Back catalogue:

Review: We'll never tire of the incredible Brazil45 series on Mr Bongo, which has provided an authoritative window into the rich history of 60s and 70s grooves from South America. Here's a missing joint from the series which took some time to come to fruition - a split release featuring Brazilian Boys on the A side and Rubinho E Mauro Assumpcao on the B. 'Super Herois' is an obscure slice of off-kilter, psych tinged funk from 1975 that has the kind of individual sound which could find favour with a lot of different DJs. 'Tudo Ai' has a more recognisable samba shuffle, but much like the A side there's a subtle twist in the sound which leans towards blues rock and jazz, locking down on the rhythm and creating a low-key party starter in its own unique way.

Review: DC-based label Peoples Potential Unlimited aka PPU is a real favourite for us here. It's got a signature lo-fi funk sound and deals in perfectly ageless sounds with a big heart. Robbie M has been a frequent name in the label's catalogue and is back on this new 7" next to Midnight Express. The latter kicks off with big cosmic disco synths, hip-swinging claps and great vocals. Robbie M's brilliantly boogie-fried 80s electro-funk then appears in the form of 'I Need Good Lovin'' with its seductive vocals and catchy broken beats.

Review: A unique smashing of worlds between funk and hip-hop, this fantastic, vibrant, red-and-black splatter 7" brings together a host of collaborating greats, all of whom have contributed in major ways to both sounds over the years. With Dan Ubick on guitar (Breakestra, Big Daddy Kane), Julius Augustus on bass (The Sandollars), Dan Hastie on organ (Orgone, Alicia Keys), Steve McCormick on dobro and Professor Shorthair on the cuts and edits - and mastered by Dave Cooley (J Dilla, Madlib) - this is a mournful yet masterful example of live-recorded battle breaks.

Review: DJ Soopasoul's last mash-up was an inspired affair that saw him perfectly fuse tracks by Philadelphia Soul legends MFSB and the Beastie Boys. Here he takes a similar approach, placing the rap vocals from the 1995 hip hop classic "How High" atop a suitably funky, lolloping beat crafted from Clavinet-heavy sections from Stevie party-starting floor-heater "Superstitioun". It works remarkably well on the A-side vocal mix, and those who'd not heard either track would be convinced that there was no mash-up antics going on. Over on side B you'll find an instrumental mix that showcases Soopasoul's editing skills; minus the Hip Hop vocals, is a fine re-edit of the Wonderful jam.

Review: Obscure Californian group The Real Thing (not the Liverpool 4 piece ) who recorded for US label Whiz enjoy a very special spotlight on Super Disco Edits. Both cuts previously unreleased; they're as fizzy as the product they share a slogan with... "Give It Up & Turn It Loose" takes James Brown to turbo charged pastures, tearing up the funk rule book so rapidly they've got friction burns. "It's A Family Thang" brings us back down to earth with such unified tightness and positivity it would make Sly and the Stones blush. The real deal.

Review: Clarence Reid's Miss Hot Stuff delivers a James Brown-styled 60s funk experience that's irresistibly infectious. Side-1 features 'Miss Hot Stuff,' is brimming with funk do to the infectious bass, vibrant horn section, and wicked southern guitar riffs, all complemented by Reid's stellar vocal performance. This track is a perfect blend of energy and groove, reminiscent of classic funk. On Side-2, 'Mr Hot Stuff' presents a fresh twist with added female backing vocals over an otherwise instrumental track. This downtempo version retains its funkiness while introducing a more laid-back, lounge vibe, making it ideal for both dance clubs and relaxed settings. Overall, Reid's mastery of funk shines through, offering vibrant, dance-worthy tunes with a timeless appeal.

Review: For the latest volume in their essential "Brazil 45" series of seven-inch singles, Brighton-based Mr Bongo has decided to offer up a fresh pressing of MPB star Renata Lu's superb 1971 single "Faz Tanto Tempo". You'll find the title track, a heavyweight fusion of US style soul and funk with added Latin percussion and a touch of easy listening sassiness, on side A, with original B-side "Sambaloo" on the flip. This features Lu singing over a hybrid samba/boogaloo backing track rich in jaunty bass, rasping horns and jazzy electric piano riffs. It's arguably every bit as alluring as the A-side.

Review: Reposado aka Tequila Funk brings more Latin and Afro flavours magic to this new 7". It makes a perfectly international soundtrack for global dancefloor fun with A-side 'All You Got To Do' bringing an uptempo soul vibe with some legendary guitar from the one and only Jimmy James, while some soulful background cooing comes from Alex Rose. It's a feelgood gem that will unite all who hear it and then the reverse is a salsa-tinged delight. 'Original' has masterful piano from Marina Albero and is an irresistible gem that completes a fine two-tracker.

Review: Ricardo Bomba was not only a studio owner, engineer, pianist and composer, but so too was he an accomplished amateur skateboarder. He lay down these previously unreleased, sun soaked Brazilian tunes in 1978 after years as bandleader with the one and only Jorge Ben's live show. The master tapes were said to have been binned during a heavy studio clear out but the man himself kept a tape copy that has been remastered for this special 7". Mariana Couto provides the angelic vocals while the music all trills with joy and happiness.

Review: Legendary 70s funk band Ripple are back with two original members making new music again. Curtis "Kazoo" Reynolds & Keith "Doc" Samuels now go by the name of Ripple 2.20 and their first work is a new version of John Edwards' "Exercise My Love." It is a cover, but not as we usually know it - they lay down an incredible new vocal and play the parts with a real sense of sensuousness. On the flip is a new remix of some of Ripple's original material in the form of Fashion's take on "I Don't Know What It Is, But It Sure Is Funky", a raw, dirty, sleazy jam to get you in a sweat.

