Equipe Radio Cidade - "Bons Tempo Sao Paulo (Good Times)" (3:38)
Review: Sandra de Sa's 'Olhos Coloridos' and Equipe Radio Cidade's 'Bons Tempos Sao Paulo' bring vibrant Brazilian boogie back to life in this remastered reissue from Mr Bongo's Brazil 45's series. Sandra de Sa's track, from her 1982 self-titled LP, is a brilliant example of '80s MPB and boogie, featuring the iconic collaboration of Lincoln Olivetti, Robson Jorge, and members from Banda Black Rio. Funky basslines, dreamy Rhodes and jubilant horns complement Sa's outstanding vocals, making it a joyous, danceable piece reminiscent of Tim Maia and Marcos Valle's best. On Side-2, Equipe Radio Cidade's 'Bons Tempos Sao Paulo' transforms Chic's 'Good Times' into a Brazilian boogie delight. Originally a rare promo-only release from 1980, this version infuses the classic melody with samba rhythms, clavinet grooves, and cuica percussion breaks. Voiced by Sao Paulo radio DJs with festive greetings, it adds a unique local flavour to the familiar tune, reminiscent of the era's vibrant Brazilian music scene.
Review: This one is a rare soul gem that has not been easy to find on 7" for 40 years. It is one of the countless masterpieces that were produced by the great studio legend Larry Mizell who made it for Alabama born soul singer Brenda Lee Eager. She later relocated to Chicago and sang with Jerry Butler in his back up group Peaches and dueted with him on their million-selling duet 'Ain't Understanding Mellow'. Brenda did more backing singing with the likes of Ray Charles, Diana Ross, and Stevie Wonder and wrote songs recorded by Bobby Womack, Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight before laying this one down in 1974.
Review: First released way back in 1980 on the album of the same name, 'Coming To You Live' is one of the most beloved dancefloor jams in the sprawling catalogue of sorely missed soul-jazz organist Charles Earland. Here reissued on seven-inch (and therefore presented in edited form), the track blurs the boundaries between Latin-tinged disco and jazz-funk - all heady female group vocals, heady horns, spacey Herbie Hancock synths and infectious grooves. Over on the flip you'll find original B-side 'Street Themes', a breezier, similarly Latin-tinged jazz-funk cut that features some sensational keys-playing from Earland. In a word: essential.
Review: Dynamite Cuts' latest extra-special double "45" mines ones of the earliest albums from soul and funk legends Earth, Wind & Fire, a 1971 set that was notably more psychedelic in sound than many of their more celebrated later releases. Opener "C'mon Children" is fiery, weighty and driving in the style of San Francisco funk-rock heavyweights "Tower of Power", while "Bad Tune" more than lives up to its title in a "bad meaning good" way (it also includes some crazy solos, which is no bad thing). Over on disc two, "Help Somebody" is an insanely up-tempo, horn-heavy Boogaloo style romp, while "Momet of Truth" is a low-down funk number straight out of the top drawer.
Review: You can always rely on Super Disco Edits for exactly that. The long-running label's 68th such serving is from the Ebony Rhythm Funk Campaign and features a couple of their previously unreleased joints. Opener '69 Cents' brings slick and sleek afro drumming with some splendid horn sections powering things along. A smooth and soulful vocal ride in amongst the drum grooves and takes you on a fine trip. On the reverse is 'That Is Why,' which slows things down a little and gets more loved up. The backing vocals lend the whole thing an air of class as the lining trumpets soar and the mellifluous chords sink you in deep.
Review: Madrid via Cuba musical gang El Combo Batanga have finally dropped this new double-sider 7". It was teased by the early reals sou the a-side which brings plenty of dance floor filing heat with 'El Que La Rompe La Paga'. It's packed with samba shuffle, expressive horn work and results, and relentless keys work designed to get the ass moving. On the flip is 'Toca La Campana' which is a little less dense but not less rhythmic in the way it sways to and fro with fiery Spanish vocals and funk riffs.
