Review: Here's a nod to late 70s disco, funk and boogie featuring some of the best NYC musicians to grace the scene in the past 20 years, and recorded at Soul Fire Studios featuring over two dozen musicians. Members of El Michels Affair, Lee Fields & The Expressions, The Dap- Kings, Antibalas and more are featured on 10th Street's '(Gonna Get) Hot Tonight' which is a classic and timeless disco funk affair featuring an absolutely sublime string section. Over on the flip, the slower and more emotive 'Hot Tonight' (part II) makes for feelgood vibes on the dancefloor later in the night, featuring sensual vocals to boot.
Review: Masterminded by Jeff Dynamite Silverman, 10th Street is an all-star studio band comprised of some of NYC's best disco, funk and soul musicians of the last two decades (including members of Antibalas, the Dap-Kings, The Expressions and El Michels Affair). The collective's self-titled debut album, which dropped earlier this year, is a genuine must-listen and offers a near perfect distillation of disco, soul and funk flavours of the 1970s. This 7" single sports two of that set's standout cuts: hazy, mid-tempo, laidback disco-funk number 'Livin' In New York City', where Blaxploitation guitar licks, spacey synths, sustained organ chords and eyes-closed female vocals catch the ear, and the weightier, more percussive and undeniably dancefloor-friendly instrumental 'Moodie's Basement'. In a word: essential!
Review: Little is known about this early 1970s psychedelic soul group from Germantown, Philadelphia. However, their record was recorded in 1969 and released in 1970 as one of two releases on Michael Nise's Round Records (Nise Productions INC). Now, remastered from an original pristine vinyl copy in collaboration with Nise Productions, this marks the first official reissue of the album. The group's music captures the essence of the era's soul and psychedelic influences, making this a long-awaited release for collectors and fans of vintage soul.
Review: Kay-Dee brings back to life an incredible band from Buffalo, New York, by the name of the 7 Miles Per Hour Band. 'At The Disco' is the lead instalment on this release; with sharp horns, fantastic vocals and not to mention the dancefloor presence this track has, it is no wonder why it has been given brand new life in 2006. 'Playing Your Game' offers more of a message of love, but still keeps a modern soul feel with its guitar back drop and uplifting vocals. Kay-Dee wraps up this release on the B-Side with the bass driven cut by the name of 'Latin Freak'. The drum work and horn arrangement makes 'Latin Freak' a must have for Funk and Soul advocates.
Review: 7th Wonder - "Daisy Lady" is such a special and in-demand tune that no matter how many times it gets reissued it always sells out. This latest pressing on Breaks & Beats is a hand-numbered and limited edition 7" that is backed with Blackbusters's 'Old Man'. It's a cosmic funk workout with some great synth magic drawn out and weaved into funky breaks with all the bells and whistles (literally.) But really that 7th Wonder jam is the one here with its pumping drums and lavish horn sections all making for a colourful and vibrant wedge of irresistible funk.
Review: Neil Anderson's unashamedly revivalist Original Gravity label is back once again - when are they not dropping heat, frankly? - with more funk goodness. This time out it is two more massive slices of tasty Latin funk getting served up. The first is Abram & Nestor's 'Four Minutes Of Funk' which is indeed four minutes of funk that will unite dancefloors from here to eternity with its big organ magic. Nestor Alvarez' 'El Trombonista' is as you might guess denied by its big trombone and also boasts some great horn work. These are two steamy and sizzling cuts that prove irresistible.
Review: Neil Anderson's Original Gravity loves to look back and revive forgotten classics and that is what it does again here with a quick reissue of something it dropped back in March. This time out it is two more massive slices of tasty Latin funk getting served up. The first is Abram & Nestor's 'Four Minutes Of Funk' which is indeed four minutes of funk that will unite dancefloors from here to eternity with its big organ magic. Nestor Alvarez' 'El Trombonista' is as you might guess denied by its big trombone and also boasts some great horn work. Do not sleep.
