Elvira Voca - "Drugo Vrijeme (The Second Time)" (3:46)
Opatijski Suveniri - "Vamos A La Playa" (3:28)
Roman Butina - "I'm Gonna Get Your Love" (3:52)
Review: This limited gatefold edition compilation, curated by Leri Ahel & Zeljko Luketic, brings together 18 rare disco tracks from Yugoslavian artists, pressed on 2 x vinyl. Featuring the likes of KIM Band, Gabi Novak, Arian, Ljupka Dimitrovska, and more, the collection is sourced from original master tapes, ensuring pristine audio quality. Disco, a Trojan horse in Yugoslavia's pop music scene, thrived for an unexpectedly long time. Influenced by American and European disco acts like Boney M and Amanda Lear, Yugoslav producers and record companies like Jugoton and PGP RTB embraced the genre's vibrant energy. The scene fostered a unique blend of genre hybrids, electronic experimentation, and bold themes, with artists creating memorable and innovative disco music. This compilation captures the spirit of that era, shows both chart-toppers like Zdravko Colic and experimental gems. It highlights the creativity and freedom that disco provided, allowing musicians to push boundaries and deliver unforgettable tunes.
Review: This is a full artwork version of the same release that dropped recently as a pre-release white label, so will look as good on the shelves as it sounds on the decks. DJ Dez Andres has been particularly productive of late after releasing a series of" records that showcase his signature edits. The collection includes 'Boogie,' a broken beat banger featuring a catchy whistle, followed by 'Maxin',' a sensuous, downtempo track with smooth pads and laid-back beats. The final track, 'Talking,' wraps things up with soulful vocals and a romantic, late-night vibe.
Review: When Danilo 'MCDE' Plessow and Bobby van Putten established their Space Grapes label last year, it was their stated intention to present 'the best in contemporary live dance music'. What they meant, we suspect, was releases like this debut album from van Putten's Another Taste combo - a four-piece whose colourful and sonically authentic sound rooted in boogie, 80s electrofunk and obscure, private press disco. The results are undeniably impressive, sounding something like a long-lost album from 1983 - complete with kaleidoscopic synths, soulful vocals and killer basslines - of the kind that dusty-fingered crate diggers consider a 'holy grail'. Highlights include the Plessow co-produced boogie brilliance of 'Anything You Want' and the funky bassline driven mid-tempo disco-soul of 'Time Is On My Side'.
Patrick Jahn & Erobique - "Moonlight Shuffle" (7:29)
Ikee Largo - "After The Storm" (4:21)
Review: Blissful Balearic brimmers from the artist known only as Basso, whose longstanding efforts as a record collector, label head, storyteller and all-round obsessive all pay off with this latest record via International Feel. Keeping the curation short and sweet, Sitting In Trees is an eight-track rendezvous to the Island; it follows, in a well-timed fashion, on the hot heels of his very own label Growing Bin, whose releasing of music in this vein knows few bounds and is by now probably more than overflowing. Sifting through the reams of dusty but still golden trance tapes, private presses and smooth jazz obscurios to find the cuts - by Peak Of Normal, Patrick Jahn, Erobique et al - to make up this short but sweet LP's worth.
Review: Described in the accompanying press release as "the halfway point between Bollywood and Balearic", Rupa Biswas' 1982 debut "Disco Jazz" has long been a favourite of dusty-fingered diggers with a healthy bank balance and a penchant for the quirky. All four tracks are cheery, charming and superior to many "Bollywood disco" records produced in the same period. The sunny disco-boogie of "Moja Bhari Moja" is followed on side A by the delightfully eccentric, bass-powered AOR-disco/funk-rock fusion of "East West Shuffle" and the effortlessly Balearic cheeriness of "Aaj Shanibar". Best of all, though, is the exotic and intoxicating flipside cut "Ayee Morshume Be-Reham Duniya" which expertly joins the dots between cosmic rock and Balearic disco grooves for 16 spellbinding minutes.
