Review: The Moiss Music label seems to like to drop their EPs two at a time. They did it in February and they're doing it again in May. This eighth outing collects four more lively disco cuts, each with their own subtle influences. Berobreo's 'White Rabbit' for instance has funky undertones with loopy guitar riffs and nice breaks. The Magic Track's 'Jamming With Mom' meanwhile is more sensuous and deep, with late-night synth work and seductive vocals. Oldchap's 'I Want To Show You' has an expressive soul vocal with more low-slung grooves and Alexny's 'Not Bad' then gets quick, clipped and loopy for its lip-pouting disco thrills.
Review: Loredana Berte's career started in the mid seventies and went on to make her into one of the most iconic Italian singers of her generation. Her 1980's album proved her most acclaimed and now Groovin Records serve up two of its most standout cuts. The fuse big hearted vocals, cosmic disco keys and funky reggae beat that will warm any early evening party right up. 'In Alto Mare' is the more upbeat of the two thanks to its funky riffs and big piano stabs, but both still sound mighty fine after 40 years.
Review: Betty & The Code Red is a life and creative partnership between Benin-born Tunde Obazee and his girlfriend Betty. The pair grew up in Nigeria and would play all manner of instruments to entertain people at the local school before staying together as they went on to live in Italy and the US. Obazee performed at colleges and universities despite no formal training and eventually recorded a selection of tunes together including a small album on relatively new bits of gear like the Yamaha RX7. Especial has collated some of their best work across two new EPs, this being one of them.
Review: There is always a good backstory to the music that Emotional Rescue releases and this EP is a case in point. It comes from Betty & The Code Red and Betty was the girlfriend of Tunde Obazee, a Nigerian-born artist who used music as a "non-violent tool to express his socio-political opinions on global injustice." The pair would entertain people on campus by playing anything they could get their hands on, informed by the old Edo folk songs they had grown up around. They went on to live in Italy and the US and start a family as well as lay down self-released songs that have become cult classics. A selection of them feature on this, the first of two EPs from the pair.
Review: Mr Bongo take a trip back into the golden era of boogie with this choice reissue from the mighty Elite label. There were countless classics on there back in the day, but they were rarely pressed in mammoth quantities and so some have become highly prized items in the ever-ravenous second hand scene. Beverley Skeete laid down some killer singles in the early stretch of her career, and 'Warm' is one of them. Originally out in 1985 and sounding as funky as ever, it's a great opportunity to cop this jam, which comes backed with the lilting finery of 'If The Feeling Is Right', an evergreen downtempo soul jam originally put out in 1983.
Review: Cult Edits are specialists in pushing a certain kind of heater, working in a mode landing something between edit and original. Six producers - Mario Bianco, Tomoo Hata, Roe Deers, Radial Gaze, A Tweed and Oltrefuturo - lay down a blend of sampledelic, ecstatic, multi-tempo'd tribal moods. Channelling everything from chic Tulum rituals to the brutalism of Eastern-European underground clubs, and rounded off by doses of Italian rasta and Japanese re-imagining of Hungarian folk song, all come to the label's exquisite brand of mandala-esque vinyl.
Review: This is a translucent vinyl yellow version (though we also have a regular black pressing) of a reissued soul treasure from 1983, penned and produced by the legendary Larry McGee. Over four decades old, it seamlessly blends disco, UK street soul, and boogie into an irresistible tune, perfect for both dance floors and romantic home listening. With lovestruck vocals, persuasive basslines, and sultry saxophone lines, "Space Lady" captivates from start to finish. Flip over this 7" vinyl, and you'll discover an extended version tailor-made for DJs, ensuring smoother deployment on the turntables. A true gem that shines bright, even after all these years.
Review: This is some much anticipated reissued soul treasure from 1983 that comes on black wax as well as yellow, which is also available on Juno. It was originally written by the legendary Larry McGee and though it is over 40 years old now it is still irresistible. This track effortlessly fuses disco, UK street soul, and boogie, creating an irresistible tune suitable for both dance floors and intimate home listening sessions. Featuring lovestruck vocals, persuasive basslines, and sultry saxophone melodies, 'Space Lady' mesmerises listeners from beginning to end. Flipping over this 7" vinyl reveals an extended version crafted specifically for DJs, guaranteeing seamless transitions on the turntables. A genuine gem that continues to shine brightly, even after the passage of time.
