Back catalogue:

Review: Reggae Charmers was originally released in 1970 and it showcased the best of Lloyd Charmers, who was born Lloyd Tyrell. His career spans Jamaica's vibrant musical eras from the late 50s shuffle r&b and ska boom to the rocksteady and roots reggae of the 60s and 70s. Across those years, Charmers excelled as a vocalist, session musician, and producer and after taking up the piano in 1966, he soon formed his own band. It backed artists like Ken Parker, Max Romeo, Pat Kelly, John Holt, and Slim Smith & the Uniques while Charmers also sang with the Uniques and gained a reputation for delivering some of the era's most compelling rhythms.

Review: A key figure in Jamaican music who first gained recognition with The Uniques before branching out as a solo artist and producer. By the late 60s, he'd honed his skills in arrangement and keyboard-driven reggae, culminating in Reggae Is Tight and Reggae Charm. Reggae Is Tight bursts to life with the insistent chant of '5 to ', riding a thick organ groove. Charmers reinterprets The Uniques' 'Watch The Sound' as the flowing piano instrumental 'Follow This Sound'. He transforms classics like 'Blue Moon' into reggae gems, while 'Psychedelic Reggae' leans into dubby echo effects. The album thrives on tight, dancefloor-ready rhythms, with 'Stronger' capping off the set in style. His deal with Trojan Records led to Reggae Is Tightia stunning example of his keyboard prowess over driving, fast-paced rhythms. Blending infectious organ grooves with classic boss reggae energy, the album captures the golden era of Jamaican sounds. Now reissued as a limited edition on orange vinyl, Reggae Is Tight remains an essential listen for vintage reggae enthusiasts, highlighting Charmers' innovative touch and deep influence on the genre.

Review: Funk and soul album don't come much better than this. Chocolate Milk's Action Speaks Louder Than Words is a 1975 classic and an essential piece of New Orleans music history. Discovered and produced by the legendary Allen Toussaint, the band's debut blends tight grooves, sharp horn lines and socially conscious lyrics with the rich musical heritage of their hometown. The standout title track is a rare groove classic still sampled and revered decades later. With polished arrangements and undeniable rhythm, this album firmly established Chocolate Milk as a force in 70s funk and remains a superb boogie-infused release that is as vital and infectious today as ever.

Review: American funk and r&b band Chocolate Milk made their mark in the early 1970s and released their self-titled album in 1976. Produced by the legendary Allen Toussaint who was known for his work with Lee Dorsey, The Meters, and Dr. John, the album blended funky rhythms, soulful melodies, and socially aware lyrics. It featured the single 'How About Love' along with standout tracks like 'You've Got Your Spell On Me' and 'Let The Music Take Your Mind.' Praised for its energy and creativity at the time, the album solidified Chocolate Milk's reputation in the funk and soul scene and sounds as good here as ever.

Review: Chocolate Milk's 1975 debut Action Speaks Louder Than Words stands as a funk and soul cornerstone from New Orleans. Produced by the legendary Allen Toussaint, the album showcases the band's masterful blend of local musical traditions with contemporary funk and soul influences. The title track, a standout single, has left an enduring mark on music, sampled by major artists such as Public Enemy, Eric B & Rakim and Aaliyah. This reissue enhances this classic with a full remastering on striking red vinyl. The album's themes of social awareness and personal reflection, coupled with its infectious grooves and tight musicianship, continue to captivate listeners and collectors alike. Fans of funk and soul should be excited with the news of this fresh pressing of a timeless gem.

Review: This 1991 release stands as a cornerstone of West Coast gangsta rap, delivering a raw, unflinching portrayal of early 90s Los Angeles street life. With hard-hitting beats and vivid storytelling, the album builds on the group's debut, offering a more refined and confident sound. The deep basslines and funky grooves, courtesy of seasoned production, lay the groundwork for narratives steeped in urban realities. The album's heaviest tracks are a masterclass in gritty storytelling. 'Growin' Up in the Hood,' featured in the world renown movie Boyz N the Hood, pairs evocative rhymes with strings and drums sampling Funk Inc and Mountain, creating a tense, cinematic backdrop. The song captures the struggles of street life, blending hardened perspectives with a sense of inevitability. 'Raised in Compton' dives deeper, painting a stark picture of how systemic decay and gang violence perpetuate cycles of destruction. Meanwhile, 'Driveby Miss Daisy' haunting depiction of violence is another gem, layered with somber samples and a chilling piano solo that amplifies the track's nightmarish aura. Throughout, the album balances braggadocio with complex street narratives, offering a visceral and authentic glimpse into its environment. Along with NWA and Above The Law, this is West Coast rap at its most compelling and unapologetic for the time.

Review: Reissued after its 1997 debut, Crustation's Bloom emerges from the shadows of trip-hop giants like Portishead and Massive Attack as a legendary gem of the genre. Comprised of Ian Dark, Stig Manley, and Mark Tayler, the Bristol-based band crafted a fantastic sonic universe with their singular LP, featuring the enchanting vocals of Bronagh Slevin, ethereal atmospheres, and hypnotic beats. The album, adorned with artwork co-designed by Stanley Donwood of Radiohead fame, immerses listeners in a dreamy landscape from the opening instrumental 'Hey' to the sublime 'Purple.' Slevin's velvety voice guides us through a nocturnal journey, evoking a sense of safety in darkness. Tracks like 'Close My Eyes' and 'Face The Waves' transport listeners to ethereal realms, while 'Reverie' shows the beauty of orchestral strings intertwined with melancholic lyrics. Yet, it's 'Flame' that stands as the album's pinnacle, a transcendent hymn to beauty and serenity. Beginning with ambient dreaminess, Slevin's whispering vocals crescendo into a breathtaking refrain, accompanied by strings that evoke a phantasmagorical atmosphere. Overall, Bloom remains a hidden masterpiece of trip hop, its nocturnal, spacey, and velvet textures embodying the genre's essence.

Review: The reissue of Pete Rock & CL Smooth's Main Ingredient reminds hip-hop heads what a timeless masterpiece it really is. The record has a sure place in hip-hop history and has since it was originally released in 1994. The album showcases the duo's famous and unparalleled chemistry, with Pete Rock's soulful production and CL Smooth's smooth lyricism blending seamlessly on tracks that continue to resonate with listeners and very much capture the essence of 90s hip-hop while still remaining relevant today. 'Sun Won't Come Out', 'The Main Ingredient', and 'Get On The Mic' all demand to be played loud and proud