, Tangent, Mr Bongo are thrilled to launch this new compilation series. Crafted by its two residents, John Gomez and Nick the Record, it aims to transmit a taste of Tangent's spirit: a party rooted in inclusivity and open-mindedness, whose name captures the spontaneous switches in musical direction that are a defining element of their nights. For the compilation, the pair have cherry-picked a selection of their prized, rare and dancefloor-ready tracks from around the globe, that have soundtracked the past decade of parties. Spanning live-recorded disco, Brazilian boogie and weighty lovers' rock, this selection of rare sonic meats is a prized procuring, the consistent quality of which you likely won't be able to track down in many other contexts.

Review: 'Dance With Me' is a real blast from the past. First released in 1977 via his homestead T.K. Records, 'Dance With Me' was American disco producer and performer Peter Brown's sophomore record, chronologically second only to his breakout career-definer hit, 'Do Ya Wanna Get Funky With Me'. Here, however, a contemporary glut of DJ and remixing experience, embodied in human form, is heard lent to the record by way of one Dr. Packer. Packer's commitment to stylish remixes makes up the bulk of his career; here he adds an extra garland to the totem, laying down two floor-ready remixes, one standard-length, one extended, of Brown's enduring classic.

Review: Since making his name late last decade with a string of re-edit releases, Italian DJ/producer Paul Older (real name Paolo Vecchiato) has been edging towards original production. This EP on the mighty Toy Tonics imprint is his most ambitious and - we think - impressive set of 'originals' to date. For proof, check excitable opener 'Guapita', where relentless synth-horn refrains dance atop a loopy disco-house beat, the horn-heavy, Blaxpolitation funk-sampling sweatiness of 'Keep On', and the house-meets-sleazy disco sensuality of 'I Like It, I Want It (Extended Mix)'. Arguably best of all, though, is the hybrid nu-disco/proto-house/disco-house headiness of closing cut 'Loop Story'.

Review: B2 Recordings is back with a second release that is every bit as good as the first. This one comes from Reece Johnson and is a joyous mix of uplifting disco sounds with a timeless edge. 'Comin' In Hot' is a lose-limbed opener with percussive edgy and low-slung drums topped off with dazzling chords. 'Glass Heart' then brings the funk with more expert looseness and this time some hooky and soulful vocals. 'Sup America' keeps the party rolling with instrumental disco brilliance and a Spanish vocal to add real heat while 'Feelin' The Beat' and 'Got To Be Free' close out with higher tempos but no less class.

Review: Selector Series is back with another gem, bringing us a slice of early 80s Detroit boogie with Gene Dunlap's classic tracks. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Gene Dunlap's musical journey began at the tender age of four, thanks to his father's drumming lessons. His talent flourished at Mumford High School and later with jazz legend Roy Ayers. In 1981, Dunlap released two remarkable solo albums, It's Just The Way I Feel and Party In Me. The title track "Party In Me," backed with "Take My Love," was originally issued as a limited 12" promo, making it a rare treasure among collectors, often fetching over L100 on the second-hand market. Now, for the first time in 43 years, this boogie masterpiece has been remastered from the original tapes and is available for fans to enjoy. This reissue offers an opportunity to experience the vibrant rhythms and impeccable drumming of Gene Dunlap as well as Detroit's boogie scene. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of music history, exquisitely revived and ready to reignite dance floors.

Review: Temu's debut on Star Creature follows a successful run with sister label Tugboat Editions, which released three sought-after 7"s over the past decade. This Giant 12" EP brings those rare covers to a larger format for more handy DJ deployment. The A-Side includes Temu's vital new take on the classic 'Is It All Over My Face?', plus a body-popping cover of Kraftwerk's 'We Are The Robots,' and a funky version of Herbie Hancock's 'Ready or Not.' The B Side showcases Temu's versatility with a cover of Tears for Fears, a Talkbox groove rendition of the Jones Girls, and a nod to Kano all of which make this is must-have for funk heads.

Review: The 1984 classic 'Come Back Lover' by The Fresh Band receives an official remastered reissue from the original tapes. Produced by Darryl Gibbs of The Strikers and expertly mixed by Tony Humphries, this disco boogie gem soared in underground dance clubs across Chicago and New York, championed by DJs like Mancuso, Larry Levan, and Ron Hardy. Are 'N Be (see what they did there?) presents this special re-release on translucent green vinyl featuring two versions mixed by Humphries: the mesmerising original plus the Dub, with deeper, more atmospheric vocals and stunning piano breaks. Do not sleep on this one.

