Review: Conceived for maximum floor-lift, Daje Funk is the namesake of both artist and label; here the elusive but fun-loving moniker brings another four whopper disco edit-remixes to vinyl, further charging the collective body with a haul of kitsch spirituals. Three out of four tracks here are "lovely edited" - intentional or not, we can't resisting stealing such brilliant turns of phrase - by longtime Roman disco purveyor Les Inferno, with the support of a cracking cadre made up of fellow producers and engineers Max Pottini, Emiliano Patrick Legato and Dom Scuteri. Stefano Fusco also handles the B1; and though we don't know the original IDs of any of the tracks here, the vibe is consistently spirited, and the artists only carefully betray their access to the original stems (made eventually obvious by faint vocal delays, extra-thwacking kick EQs, etc.).
Review: Boom! Ultra rare outernational funk reissue action by the new Habibi Funk imprint! Dalton were a late '60s soul band formed in Tunis by a group of American music enthusiasts, and their one and only LP under the Dalton name was independently released and super rare until now. "Alech" nears psychedelic territories thanks to its echoing vocals and trippy percussion, whereas "Soul Brother" is more of a classic soul ballad, but filled with the band's own native roots, of course. Be sure to check, this is hot and recommended for the diggers.
Review: Dancefloor Stompers was formed in Sardinia in 2009. They are a talented group of musicians who have a big love of mod jazz, black music roots and Italian soundtracks and library music classics from the 50s through to the 80s and all of that influences this new EP, Phuture Soul. Recorded and mixed at Solid Twin Studio between May 2021 and January 2022, it kick off with the title track which pairs rock guitars with funky basslines. 'Catch This Train' has a more playful pop-rock feel with big horns, 'Glass Tears' is a smoother groove and 'Not In My Name' closes on a more downbeat note.
Review: P-Vine Japan does great work once more here by bringing back into print some hugely sought-after sounds from the blues and r&b world. The first release in their new series revives Larry Davis' 1969 Kent Records single, which was originally written by Sherwood Fleming. The A-side, 'For 5 Long Years' delivers a gritty mid-tempo funk-blues groove while the B-side, 'I've Been Hurt So Many Times' (a classic subject for a blues tune) channels Willie Cobbs' signature sound. These will be familiar to anyone who has danced at a Northern Soul event and cannot be slept on.
New Sound Quartet - "Bass Construction" (Marc Davis edit) (5:47)
The Saucer Planes - "Straight To The Point" (Marc Davis edit) (8:13)
Review: Producer, DJ, and revered collector Marc Davis returns to his Chi-Talo series with a much-anticipated second volume. The Chi-Talo series deals in split EPs; each entry draws on an ultra-rare Chicago house gem and an Italian disco record respectively (one for the A and one for the B), re-working both into an enduring dialectal retelling of each city's contemporaneous come-ups in the 1980s and 90s. This time around, we're met with a reconstruction of 'Bass Construction', first heard on the Italo disco album Crazy Colours by New Sound Quartet (1979). Then comes a wonky, handclapping rendition of The Saucer Planes' 'Straight To The Point', the original of which can hardly be found on the net at all, even now. Both are huge but humble versions, marking out the guidelines for yet more editors to come.
Review: As far as the Juno Records review team care, the DC based Peoples Potential Unlimited have been on a run of 100% boogie heaters roughly since their inception in 2008. The latest transmission from Andrew Morgan's label sees a 12" presentation of disco funk holy grails from Milwaukee act Dazzle ahead of a PPU released long player Made In The Shade. Not to be confused with the Patch Adams and Leeroy Burgess fronted group of the same name, Dazzle was the work of Donald D. Smith and this 12" presents three tracks originally recorded in 1981. "Explain" is the outright jam here, heavily stacked with thick analogue leads and brisk funk riffs. All hail PPU!