Review: Smutty Edits is the brainchild of Jeroen Van der Smut, a music aficionado who - it is said, after indulging in kilos of Gouda cheese, chips with mayo and pancakes - left Amsterdam over thirty years ago for Anjuna Beach in India. It's a tale as old as time; a chosen dance adventurist leaves behind their quotidian European origin, in search of joys beyond the curtain of the east. Settling into the worlds of Goa trance and other adjacent electronic musics, Smut began to soak in their potents; and now, after years of surveying and reconnaissance, comes a true special ops mission: the 'Smutty Edits Series'. This first edition is a charming mix of rough-n'-tumble new beat, Balearic house ('Neukolln Riviera'), phosphorescent trance (the Board In Dust edit of 'Penkin Vogue House' is a real highlight) and minimal house come chillout, there are few vestiges of Goa here, though the record still betrays a worldly, lifelong globetrot's worth of accruing musical experiences and influences.
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 Specialize In Love (Le Disco instrumental mix) (6:27)
Review: Sharon Brown's 'I Specialize In Love' hit the dancefloors hard when it dropped in March 1982, becoming an essential anthem of the early 80s club scene. Released on New York's Profile Records, it didn't take long for the track to catch fire. The song, which was Brown's debut, was produced by Eddie O'Loughliniwho later went on to found Next Plateau, a label that would become a key player in the world of club music. Brown, whose uncle is the legendary songwriter Phil Medley, delivered a track that dominated dance charts for weeks, holding onto the number two spot on the US Hot Dance Club Play chart for three weeks straight. 'I Specialize In Love' wasn't just a local hitiit became a global sensation, charting in the UK and making its way into the Dutch Top 15, proving its international appeal. Over time, the track has seen various reworks, with the 90s seeing Ben Liebrand putting his spin on it through his Classic Rework and a DJ Mix that kept the original's essence but brought it up to date for a new generation of clubbers. Now, with the release of the Ben Liebrand Le Disco Mixes, the track gets yet another revival. From the opening filtered kick drum to the irresistible bassline, this mix is a party-starter of the highest order, designed to set the dancefloor alight. Six and a half minutes of pure disco bliss, this mix takes the original's infectious energy and dials it up, giving today's dancers exactly what they needia no-nonsense, funk-fuelled groove that nods to its roots while keeping things fresh for modern ears. It's a masterclass in how to take a classic and reimagine it without losing the magic that made it a hit in the first place.
Review: Max Buchalik invites you to a Higher State with this new EP which builds on his love of 80s but with a new and sophisticated edge. He brings a great love of the dance floor to these cuts as well as mastery of his synths. 'Higher State' is perfectly hi-nrg and camp with its shiny arps and lush synths all brings to mind the likes of Bronski Beat. The Venice Arms remix brings much more edgy rhythm work and crisp snares and stabs. 'Midnight Passion' then gets back to hands in the air, rushes of E, synth laden retro nu-disco brilliance and a Fabrizio Mammarella remix then layers in some more ice-cold hits and Kraftwerikan synth flashes.
Review: The Off The Radar label very much got itself on the radar with its first offering of timeless edits. After that Brazilian focussed 12" comes a hand-stamped slab of wax with an Afro and funk twist. It is again by label heads Biga and Mirko Casalini 'Freaky' gets things underway with a strident groove and big bass licks topped with some sumptuous strings. 'Uptown' brings dazzling disco grooves and big synth energy under a lush vocal while 'Afrikasem' takes you to the Southern hemisphere in an instant with its Afro percussion and big beat brilliance. 'Stop' is another fine fusion of worldwide disco sounds.
Review: Priscilla Chan's critical Cantopop stylings return to the fore with a brilliant reissued EP through German label Thank You. It's proven admittedly impossible to track down any info on the motive for this one, save for its faithful unearthing of Chan's 1998 classic 'African Dance', which fuses the lively call-and-responsive musical motifs heard on the Continent with the dance-pop sensibility of her very own. Thereafter come three much more balladic bowl-overs, which reach their zenith on the unnamed 'Track 4', an incredible instrumental production that pits an undeniably eighties instrumental palette against a frankly heartfelt piano line.