John Wagner Coalition - "Cold Sweat" (edit) (3:12)
Review: Mushi 45 is launching a new series featuring fresh edits of obscure covers of cuts by James Brown and the JB's. The first boasts two thoroughly obscure covers of "Cold Sweat". On the A you'll find a tidy tweak of a rousing, raucous and sexually charged 1968 version by El Klan, a Mexican band renowned for their heavyweight take on funk, soul and rhythm and blues. Over on side B you'll find an interpretation from the John Wagner Coalition that originally featured on their 1976 debut album, which unusually was made up entirely of James Brown covers. Their version is a little more laidback, with tons of spacey synthesizer flourishes, crunchy Clavinet lines and oodles and wild Hammond organ solos.
Review: El Michels Affair have made their name on their connection to Wu-Tang, kicking off with the essential Enter The 37th Chamber tribute back in 2009. Now Fat Beats are devoting a run of 7" releases to some of the strongest joints from that album, where iconic beats from the wider Wu-Tang universe get rendered as smoky, jazz-funk master pieces which sound so good rolling at 45 rpm on their own side of wax. On this particular entry, ODB's 'Shimmy Shimmy Ya' gets the treatment, with a children's choir-rap evocation of the lead hook that will turn heads on its own. On the flip it's Raekwon's 'Incarcerated Scarfaces', which sounds utterly essential played out by a live band.
Review: El Michels Affair are widely recognised in the hip-hop game now as a cinematic soul outfit worthy of collabs with the likes of Freddie Gibbs & Madlib, Black Thought and many more besides. It all kicked off when they toured with Raekwon and other Wu-Tang Clan members before recording their cool and deadly covers of the entire Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) in 2009, giving a smoky ensemble feel to the iconic, gritty beats. Two of the choicest cuts from that album are revived here on this Fat Beats 7", namely 'C.R.E.A.M' and 'Glaciers Of Ice', which sound as tough as the original versions while subtly sliding into the heavy funk sphere undetected.
Review: The Ellis Hall Group's upcoming 7" release, 'Music, Sweet Music,' on Super Disco Edits is sure to find its way into many DJ sets. Originally recorded in 1978, this release is the second in a series where the label unearthed hidden gems from the archives. Ellis Hall Jr. and his Boston-based band bring two tracks that didn't make it to their Night Shift TV performance but are now seeing the light. 'Music, Sweet Music' is a breezy, summer anthem reminiscent of the Blackbyrds and Stevie Wonder, packed into a short but sweet 2:38 runtime. On the flip side, 'Forward Motion' offers a funkier vibe with a new wave edge, kicking in with powerful horns, driving drums and infectious melodies. Featuring Ellis Hall on keyboards and vocals, alongside a talented lineup, these tracks are perfect for fans of classic funk and soul.
Review: Brian Ellis, known for his multi-instrumental work as part of Birdbone Unlimited on Star Creature, steps out with a solo release that channels West Coast flair into a bold reinterpretation of early 80s dancefloor energy. Revisiting Bobby O's production 'Love Is The Drug' for Roni Griffith's 1982 hit, Ellis transforms the original into a shimmering blend of Italectro and funk-driven electrobass, a proto-freestyle fandango filtered through Ellis' signature analog sensibility. A high-gloss, synth-laced homage results on orange gamboge vinyl; a replenishing source of sunny sonic vitamin D.
Review: Astonishingly, original copies of Energize's 1979 private press single "Piece of Class" have changed hands for over 500 quid online. Helpfully, Rain & Shine have decided to save us all a few bob by slinging out this licensed reissue. The title track is something of a bustling disco-funk gem - a genuinely wonderful fusion of hazy vocals, dueling horn solos, spacey synthesizer flourishes and driving bass guitar. B-side "Star of the Disco" is an even more up-tempo affair, with mazy saxophone solos, rasping horn stabs and starry jazz-funk keys riding a walking bassline and high-octane disco drums.
