Kalita レコード& CD

Review: Adelle First luckily came up in the late '80s to early '90s tradition of cut-up house. 'Don't Give Up' is her defining moment; a precious South African disco piece that is unusually sensitive and detailed in disposition, and which features a brilliant dub mix on the B, that shows off every production aspect of this tried but true style with a startling sense of intricacy. First released in 1986, the flair of producer Tom Mkhize together with First's lolling vocals is once more put on display on this 2022 reissue.

Review: Kalita has a fine record of unearthing holy grail records and reissuing them to rabid fans around the world. The latest is a real corker even by their standards - an unrelated album of soul, gospel and disco songs from Al-Dos Band. It is part of the first drop for Record Store Day 2021 and immediately melts the heart. 'Don't Come Smiling Back' is a deeply emotive slow jam with an impassioned vocal and pained chords, while 'Your Presence' is a much more rapturous and uplifting bit of musical worship, 'Some Things Don't Mean A Thing' is a robust and rugged bit of strident disco with magic funk riffs, and 'Love Jones Coming Down' is a real dance floor heater.

Review: The Kalita crew step up with another finely chosen reissue gem from the history of African dance music, this time welcoming Ghanaian disco maestro Okyerema Asante to the fold with two utterly infectious party starters laced with ample feel good vibes. "Sabi (Get Down)" is a slinky groover with a killer bassline and sweet guitar licks for the heads down crew to bust out some serious moves. "That's My Girl" is a more sizzling affair with a brighter outlook, riding high on soaring brass and woodwind and packing a heartfelt message of love that everyone can vibe with.

Review: Kalita Records are proud and honoured to announce the first ever official reissue of the four choice tracks from Randolph Baker's privately pressed sought-after 1982 disco album 'Reaching For The Stars', plus an unreleased instrumental take of 'Party Life' sourced from the original 24-track analogue master tapes.

Originally recorded at Jim Morris and Rick Miller's Tampa-based Morrisound Studios, 'Getting Next To You' features both a mixture of both local Florida talent plus jazz superstar Nat Adderley and bassist John Lamb at their finest. Originally pressed in a limited run of just one-thousand copies, with no distribution and most copies being sold in the local city and on Randolph's own merchandise table at the back of live gigs, original copies have long been sought-after by both collectors and DJs alike, acknowledged as a true grail and masterpiece in the disco scene and deservedly demanding extortionate figures to those lucky enough to find their own.

Here, in collaboration with Randolph, Kalita Records have chosen to re-release the four choice tracks from the album: 'Getting Next To You', 'Jazzman', 'Callin' Me' and 'Party Life'. The former is an in-demand horn and chant-filled disco masterpiece, which, as Randolph explains, concerns unity and "everyone on the same level in other words, everyone just loving life". It is arguably the song that Randolph is most well-known for in the disco and funk scene and perfect for the modern discerning dance floor. 'Jazzman' is an instrumental track with prominent trumpet and saxophone solos working with funky basslines to produce a truly great jazz-funk groove. It was "a tribute to Nat Adderley and Duke Ellington's bass player, John Lamb, for being so generous and saying yes to the project". 'Callin' Me' is a soulful disco number featuring the lead vocals of Laurie Erickson and is "about being on the road and ensuring loved ones that you will always come back home no matter what. It was like a promise to ensure loved ones they didn't have to worry". Lastly, 'Party Life' is a joyous disco track with a strong funk bassline and horns. As Randolph recalls, it "was the joy like after an actor finishes a movie. There was nothing but joy. It's finished; let's celebrate big time. Where everyone in the studio yelled at the top of their lungs - The End!" Here, with access to the 24-track master tapes we have been able to include the original version plus an unreleased instrumental take, allowing us to focus on the infectious bassline and make it even more ready for the modern dance floor.

Accompanied by extensive interview-based liner notes and never-before-seen photos.

Review: Kalita Records have secured rights to a first ever reissue of Wilson Boateng's 'Asew Watchman' and 'Mabre Agu' tunes as well as serving up two new extended mixes from Amsterdam-based producer and DJ Mendel for more useful dance floor deployment. Originally privately released in a small run by Wilson himself, these sought after highlife tunes were recorded in London and put out in 1988 and have been pretty much impossible to find ever since. They are phenomenally upbeat and feel good sounds with plenty of highlife melodies, lush synthesizers, disco and boogie beats finished in a truly authentic Ghanian style.