Review: UK artist Risk Assessment is back once again with some potent sonic weaponry that is designed to make a big impact in the club. All four of the disco cuts are peak time sounds starting with 'Something New' which is awash with some crystalline synths and gloriously lush pads. 'Party People' is nice raw and live-sounding disco with lo-fi drums, slapping hits and a James Brown-style funk vocal. 'Like This Like That!' brings some funky little guitar motifs and a jumble of percussion while last of all, 'Girl At The Disco' shuts down with a more sensuous sound and slinky grooves that worm their way into your affections.

Review: Limited white vinyl repress.DJ Soopasoul's last mash-up was an inspired affair that saw him perfectly fuse tracks by Philadelphia Soul legends MFSB and the Beastie Boys. Here he takes a similar approach, placing the rap vocals from the 1995 hip-hop classic 'How High' atop a suitably funky, lolloping beat crafted from clavinet-heavy sections from Stevie's party-starting floor-heater 'Superstition'. It works remarkably well on the A-side vocal mix, and those who'd not heard either track would be convinced that there was no mash-up antics going on. Over on side B you'll find an instrumental mix that showcases Soopasoul's editing skills; minus the vocals, is a fine re-edit of the Wonder-ful jam.

Review: Uniquely squeezy new funk by Robotron and the Funkadelic camp. Laying down a phat, uptempo synthfunk slew - 'Toy-Boy', 'Save Your Love' and 'Funk With Me' - alongside myriad liner note puns such as "are you ready to funk off?" and "we give a funk!", you can be sure that the tone of this one is kept both light and heavy, in a mutually opposing but impactful way. The B-side 'Save Your Love' is the particular highlight, presenting a rather interesting fusion of Italo, freestyle, street soul... it's kind of got everything.

Review: Rolling Recordings from Antigua makes its debut here with a first release under the guise of Rock Star Heroes who offer up a couple of hard-to-find and previously unreleased funky disco influenced club bound instrumentals of out and out rock classics from one of the worlds best known stadium bands. These are perfectly designed for the club and collide rock, funk, disco and more into fresh forms. Opener 'Undercover Of The Night' popular with the likes of DJ Harvey and is a slice of raw, hard-hitting groove magic with organic percussion and live drums laden with funky guitar riffs and lively chord work that brings the whole thing to life. On the flip is an instrumental version of 'Miss You' which still has all the swagger of the iconic original with sultry harmonica luring you to the floor where the masterful drums and guitars will keep you moving.

Review: Mr Bongo offers up an incredible 86th volume in the Brazil45 series, and this time it's Black Rio funk from two mainstays of the sound, Toni Tornado & Zeca Do Trombone. A-side 'Sou Negro' is from Tornado's 1970 EP on Odeon Records. It's a sought after number that despite lasting only just over two minutes still makes an indelible impression. Zeca Do Trombone & Roberto Sax join forces on the flip for 'Coluna Do Meio,' which is a more smooth, easy going jazz laced tune compared with the raw and direct a-side. This one has an acrobatic vocal and sunny riffs bringing pool-side vibes under clear blue skies.

Review: Under The Influence is Z Records' effort to document and preserve lost, forgotten soul-and-funk-feeding-into-house finds. Rahaan, from Chicago, here gets their attention and praise; a DJ and early progenitor of Chicago house, these tracks (unearthed from the vaults) are expensive and weighty forays through italo, disco and new wave, all carefully chosen by the man himself.

Review:  Another highly anticipated reissue from the vaults of the legendary 70s label TSG here that has already been put out late last year by P-Vine Japan. But Reality's unknown classic Disco Party is always going to sell out quick so we're certainly happy about another pressing. Almost nothing is known about the band apart from their association with TSG, the label had a divine touch in picking out the best unknown musicians from New York's bustling funk and soul scene. Their music is full of vibrant riffs and funky bass and cannot fail to detonate in the club.

Review: Curyman II, set for release via Diamond West Records, is the highly anticipated follow-up to Roge's US debut album. This album honors the roots of Brazilian music while pushing its boundaries, showcasing Roge's evolution as an artist. Collaborating with legendary figures such as Seu Jorge and Arthur Verocai, who arranged strings for both Curyman albums, Roge creates a vibrant tapestry of sound that bridges the past and future of Brazilian music. With a career spanning over two decades and multiple accolades, including a Latin Grammy nomination, Roge is a pivotal figure in the resurgence of Musica Popular Brasileira (MPB). His previous release, Curyman, produced by Thomas Brenneck of the Budos Band, celebrated samba infused with messages of resilience and hope. Curyman II promises to build on this success, delivering even more infectious samba rhythms and thought-provoking lyrics. As Roge continues to evolve, he remains dedicated to sharing Brazil's rich cultural heritage with audiences worldwide, making this album an exciting invitation to immerse in his soulful musical world once again.

Review: Rufus and Chaka Khan's final stretch balances the unfiltered funk of their live performances with the studio polish of their later work. Their live recordings deliver an electrifying set, reworking classics like 'Tell Me Something Good' and 'Sweet Thing' into extended, groove-heavy jams. 'Ain't Nobody' stands outinot just as the lead single but as a masterclass in electro-funk, pairing airtight drum programming with Chaka's soaring vocal for a career-defining moment. Their studio material shifts towards sleek 80s production, offering a more restrained but still soulful contrast. A dynamic farewell from an era-defining partnership.