Review: After years of silence following the loss of Sonny Knight in 2017, former Lakers members Blair Krivanek and Cy Pierpont return with their new project, Ace Box Shift. The duo have made plenty of standout contributions to the soul revival scene before now and here they debut on Secret Stash Records with another pair of fiery instrumental cuts that work exceptionally well for DJs and dancefloors alike. They find Krivanek's jazz-infused guitar work meeting Pierpont's pounding rhythms with raw, funk-driven results that make for a bold, high-energy comeback that pays tribute to their roots while also moving things onwards.
Review: A '68 Brunswick classic that's since been covered and sampled by many, Barbara earned her stripes as a backing vocalist on the legendary Chess Records. This, her sophomore single, brought her to the masses and has settled in many a digger's collection ever since. The slightly lesser known "Love Makes A Women" is equally as powerful, and comes with a rather funky swing. Fryers don't churn out represses like their peers... But when they do, they're gold.
Review: A new take on a Jonathan Richman classic from 1977 which has lit up clubs for 45-odd years, especially during the punk era. The track's infectious rhythm has inspired various reggae remixes but now it's getting a fresh cumbia twist. Cumbia and reggae share a common groove, making them a perfect match for DJs to mix and this one was recorded in Lima by Pancho Acosta, founder and guitarist of Company Quinto, who transforms the track into an upbeat cumbia gem. The flip side features Acosta's 'Carnaval de Jujuy' blended with Money Chicha's modern take on Peru's fuzzed-out chicha sound.
Review: Tip Of The Iceberg presents 'Fela Dey'. These two tracks are lifted from 'P.D.P. (President Dey Pass)', the second CD
from the New York afrobeat scenesters, Akoya Afrobeat. Fully representing the instrumentation and capacity of a true
African-style super group, 'P.D.P.' is a marker of the living musical legacy of afrobeat founder Fela Kuti. Active on the
New York music scene since 2002, Akoya's sound rules dance floors home and abroad with the deep afro funk. Fueled
by infectious, all-consuming percussive grooves and a warm, pulsating rhythm section, the band delivers the knockout
punch with a massive horn section and soulful vocals. Musical roots not withstanding, 'P.D.P.' forges new ground in
many directions, yet still retains the central quality that bridges all musical tastes. Deep cyclical composition with a
prominent backbeat is their hallmark, and with razor-sharp transitions and melodies, listeners will be constantly surprised and elated.
Review: The mysterious Al Tone returns with another edition of crisp editcraft but this time on their own brand new label 020312. Business as usual in the groove department, though... "Remember Me" is a sultry disco funk jam, "Beggar" has a touch of Lagos late 70s about it with its fizzy guitar work and loose but firm strut while "Heaven" lives up to its name with full falsetto charm. Finally we close this monumental party with "Long Journey" an outrageously funky gospel jam that will have your floor asunder by the first slap bass twang and happy slappy piano roll. These numbers stack up.
Review: The UK's Mr Bongo has been reissuing old music and putting out new tunes since the late 1980's, and the label is still going strong in 2015. This latest 7" features two of Ethiopia's greatest musicians, Alemayehu Eshete and Mahmoud Ahmed, in a head to head, split EP. On the A-side, Mr Bongo has resurfaced Eshete's "Tchero Adari Negn", a supremely funky piece with the man's own voice gliding effortlessly over hard drums and fuzy guitar riffs; "Bemim Sebeb Litlash" goes deeper and more psychedelic on the flip, and Ahmed's voice is a pleasure as always. Check their other material on Mississippi for a broader introspective.
Review: Bernard "Pretty" Purdie and his Playboys were an iconic funk group of the late 70s who had big hits with the likes of Gil Scott Heron on his seminal 'The Revolution Will Not Be Televised' single. A year later on the same label, Flying Dutchman, they served up the 'Heavy Soul Slinger' single which gets reissued here. It's driven by big drum breaks and funky hits, with plenty of lush chords and rolling basslines all taking you on a high class and sophisticated trip. On the a-side is Harold Alexander 's 'Mama Soul' from the same era, but with a much more experimental sound rooted in wordless ad libs and frantic flutes.