Review: The hard-digging record fiends at Kalita are back with more brilliance. This one is the first-ever retrospective of work by Jamaican-born artist Desmond Chambers. The first tine is a proudly politically aware tune previously only avialbel on his 1987 album Tiger Born, while the single 'The Morning Show' has before now only been available as the B side of little known single 'I Have Seen Love In Your Eyes.' The two other tracks are mega cult, hugely loved acid-infused dub snakers with boogie-infused rhythms. Original copies will cost you a huge amount so make sure you snap this one up asap.

Review: Kalita Records announce the first ever and definitive discography of Carrie Cleveland. Here, they offer an expanded version of her 1978 album 'Looking Up', including both the issue and promotional versions of her single 'Make Love To Me', and the previously unknown sweet soul single 'I've Got A Feeling'.

Privately arranged, recorded and produced by Carrie and her husband Bill as a labour of love in their backyard studio in 1978, 'Looking Up' is one of the most in-demand soul/disco LPs in existence, sought-after in particular for their track 'Love Will Set You Free'. In addition, the promotional version of Carrie's single 'Make Love To Me' is one of the best and rarest sweet soul records to have emerged out of the West Coast soul scene, and her single 'I've Got A Feeling' is until today virtually unknown even to the most seasoned of collectors, with even Carrie herself unsure if it was ever released. With the album originally pressed in a limited run of just 1000 with 500 copies of each single, original copies of Carrie's records deservingly command eye-watering figures on the second-hand market. Kalita now satisfy the thirst with the first ever official reissue of her entire discography.

The Kalita vinyl reissue consists of both the expanded album and a bonus 7" single, and is housed in a gatefold sleeve. It includes extensive interview-based liner notes and never before seen photos, detailing Carrie and Bills' life and musical career.

Review: Kalita Records announce the first ever and definitive discography of Carrie Cleveland. Here, they offer an expanded version of her 1978 album 'Looking Up', including both the issue and promotional versions of her single 'Make Love To Me', and the previously unknown sweet soul single 'I've Got A Feeling'.

Privately arranged, recorded and produced by Carrie and her husband Bill as a labour of love in their backyard studio in 1978, 'Looking Up' is one of the most in-demand soul/disco LPs in existence, sought-after in particular for their track 'Love Will Set You Free'. In addition, the promotional version of Carrie's single 'Make Love To Me' is one of the best and rarest sweet soul records to have emerged out of the West Coast soul scene, and her single 'I've Got A Feeling' is until today virtually unknown even to the most seasoned of collectors, with even Carrie herself unsure if it was ever released. With the album originally pressed in a limited run of just 1000 with 500 copies of each single, original copies of Carrie's records deservingly command eye-watering figures on the second-hand market. Kalita now satisfy the thirst with the first ever official reissue of her entire discography.

The CD is accompanied by a mini-poster and includes extensive interview-based liner notes and never before seen photos, detailing Carrie and Bills' life and musical career.

Review: It would be fair to say that Carrie Cleveland's 'Love Will Set You Free' is a genuine rarity - a superb chunk of independent, lo-fi soul that originally appeared on the artist's sole album, the rare-as-hen's-teeth 1980 set Looking Up. The first time that the track has ever been released as a single, it sees Cleveland singing sweetly over an attractive blend of shuffling, Latin-tinged machine drums, undulating organ lines and a metronomic bassline. The 45 also boasts another superb rarity - the slightly warmer and more upbeat (but still wonderfully sparse and organ-rich) 'Make Love To Me (7" Promotional Version)', which originally appeared on a scarce promo single sent to radio stations.

Review: She may be best known as a TV and radio presenter, but Nigerian star Julie Coker also enjoyed a short but successful music career. She released two albums of note - highlife-focused 1976 debut "Ere Yon (Sweet Songs)" and 1981's more disco-centric "Tomorrow" - both of which now fetch eye-watering sums online. This fine retrospective showcases cuts from both of those sets, with the many highlights including the spacey, delay-laden highlife cheeriness of "Re Hese", the Clavinet-sporting disco-funk-goes-pop bounce of "It's All For You", the low-slung but rising, gospel influenced brilliance of "Gossiper Scandal Monger" and the heavily percussive, off-kilter goodness of album closer "Iyo-Re". You might also notice the intro of 'Ere Yon', which was recently sampled to great effect in Anderson .Paak's "Saviers Road"!