Review: Yuima Enya & Inokashira Rangers offer fresh takes on classic Sade tracks with their new release. 'Smooth Operator' transforms into a smoothed-out lounge record infused with reggae, while still retaining the soul and pop appeal of the original. On Side-2, 'Kiss of Life,' becomes a breezy jam with a subdued yet vibrant lounge band feel. Hats off to them for tackling such beloved songs and making them their own. These are great alternative versions, bringing new life to Sade's classics while respecting the originals. Perfect for fans looking to experience these timeless tracks in a new light.
Review: Originally released on the Soulful Thangs Vol. 7 compact disks for Latin Soul Recordings in 2007, the song 'It's So Hard To Say So Long' by the Equasions took on a life of its own. A timeless soul and funk single recorded in San Antonio in 1971, revered by sweet soul collectors internationally, has now become available for the first time in over 50 years through Symphonical Records. In partnership with band leader and songwriter, Robert Williams, this group also features high school classmates Vernon Shannon, James Hartfield, Ricky Cotton, and Lamar Sumter. 'It's So Hard To Say So Long', is a poignant sentiment to lost love, yet hope created through beautiful harmonies, whereas 'World Of Loneliness' is a psychedelic reflection of society of the era, which Robert mentions remains true today. Big shout out to Symphonical for putting out this very desirable 7"
Review: The Ethiopian Brothers transport you to a vibrant fusion world where Ethiopian jazz, Afro drums and funk all collide. Released in 1972, this single showcases the band's mastery of traditional Ethiopian rhythms intertwined with elements of Western funk and soul. 'Ashadwa' exudes infectious energy and is driven by lively brass sections and mesmerizing vocals weaved into the dynamic arrangements next to wah way guitars and steamy sax. It is a real dancefloor heater while a version comes on the flip without the vocals.
Review: There is currently only one copy of this on Discogs and it is listed at a rather eye watering L1200. Thankfully this reissue means you can own an undeniably brilliant tune for a much more reasonable price. It is a seminal New Orleans joint from the main man Eddie Bo who made it for the hugely popular group The Explosions. Juanita Brooks is the powerhouse soul sister who provides the vocals and on the other side is something just as good - a deep soul gem to warm you to your core.
Review: Soul Jazz Records are focusing on the fertile New Orleans scene right and and are reissuing a load of out of print, hard to find or eye watering expensive 45rpms. Most of them have been written and produced by the legendary funk machine that is Eddie Bo and this one features in the pocket drum playing from New Orleans's great James Black. His super tight rhythms power along both parts of these big, party start funk tunes. Expressive and guttural vocals light up each one with plenty of horns for good measure.
Review: Emma Noble, the emerging soul singer from London, delivers a powerful performance on the girl group soul anthem 'Unstoppable'. Her second single, it's poised to become a next-gen floor-filler; catch us playing it on repeat, *in flagranti*, after it premiered on Craig Charles' BBC6 Soul Show in early 2025. 'Going Going Gone' backs it up on the B-side, as the first single from FPE's upcoming album Waves. Hearing rising Australian singer-songwriter and pop genius J Mahon on vocal duties, the track's catchy brass sections combine with J's androgynous soul vocals, and evokes the sounds of young Motown artists in the style's 60s adolescence.
Review: The relaunch of the BRZ45s series brings back some of the most coveted Brazilian 45s, this time with a vibrant new design. This release features two standout tracks sure to captivate collectors and DJs alike. On Side-1, Trio Ternura's 'Vou Morar No Teu Sorriso' delivers an energetic blend of funk and soul, with powerful drums, dynamic breaks, and rich horns that drive the track forward. Originally from their 1971 self-titled LP, it's a perennial favorite in DJ sets, known for its infectious rhythm and big, soulful vocals. On Side-2, Eliana Pittman's 'Quem Vai Querer', a samba-funk gem from 1977. This track rolls out with a groovy samba beat, layered percussion and Eliana's captivating lead vocal, building beautifully into a catchy chorus, with the intensity of the drums amplifying as it progresses. Both tracks are perfect for the dancefloor, offering a taste of Brazil's rich musical heritage with a fresh, modern twist.
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