Review: COEO returns to Toy Tonics with a stellar EP that celebrates a decade of collaboration with the label. This marks their tenth release with Toy Tonics, and it's a true testament to their influence on the imprint's sound. The German duo has been pivotal in shaping Toy Tonics' house vibes, and they continue to play a significant role in the label's global events. In this new EP, COEO dives deeper into the realms of Italo and Piano House, delivering a contemporary yet timeless collection of tracks. The lead track, 'Nostalgia,' is a tribute to the countless intimate and euphoric moments shared with music lovers worldwide, characterised by infectious piano chord drops and sing-along horn and synth melodies. 'Breeze' elevates the energy, blending funky bass guitar with progressive house elements, evoking memories of carefree adventures and special moments. On Side-2, 'Meet Me at the Cascades' captivates with its hypnotic Italo house influence, unfolding dreamy synth pads and arpeggios that transport listeners to a safe, serene retreat. The EP also includes a remix of 'Nostalgia' by Stump Valley, adding a unique piano solo that beautifully closes this unforgettable release.
Review: Aussie mash-up maestro and re-editor DJ Agent '86 first made his mark two decades ago and has periodically delivered killer cuts ever since. Of those, the most celebrated is undoubtedly 'All About The Money' - a cannily constructed party jam that first dropped digitally at the tail end of the noughties. Here it finally makes it to wax. It's a simple idea, expertly executed, with the Australian producer peppering a jaunty reggae-disco groove (built mostly from a late 70s disco cover of Pink Floyd's 'Money') with a variety of cash-money related rap samples. Over on the B-side he works his magic on Blondie classic 'Rapture', adding in subtle elements from other cuts early on before building energy via the familiar groove and well-used effects.
Review: Andy Smith's Reach Up - Disco Wonderland Vol. 3 continues his exploration of the "Discosphere" with 16 more and one again carefully curated tracks. Featuring artists like Buscrates, Trailer Limon, and Rena Scott, the compilation also includes stellar edits and remixes by Full Intention, Yam Who, and Skratch Bastid. Initially curated during pandemic lockdowns and inspired by virtual DJ sets, Andy continues to share his superb collection via the legendary BBE Music label and once again this triple vinyl LP offers a treat for DJs, collectors and audiophiles alike.
Review: This month, Sonic Wax has started a new sub-label, Disco Edits, to deal with just that. The first one was a stunner, and this second one is another essential weapon for DJs who work in the worlds of funk and disco. It finds the dream team pairing of Matt Early and Lee Jefferies once again cooking up a storm as they remix 'Rocking Me In Your Arms' into a sensuous groove with a knitted, funky bassline that loops tightly under the sing-along chorus. The Disco Dust mix of 'Knowledge & Love' is a little more paired back and deeper but still has a high funk level and timeless charm.
Review: Anyone who loves their disco will no doubt already be familiar with Italian digger extraordinaire Fab Mayday. He has been searching in his vaults once more and now offers up another three gems that come on a limited edition, one-time-only pressing via Violette Szabo. 'Prega' opens with some big guitar licks and thumping disco drums that come alive with some classic chords. 'Eva' is a serene sound powered by big, airy strings and strident drum grooves. Last but not let's is 'Aiuto' which is a slower and heavy dub disco jam with exotic vocals and mystic melodies.
Review: Sonic Wax sure is on fire right now. The label has dropped a clutch of brilliantly well sought-out one-sided and limited 7" jams that are the sort of treasure you want to keep to yourself and then drop at exactly the right moment to make sure they make the most impact on the right people. This one from Friendz is a three-and-a-half-minute soul delight with rawness in the vocals, but warmth in the musicianship and funky drums. It's the sort of universal crowd-pleaser that is perfect for end-of-the-night fun.