Review: American jazz and gospel singer came up in Chicago and world the local scene - both playing in the clubs, but also as part of an a cappella choir for a number of years. She moved to LA to pursue her dreams in 1962, and the move paid off. She recorded 24 albums and nearly as many EPs right up until the mid nineties. 'Baltimore Oriole' was originally recorded in 1957 but this version is from 1977 . It is a glorious bit of uptempo Afro-Cuban jazz with lush jazz, funk and soul stylings all topped off by a fine vocal.
Review: "Cramp Your Style" by All The People surely belongs among the canon of all time funk standards, sampled aplenty over the years, included on numerous compilations as well as being the recipient of cover versions from Breakestra and Killer Meters. Originally issued on the Blue Candle label back in 1972, a newly remastered edition of that 7" is now available for any funkateers out there without the 45 in their collections already. Robert Moore's yearning vocal sounds all the better for it too! And don't sleep on the bluesy delights of B side track "Watcha Gonna Do About It?".
Afrodiscobeat (Mexican Institute Of Sound rework) (4:06)
Review: For the second volume in the Tony Allen and Africa 70 Disco Afro Re-Edit series, Africaine 808 and Mexican Sound Institute have been given the tricky task of reworking some suitably epic classics. The 12-minute original version of "Afro-Disco Beat", long considered one of the greatest Afrobeat workouts of all time, proudly stretches out across the A-side, allowing listeners to revel in Allen's extended drum breaks and Africa 70's rousing, horn-heavy instrumentation. Africaine 808 give the track a deliciously spacey, Moog-heavy makeover, combining Allen's playing and Africa 70's horns with vintage drum machine hits and outer-space effects. A brilliant package is completed by Mexican Sound Institute's similarly spacey, intergalactic interpretation of 1979 cut "African Message".
Review: Times may change and life may evolve, but the Allergies will always be unashamed party-starters whose records are both pleasingly heavy and instantly accessible. By now, you shouldn't need further proof og their skills in this department, but if you do, the Bristol combo's latest "45" is a lesson is dancefloor-igniting goodness. 'Lean on You' is a live and funk-fuelled as you'd expect, with distinctive flash-fried funk-rock guitar riffs, bustling, interestingly slung breakbeats and a fine lead vocal from Dynamite MC. Over on the flip, 'Working on Me' is a more bluesy, cut-and-paste funk breaks number that's guaranteed to get feet moving out on the dancefloor.
Going To The Party (feat Lyrics Born - extended 45 mix) (3:56)
Utility Man (feat Andy Cooper) (3:27)
Review: UK beatmakers The Allergies are absolute Jalapeno mainstays who always serve up suitably sizzling and funky sounds. Following on form their last album Promised Land here back in September 2021, two of the singles from it now get pressed up to 7". The a-side is an extended version of 'Going To The Party' (feat Lyrics Born) with big drum breaks, live vocals and an atmospheric back and forth with super sized horns. 'Utility Man' (feat Andy Cooper) is a deeper, smoother cut with some mega slick vocal rhythms and lovely double bass sounds to get you bumping.
Review: Jalapeno remains one of the hottest and most spicy labels out there for hip hop lovers, and now it is The Allergies who bring the heat on a new and limited edition 7". They kick this one off with 'Stanky Funk' which features Bootie Brown and brings some old school cool, plenty of retro organ chords and noodling basslines that will tie the dance floor in knots. 'Never Gonna Let Go' then ups the ante with even more raw and hard hitting breaks next to big vocals and driving brass.
Review: The final single to be taken from Moneyshot and Rackabeat's hugely successful debut album As We Do Our Thing, "You Wouldn't know" and "Special People" close the LP cycle with fitting party spirit. The former is a dense weave of horn samples and well-known vocal hooks over some deliciously swashbuckling beats while the latter is a sweatier funk groove that's reminiscent of the classier end of big beat's golden era but with more original funk spirit. Rumour has it they're already deep into their second album...
Review: Brand new funk from Bristol-based duo The Allergies, these two pant-swinging numbers mark the build up to their third album Steal The Show. As always, it's an all-out funkathon with full eyes on the party prize. "Can't Keep Working This Hard" jumps with a classic JB style break with some gutsy, raw soul vocal chops while "Run It Back" sees them tagging up with Andy Cooper once again with another classic spitfire rap jam that you know you'll be air rapping to within two or three listens. Yeah you will.