Review: William DeVaughn hears two cuts from his classic D.C. album Be Thankful For What You Got reissued for the first time on 12" since 1974. A rare ode to gratefulness in a world of material gratuitousness, but two lines from the title track of the original eight-track opus resound, and capture the sentiment perfectly: "you may not own a car at all... but remember, brothers and sisters, you can still stand tall!" As sampled by N.W.A, De La Soul, Outkast, Ludacris, Big Tymers, Rihanna, Hip Club Groove and L'Imperatrice, the A-sider is a historical record; its strength lies in its affecting singularity of theme and moral sway, and, on the instrumental side of things, we can say the same of its tight playing and serene sound. Backed by the cream of Philadelphia session groups MFSB (Norman Harris, Vince Montana, John Davis), DeVaughn wax continues to wax poetic over themes of inheritance, love, and compersion; a great foundation laid for the gangster rap that would follow from it.
Review: Diplomats of Soul is the duo of Mike Allin and Ralph Tee and they are celebrated not just for their funk and soul expertise but also for releasing a steady stream of soulful gems since 2006 through their Expansions label.Continuing their solo project, they deliver a stunning cover of Barbara St. Clair's rare groove classic 'Teacherman' here. Distinct from their earlier hits, 'Teacherman' continues to redefine their promise by offering two lush 70 soul tracks: one vocal and one instrumental, continuing their tradition of soul innovation with a contemporary and groove-heavy edge.
Review: Originally composed by Don Blackman and recorded by Weldon Irvine in 1975, this rare 70s groove has been reimagined in a brand-new recording that importantly stays true to the essence of the original. The updated version features Natalie Duncan alongside DOS on vocals and the music is arranged by Bluey and showcases a talented lineup of musicians from Incognito who bring a fresh yet faithful twist. It blends soulful instrumentation with a contemporary touch that is sure to connect with all new audiences.
Review: Mysterious edits pushers Discotecas worship a mysterious figure known as 'Gwen', the artist supposedly responsible for making these EPs. Their second instalment here comes in the form of a laid-back, electro-balearic affair replete with several layers of bass guitar, lolling synth and acoustic-mimicking percs. A remix of Sade's 'Paradise' leads the charge, centring her harmonious vocals at the core of the mix, while two further unknown re-edits cement the overall nine minute disco vibe.
Review: We're not going to tell you who is behind the Divine Who project, though if you have a working knowledge about gospel disco DJs and nu-disco producers, you can probably join the dots. Either way, their self-titled gospel rework series is genuinely top-drawer. After a couple of tidy 12" singles they offer up a seven-inch for the first time. A-side 'Weekend (Dubbed Out Mix)' takes a squelchy, joyous and infectious mid-80s electrofunk-gospel number - and subtly touches it up and even more subtly dubs it out for modern dancefloors. On 'Forget Me Nots', they deliver their altar-ation (sorry) of an exquisitely soulful, tactile and loved-up cover version of Patrice Rushen favourite 'Forget-me-Nots' complete with a killer slap-bass breakdown.
Review: DJ Bacon's new edits LP Super Disco Raps takes two forms: firstly as a full-length 16-track LP, and secondly as a selectors' single edition, the latter of which you see here. 'Vol. 2' hears two extra remixes that did make the big disc's cut, but Bacon decided they also suited a limited edition 7" release for good measure. Playability is the implied reason: on the A we've a glossed-out disco scratch-tool remix of Wu Tang Clan's 'Gravel Pit', on which ghostly rap acapellas are laid to a lackadaisical funk beat, and on the B there's a similar version of Ultramagnetic MC's's 'Moe Luv's Theme', which loops and skips about an unmistakable four-beat, wax-scrubbing hook.
Review: DJ Bacon is probably the singular most eminent edits master to stock his serial releases on our digi-shelves; this credo alone is more than enough to turn heads for his latest limited 7”, ‘Bad / Theme From SWAT’. Here the auspicious Aussie reworks the ineluctable opening theme music from S.W.A.T., the ‘70s police procedural that more or less inaugurated the genre, but not before he detourns any actual swattage with a reworked version of LL Cool J’s breakout hit on the A.