Review: Although little known in the UK, Sicilian singer Mario Biondi has sold huge amounts of records in his native Italy. It's not surprising, really, given the quality of his Barry White-esque deep and soulful vocal style. Here he pops up on Schema, offering up the seductive, slow dance-friendly silkiness of "Never Stop Dreaming" and the warm and groovy Philly Soul revivalism "Stay With Me". That track is given the once over by fellow Italian LTJ Xperience. Interestingly, his full vocal remix is faster, warmer and looser than his normal metronomic productions, while retaining his usual DJ-friendly grooves. His soulful house style instrumental Dub is pretty darn tasty, too.
Don't You Want My Love (vocal extended mix) (7:39)
Don't You Want My Love (dub mix) (7:31)
Don't You Want My Love (The Coney Island Rhythm Band remix) (6:45)
Don't You Want My Love (Jerk Boy remix) (7:18)
Review: Tinted Records offer up the latest new single by LA-based funky pop house producer Birdee. A resident of the likes of Groove Culture and Body Heat among many other hot label names, Birdee delivers big newness on this stratospheric uplifter, replete with surrounded fingerclick claps and a serious vocal line. Three new mixes also feature, with a new dub mix on the A2, as well as a nighttime caban-bound flip by The Coney Island Rhythm Band on the B-side, as well as a closing piano weapon version by Jerk Boy.
Review: Marking 40 years since the release of Edwin Birdsong's self-titled and fourth studio album, this Philly reissue couldn't have landed at a more poignant time as the LA funkateer sadly passed away on week of release. "Cola Bottle Baby" is known to absolutely everyone thanks to Daft Punk and that refreshing fizzy groove sounds even better, freer, looser, cooler in its natural state. The lesser spotted "Freaky Deaky Sities" kicks like a loose limbed mule, too. Perhaps a riposte to Roy Ayers "Freaky Deaky" hit the year before, or just another fine trope LA's funk continuum, once again it's the cult fusioneer at his most vibrant. Rest in peace.
Review: West End Records? What's that? This is Bitter End and you're in for some lush disco rhythms with this new badboy from the imprint's mysterious movers and shakers! "Echo Loves Narcissus (part 1)" dominates the A-side with a mighty, steel-cut groove that oozes a certain 90s nostalgia without sounding stale or overworked; the tune's punchy bass-weight and cosmic melodies make for the perfect combo. On the flip, "Get The Love" takes inspiration from the 80s EBM movement while still holding down a fine-ass house groove complete with sexy vocals and warehouse bleeps for all rave purposes...
Review: This week's lesson in simple musical mathematics is demonstrated by Tensnake and Aloe Blacc. The former's inexorable rise in 2010 has perhaps been matched by the worldwide popularity of the latter's "I Need A Dollar", so getting Mr Niemerski on board to remix the track was a smart move. The end results are typically appealing, with Blacc's vocals looped brilliantly around a burning deep house arrangement that peaks in all the right places. The central energetic pulse of cavernous bass stabs and slick hi-hats are inundated by massive swathes of soaring chords as the track progresses, with the requisite breakdowns augmented by choral vocal refrains. Totally euphoric in its intentions and execution, this is bound to have devastating effects when implemented at the right time.
Review: Fresh off the heels of their fiery 'African Dubplate 12"', Disco Dub 45 returns with another scorching selection of rare and unheard disco gems. Compiled and re-edited by Black Disco Demo Club, this limited-edition release is a treasure trove for disco aficionados and DJs alike. It's a four-track journey through the diverse sounds of disco, with each cut offering a unique flavour and infectious energy. From the soulful vocals and soaring strings of 'Track 1' to the pulsating rhythms and funky basslines of 'Track 3', this compilation is a masterclass in dancefloor ecstasy. Don't miss out on this opportunity to add a piece of disco history to your collection.