Review: Bristolian funkateers and confirmed party-rockers the Allergies have enjoyed a pretty prosperous 2020, with the release of their fourth studio album being followed by a string of singles - a number of which ending up riding high in the NACC US college radio sharts. 'Jumping Off', their final single of the year, is another intensely upbeat, club-ready affair, with regular mic man Andy Cooper (of Ugly Duckling fame) and a crew of female backing vocalists riding a bombastic, party-igniting groove that sits somewhere between hip-hop and deep funk. Flipside 'Gather Around', a bluesy, gospel-tinged stomper full of heady Hammond licks, jazzy bass and infectious verse vocals, is equally as potent.
Review: Bristol outfit the Allergies has enjoyed a hugely successful year so far, releasing a string of killer funk and soul sevens on Jalepeno Records. Astonishingly, "Entitled To That" could be their biggest single yet. Certainly, the title track is superb; a revivalist Northern Soul style stomper full of hazy horns, fuzzy guitars, sweaty drums and the kind of strong, empowered vocal that recalls some of soul music's greatest female singers. Wisely, there's a slightly more laidback feel about flipside "Get Down on You", where crunchy Clavinet lines wrap themselves around a snappy funk breakbeat. It's a fine tune, of course, but pales in comparison to the killer A-side. Regardless, this should be an essential purchase for funk DJs.
Fade Away (feat Andy Cooper From Ugly Duckling) (2:59)
Review: Aside from releasing 2 albums for the imprint, Bristol's The Allergies have been a pillar of the Jalapeno label's success over the years, helping the label find its feet amid the ever-growing broken beat scene. The duo return to the catalogue with a classic helping of their very own breakbeat science, first up with the vocal-led charm of "Dance Now", a commercially-minded dancehall anthem that strays into pop and r&b with utter ease. On the flip, Andy Cooper features on the rap-pop hybrid vocals of "Fade Away", a feel-good party tune that is solely focused on getting you to move!
Review: What a trip it's been for The Allergies; rolling from one killer album to the next, funk is flying from their HQ at a rate of knots. Here are two fine examples from their last LP Push On, both featuring their long-time friend and MC from Andy Cooper. Best known for his witty wordplay and character on Ugly Duckling records, here Andy gets to show off both sides to his expansive flow; "Main Event" is a chubby disco groove laced with mountains of funk, creating space for Andy's laidback-but-hypey charm. In perfect contrast "Buzzsaw" is a much sweatier funk jam allowing Cooper to get rapid and tongue-twisty in a way that only he knows how. Keep on pushing...
Review: While this record looks and sounds vintage - like the majority of Original Gravity's output - it is in fact a revivalist, turn-of-the-60s style ska production from Welwyn Garden City's Neil Anderson. A-side 'Tune Up Ska' is particularly potent, with Anderson and his studio musicians serving up a classic ska groove (think walking bass, up-tempo rhythm and blues drums and tight horn blasts), onto which a variety of fuzzy saxophone and organ solos are layered. Clubs may not be open right now, but when they do, we can see it lighting up ska-loving crowds. Over on the flip, Anderson and company turn their attention (sorry) to Booker T & The MG's cut 'Time is Tight', reinventing it as a boisterous, horn-heavy affair featuring some superb trumpet solos.
Review: Altin Gun are the hottest property to come out of Istanbul in the last ten years. Fact. Led by Jacco Gardner, the 7-piece outfit specialise in the deepest, most wild-eyed psych funk available at the moment and this was clearly visible from their recent debut LP, On. A similar narrative continues here, one which resonates so well with the traditional sound of 70s Turku-funk from pioneers such as Erkin Koray or Baris Manco, and there is, quite simply, something very honest about this band. O this new 7" from the banging Bongo Joe we have "Tatli Dile Guler Yuze", a seductive vocal groove filled with aptly trippy guitar funk and Merve Dasdemir's sublime voice waving in the distance, and the quirky sounds of the instrumental cut "Hababam" - making this one of Bongo Joe's best EPs to date, and another proof-point for Altin Gun's quality. Highly recommended.