Review: Under the Loveface alias, veteran producers Lee Whitney and Simon Greatbatch have thus far delivered a septet of 'De-Mixes' EPs featuring effortlessly good dubs, re-animations and re-edits of killer cuts from the 1980s (think boogie, synth-pop, freestyle, electro and proto-house). Their eighth EP is another superb collection, with the duo first delivering a fine Prince rework (the lightly dubbed and synth-heavy 'If You Want Me To'), before putting their stamp on a lesser-celebrated, synth-heavy Paul McCartney cut from the mid 1980s ('Butterflies'). Over on the flip, 'Rome Elettronico' adds warm Italian house sounds to an Italo-disco style groove and 'Let's Dance' gives what sounds like an Italo-disco record the Balearic house treatment.

Review: Danse Cette Zik by Parbleu, released on Periodica Records, is a fascinating journey through equatorial grooves and multicultural influences. The debut LP from this mysterious ensemble offers a blend of dynamic disco, futuristic funk and cinematic jazz fusion infused with Caribbean dub, Latin tropicalia and Afrobeat rhythms. From soulful serenades to mystical chants and expressive diva performances, the album's evocative instrumentals and breathtaking vocals create a mesmerizing tapestry of sound. Funky guitars, reggae riffs and jazz-rock solos interplay with fusion synthesizers and island-inspired percussion, while basslines pulse with 70s fusion fire and Italo synth-funk grooves. Expertly crafted at West Hill Studio, Danse Cette Zik is an imagined world of exotic landscapes, perfect for coastal paradises, desert vistas, or moonlit nightclub escapades. It's a thrilling adventure in sonic exploration that showcases Parbleu's unique blend of musical influences and creative vision.

Review: Personality Edits is back with a third thrilling offering and this time out it is Nordic warrior MorkyMork and Tottenham's Tony Tobiason who deliver the goods. 'All Engines Go' kicks off and is a wildly percussive, textural groove with toms, crashing snares, raw hi-hats and plenty of FX all budding the energy before a mad saw tooth basslines spray about the mix to raise the roof. On the flip is 'Bleep Bleep', which is another wild sound with uptempo breaks and bleeps sounding like nothing else put there. Drop these and the crowd cannot fail to lose their heads.

Review: Celebrating its milestone 75th release, The Disco Express delivers an essential collection with four heavyweight remixes by The Reflex, Dr Packer, Hot Toddy, and John Morales. The 75th Release Special highlights the label's finest talent, reimagining original tracks into top-tier nu-disco, electronic and soulful house sounds. This limited edition turquoise blue vinyl, pressed in just 500 copies, is a meticulously crafted gem. Each remix breathes new life into the label's back catalogue. This is disco for 21st-century dancefloors and The Disco Express show no signs of slowing down.

Review: Nicholas Bicycle aka Nick Bike hops on some fine rhythms once more here for the Chosen Spokes label. As always he deals only in pure gold and this time he reworks a classic 80s gem into two different versions. Already well road-tested by the likes of DJ Marky in Brazil to great results, this 7" is pure bait for summer sessions. 'Ain't Shocka' is the first version with chattery claps and plenty of the original vocals and melodies left in place over funk drums. 'Shocka King' gives it a much brighter make over with melodies shipped in from another 80s disco gem by Evelyn "Champagne" King to make it even more irresistible.

Review: REPRESS ALERT!; Paul Older is the man behind the Disco Mind Records and after something of a short break, he and it are back with a bang. These two superb cuts are the result of him going on a deep digging record trip and unearthing two marvelous old gems that have been expertly restored for modern dance floors without losing any of the grit and realness that makes old tunes so appealing. 'The Venetian Girl (Marisa)' comes on strong with huge horns and big Philly percussion that reminds immediately of the legendary Studio 54 and then 'Up' is a big-time party pumper with funky elements to get the floor going.

Review: SIRS CUT's Vol Seis offers a delightful journey through Disco and Nu-Disco vibes bringing back the vibes of the late 70s and early 80s. Side-1 opens with 'Told You So,' a smooth funk and soul jam featuring mellow keyboards and strong vocals that evoke those great disco nights. 'Nunca Mais' follows with a laidback Latin disco vibe, enriched by a big strings and horn section, and an enhancing flute that adds to its charm. On Side-2, 'Tonight Is The Night' is a romantic late-night disco track with deeper, more intimate tones. 'Back To USA' closes the record with a high-energy disco anthem. Its soulful vocal performance and driving big band section make it a main stage underground disco classic. Vol Seis is a great example at new attempts to make disco fresh, with classic production and elements. This record has each type of disco sound and style all wrapped into one hot 12".