Review: Black Truffle is back and serving up a delicious four-course musical meal that traverses vintage disco styles while blending in jazz-funk and Latin influences. Black Truffle has long since proven his ability to serve up fine reinterpretations of hidden 70s gems and for preserving the original essence while adding his own flair. 'Disco Meringue' kicks off this latest gem with a crisp, piano-driven Latin vibe ideal for mixing between disco, Latin and deep house. 'Drum Tartar' is a percussion-driven exploration of jazz-funk and Bossa-Nova featuring a powerful drum break. 'Consomme' then delivers a high-energy dancefloor banger with pulsing percussion, organ riffs and sax solos and finally 'Souffle' concludes with a funky big-band jazz number.
Review: A vault of formerly unreleased Don Blackman material recently surfaced via the Chicago DJ/producer/digger Marc Davis, who in recent years struck up a relationship with the children of the mysterious New York pianist and songwriter. Now this wealth of jams finally gets released: 40 years' worth of unheard Blackman - cassettes, CDs, discs, reel-to-reels, paperwork, even VHS tapes - inevitably once more reignites the obsessive fan interest in his music, which sprang from its already-mystical cult status in the rare funk and soul-digging world.
Review: The Bloto quartet recently marked their return with 'Szlam' and 'Scieki,' their first singles in over two years, released on a limited 7" vinyl via Astigmatic Records. These tracks sold out instantly, leaving fans eager for more. The band now continues their musical assault with another 7" release, featuring a remix by modern funk maestro DaM-FunK from Pasadena, California. This release serves as a prelude to their upcoming LP Grzybnia, set for an autumn 2024 release. Bloto's latest single, 'Bakteria,' draws heavily from classic acid house, offering a sinister and primitive sound that's reminiscent of the harsh resilience of bacteria. Recorded during an improvisation session at Studio Pasterka, the band has abandoned acoustic instruments in favour of synthesisers and drums, creating a raw, infectious track. DaM-FunK's remix, 'Bakteria Re-Freak,' transforms the original's dark atmosphere into a vibrant G-Funk track, filled with sunny synths and a drum machine beat. It evokes a biopharmaceutical bacterium leisurely moving through the streets of Los Angeles, blending warmth with a hint of danger. This release not only boasts Bloto's innovative spirit but also highlights DaM-FunK's ability to reimagine and elevate the original material.
Review: Blue Feather were a truly blue-eyed funk outfit from the Netherlands who had a prolific run in the 80s with two albums and a string of club singles to their name. "Let's Funk Tonight" was surely one of their bigger hits, and it sounds resplendent with a fresh master and the full extended version spread out across the A side here. Offering something new for the modern market, Best call upon Faze Action to flesh out this reissue with a killer dub of the track that treads softly but funks deep, just like a good dub should.
Turn Me Loose/My Design (extended version) (13:58)
Turn Me Loose (Sirs cut) (10:32)
Review: Best Records present another deep cover jam Balearic diggers will rejoice at being able to lay their hands on. Blue Night was the brainchild of Peter Miconi, who created "Turn Me Loose" in 1983. All the elements are present here, from the aching blue-eyed soul vocals to rich guitar solos and an irrepressible funk bedded down in the groove, here stretching out for a full 14 minutes of pure sunkissed bliss. On the flip, SIRS takes a careful run at the original that simply reframes the elements with a more pronounced rhythm section - this is someone who knows exactly what the track needs and declines to change anything for the sake of it. Classy stuff, as you would expect from a reissue on Best Records.
Review: Classic disco re-issue! A couple of nice Miami disco numbers from Jimmy Bo Horne, getting on the spankwagon on the A-side with a pumping club track, but not letting up on the flip either, another crisp number guaranteed to keep the disco burning!