Review: This is another reissue of a record that remains an ongoing favourite. Original Gravity delivered again with the original pressing featuring two unique versions of 'Burning Spear'. Nestor Alvarez opens with a lively, Latin-inspired rendition filled with fluttering flute melodies, raw drum beats and vibrant dancing keys that radiate sunny energy. On the flip, La Machine D'Argent takes a more cosmic approach, smoothing the vibe and layering spaced-out sounds for a dreamy, immersive journey. This release showcases Original Gravity's knack for reimagining funk with flair by offering two distinct yet equally good takes on a timeless groove.
Review: We will always be stickers for heart aching, lo-fi soul and R&B fusions on neat little 7"s. This new one from Love Touch perfectly fits the bit and finds Amalia melt modern funk and boogie with classic, buttery soul vocals. 'Don't Be Ashamed Of Love' rides on crunchy hits with bold bass notes. It's a sparse, cold arrangement but that vocal adds real warmth while the subtle boogie vibes shine through. On the flip, the pace picks up and your rump will wiggle even more with 'in My Bed' bringing slick and bumpy beats and other exquisite vocal.
Review: Matasuna Records' latest must-check reissue comes courtesy of obscure Mexican outfit Apache, who released a handful of singles and a couple of albums of fiery Latin funk in the mid 1970s. A-side 'Liberate', which first surfaced on the band's 1976 album Del Bumpin Al Horno, is a find slab of hot and humid funk built around rising horn arrangements, low-slung grooves and excitable group vocals. Over on the flip, regular Matasuna contributor Voodoocuts delivers an excellent rework of 1975 cut 'Hombre', which was originally written and arranged by Apache's trumpet player Ermesto Haros. Voodoocuts adds a few of his own samples and musical touches here or there, embellishing the original groove and instrumentation with enough contemporary funk breaks oomph to delight those who like their beats tight, fat and floor friendly.
Review: Israeli funk powerhouse The Apples have a fiercely unique approach to the timely tradition of heavy grooving live musicianship, and they lay it down in no uncertain terms on their long awaited return to Freestyle Records. On the A side they're having a whole lotta fun covering Blur's 'Song 2' in a raucous style, bringing an almost rave-ready energy to the track and pouring barrel loads of their own personality over the version. 'The Power' nods plenty to the roots of funk as well as its descendents - just check the turntablism cutting its way through the sweet sax and slick guitar chops.
Review: Make way for a jazzy new sister imprint from Phil Weeks' well respected stable! Robsoul Jazz launches with a serious statement of laidback intent courtesy of French instrumentalist Around 7. Sitting at a cool seven cuts, it's a humble affair that nods heavily to the creative beat baking of Dilla and the soothing, left-sided jazz soul of Brubeck or Davis. Think grooves rather than entire songs, each one captures the mind and leaves the body to relax. The perfect head-nodding foil to Robsoul's standard body-jacking beats.
Review: Japanese producers Aru-2 and Kzyboost are mainstays of the beak making scene. The Tokyo pair have a full length album coming up in August but now offer up a first taster of what to expect from it. This special 45rpm features two of the tunes that will be on the album ad a-side jam 'Shooby Dooby' is a futuristic wedge of bubbling analogue funk, Synth bass powers it along and then some textbook Aru-2 talk box vocals add extra spice. On the flip is B-side 'Boost Step,' which heads down a more laidback and downtempo vibe with funk vibes and synth solos leading the way.
Review: American rock band Atilla and The Huns hail from Wisconsin and formed in 1964. The group consists of drummer Rich Legault, bassist Denny Lewan and singer/guitarist Mike Peace as well as rhythm guitarist Ben Wiesneiwski and they became a big hit on the local circuit. They put out only three two trackers between 1965 and 1969 and this newly assembled 7" plucks one track each from two of the now hard to find and pricey originals. 1967's 'Hurry Back' is a rolling funk number with bulky drums and twanging riffs that oozes 60s cool. 1969's 'Here's Where I Get Off' is a more sentimental roller with slightly deeper grooves and more lovestruck lyrics. Both will do well with Northern Soul lovers.