Review: She may be best known as a TV and radio presenter, but Nigerian star Julie Coker also enjoyed a short but successful music career. She released two albums of note - highlife-focused 1976 debut "Ere Yon (Sweet Songs)" and 1981's more disco-centric "Tomorrow" - both of which now fetch eye-watering sums online. This fine retrospective showcases cuts from both of those sets, with the many highlights including the spacey, delay-laden highlife cheeriness of "Re Hese", the Clavinet-sporting disco-funk-goes-pop bounce of "It's All For You", the low-slung but rising, gospel influenced brilliance of "Gossiper Scandal Monger" and the heavily percussive, off-kilter goodness of album closer "Iyo-Re". You might also notice the intro of 'Ere Yon', which was recently sampled to great effect in Anderson .Paak's "Saviers Road"!

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


She may be best known as a TV and radio presenter, but Nigerian star Julie Coker also enjoyed a short but successful music career. She released two albums of note - highlife-focused 1976 debut "Ere Yon (Sweet Songs)" and 1981's more disco-centric "Tomorrow" - both of which now fetch eye-watering sums online. This fine retrospective showcases cuts from both of those sets, with the many highlights including the spacey, delay-laden highlife cheeriness of "Re Hese", the Clavinet-sporting disco-funk-goes-pop bounce of "It's All For You", the low-slung but rising, gospel influenced brilliance of "Gossiper Scandal Monger" and the heavily percussive, off-kilter goodness of album closer "Iyo-Re". You might also notice the intro of 'Ere Yon', which was recently sampled to great effect in Anderson .Paak's "Saviers Road"!

Review: Kalita's latest must-have 12" mines a notoriously obscure and hard-to-find private press seven-inch single, NYC outfit Cross Island's 1978 45 "East of the Apple". It's that record's alternative "Just a Little Different" mix that everyone's after, so that takes pride of place on side A. It's a percussive, low-slung affair - all heavy bass, Kong style Latin hand percussion and deep electric piano motifs - topped off by vocals espousing the virtues of Long Island. Glaswegian re-edit king Al Kent offers up an extended, more celebratory revision of the track on the flip, stretching out the intro drums before unleashing the song's more celebratory, life-affirming musical elements. He also delivers a remix of previously unreleased cut "Wave", a bustling disco-funk number full of crunchy Clavinet lines and soaring disco orchestration.

Review: The Kalita sound is becoming more clearly defined with each release, as the London-based label continues to mine the rich history of overlooked disco, funk and soul from America and Africa. Darryl Douglas Inc. originally released "Holding On" in 1981, and when you listen to it it's no wonder that second hand copies used to fetch dizzying prices. It's a perfect get down jam that no doubt used to delight switched on diggers with money to burn, but a track this perfectly crafted for good times should never be confined to the ivory tower of the collectors. "Jesus Is The Light" is the original B side, a slower devotional soul cut with gospel undertones.

Review: Kalita's obligatory Record Store Day offering is something rather special: synth-funk visionary couple Emerson and Leora Sandidge's mythical unreleased album finally sees the light of day, following Emerson's sole private press seven-inch single release way back in 1988. Those two tunes ("Sending All My Love Out" and "Why Are You So Cold?") make the cut on this belated debut set, alongside six other previously unreleased recordings from the same sessions. Their take on electrofunk, boogie and '80s soul is colourful, soulful and synth-heavy, with the included tracks veering from up-tempo club workouts (see "Raw Deal Cocaine Kills") and fizzing dancefloor pop workouts, to sugary ballads and seductive slow jams. In other words, it's a more than tidy selection of rare and unheard gems.

Review: The IgG Band was a student medical group from the 80s. They served up superb prescriptions of funk, soul and disco put out a highly sought after record Ultra/Sound that has become a real holy grail for lovers of this sound. It has more than stood the test of time since it was put out privately on band member Clifford Becker's Infusion Records imprint. Their original MO was only to play music to please themselves but by now it has pleased thousands of us. Standouts include the sombre lament of 'Another Love Gone' and upbeat dance floor sounds of 'Funky Music.'

Review: Kalita are busy adding more weight to their on-point reissue catalogue with this excellent single from Caribbean funksters IWABO. "Reggae Down" does indeed feature a skank of sorts and all manner of sunkissed vibes, but there's a greater emphasis on laid back funk than you would find in typical Jamaican output. "Smile On Your Face" is a more light hearted track that equally draws on a variety of reference points to impart its infectious positive message. IWABO may have been a secret weapon of serious diggers for years, but now it's time for the wider record buying public to get in on the groove.