Review: Kalita Records have secured rights to a first ever reissue of Wilson Boateng's 'Asew Watchman' and 'Mabre Agu' tunes as well as serving up two new extended mixes from Amsterdam-based producer and DJ Mendel for more useful dance floor deployment. Originally privately released in a small run by Wilson himself, these sought after highlife tunes were recorded in London and put out in 1988 and have been pretty much impossible to find ever since. They are phenomenally upbeat and feel good sounds with plenty of highlife melodies, lush synthesizers, disco and boogie beats finished in a truly authentic Ghanian style.
Let's Start To Dance Again (Dimitri From Paris remix extended version) (6:42)
Let's Start To Dance Again (Dimitri From Paris remix Super Disco Blend) (8:12)
Let's Start To Dance Again (7:37)
Let's Start To Dance (part II) (6:41)
Review: Bohannon's biggest dancefloor hit, 'Let's Start II Dance Again', has been remixed umpteen times over the years, with several reworks of the slamming disco-funk classic released in the early-to-mid-1980s. Here it gets another new lease of life as part of Unidisc's 40th anniversary celebrations, with disco remix maestro Dimitri From Paris at the controls. The Frenchman delivers two tasteful, club-ready tweaks: an 'Extended Remix' that wisely utilises all of the familiar elements of Bohannon's original, while subtly beefing up the beats and adding a few drops and breakdowns, and an even longer, more dubbed-out 'Super Disco Blend' revision. Over on the flip there's a chance to enjoy Bohannon's original version and the raw and heavy 'Part 2' mix from 1981 album Alive.
Review: A while back, Africaine 808's DJ Nomad contacted Favorite Recordings' chief Pascal Rioux about a killer track he'd been given some years back - an obscure, previously CD-R only fusion of modern Gwo-ka and Zouk by Esnard Boisdur entitled "Mizik Bel". Rioux was excited by what he heard and agreed that the track should come out on vinyl, accompanied by a fresh rework by Nomad and Dirk Leyers as Africaine 808. Boisdur's original version (side A) is rhythmically dense but also cheery and life affirming, with celebratory chorus vocals and 80s zouk style synth lines subtly rising above a busy, all-action groove. Arguably even better is the sub-heavy Africaine 808 mix, which brilliantly re-imagines the track as a tasty chunk of tropical house/disco-zouk fusion.
You Could Be More As You Are (Super Disco mix) (5:07)
You Could Be More As You Are (Bleep mix) (2:59)
Review: For the unaware, Saada Bonaire's 1984 gem 'You Could Be More As You Are' is the very definition of a cult classic. Known for offering a chugging blend of new wave, leftfield synth-pop and post-disco dancefloor nous, it was produced by an obscure German DJ and fronted by two female vocalists. Those singers have now joined forces with producers Jens Mahlstedt and Ralph 'von' Richthoven to deliver a 2025 remake. It's presented in two distinctively different forms. On the A-side, we get the 'Super Disco Mix', a driving, bass guitar-driven affair that mixes replayed elements of the 1984 original (including some of the spellbinding synths) with clipped disco guitars and freshly recorded vocals. The flipside 'Bleep Mix' is not an early Warp style re-build, but in fact a slightly more electronic-sounding dub disco version.
Review: It's a sizzling seven up for Moiss Music here as they draw together four different artists to offer up one cut each for this new various artists collection. Boogietraxx goes heavy on the filter vibes on 'S N T' which is French touch disco-house of the highest order. Kellit's 'Pryscoks Sockin Socks' is all about sultry sax lines and loose-limbed disco house beats while C Da Afro gets heads up with the streaming sunshine synths of 'Don't Be Quiet.' Groovemasta shut down with the funky Afro-disco stylings of 'Gonna Make U Rock.'
Review: Border Edits 02 delivers four distinctive disco edits that blend groove, funk, and boogie into one irresistible package. Side-1 kicks off with 'Love Excess,' a track that strikes a perfect balance between a smooth disco groove and a hefty dose of funk. It's a sweet opener that sets the tone for the record. Next, 'Triple Boogie' serves up a disco boogie builder with a bassline that will feel familiar to many. It reinterprets the original into a jam that invites you to "listen to the music and let your body move." On Side-2, 'Supafunky' lives up to its name as an anthem for getting down, packed with funky rhythms that are impossible to resist. Finally, 'Wordoutro' closes the record with a drum break that's tailor-made for DJs and dancers, providing the perfect backdrop for creative mixes and energetic dance floors. This is a versatile and funky collection of edits that will keep any disco lover moving.
