I Hear Music In The Streets (Expansions NYC dub) (4:51)
I Hear Music In The Streets (LV Classic Boogie mix) (6:33)
Review: It would be fair to say that post-disco outfit Unlimited Touch's 1980 single "I Hear Music In the Streets" is one of the greatest boogie/electrofunk records of all time. Louie Vega clearly agrees, because late last year he decided to gather together the remaining members of Unlimited Touch and record a fresh 2020 version. The A-side "Touch Mix" is the bomb. It features a more organic-sounding disco-boogie groove than the 1980 original, with delicious guitars, bass and electric piano/organ underpinning seriously good group vocals from the sometime Prelude-signed outfit. Over on the flip, Vega serves up an electric piano solo-laden dub mix, as well as a "Classic Boogie" take that naturally sounds very similar to the band's much-loved original version.
Sanctuary - "Disconnect" (extended Disco instrumental) (6:25)
Willie J & Co - "Boogie With Your Baby" (extended Disco mix) (6:21)
Unknown Tape - "Familiar Time & Place" (Chicago mix) (7:05)
Unknown Tape - "Familiar Time & Place" (Detroit mix) (7:09)
Review: The shadowy Edit & Dub crew don't talk about their releases, so it can be difficult to ascertain whether the tracks they're showcasing are long-lost originals, or new edits of ridiculously rare records. Either way, the label's latest EP features versions of some seriously hard to find treats, starting with a fine 'extended disco instrumental' of Sanctuary's 'Disconnect', a fine disco-boogie jam from 1980. They then deliver a (we think) previously unreleased 'extended disco' mix of Willie J & Co's killer 1976 disco-funk gem 'Boogie With Your Baby'. On the B-side we're treated to two takes on the mysterious 'Familiar Time and Place' by Uknown Tapes: a 'Chicago Mix' which sounds like late 80s Windy City acid house smothered in spacey deep house chords and intergalactic electronics and the mid-80s techno-tinged 'Detroit Mix'.
Review: Those who frequented Manchester clubs in the early 90s - particularly those where local hero Hewan Clarke plied his trade - will have danced to 'Got To Make Sure', one of a handful of killer street soul records made by Lancastrian vocalist Hughie Crawford as U-Bert. It is considered by some knowledgeable collectors as one of the greatest street soul records of all time. It's certainly been hard to find - hence this much-needed reissue from Backatcha Records. Happily, all three essential versions of the track are present. The original A-side 'Pablo Mix', a smooth, seductive and effortlessly soulful affair rich in loved-up dreaminess and fluttering synth sounds, comes backed by its original B-side, the jauntier and more dubbed out 'Minister Mix', and the more up-tempo, dancefloor ready 'Remix' (originally remixed under the alternative U-Bert & Co alias). Simply essential.
Impeach The President (UB instrumental mix) (4:19)
Review: Nubian Crackers member The Undercover Brother (AKA veteran Queens, New York-based beat-maker Victor Piagneri) fires up his U.B.'s project and delivers another taster for the forthcoming "Ultimate Covers w/Breaks" LP. On the A-side you'll find his instrumental interpretation of Frederick Knight cut "Uphill Peace Of Mind", a heavy, stripped-back revision rich in killer drum breaks, Red Hot Chili Peppers style funk-rock guitars and life-affirming piano solos. Turn to the flip for Piagneri's vocal-free version of The Honey Drippers' 1973 anti-Nixon anthem "Impeach The President". He allows the track's much-sampled opening drum break a little more room to breathe, before carefully layering up Hammond organ riffs and a snaking saxophone solo that effectively replaces the original vocals.
Review: Whether or not this label is named in reference to long-life semi-skimmed milk, we do not know, but the tunes on it are certainly fatter than the 2% you get with UHT. 'Set Your House In Order' is the sort of raw, from-the-heart soul sound that will bring any floor to rapture with its gospel influenced lyrics, big horns and neat organ chords. It's a real dancer, while 'Lego Brick Road' is more of a funk-strutter with moody bass and upright kicks embellished with some warped vocals and playful licks. Two gems.
Review: We have long had a soft spot for the sounds that come out of DC label People's Potential Unlimited, which is affectionately known as PPU. It's always lo-fi but hi-class whether in original or reissue form. It's the latter here with leftfield Estonian artist Uku Kuut's 'Funky' 7" reappearing on wax. The opener is all singing synth lines and jumbled analogue drum funk with an oddball vocal and generally stuffy arrangement making it all the more lovable. On the flip is 'What's Happening Today', another unusual mix of sounds - synth, disco, funk and goofy vocals that will have the floor in a spin.
Review: French-Haitian saxophone player Ulysse laid this cult gem down in 1983. After its release, he became an underground sensation within the niche French boogie scene, Both of the tunes which now get reissued manage to successfully mix political statements with dance-floor fire. First up is 'Naima' which is about the resilience of a woman who has grown up in war. On the flip is 'Tiers Monde' which is a much more heavy digital reggae tune that offers a reminder that we must not forget about abandoned children of the Third World. This was big in Paris in the 80s and will be just as big now.