Review: Kalita Records have secured the first ever official reissue of Jivaro's lovely Saturday Fever album. It is said to be one of the best ever kwaito and bubblegum pop records to have ever come from the fertile South African scene and was first released on Maurice Horwitz's Music Team label in 1989. It serves up plenty of sick prog-house grooves and post-boogie sounds, with fat synths, tiny drum machine programming and a catchy Afro vocals that energise and enthuse any DJ set. This has been sourced from the original master tapes so you can be sure it sounds fat.

Review: Momo Joseph didn't have a huge number of releases to his name back when he was a recording artist in the 80s, but that simply made his Love Africa Soul 7" even more of a holy grail find. Now Kalita have done the right thing and got hold of the release for a much needed repress, and it's highly likely this jam will become a staple for anyone with a taste for African grooves of all shapes and sizes. "Love Africa Soul" has it all - infectious brass stabs, limber musicianship, and Joseph's killer vocal. On the B side of this reissue "Cameroun Airline" gets a tasteful edit treatment from the trusted hands (and ears) of Nik Weston from Mukatsuku Records.

Review: Kalita Records are proud and honoured to announce the first ever and official reissue of Kallaloo's sought-after 1982 disco single 'Star Child', accompanied by interview-based liner notes. Originally released on Jeffrey Turpin's Trinidadian record label IDA, 'Star Child' has since become highly sought-after by both DJs and collectors alike as an invisible, yet astonishing piece of Caribbean disco. Unable at the time to gain the traction and success that it deserved, we hope that this re-release provides an opportunity to bring such a great record to a much wider audience.

Kallaloo consisted of various Trinidadian musicians including Keith Alexander and Peter Wayne Barkley. Keith had been well-respected as a member of the Trinidadian group Impact, and was later to become an in-demand producer and composer under the name of Keith Diamond, responsible for various hits by Billy Ocean, Donna Summer, Starpoint and Melba Moore. In contrast, Peter was a well-known recording session drummer, but after 'Star Child's' release he moved to North Carolina to pursue other interests and "was never heard from again".

'Star Child' was recorded at Right Track Recording, in mid-town Manhattan, New York. As Jeffrey recalls, the atmosphere in the studio was "great", with "everyone upbeat, the cream of the crop just looking for that break... everyone was talented and just wanted the chance to express their own ideas". Five hundred copies of the record were released on IDA with a white label design, and they were sold both in Brooklyn, New York and Port of Spain, Trinidad. It was also released on a red label, however this was not to Jeffrey's knowledge at the time.

Jeffrey explains that the reason why the record didn't fare well at the time was because of the difficulty in getting the song played on the radio. As he recalls, radio stations were much more likely to play 'radio versions' of songs which lasted for a couple of minutes, rather than five or seven minute 'extended' versions such as 'Star Child', which were more suitable to a club environment. In addition, as Jeffrey explains, radio airplay is a "political business", and also within a short while band members such as Keith got their own breaks, and the Kallaloo era was over as quickly as it had started.

Review: In 1983 a group of Nigerian musicians in London headed into a studio in Hoxton Square and recorded their sole LP: a boogie and disco-infused set called 'Electric Murder'. The album was released the same year on a tiny Nigerian label, meaning that copies of this obscure classic have been sought after ever since. As this beautifully packaged and produced reissue proves, 'Electric Murder' has lost none of its lustre. Highlights come thick and fast throughout, from the slap-bass heavy celebration of opener "Funky Boogie Woogie" and the deep disco brilliance of "Electric Murder", to the low-slung, delay-laden disco-funk gem "Shake" and sugary, synth-laden slow jam "April's Girl", a track that boasts some suitably super electric piano solos.

Review: 
A-grade diggers Kalita have a few top class releases on their hands this month and this is one of them: a first ever official vinyl reissue of Mpharanyana & The Peddler tunes 'Disco' and 'Freak Out With Botsotso.' This is worldly South African disco and funk from 1979 that comes with a super remix from Rotterdam-based DJ, producer and funk specialist Jamie 3:26. is version of 'Disco' is primed for modern dance floor with murky drums and the big vocal chants sure to get huge reactions. Meanwhile, opener 'Disco' keeps it deep and tropical with tumbling drums and a powerful bass riff, then 'Freak Out' ups the ante with more clipped disco funk o,

Review: Kalita have a great one here with a first ever official reissue of Muchos Plus's, a much sought after 12" from 1979. It's pure reggae disco heat that forty years after release is still a banger. It was first put out on bandleader Rudy Mills' own label U-Solo Records, and is actually a pair of versions of their devastating disco take on The Beginning of the End's smash hit 'Funky Nassau', plus their own reggae funk slow jam 'Love Misunderstood'. An original is well over 500 quid on Discogs and it's easy to see why. The tunes brim with energy, funky licks and whistles, coats and much more to bring that worldly feel good vibe.