Review: Over the past decade, Cory Champion has navigated multiple musical dimensions. As a composer, drummer, and bandleader, he has led the Clear Path Ensemble through two albums of celestial, dance-infused jazz under Cosmic Compositions and Soundway Records. Simultaneously, as Borrowed CS, he has crafted dubby techno, minimal electro, and soulful jazzy house. His second Borrowed CS release, Rise n Shine via Planet Trip Records, expands on his "Mystic Shuffle" sound and is a brilliant new blend of futurist machine funk, post-disco, and future soul with some fine features from the one and only Steve Spacek and smooth crooner Mara TK who help deliver grooves that shimmer and snap with rhythmic precision.
Review: Former Whiskey Barons man Bosq has enjoyed a long working relationship with Nigeria-based, Benin-born guitarist and vocalist Kaleta. We make this the pair's eleventh collaborative single in the last decade and, as with their previous outings, it trumphantly blurs the boundaries between Afro-disco, Afro-beat and Afro-funk. On side A you'll find vocal and instrumental takes on 'Meji Meji, a pleasingly live-sounding affair full of rubbery bass guitar, righteous horns, infectious drums and Kaleta's evocative guitar licks. Over on the flip, they opt for even heavier, life-affirming horn motifs, Afro-disco grooves and more sun-splashed Afro-funk guitars on vocal and instrumental versions of the similarly inspired 'Sonayon'.
Review: French producer Antoine Bourachot returns with his third release, delivering a trio of original tracks that blend his sharp ear for melody with a clear affection for groove-driven pop and club sounds. The warm, percussive edge of his productions hint at late-night sets and sunlit afterhours, bringing a jaunty mutant disco. Myd, Diogo Strausz and Art of Tones each offer their own take on the material, turning in remixes that stretch from laid-back funk touches to punchier zoomings into the floor. Bourachot's ability to sit comfortably between radio-friendly hooks and crate-digging sensibility makes this a record with plenty of replay value, balancing polish and playfulness in equal measure.
Review: Berlin's renowned Iptamenos Discos its back with more great musical enchant in the form of this new white vinyl 12" in hand-numbered hand-stamped sleeve from Boys' Shorts. This dynamic queer duo comes from Greece and is made up of Vangelis (formerly of LAGASTA) and London-based Tareq. Their Something To Forget EP is a dazzling mix of disco with a whole world of subtle influences from other genres. Two originals come accompanied by innovative remixes from Gabe Gurnsey and Whitesquare to make this an effective outing that will likely win Boys' Shorts many new followers.
Anybody Out There (feat Bembe Segue & Vanessa Freeman) (3:09)
Little Did I Know (instrumental) (4:38)
Find The Beauty (feat Paul Randolph) (3:58)
I See You (instrumental) (5:38)
Little Did I Know (Domu's Keep Bouncin' mix) (5:19)
Together (instrumental) (3:51)
Working On It (instrumental) (4:26)
Review: Bread & Souls is a new project dreamt up by Italian entrepreneur and music lover Franco Fusari. For this he invited Mark de Clive-Lowe to direct and produce his roving vision: a series of collaborations with the cream of boogie and jazzdance's best performers and instrumentalists, including the likes of Bembe Segue, Vanessa Freeman, Paul Randolph, Rich Medina, Tommaso Cappellato and more. Under the banner of Bread & Souls, these eight originals and six remixes hit hard yet smooth, sliding down the proverbial aural gullet like a well-made Manhattan.