Review: GAEG is the production pair of Tokyo's Monkey Timers and Okayama's Keita Sano and now they present a heavyweight release on Sound of Vast. The EP opens with 'Jack' with its powerful bassline, sharp synths and ACID voices from Ron Hardy's Jackmaster Hater tapes. 'Yamato' follows with percussion inspired by Curt Cress' 80s jazz-rock drumming, while 'Central' reimagines The S.O.S. Band's funky bassline with roaring guitars and cosmic synths. Blending disco, krautrock and Chicago house influences, the EP showcases Monkey Timers' club music expertise alongside Keita Sano's experimental, leftfield production style.
Leo Basel - "Quelle Drole De Vie" (Nick The Record & Dan Tyler rework) (7:31)
Love Isaacs - "Surprise Surprise" (Joao Gomes & Dan Tyler Are Predictably Delayed rework) (5:43)
Rick Asikpo & Afro Fusion - "Let's Get High" (Nick The Record re-edit) (12:36)
Review: As Tangent, one of London's cherished underground institutions, marks a decade of unforgettable nights, it does so with a meticulously curated compilation on Mr Bongo. The new release is more than a celebratory gesture; it's a sonic anthology reflecting the essence of a decade spent at the heart of the city's underground scene. Curated by Tangent's own John Gomez and Nick the Record, the compilation presents a blend of rare and dancefloor-ready tracks that have defined their parties over the years. This isn't merely a collection of past hits; it's a celebration of the edits that transformed these tracks into Tangent anthems. Alongside remastered reissues, the CD edition includes three exceptional edits by Nick, John, and Dan Tyler of the Idjut Boys, each crafted with the kind of attention to detail that only years of club experience can bring. Nick's collaboration with Dan Tyler on Leo Basel's 'Quelle Drole De Vie' breathes new life into a 1987 remix, honing in on the standout elements of the original. The result is a vibrant, French boogie-infused track that promises to elevate any dancefloor. John and Dan's rework of Love Isaacs' 'Surprise Surprise' offers a cosmic twist on 80s electro-funk, extending the grooves and adding a highlife touch that enhances the track's dancefloor potential. The compilation's crowning piece is Nick's edit of Rick Asikpo and Afro Fusion's 'Let's Get High'. This 12-minute reimagining takes the energetic climax of the original and expands it into a frenetic, cosmic journey, showcasing synthesised jazz-funk in its most exhilarating form. This release is not just about revisiting old favourites; it's about acknowledging the transformative power of edits and the unique role Tangent has played in shaping London's underground music scene over the past decade.
B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition
Leo Basel - "Quelle Drole De Vie" (Nick The Record & Dan Tyler rework) (7:31)
Love Isaacs - "Surprise Surprise" (Joao Gomes & Dan Tyler Are Predictably Delayed rework) (5:43)
Rick Asikpo & Afro Fusion - "Let's Get High" (Nick The Record re-edit) (12:36)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***
As Tangent, one of London's cherished underground institutions, marks a decade of unforgettable nights, it does so with a meticulously curated compilation on Mr Bongo. The new release is more than a celebratory gesture; it's a sonic anthology reflecting the essence of a decade spent at the heart of the city's underground scene. Curated by Tangent's own John Gomez and Nick the Record, the compilation presents a blend of rare and dancefloor-ready tracks that have defined their parties over the years. This isn't merely a collection of past hits; it's a celebration of the edits that transformed these tracks into Tangent anthems. Alongside remastered reissues, the CD edition includes three exceptional edits by Nick, John, and Dan Tyler of the Idjut Boys, each crafted with the kind of attention to detail that only years of club experience can bring. Nick's collaboration with Dan Tyler on Leo Basel's 'Quelle Drole De Vie' breathes new life into a 1987 remix, honing in on the standout elements of the original. The result is a vibrant, French boogie-infused track that promises to elevate any dancefloor. John and Dan's rework of Love Isaacs' 'Surprise Surprise' offers a cosmic twist on 80s electro-funk, extending the grooves and adding a highlife touch that enhances the track's dancefloor potential. The compilation's crowning piece is Nick's edit of Rick Asikpo and Afro Fusion's 'Let's Get High'. This 12-minute reimagining takes the energetic climax of the original and expands it into a frenetic, cosmic journey, showcasing synthesised jazz-funk in its most exhilarating form. This release is not just about revisiting old favourites; it's about acknowledging the transformative power of edits and the unique role Tangent has played in shaping London's underground music scene over the past decade.