The Umoza Music Project - "Down By The Beach" (3:05)
Woodfield Rd Allstars - "Ghetto Guitar" (4:25)
Review: The crucial Original Gravity label is busy this month with three red hot new 7"s all dropping in quick succession. The top-notch funk crew has this spilt 7" from Umoza Music Project and The Woodfield Road Allstars up here on limited wax. The a-side is a sunny bit of original rousing 70s reggae direct from the islands. Backing vocalists provide plenty of butter while the lead laments a love lost and the rhythm rolls on. On the back side is a much more stoner-paced and funk drenched laidback instrumental with Balearic guitar licks that look to the stars as organ chords warm you through and the rocksteady rhythm gently sways to and fro. Two gems for sure.
Ella Andall - "My Spirit Is Music" (Luke Una Machine Soul Tops Off edit) (7:16)
Slick Mission - "Time's Up" (Luke Una 5am Shabeen Proto House edit) (7:13)
Manu Dibango - "Jingo" (feat King Sunny Ade - Luke Una Dancing In Outer Space edit) (5:51)
Review: While he's not put out many re-edits of late, Luke Una has serious scalpel-job pedigree. Back in the 2000s, he and then DJ partner Justin Crawford released a series of largely disco-focused edit EPs on the hush-hush Electrik Souls series. Here he returns to the format with the first in a series of reworks focused on his popular, dusty-fingered E Soul Cultura project. He begins by teasing out and lightly toughening up a killer Caribbean cut from the 1990s, Ella Andall's 'My Spirit Is Music' - an insanely rare and hard to find number that the Sheffield-born DJ has naturally tweaked sensitively. Elsewhere, he emphasises the 'proto-house dub' feel of Slick Mission's early UK house number 'Time's Up', before going even dubbed-out and more percussive on Manu Dibango's lesser-known cover of Latin disco classic 'Jingo'.
Tony Alvon & The Belairs - "Sexy Coffee Pot" (2:27)
Review: After much work, Berlin-based reissue label Matasuna Records is finally able to fully and officially reissue these funk classics. After so many bootlegged versions of these it is great to have a high-quality vinyl pressing on nice loud 7". Both of these legendary funk tunes come from the vast vaults of Atlantic Records and have never had their own standalone releases before. On 'Getting Uptown (To Get Down)' United 8 cook up infectious sounds and mix up horns, guitars, drums and bass while on the flip 'Sexy Coffee Pot' from 'Tony Alvon & The Belairs' is an explosion of raw funk energy.
Review: United Disco Organisation have been tapped up by the ATA label for its first voyage into the world of disco. The band is made up of producer and bassist Neil Innes and guitarist and singer Chris Dawkins and here they head off to the cosmos with a classically inclined sound that comes with lashings of Philly soul influences. 'Send The Rain' opens things up and features a fine flute lead from label-mate Tony Burkill. Dawkins's vocals then take the lead over a nice woody, organic groove and an instrumental is also featured. 'Funky Thing' is a glossy, vibes-heavy tune with big melodies and chunky drum funk.
Review: Athens Of The North's faultless run continues with this fresh new 7" from the United Spiritual Singers, about whom we know nothing. It is their one and only release on Discogs and it is from this year, which is remarkable given the authenticity of these super sweet and heart-aching soul sounds. A-side 'Not A Minute Too Late' is a bustling disco number with a funky rhythm section and big, characterful horns powering the groove along. The flip side is a slow, sultry number with plaintive chords and rich backing vocals adding a buttery feel to this real melter.
Review: Universal Cave set out on a brand new cosmic spelunk. Flipping a pair of raucous Latin disco pancakes on a searing summer lowrider bonnet (in lieu of a non-stick pan), these free-range disco ovules pack much underfoot promise for the discerning dancefloor. The Philly collective kicks things off with the spry 'So Soft So Sweet', with an elusively sourced sing-along hook, blazing synth-gasms, and impulsive drums. 'Mishugina Mambo', on the other hand, gleans its inspirations from the classic Sofrito Specials series: bold horns fly in the face of relentless percs, urging everyone and your mother to get moving.
Review: Mega-chromatic soul-jazz with a dash of weirdness from The Universal Togetherness Band. 'I Want You' and 'Call For Love' were recorded between 1979 and 1982, and were subsequently shelved until one of the duo's members began doling out cassette versions, which led to an unearthing in 2014. Subdued and laid-back drums, clack-guitar and toothy bass all poke through this release's sexy soul snark.
Review: Universe City's 1976 12" promotional release, showcasing 'Can You Get Down' and 'Serious,' achieved legendary status in the disco realm. Produced and arranged by John Davis, its limited availability and enduring demand, amplified by spins from influencers like Sean P and Dave Lee, underscore its lasting impact in the disco community. Davis, a pivotal figure in 1970s disco, significantly shaped its sonic landscape as a composer, arranger, and producer. Now, officially reintroduced after 48 years, this exclusive Record Store Day reissue is a must-have for disco aficionados that won't break the bank like an original would.
Review: PPU is one of your favourite labels when it comes to dusty and lo-fi soul and related sounds. Now the DC-based crew delivers another gem with Grand Hotel, a collection of ten rare tracks from Estonian funk legend Uku Kuut, who they have released several times before now. The instrumental album traces Kuut's journey through the Soviet Union, Sweden, Los Angeles, and Estonia and is a window into his excellently eclectic style. Highlights include his first home recording from 1982 and a track produced in Herbie Hancock's studio. After more than 30 years of travelling across borders, these precious masters have found a permanent home and means that Grand Hotel is a fine tribute to Kuut's international influences.
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