DJ Deviant & Swamburger - "Get On The Floor" (3:33)
DJ Deviant - "Where's The Party" (3:47)
Review: DJ Deviant and Swamburger join forces for a double-sided serving of feel-good hip-hop and r&b on this 7" release. 'Get On The Floor' is a surefire party starter, its infectious beat and catchy hooks practically demanding movement and setting the tone for a night of good times. The track is a vibrant blend of classic hip-hop elements and contemporary production, with DJ Deviant's cuts and scratches adding a layer of turntablist flair. On the flip, 'Where's The Party' sees DJ Deviant flying solo, keeping the energy high with a smooth groove and feelgood vibes that are reminiscent of 90s r&b classics. The ever enduring appeal of hip-hop and r&b in full effect.
Review: Japanese talent DJ Koco aka Shimokita is a hardcore 45rpm devotee. They are his chosen tools as a beat-juggling DJ who can do logic-defying things with his grooves. He is a regal on Bloom and already dropped serious heat in January with 'World Famous'. This time he is back with a fresh take on 'Made In New York' which is a 1985 classic by renowned Brazilian funk and jazz pianist Tania Maria. He brings his signature hip-hop flair and creativity with his trusted crew, 45trio, and enlists the dynamic saxophonist King TJ (DA-Dee-MiX) to elevate things further.
Don't Play Around (feat Aloe Blacc & Charles Bradley - main)
Don't Play Around (instrumental mix)
Tough Break
Don't Play Around (acappella)
Review: Nu Mark's been teasing his fans since May, releasing selected cuts from his new album Broken Sunlight in coloured vinyl 10" instalments. With the attention reaching fever pitch, he's unleashed one of the biggest cuts on the LP. Hooking up with the dollar-hungry Aloe Blacc, it's a horn-heaving slice of hip-hop funk that pushes all the right buttons. "Tough Break" is a double-time deal sealer. With more horns and a frenetic rhythm, it's Nu Mark at his very best. Essential.
Review: Eastside Edits delivers another stellar release with two DJ-friendly versions of 1976 chart-toppers! DJ S, the talented Greek DJ/producer/remixer, brings his magic to the table with this 7th release from the label. 'Moves At Midnight' on Side-1 revitalises a disco favorite from the 70s with punchier drums and a steady, mixable groove. It retains all the essence of the original while eliminating the clumsiness of mixing a vintage 45, offering disco perfection. On Side-2, 'Lay Down That Boogie' injects new energy into a 70s funk/rock classic. This funky edit features a DJ-friendly intro, subtle arrangement tweaks and beefier drums, preserving the original feel while enhancing its dancefloor appeal. DJ S once again showcases his tasteful editing skills, making this release a great find for disco and funk enthusiasts.
Kool & The Gang - "Give It Up" (DJ Soopasoul edit) (4:02)
Aretha Franklin - "Rock Steady" (DJ Soopasoul edit) (3:30)
Review: Jalapeno jive maestro Soupasoul had another standout year, in 2024 and only heightened his reputation for crafting exceptional edits that bring new life into funk standards and hidden gems. With a sharp focus on the groove-rich breaks, he is back once again with another instalment that will ignite dance floors everywhere. This time his scorching rework of 'Give It Up' spotlights dynamic horn interplay and soulful jazzy choruses and 'Rock Steady' celebrates Aretha's powerful vocals paired with a killer breakbeat. These finely tuned edits honour the originals while adding fresh energy.
Review: In a move towards soulful French electro-funk from the duo that brought us 'Caipirnha', comes the latest new single from DjeuhDjoah & Lieutenant Nicholson. The two producers here bring together a vast cast of musicians playing everything from Moog to claviers, culminating in a texturally rich afro-soul single that urges us to "hold our horses" ('Pas Si Vite') in these troubling times.