Review: Vega Records finally drops this EP from Honeysweet having teased tunes from it on the Vega Records 5 Pack Unreleased III. It's a superb house offering with lashings of soulful groovers, all produced by Josh Milan. First out of the blocks is 'Last Night Changed It All' featuring Lawrence Clark on sax. It's a jam that will pack out the floor but brims with real musicality from the magical Rhodes, picked bass guitar, rhythm guitar and drums. 'Crazy' is a more raw, textured percussive sound but then come plenty more feel-good grooves for sun-kissed dance floors such as 'Being Free.'
Review: Way back in 1982, a disparate group of Italian musicians gathered under the supervision of producers Donan, Tam and Orealbo to make some instrumental music inspired by different countries and continents. The resultant self-titled set, credited to Joker, has long been a sought-after set amongst Italo-disco collectors and those that sway to the Balearic beat. In truth, it's sometimes hard to hear the specific influences from the places sonically celebrated, but the music - a mix of bold Italo-disco synths, squelchy electrofunk sounds, disco drums, dreamy chords, nods to jazz-funk and splashes of aural colour - is attractive, enjoyable, funky, eccentric and genuinely beguiling.
Review: Stimulator Jones is back with a fresh release on Tim Zawada's Star Creature label, this time dropping a 7" via the Tugboat Editions imprint. Ben White's modern soul gem gets a full cover treatment, bringing those retro vibes into the present day with a crisp, updated sound perfect for today's systems. Moving in a new direction from his Stimulator Tracks 12" series, this collaboration between Virginia and Chicago takes on the rare-groove and boogie sound that's been dominating Zawada's DJ sets for over a decade. Known for his versatility, Stimulator Jones has already shown he can handle everything from hip-hop and r&b to deep house and acid. Now, with this release, he's adding another layer to his ever-growing repertoire. With previous stints on LA's Stones Throw, Craigie Knowes, and Mutual Intentions, Jones' partnership with Star Creature is a fresh chapter that's sure to hit hard on the underground scene.
Donny McCullough - "From The Heart" (Kon's Multi remix) (6:33)
Taxie - "Rock Don't Stop" (3:32)
The Mazyck Project - "More Power To You" (4:39)
The Edge Of Daybreak - "EOB (Edge Of Daybreak)" (4:01)
Shake - "Lost In Space" (5:12)
Oby Onyioha - "Enjoy Your Life" (6:18)
Bomp - "Disco Power" (4:57)
Christy Essien Igbokwe - "You Can't Change A Man" (3:57)
Harry Mosco - "Sexy Dancer" (6:37)
Goddy Oku - "Dont' Ask Me" (5:37)
Review: BBE unearth another batch of rare and underexposed disco cuts on Off Track Vol 3. Compiled by the crate digging New York/Boston based duo Kon & Amir, the release gives an authentic representation of Brooklyn’s ghetto, funk and afro music scenes. Sophisticated tracks for real music heads
Review: Francesco Fisotti is the leader of the new Italian disco-funk band Le Dune and this makes their debut release. 'Sugar' features a fusion of electronic drums, synths and groovy bass with a retro feel but fresh modern production flair next to vibrant guitars. When you pair all that with catchy, pop-driven vocals you have a timeless disco vibe that will unique all manner of dancers. Alongside the original version, the Extended Mix emphasises the groove, the Instrumental Version' leans into a percussive, tribal sound while the 'La Notte Mix' co-produced by Issam Dahmani delivers a late 80s proto-house feel.