Review: Kalita are excited to announce as their second release of 2020, the first ever official re-release of Cameroonian singer Jeannette N'Diaye's 1981 disco masterpiece 'Makom Ma Bobe', backed by an extended edit courtesy of Mendel! Originally appearing as one of three tracks on 'Mut'a Mbamba', her 1981 single released on Cameroonian producer Jojo Ngalle's record label Disques Jojo, 'Makom Ma Bobe' has recently exploded as one of the most sought-after Afro-disco records out there, with prices becoming ever exceedingly eye-watering and copies ever harder to find. Now Kalita come to the rescue, offering a loud and remastered 12" single for all. If that wasn't enough, the single is also backed by an extended edit of 'Makom Ma Bobe', courtesy of Netherlands-based DJ and producer Mendel! It's fast, it's euphoric and it's lasers are to die for. What more could you want?

Review: London-based reissue label Kalita is here to take you deep into the hidden corners of African grooves, kicking things off in style with this infectious selection of cuts from Ernest Koffi, otherwise known as NST Cophie's, recorded in Paris and released on a private press LP in 1980. "Bian Kou" is a loose and limber disco funk number with impeccable slap bass, while "E Clolo" brings a more rounded, distinctly 80s flavoured production. Taking over the whole B-side, "Miokouna" takes on a more distinctly Afrobeat-minded demeanour and beams the Ivory Coast sunshine into your ears with irresistible force.

Review: This 12" on Kalita marks first ever official reissue of the highly sought after Michael Paul reggae-soul-disco gem 'Reggae Music.' It is something of a megabit that never was after first coming on the New York-based Revolver Records. Since then it has been hard to find, and even if you do find a copy, many are said to have some real sound quality issues. Either way it is now a bit of a grail for a certain sort of DJ so to have it here, remastered and nice and loud, is big news. As well as the languid and steamy original, there is a killer dub version on the flip.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Bent corners and creasing on the left side of the outer sleeve, small dent to the top right corner, but the record is in perfect working condition***


This 12" on Kalita marks first ever official reissue of the highly sought after Michael Paul reggae-soul-disco gem 'Reggae Music.' It is something of a megabit that never was after first coming on the New York-based Revolver Records. Since then it has been hard to find, and even if you do find a copy, many are said to have some real sound quality issues. Either way it is now a bit of a grail for a certain sort of DJ so to have it here, remastered and nice and loud, is big news. As well as the languid and steamy original, there is a killer dub version on the flip.

Review: Kalita Records are proud and honoured to announce the first ever official reissue of the Sophisticated Ladies' sought after 1980 New York disco single. The short-lived outfit consisted of Emma, Laura and Reather, who released two singles between 1977 - 1980. They toured America (while also touring internationally as The Bobbettes) and received radio airtime throughout the country. Here Kalita have chosen to highlight their scarce cut "This Ain't Really Love" and have invited The Mighty Zaf to rework their version of Bobby Womack's "Check It Out" making it perfect for modern disco dancing.

Review: Steel City Connection were not, as the name might suggest, an unlikely disco act from Sheffield, but rather a heavyweight combo from the American equivalent, Pittsburgh, who released a sole, now highly sought-after private-press single way back in 1978. "Steel City Disco" has long been regarded as a "holy grail" amongst collectors of rare disco, hence this essential reissue from Kalita Records. The title track is certainly something of a beast - an inspired fusion of disco-funk tropes, spiraling Latino horns, jazz-funk style male harmony vocals and sustained organ chords that will wind their way through your subconscious. Excitingly, the flipside boasts a previously unreleased extended version of the similarly fine workout "Dansation".

Review: ***B-STOCK: Box damaged, product unused & in perfect condition***

- Creasing to corner of sleeve

Kalita Records has thus far proved adept at sniffing out obscure, overlooked classics and reissuing them. Their latest "flip" is as rare, little known and hard-to-find as they come: a one-shot 1985 Caribbean boogie cut from Bahamian musicians Stirling March (now a minister and gospel singer) and bassist Rocky Rolle. "Under Cover Lover" is bright, breezy and sun-kissed, with jaunty synthesizer lead lines and hammered-out piano parts dancing above a tasty groove that fully showcases Rolle's boogie bass skills. Stirling March's lead vocal is superb too, with the Bahamian slickly delivering the loved-up lyrics with aplomb. The flipside "Instrumental" version is typical of New York style boogie dubs of the period, with more attention on the drums, bassline and ricocheting vocal snippets.