Review: After the critically acclaimed Avoude (5 stars & 'Top of the World' on Songlines, Bandcamp top pick, Le Monde, BBC Radio, Pop Matters), Sol Power Sound proudly presents a scorching remix EP from West African psychedelic powerhouse Dogo du Togo & the Alagaa Beat Band. Rooted in Togo's deep cultural and Vodun traditions, Dogo's sound is reimagined here by a heavyweight lineup of producers. Captain Planet kicks things off with a percussive African house groove, while Sol Power All-Stars ask, What if Prince joined Dogo in 1983? The result? A synth-laced funk HIIT workout. Detroit icons John Beltran and Blair French bring Afro-Brazilian and deep house flavors, before Glenn Echo closes with a mind-bending 12/8 dub trip.
Happening In The Streets (Domo rework 7" edit) (4:24)
Happening In The Streets (DJ Tool) (3:25)
Review: Domo Domo are the duo of Japanese sound engineer Yas Inoue and DJ Takaya Nagase, both based in New York. Their latest 'Happening In The Streets' pays due homage to jazz-funk supergroup The Voltage Brothers, who released their discographic standouts in the 70s and 80s. Two cleverly put-together edits of the eponymous rare groove original come with many filtrations, lengthenings, effects and sonic tweaks.
Review: Mountain Records are a new funk label, pushing 45's cut with new funk tinged with a modern production sheen. Two label mainstays decorate each side of this one: for the A, Double A asks 'You Feel Alright?' We certainly do, not least thanks to the artist's heavy locking down of sampled big boom drums, funky grooves and evil laughter. The Gaff meanwhile offers up a breakbeat banger to the altar, letting up on bass for a weird, flauting finish. 7"s collectors, watch out.
Review: The Demons Singles Club is back with more devilishly good funk here in the form of Doris Duke's version of Marlena Shaw's 'Woman Of The Ghetto.' It first appeared on her 1975 alum Woman and is a searing take with full-bodied vocals full of fire. It's an urgent sound that adds weight to the social commentary of the lyrics and the b-side tune from Rhyze is just as essential. 'Fire' is a massive disco cut with stomping drums, funky bass riffs and plenty of noodling guitar riffs that make it effervesce.
Review: Flour Flies embarks on a new series of releases entitled Italian Library Songbook where contemporary artists put their spin on great soundtracks of theist. First to add their own new reinterpretations are Neapolitan producer pAd and London singer-songwriter Jessica Duncan. They tackle Alessandro Alessandroni's 'Philadelphia' and turn out something brilliantly soulful: 'Do You Wanna Get Close' is a lush and club ready sound that is backed with the glorious original on the flip side. This is a promising start to what is sure to be a much loved series.
Review: Selector Series is back with another gem, bringing us a slice of early 80s Detroit boogie with Gene Dunlap's classic tracks. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Gene Dunlap's musical journey began at the tender age of four, thanks to his father's drumming lessons. His talent flourished at Mumford High School and later with jazz legend Roy Ayers. In 1981, Dunlap released two remarkable solo albums, It's Just The Way I Feel and Party In Me. The title track "Party In Me," backed with "Take My Love," was originally issued as a limited 12" promo, making it a rare treasure among collectors, often fetching over L100 on the second-hand market. Now, for the first time in 43 years, this boogie masterpiece has been remastered from the original tapes and is available for fans to enjoy. This reissue offers an opportunity to experience the vibrant rhythms and impeccable drumming of Gene Dunlap as well as Detroit's boogie scene. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of music history, exquisitely revived and ready to reignite dance floors.