Review: A self-titled opus, the OG presses of Aura's one and only album have been known to fetch over L100 while the 2016 Aloha Got Soul reissue was supported across the board from Theo Parrish to Giles Peterson. Here are two of the most delectable highlights in bright white 45" form; "Let Me Say Dis About Dat" is all about the crunchy riffs and rock funk fusion while "No Beginning, No End" is a thrilling disco funk cut that has aged to perfection. Limited and likely to fly.
Review: Talented Italian collective Aura Safari features well known Italian house producer Nicolas amongst other fine musicians. They have released a fine album on UK label Church but now head to their homeland's Hell Yeah for a debut EP full of magic. 'Lagos Connect' fuses afro drumming with house beats, lush synth work and glowing melodies to make for something beautifully grown up and musical as well as danceable. After the reprise and dub comes 'Morning Rivers,' a super slinky and seductive jazz-funk number with glowing, golden chords and subtle cosmic rays of light.
Review: First released way back in 1970, 'Eine Schone Welt' is that rarest of beasts: a simply superb, German language psychedelic soul jam that has long been in-demand within the record collecting community. It's undoubtedly the single greatest work from sadly departed German singer Susan Aviles - a genuine gem rich in wah-wah and fuzz-tone guitars, twinkling piano riffs, crunchy breakbeats and stirring orchestration, all topped off with a powerful lead vocal. Over on the flip you'll find another sought-after Aviles nugget: German B-boy favourite 'Versuche zu versten'n', whose Incredible Bongo Band style drums come seeped in grandiose orchestration and energetic lead vocals.
Review: With the dust of their new album Fenix still settling, Far Out and Azymuth flex back 37 years for one of their finest and most indelible records in their illustrious and consistent career: "Dear Limmertz" slaps and pops with the same ridiculous soaking wet slap bass it did when it first blew your mind. With dreamy chords, that yearning vocodered vocal and the pensive prelude thrown in, it's still an incredible one-of-a-kind record. And that's before we get to the way-ahead-of-its-time breakbeat and deep groove of "Maracana". This is still piping hot and always will be.
Review: B+'s B-Beat Classic is originally from 1983. It is an early hip-hop and electronic fusion with some great talk-box vocals and a loose-limbed mix of percussion and drums. It moves slowly and purposefully, with scratches over the top and unhinged funk soon permeating your body. Leftover tape was used to create the effects and original copies have a note that the tune was dedicated to a first generation Boston disco DJ named Jim Stuard whose career was cut short by the Everard Baths fire in New York City in 1977.
Babe Ruth - "The Mexican" (Mr Fantastic edit) (3:37)
Organised Konfusion - "Prisoners Of War" (4:35)
Review: Consistently on-point and expertly dug, Originals continue to join the dots with creativity. Here we rewind to 1973 for Babe Ruth's biggest cut "The Mexican". Its lolloping, rolling bassline and spacious drums have been sampled by many but Organised Konfusion's use is definitely one of the best. Needle down and listen as Prince Po and Pharoahe Monche lay down lucid 1991 flows with a serious political agenda that's still just as resonant today. Timeless on both sides.
Review: Still scorching from the heat of their debut album 55, Hamburg's mysterious steel pan handlers return with a dope little 45 that features one of the excellent covers from their album plus an exclusive that we guarantee will drive your next floor crazy... Dennis Coffey's "Scorpio" takes the lead with its instantly distinctive break and pace. Flip for Sugarhill's "8th Wonder" that's riddled with confidently swung drums, smoky trumpets and a groove so funky you might just have to drop it twice. Give the drummer some.
Review: Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band is an enigmatic steel pan collective from Hamburg that has a hardcore fan following around the world and a new album on the way that is superb. They are loved for their covers of hip-hop classics and last year served up a version of the Stranger Things theme tune but this time out we get 'Love For The Sake Of Dub' of 45 rpm. It is another pair of funky tunes with the signature brass sounds front and centre as the fat bottom rhythms roll deep and fleshy. Another gem from this leftfield outfit.
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