Review: To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Wild Magnolias' debut album, Decca Records from France is releasing a special vinyl box set that pays tribute to these legendary recordings. This limited-edition 3LP collection includes the two original Barclay albumsiThe Wild Magnolias and They Call Us Wildialongside four bonus tracks and two previously unreleased remixes. This beautiful set is presented on 140gm vinyl, is housed in a lift-off lid box that features the original album artwork for the first two LPs. Fans and collectors alike will appreciate this carefully curated release, which not only revisits the groundbreaking work of the Wild Magnolias but also adds fresh content to their storied legacy. The collaboration between Willie Tee, the New Orleans Project, and the commanding vocals of Bo Dollis brought the soulful energy of New Orleans to life, and these recordings remain some of the most dynamic and cherished representations of that spirit, even five decades later.
Review: Time Is The Answer is an undeniable Island Funk-Soul classic from Wildfire that now gets its first ever official reissue on vinyl. It was originally self-released back in 1980 on their own self titled label and now comes on nice heavyweight vinyl, which is just what it deserves. The band was well known in their day as leaders in their field thanks to famous performances all across Trinidad, Tobago, the Caribbean, US Virgin Islands and French Guadeloupe. The dropped four albums in all and plenty of top-selling singles and this one is one of the best - a fine mix of funk, soul and disco with glorious grooves and magical melodies as well as buttery smooth vocals.
Review: Island funk and soul classic Time Is The Answer from the Wildfire band is getting reissued on both clear and black vinyl this month, with this being the super limited transparent version. It is a first-ever reissue for this much sought-after album and it arrives just in time for summer, which is when it sounds best, some 43 years after it was first self-released back in 1980 on their own self-titled label. The band was well known back in the 80s thanks to performances all across Trinidad, Tobago, the Caribbean, US Virgin Islands and French Guadeloupe. This is the best of the four albums they released - a warm and immersive blend of funk, soul and disco. .
Review: The timeless power of gospel music will never wane and if you want proof, listen no further than this fine reissue of Together by Gloster Williams and The King James Version. Originally released in 1977 on Gospel Roots Records, this classic album is now available once more on vinyl through Regrooved Records. Led by Gloster Williams, the choir blends traditional gospel with elements of soul and r&b to create uplifting and inspiring music. The title track, 'Together' is a real gospel favourite that is celebrated for its message of unity. Remastered from the original recordings, this high-quality vinyl reissue preserves the authentic sound so it's a great one to have on the racks for when you need a hit of emotion.
Review: Shina Williams' first album from 1979, African Dances, marked the moment where the Nigerian afrobeat artist would team up with 'His African Percussionists', to form one of the most sought-after sounds of the next decade. Taking inspiration from the Master Of Ceremonies, Fela Kuti, this album is just as loose and evocative as the legend's, and perhaps even a little more oriented towards the disco end of the spectrum. "Cunny Jam Wayo" is a classic afrobeat march, with its rolling drums popping off left, right and centre, while "Agboju Logun" offers a softer funk ride, and "Gboro Mi Ro" lifts the soul at the final moments with a truly memorable string of brass instruments and vocals. Cop this, not the L300+ original..!
Review: Most people only know Washington, DC band The Winstons for the thing: the righteous drum break from their single 'Amen, Brother', which over the past four decades has become the backbone of countless hip-hop, breakbeat hardcore amd drum & bass tunes. That killer cut is not only featured on this much-needed first vinyl reissue of the band's long out of print 1969 debut album, Color Him Father - a genuinely brilliant collection of emotive soul songs - but, on this limited-edition version, also included in specially extended form on a bonus, dubplate-style single-sided 12-inch. This fully remastered version of the set also includes four extra tracks, all previously issued as singles, making it the definitive version of a vitally important album.
Review: As you may well be aware, the Winstons' most significant contribution to musical history was the righteous drum break featured on their 1969 single 'Amen, Brother', a breakbeat that has since become the backbone of countless hip-hop, hardcore and D&B tracks. Yet as good as that break is, there was always much more to love hidden in their catalogue, particularly debut album Color Him, Father. As this surprise reissue on CD proves, it is a genuinely brilliant collection of loved up East Coast soul songs - both dancefloor-friendly and downtempo - which on this edition has been expanded via the addition of a quartet of previous single-only cuts. This, then, is the definitive version of a vitally important soul album.