Review: Roberto Zanetti was also known as Savage and was a producer who was beloved among Italo disco enthusiasts. His work in the 80s helped to define the genre and this is one of the tracks he turned out that had a particular resonance. The outstanding production from 1987 is as likely to captivate dancefloors across Europe now as it was back then. It became a secret weapon for many DJs the first time around and here makes a special return with a reissue that features a bonus remix by Alex "A" and Patrick Delay, which was originally released in 1988 in Hong Kong.
Let Nothing Change You (feat Pete Simpson - Replayed By Root Soul 2024 Re edit) (4:27)
Still In Love (feat Navasha Daya - Replayed By Root Soul 2024 Re edit) (5:05)
Sun Will Rise (feat Diviniti - Replayed By Root Soul 2024 Re edit) (5:13)
Destiny (feat N'Dea Davenport - Replayed By Root Soul 2024 Re edit) (4:51)
Look Ahead (feat N'Dea Davenport - Replayed By Root Soul 2024 Re edit) (4:59)
Love & Live (feat Navasha Daya - Replayed By Root Soul 2024 Re edit) (4:32)
Deep Into Sunshine (feat N'Dea Davenport - Replayed By Root Soul 2024 Re edit) (5:08)
Holding You, Loving You (feat Pete Simpson - Replayed By Root Soul 2024 Re edit) (4:55)
Review: Deep house producer Shuya Okino shows his class once more on another tasteful outing, this time via the Extra Freedom/Village Again labels out of Japan. For this one he revisits his 2011 album Destiny which was made with help from the Japanese funk, boogie and jazz-funk outfit Root Soul and replays and remakes the tunes. The originals become more disco-leaning and horn lead jams here with Okino's warm, rubbery basslines, P-funk synths, loose live beats and cute keys. The result is an album that sounds like Earth, Wind & Fire making modern soul and it will improve your life no end.
Review: When Osunlade first conceived and released Pyrography in 2011, it was meant to be the closing chapter of his house music journey. Of course, his attitude has changed since, but the album remains a fine statement from one of house music's most singular producers. This reissue from BBE puts the original set on vinyl for the first time, packaging it inside a brilliantly presented book featuring images, prayers, and information on the Yoruba culture that has long inspired the producer. Musically, the set expands on his usual spiritual house blueprint, fusing elements of jazz, broken beat and soul with influences as diverse as 80s talk box funk, hazy disco and 90s NY house. It remains one of Osunlade's finest works, so it's great to see it on wax at last.
Review: Donnell Pitman is legendary for his funk-laced and seductive rare groove sounds yet despite a career in music that has lasted almost 50 years, he has never dropped an album. That changes now as he lands on Star Creature with his delightful debut record New Funk. It is his fifth project with the top Chicago label and maybe his best - and not just because it includes the brilliant 'The Chocolate Lover' which is a tune that has come to define his sound. All around it are plenty of timeless disco and boogie-tinged delights with live drums and funky guitar fretwork. Some are low-slung and sleazy, some upbeat and fun, all of them come with irresistible vocals from Pitman.
Review: Hungarian DJ and producer duo Pleasure Voyage takes us on a conceptual sonic holiday with them to Italy on Azzuro, a majestic summer soundtrack. The gorgeous record kicks off with nice upbeat Italo sounds on 'In Vacanza' while 'Summer Voyage' captures an early evening dance after a few drinks and 'Electromarea' then offers dreamy Italo deep house from the 80s complete with dusty drums and nostalgic melodies. Things get even deeper later on, always with nice rough-edged analogue sounds and lived-in grooves that bring the good times.
Review: Hailing from Rennes, France, Yann Polewka may be new to som but with over a decade of releases on labels like Roots For Bloom, Cardiology, Ravanelli Disco Club, and GLBDOM, he's already made his mark. His XTC EP kicks off with 'L.O.V.E.', a 90s-inspired house track featuring a piano groove and love-torn vocals. The 'House Sound' incorporates a jazzy vibraphone melody around a familiar sample, while the title track, 'XTC', offers a peak-time groove with deep chords, bass tones, and female vocal samples. 'Koba La Drum' adds a fresh twist, transitioning from a smooth opening into a rhythmic drum & bass groove.
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.