Review: "Breakbeat" means many different things to many different people; perhaps among Juno's customers, the term signifies hard-edged apocalpytic bangouts against judderingly dark soundscapes, completely missing the trick of the fact that its earliest form was a kind of hip-hop that simply emphasised the funk backbeat as a central part. The Breakbeat Junkie are more than worthy reps of the latter category; they here bring the whopping 14th instalment of their Toxic Funk series to the fore, with two funky cuts from the beat master The Breakbeat Junkie himself.
Review: As part of this year's Record Store Day festivities, Arista have got a real treat for fans of modern soul and disco. The A-side features a Mike Maurro remix of Breakwater's 'No Limit', a groovy and funky tune from their debut album. Maurro adds his signature touch of extending and enhancing the original elements, creating a dancefloor-friendly version that respects the original. The B-side features the rare 12" version, which showcases the band's tight musicianship and vocal harmonies. This record is a collector's item and a tribute to a classic song.
Mark Brickman & Yam Who? - "Shined On Me" (feat Venessa Jackson) (7:30)
Wayfaring Strangers - "Get Your House In Order" (6:12)
Platinum City - "Holy Spirit" (7:35)
Yam Who? & Brian Lucas - "Yah Mo B There" (6:16)
Review: House music's roots are in the church and this new a celebratory various artist collection pays homage to that. The grooves are laced with soulful vocals, churchy chords and big strings that make for grand architecture and grander feelings of joy. Mark Brickman & Yam Who? open with a vocal gem that cannot help but bring a smile, while Wayfaring Strangers pump it up a little more with some funky disco house before Platinum City get you locked in a nice loose, long legged groove that is resplendent with lush keys and big vocal turns. 'Yah Mo B There' has an irresistible 80s vibe and big sing along choruses that will get hairs standing on end.
Review: North Carolina's Brief Encounter were one of the bands to define the 70's US soul sound but, unlike many of their peers, the group remained in the sights of crate diggers and specialists, straying away from significant commercial success. This particular single, for instance, wasn't even released officially and has remained the stuff of legends until now, so it's thanks to the reliable Athens Of The North that we're able to give it a spin on our turntables. Put simply, "Where Will I Go" and "Always" are two unmissable soul ballads that are simply impossible not to appreciate and get excited by - they encapsulate a particular note of optimism and romance that represented the 1970s in America, taking us on a journey into the past. Don't miss it!
Review: North Carolina outfit Brief Encounter have long been a cult band amongst funk, soul and disco collectors, leading to reissues of both of their albums (1977's Introducing... The Brief Encounter and 1981's We Want To Play). Here Expansion Records continues the trend of delving deep into their catalogue by offering a new edition of 1976 single 'What About Love'. The title track is undeniably excellent - a sweet, funky and attractive chunk of disco-era dancefloor soul just dripping with emotion. Over on the flip you'll find original B-side 'Get Right Down and Do It', a heavier slab of horn-toting disco-funk pleasure that boasts a seriously addictive bassline and some surprisingly surprising synthesizer flourishes.
Review: James Alexander Bright's new sinle, Cool Cool, is a sonic kaleidoscope brimming with vibrant sounds and deep emotion. Bright's distinctive voice, reminiscent of Eddie Chacon, Beck or Michael McDonald, shines throughout. His multi-instrumental prowessiplaying guitar, bass, keys, and moreiadds layers of complexity to the record. Cool Cool illustrates Bright's evolving sound and unwavering creativity, making it a compelling addition to his diverse discography. The 'ECLA Beautiful dub' adds a great alternative version that provides a broken down moody version of the original to balance the 7". Both sides are excellent.
Review: British multi-hyphenate James Alexander Bright is soon to return with his third album and ahead of that you can get a taste of what to expect in the form of this irresistible electro-boogie banger. 'Straight Line', says Borght, "started out as a wonky homage to 80s & 90s radio" and is "based on the memory of meeting someone you want to stay up all night listening to music with". His voice takes the lead with LinnDrum beats and wispy synths, lithe pads and a slapping bassline. It's sultry, steamy and sure to get temperatures rising. 'Oh My' is a superb jazz-funk workout in a late-night Theo Parrish style.