Review: Zamrock, anyone? Often stylised as W.I.T.C.H, WITCH were one of the leading musical lights of post-colonial Zambia, a band that rose to prominence during the early-1970s, a particularly fertile period in the East African nation during which hopes for the future were incredibly bright. Independence leading to the blossoming of homespun ideas, culture, art and creativity. The story takes a tragic turn as the decade reached its final years, the economy collapsing and policymakers turning increasingly authoritarian. Like many in the 'scene', WITCH would fade, almost into obscurity, although the psychedelic rock-hued legacy they left survived, and then experienced a resurgence from 2012, when they reformed amid renewed interest. Kuomboka represents the group at the height of their fame, an album that still sounds packed with optimism, despite insidious changes in the air when it landed in 1976.
Just The Two Of Us (feat Grover Washington Jr) (3:58)
Who Is She (& What Is He To You?) (3:12)
Oh Yeah! (4:01)
Hello Like Before (5:22)
I Want To Spend The Night (3:39)
Heartbreak Road (3:09)
Review: For anyone Withering away at the lack of good music in their lives, wilt no more - this latest collection of Bill Withers' greatest hits captures some of the Virginian songster's earliest and best moments. 'Grandma's Hands', 'Harlem' and 'Lean On Me' all feature on the A (exploring early Withers, largely centred on his first album Just As I Am), while the B explores later Withers, leading with the undeniable classic 'Lovely Day'.
Review: Stevie Wonder's enduring genius shines across this translucent orange vinyl collection, charting his most transformative years from 1966 to 1980. Early hits like 'Uptight,' 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered,' and 'My Cherie Amour' radiate youthful energy and soul, while later tracks such as 'Superstition,' 'Living for the City,' and 'Higher Ground' embody his era-defining blend of funk and social consciousness. With its mix of exuberant anthems and introspective masterpieces, this release encapsulates the vibrant artistry that secured Stevie Wonder's place as one of music's greatest innovators.
You Are The Sunshine Of My Life (single mix) (2:50)
Superstition (4:05)
Higher Ground (single edit) (3:10)
Living For The City (7:26)
You Haven't Done Nothin' (3:19)
Boogie On Reggae Woman (single mix) (4:09)
I Wish (4:05)
Sir Duke (3:54)
Master Blaster (Jammin') (4:39)
That Girl (5:08)
Do I Do (single edit) (4:58)
I Just Called To Say I Love You (single edit) (4:16)
Overjoyed (3:37)
Part-Time Lover (single edit) (3:38)
Review: Stevie Wonder's The Definitive Collection, now reissued on double vinyl, offers a broad overview of his remarkable career, initially compiled in 2002. . The collection highlights Wonder's versatilityipop, funk, soul, and jazz influences are all represented, with timeless tracks like 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours' and 'Sir Duke' standing out. While selections like 'Hey Love' and 'Overjoyed' may seem like odd inclusions when Stevie has had so many hits, the compilation still spans his career highlights, including smash hits like 'I Just Called to Say I Love You' and 'Part-Time Lover'. There are so many legendary songs, it's almost overwhelming - a great introduction to the breadth of Wonder's musical legacy.
Review: Stevie Wonder's seminal The Jazz Soul Of Little Stevie album very much unveiled the budding talent of a musical prodigy. Released in 1962, this instrumental collection showcases Wonder's early mastery of jazz-infused melodies at the tender age of just 12 years old. With his harmonica prowess and soulful organ touches frost and centre, Wonder paints vivid tracks that belie his youth. Pieces like 'Fingertips' and 'Square' exude a playful energy, while 'Soul Bongo' delves into rhythmic complexity. Despite its brevity, the album foreshadows Wonder's illustrious career and undeniably set the stage for his future triumphs on Motown and beyond. It's a captivating glimpse into the early genius of a music icon.