Review: Originally released way back in 1978 on a thoroughly obscure seven-inch single, Nina Dunn's sole single, 'If You Want My Love (Do It)' is one of the rarest Canadian disco records around. The team behind the Le Freak label are fans and have delivered this much-needed reissue. The title track (side A) is a righteous slab of funk-fuelled, orchestra-sporting disco built around a typical 'walking bassline', cut-glass strings and a brilliantly sassy, emotion-packed lead vocal from Dunn. Original B-side 'Stay & Dance', meanwhile, is a deeper and more laidback two-step disco affair with warmer horn arrangements, simmering strings and a killer, Clavinet-sporting groove section later in the track. Disco gold all told!
Review: Milo MacMahon and Raul Indipwo aka Duo Ouro Negro, arrived in Portugal in 1959 and built an international music career over three decades. Singing in Portuguese, Angolan languages, French and more, they also covered Latin American and North American songs and connected with the Civil Rights movement during their 1969 U.S. tour. This experience shaped their 1972 landmark album, Blackground, which was a powerful cultural statement influenced by Black Power, jazz and African independence movements. In 1981, Blackground was reworked with new arrangements including the instrumental 'Danca do Robalinho' which came in two parts. This jazz-funk masterpiece now gets reissued for the first time and is a must-buy.
Review: Jstar and Dubmatix's Scenario is an infectious mash-up of A Tribe Called Quest's 1992 classic, seamlessly blending hip-hop with dub and reggae influences. The remix revitalises the iconic track, infusing it with a modern, bass-heavy groove while retaining its original energy and lyrical parts. The instrumental version stands out on its own, showcasing the intricate production work and the deep, resonant basslines characteristic of Dubmatix. This remix respects the legacy of the original track while introducing it to a new generation.
Review: Reggae Dynamite Vol.6 explodes onto the scene with four irresistible tracks that capture the essence of early reggae. Max Iss & The Minions kick things off with the infectious title track, setting the tone for an EP filled with soulful rhythms and vibrant melodies. Donnoya Drake delivers a stellar rendition of the funk-soul classic 'Mr Big Stuff,' while reggae legend Dave Barker lends his smooth vocals to 'Gimme Little Sign,' adding his own twist to the soul nugget. The instrumental track, 'Gimme Little Version,' by Woodfield Rd Allstars, rounds out the EP with its lively organ-led groove. Produced by Neil Anderson, each song is expertly crafted, blending elements of reggae, funk, and soul to create an electrifying listening experience. Whether you're a seasoned reggae enthusiast or new to the genre, Reggae Dynamite Vol.6 is guaranteed to get you moving and grooving from start to finish.
Huey Smith Medley: High Blood Pressure/Don't You Just Know It/Well I'll Be John Brown
Wang Dang Doodle (edit)
Big Cief
A Man Of Many Words
Let The Good Times Roll (edit)
Stack A Lee
Right Place Wring Time
I've Been Hoodood
Such A Night
Cold Cold Cold
Traveling Mood
Same Old Same Old
Life
(Everybody Wanna Get Rich) Rite Away
Mos' Scocious
Let's Make A Better World
Me - You = Loneliness
Review: Malcolm John Rebennack, Jr., better known as Dr. John, left an indelible mark on the music world with his unique blend of New Orleans R&B, blues, jazz, funk and rock. As a teenage prodigy, he cut his teeth as a songwriter, arranger, and producer for Ace Records before becoming a sought-after studio musician in Los Angeles during the 1960s. His debut album Gris Gris in 1968 catapulted him into the spotlight as Dr. John The Night Tripper, captivating audiences with its mystical allure. Hits like 'Iko Iko' and 'Right Place Wrong Time' solidified his place in music history, earning him six Grammy awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Now, Gris Gris Gumbo Ya Ya: Singles 1968-1974 collects his early singles from his influential years with Atco/Atlantic, offering 26 tracks of pure musical medicine. The iconic 'Such A Night,' alone makes this compilation is essential for both seasoned fans and newcomers alike. With liner notes from Gene Sculatti, it serves as a perfect entry point into the timeless world of Dr. John's music and a nostalgic journey through his classic Atco/Atlantic albums.
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