Review: This is an new EP in a series of edits that takes four obscure gems from the world of disco and flips them into absolute bangers for Das who want to make an impact. 'Maledetta Panna' is retro-future 80s pop and disco with cold analogue drums, then 'Voglio Panna' brings some loose-limbed percussive and funky vibes, 'Ancora Panna' has an Afro feel next to some lush little melodic sequences and smeared, widescreen chords. 'Tanta Panna' closes with some well known chords from Gloria Estefan with all new and impactful drums.
Review: Boston's Cultures Of Soul present some edits here of underrated Belizean artist Bredda "David" Obi whose musical style known as "Kungo Muzik" mixes key flavours from his home with reggae and calypso to rock and funk to formulate a modern tropical style. Years later, DJs and record collectors found his music in basements of record stores in Los Angeles and Brooklyn - some of which are featured here. Sol Power All-Stars will get you stoned into the groove with their acid-inflected rework of "Dancin'", L.A.'s DJ Duckcomb works the original's lo-slung dub influence on "Experience" while the ever reliable Justin Van Der Volgen similarly accentuates the reggae swagger of "Sunshine". A tribute to a legend!
Review: Hot on the heels of last year's Athens Of The North excavation comes this seminal slice of proto boogie from Aaron Broomfield as he was just on the brink of leaving Broomfield Corporate Jam to set himself up solo. Never before released (only two test presses were made, and one of them was damaged in a fire), both the slower, more seductive demo and the sprightly, slap bass popping final version capture a pivotal moment in Broomfield's career and a golden time in post disco funk and boogie. Just as the title suggests; you'll keep coming back to this one over and over again.
Review: The relentless Athens Of The North is having a busy month even by its own high standards. February alone has at least three new 45rpms dropping and this might be the best: Homegrown Syndrome were a band that ended up in LA but giggled all round Memphis. Some members had played with an earlier band but they all came good on these previously unleashed tunes that have been found in the attic of Jerry Jones. 'Got The Love' is a chunky funky stepper with swirling synths and disco energy. 'Party Vibes' then takes off once more on hip swig claps, big arching chords and strident drums.
Review: Washington DC group Chuck Brown & The Soul Searchers have got a real belting Latin tune on their hands here with 'Berro e Sombaro'. It's a tune that has been sampled many times over the years though you will be hard-pushed to find an original version anywhere. It was originally the last tune on Chuck's Bustin Loose album from 1979 and soon became a go-to funk track with a big impact that also saw it make a mark on the 80s rare groove scene. On the flipside here is an exclusive 7" edit of 'Never Gonna Give You Up', which was composed by Gamble & Huff composed and has never been on 45 rpm before.
James Brown - "Funky Men" (Dimitri From Paris Special version) (6:13)
The JB's - "Just Wanna Make You Dance" (feat Maxxi - Dimitri From Paris Special version) (6:48)
Review: Dimitri From Paris returns with a fresh installment of his celebrated DFP Vaults series, highlighting deep cuts that reinforce his status as a top-tier remixer, DJ, and a true connoisseur of dance music's hidden gems. This release holds particular significance for Dimitri, as it pays homage to the legendary James Brown, a figure whose influence in music is beyond measure. The release features Dimitri's 'Special Version' of 'Funky Men,' a track from James Brown's Soul Syndrome. Originally overlooked by Dimitri in 1981, it now shines with a unique disco beat that he's reimagined using both vintage and modern editing techniques. The track has already proven its power on the dance floor. On the flip side, Dimitri revisits 'Just Wanna Make You Dance' by The J.B.'s, featuring Maxxi. This rare disco track, with its Caribbean flair, gets Dimitri's expert touch, enhancing its dancefloor appeal. DFP Vaults, the sister label to Le-Edits Records, presents this release with meticulous attention to detail, featuring state-of-the-art mastering and vintage-inspired packaging.