Review: Kalita Records has thus far proved adept at sniffing out obscure, overlooked classics and reissuing them. Their latest "flip" is as rare, little known and hard-to-find as they come: a one-shot 1985 Caribbean boogie cut from Bahamian musicians Stirling March (now a minister and gospel singer) and bassist Rocky Rolle. "Under Cover Lover" is bright, breezy and sun-kissed, with jaunty synthesizer lead lines and hammered-out piano parts dancing above a tasty groove that fully showcases Rolle's boogie bass skills. Stirling March's lead vocal is superb too, with the Bahamian slickly delivering the loved-up lyrics with aplomb. The flipside "Instrumental" version is typical of New York style boogie dubs of the period, with more attention on the drums, bassline and ricocheting vocal snippets.

Review: Now this is the kind of disco-soul we should be propping up. An outsider disco favourite, Sweet Clover's 1979 'You're What I Need' is a creaky, wonky honker of a tune, blending traditionally 'theque-worthy vocals with lo-fi, laboured beat, unusual for productions at the time. Production was handled by writer and producer Willie McClain, a criminally little-known talent behind a slew of acetates backing names like Ernest Rodgers and Arena Allen. The talkbox on the B2, the unreleased 12" version, is sublime. Don't miss out on this mega-weird new reissue from Kalita.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Creasing to corner of outer sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition***


Kalita has already served up some seriously good reissues, but their latest may well be the most essential yet. It's the first licensed reissue of Vance and Suzzanne's sole single from 1980, "I Can't Get Along Without You" - a Larry Levan favourite that was only ever pressed in small quantities first time around. In it's A-side vocal form, the track is a deliciously warm and loved-up duet that mixes rich, mid-tempo New York disco grooves with some of the heady, glassy-eyed musicality of Philadelphia soul. It's genuinely magical - a super-sweet cut that sounds like end-of-night gold. Like the original 1980 private pressing on Vanton Records, the Kalita edition is backed by the similarly sweet, atmospheric Instrumental Mix, but this time we're also treated to a never-before-seen press photo, and extensive interview-based liner notes.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Creasing to corner of outer sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition***


Kalita has already served up some seriously good reissues, but their latest may well be the most essential yet. It's the first licensed reissue of Vance and Suzzanne's sole single from 1980, "I Can't Get Along Without You" - a Larry Levan favourite that was only ever pressed in small quantities first time around. In it's A-side vocal form, the track is a deliciously warm and loved-up duet that mixes rich, mid-tempo New York disco grooves with some of the heady, glassy-eyed musicality of Philadelphia soul. It's genuinely magical - a super-sweet cut that sounds like end-of-night gold. Like the original 1980 private pressing on Vanton Records, the Kalita edition is backed by the similarly sweet, atmospheric Instrumental Mix, but this time we're also treated to a never-before-seen press photo, and extensive interview-based liner notes.

Review: Kalita has already served up some seriously good reissues, but their latest may well be the most essential yet. It's the first licensed reissue of Vance and Suzzanne's sole single from 1980, "I Can't Get Along Without You" - a Larry Levan favourite that was only ever pressed in small quantities first time around. In it's A-side vocal form, the track is a deliciously warm and loved-up duet that mixes rich, mid-tempo New York disco grooves with some of the heady, glassy-eyed musicality of Philadelphia soul. It's genuinely magical - a super-sweet cut that sounds like end-of-night gold. Like the original 1980 private pressing on Vanton Records, the Kalita edition is backed by the similarly sweet, atmospheric Instrumental Mix, but this time we're also treated to a never-before-seen press photo, and extensive interview-based liner notes.

Review: Were you aware of the burger highlife phenomenon that swept through Ghana in the 1980s? Taking the West African sound of highlife and infusing it with the synths and drum machines of disco and boogie, a vibrant fusion culture emerged with hit upon hit of infectious, funky-as-hell party gear undeniably rooted in African culture. This diligent compilation from Kalita looks to some of the most important artists from this wave of electrified highlifers, including Thomas Frempong and George Darko, and of course looking between the cracks for the more obscure gems that should get even the well-schooled excited to check this one out.