Love Having You Around/Signed Sealed Delivered/Papa Was A Rolling Stone (7:28)
Superstition/Maybe Your Baby (12:01)
Uptight Jam (4:12)
Review: In 1972, musical one-off Stevie Wonder boldly embraced a more experimental and personal style and showcased some innovative use of synths. Backed by his new band Wonderlove, he toured extensively with the Rolling Stones and solidified his status as a trailblazer. This electrifying performance from that year was broadcast on Soul TV WNET 13 in New York City and captures Wonder at his peak and delivering fiery renditions of tracks from his iconic Music of My Mind and Talking Book albums, among others. Presented here with insightful background notes and rare images, this recording is a vivid testament to a pivotal era in Wonder's legendary career.
Review: This record was thought to have been lost until recently re-discovered. Recorded in the 1970s and has been loving remasters from the original tapes here and pressed onto heavyweight wax. This collection features some heavily sampled tunes such as 'Funkanova' which has been pillaged by the likes of Black Science Orchestra, DJ Sneak and The Bucketheads. It also has a famous rendition of the Ronnie Laws jewel 'Always There'. Wood, Brass & Steel members include the likes of Doug Winbush who went on to play with the Sugarhill Gang and Grandmaster Flash.
Review: Often touted as a "masterpiece of jazz-funk live albums," The Wooden Glass's 1972 live recording proves it's more than just hype. Featuring vibraphonist Billy Wooten who previously played with Grant Green, this record was recorded at Indianapolis' The 19th Hole club and captures the essence of fusion driven by soulful 60s influences. Wooten's gentle melodies contrast with the gritty, distorted sound of Harold Cardwell's powerful drumming and Emmanuel Riggins' Hammond organ while the energetic performance from the band, including guitarist William Roach, creates a tapestry of intensity and dreamlike vibes. It's raw, electrifying, high-energy jazz.
What Have They Done To My Funk (feat Bootsy Collins/Michael Moon Reuben/Ouiwey Collins/Buckethead) (5:00)
Heapin' Bowl Of Gumbo (feat Leo Nocentelli/Fred Wesley/Stanton Moore) (3:19)
Re-Enter Black Light (Phase II) (feat Sean Ono Lennon) (6:19)
The Big WOO (feat Fred Schneider/Marco Benevento/Steve Scales) (5:22)
Greenpoint (feat Steven Bernstein) (8:42)
Soldiers Of The Stars (feat Daru Jones/Eric McFadden) (4:55)
When The Rain Subsides (feat Will Calhoun) (4:19)
Pedre WOO (feat Mike Watt) (7:23)
Funkadelic - "Contusion" (2:56)
Transcendence (feat Marc Ribot/Norwood Fisher) (16:41)
Wave From The WOOniverse (feat Miho Hatori) (4:03)
Review: Bernie Worrell's posthumous release Wave from the Wooniverse emerges as a brilliant example to his enduring influence and creativity. Hailing from Asheville, NC, Worrell, known for his groundbreaking work with Moog synthesizers and his tenure with Parliament-Funkadelic and Talking Heads, left behind quite a bit of unreleased material upon his passing in 2016. Curated and completed by a stellar lineup including Sean Lennon, Bootsy Collins, and Buckethead among others, this CD collection breathes new life into Worrell's compositions. From funk-infused grooves to ethereal synth landscapes, each track showcases Worrell's lyrical keyboard prowess and musical versatility. The album's diversity reflects Worrell's eclectic career, blending genres seamlessly while maintaining a cohesive sonic narrative. With contributions from original P-Funk members and contemporary collaborators, Wave from the Wooniverse resonates as a fitting tribute to a visionary musician. Whether you're drawn to deep-fried funk or introspective instrumentals, this release is a stunning CD for aficionados of innovative and soul-stirring music.
Review: Original psychedelic soul gemmery from Milton Wright, as reissued by Wagram. This by-the-book repress follows up a 2015 reissue from Athens Of The North, which was specially noted for its presenting of an 'alternate version' of the album, made up of completely different earlier recordings of each track. Wagram's version, by contrast, pays homage to the 'final' electro-dicso inflected directors' cut - i.e. the first iteration of the album, released in 1975. Slick, high-endy and masterful, tracks like 'Brothers And Sisters' are everything we want and expect from Wright.
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