I'm Caught Up (In A One Night Love Affair) (John Morales M+M main mix) (8:06)
I'm Caught Up (In A One Night Love Affair) (John Morales M+M mix edit) (4:16)
I'm Caught Up (In A One Night Love Affair) (John Morales M+M Classic club) (7:59)
I'm Caught Up (In A One Night Love Affair) (John Morales M+M instrumental mix) (7:50)
Review: Inner Life's 'I'm Caught Up (In A One Night Love Affair)' released in 1979 is a quintessential disco anthem that captures the exuberance and allure of the era. Jocelyn Brown's powerful vocals deliver a story of fleeting romance, seamlessly intertwining with lush orchestrations and a driving rhythm section that still get people up and dancing all these decades on. The track's infectious groove, memorable hooks, and lavish production epitomise the magic of late-70s dancefloors which is it why it is such a staple in both nostalgic disco sets and modern dance compilations. This reissue offers up four different versions by the great remix king John Morales.
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.
Bruise - "When Pianos Attack" (The Reflex Revision) (8:09)
Lou Hayter - "Time Out Of Mind" (The Reflex dubavision) (6:01)
Lou Hayter - "Time Out Of Mind" (The Reflex Revision) (6:17)
Review: Discolidays kicks off its third release with this spicy little joint from The Reflex, the remixer par excellence who is given two juicy tracks to get busy with. On the A-side it's Bruise's 2022 track 'When Pianos Attack' which is being tweaked and pumped for maximum impact, while on the flip Lou Hayter gets the executive treatment via some seriously sophisticated disco house flexing from an expert in the field. With dub and full-fat versions to sink your teeth into, there's plenty of potency in this record to keep your party primed.
Review: Serious deep house heads take note, this is a superb new EP that instantly fits in with your favourite classics by the likes of Moodymann and Theo Parrish. It comes from Dean Bryce, one of London's best-kept secrets, and he delivers his signature touch on this latest release for Extra Soul Perception. Known as the founder of Technicolour Records-home to early releases from Peggy Gou, Actress, and the breakout Barry Can't Swim-Dean has a reputation that speaks for itself. This record sees him tapping into his re-edit collection to bring us three timeless tracks. The much-loved 'H.E.R.' makes a triumphant return next to two gems 'TEAZE' and 'Winner' on the flip side. Crucial.
BT (Brenda Taylor) - "You Can't Have Your Cake & Eat It Too" (Greg Wilson edit) (9:08)
Forrrce - "Keep On Dubbin'" (Greg Wilson edit) (5:17)
Raw Silk - "Do It To The Music" (Greg Wilson edit) (6:37)
Shirley Lites - "Heat You Up" (Melt Down mix - Greg Wilson edit) (7:19)
Review: West End's double-pack re-edit series continues, with long-standing UK electrofunk hero and scalpel rework specialist Greg Wilson sharing a quartet of revisions. There are airings for two of Wilson's most sought-after scalpel works from the "Credit To The Edit" series - superb versions of Brenda Taylor's "You Can't Have Your Cake and Eat It Too" and Raw Silk's "Do It To The Music" - as well as a couple of previously heard rearrangements that are on-point as per usual. Wilson first adds even more mind-altering delays and low-slung dub disco flavour to Forrrce's "Keep On Dubbin'", before superbly stretching out the mostly instrumental "Melt Down Mix" of Shirley Lites' synth-laden peak-time classic "Heat You Up".
Lady Bug (John Morales & Frank Of Sunshine Sound mix) (9:54)
Lady Bug (Larry Levan mix) (6:42)
Review: With its eccentric, helium-fuelled vocals, insatiable bassline, bold pianos and swirling strings, Bumblebee Unlimited's "Lady Bug" remains one of Patrick Adams and Greg Carmichael's greatest productions. This special reissue ignores the duo's original 1978 mixes, instead showcasing the '79 reworks released on RCA. On the A-side you'll find John Morales and Frank "Sunshine Sound" Trimarco's peerless, 10-minute "Disco Mix"- a rework that successfully showcases each individual musical element contained within Adams and Carmichael's similarly epic original production. On the flip, you'll find the lesser-celebrated but equally memorable Larry Levan remix, in which the legendary Paradise Garage resident wisely put more emphasis on the heavyweight bassline and relentless disco drums.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.