Review: In 2011, Banda Achilifunk & OJO served up Gitano Real, one of the year's most essential albums. It was caned far and wide by funk lovers, in particular Craig Charles on his 6 Music show. Now, two cover versions taken from the essential album have been pressed to limited edition translucent yellow vinyl. First up, 'I Believe in Miracles' is an overwhelming take on the Jackson Sisters classic with plenty of happy Latin vibes and rumba funk rhythms. Flip it over for a more abstract version of McFadden and Whitehead's seminal 'Ain't No Stoping Us Now' which is a soulful disco number packed with sunshine.
Cerebro Orgasmo Envidia & Sofia (Bosq remix) (4:40)
Review: Martin Buscaglia's riotous, psychedelic Latin funk anthem from his 2006 classic album El evangelio segun mi jardinero finally makes its much-requested debut on a 7". This release features a stunning remix by Bosq. The original track is a wild, high-energy ride through vibrant Latin funk landscapes, bursting with infectious rhythms and lively instrumentation. Bosq's remix adds a touch of his signature magic, infusing the track with a subtle cumbia feel while maintaining its midtempo groove. Resisting the urge to speed it up, Bosq crafts a remix that's perfect for the dance floor, offering a joyful, everyone-smiling experience. The result is a delightful, midtempo dancefloor treat that celebrates the original's wild spirit while adding a fresh, irresistible twist.
Doing Our Own Thing (Dimitri From Paris remix part 1) (5:01)
Doing Our Own Thing (Dimitri From Paris remix part 2) (4:57)
Review: Monsieur Dimitri from Paris works his magic on Casbah 73's organic disco grooves with a remix treatment that surpasses all expectations. Casbah's original track may sound like a band-recorded take with added production sheen, but it's actually a deceptively well-made track recorded by a talented solo artist. Dimitri brings added wompy disco-house heat to the track in two parts, with the first part focusing on the more bangerific elements of the original, and the B (part two) stripping things back to focus on the more minimal, solo dubby parts.
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.
Review: Gipsy Power Band - what a name that is, by the way - debuts with aplomb here and mixes up a fiery sonic stew of flamenco rumba, rock and funk that captures the essence of a unique time in Spanish music. Formed in Madrid in 2022, the band originally paid tribute to "cine quinqui," a Spanish exploitation film genre, by performing tracks from its iconic soundtracks and other hidden gems from the mid-70s to early 80s. Drawing inspiration from artists like Los Chichos and Las Grecas, they lit up Madrid's stages with their vintage repertoire. Now, they've evolved to create original music and it comes in the form of these two songs.
Why Don't We Do Some Boogaloo? (45 version) (3:43)
Review: Miguelito Superstar, co-producer of the acclaimed debut album Si Esto Se Acaba, Que Siga El Boogaloo, delivers pure fire with two electrifying versions on this 7" release. 'Why Don't We Do Some Boogaloo?' emerges as a local classic, while the Latin Funk rendition of New Order's iconic 'Blue Monday' transforms the track into a powerhouse of groove. With special attention to unearthed breaks and a spotlight on the rhythm section, Miguelito elevates both tracks to must-have status for aficionados of Latin music and funk. Miguelito's power in crafting infectious rhythms and breathing new life into familiar classics is on full display here!
Review: Chip Wickham, who usually goes by the first name of Roger, returns to Madrid's excellent Lovemonk label with a mini LP to inaugurare the start of summer, which means a start to some pretty killer shades of balearica! In fairness, however, this album and the man's sound are much more in line with the jazzy end of the spectrum, breaking beats and forming new, forward-thinking arrangements. For instance, the opening "Shamal Wind" is a wonderful excursion into dreamier realms of the flute, while "Snake Eyes" picks up the tempo and makes way for an album thy can be plaid on your headphones, out on the car speakers, and most certainly in the dance! A wonderfully composed piece of music from a rising talent of true broken beat.
Review: There's always been a spiritual bent to some of flautist and saxophonist Chip Wickham's music, but rarely has it been so explicit as it is on "Blue To Red", his third full-length excursion. Surrounded by becalmed harps, spacey electric piano keys, languid double-bass, ear-catching cello and bustling drums, Wickham's breezy flute solos sound like a cosmic call to arms for all those who love the more spiritual side of jazz. It's a smart blueprint that Wickham and his cohorts happily apply to both up-tempo and downbeat moments, in the process delivering a set of inspired instrumentals that remain accessible entertaining and pleasingly alluring.
Review: Chip Wickham's cosmic spiritual jazz album Blue to Red gets some key remixes here on the Spanish label Lovemonk. 'Blue To Red Photay' (remix) is a bustling, club ready tune with a majestic flute lead and pumping drums. The no drums mix is a perfectly swirling ambient piece that is richly layered and joyous. Then comes 'The Cosmos Chip' (dub) which suspends you amongst the stars, lush flutes and deep bass notes while your mind wanders free. Last of all, 'Blue To Red Medlar' (remix) is another warm and succulent house groove with jazz stylings and airy harps all brings lightness and hope.
Review: Last spotted cavorting with his Nirvana-covering side project Blue Mode and previous operating as Kid Costa, killer flautist and composer Chip Wickham (real name Roger) delivers his debut LP on Lovemonk. Ranging from gentle wave lapping spiritualism of tracks such as "Tokyo Slow Mo" and the cinematic "Pushed Too Far" to much more frenetic, energetic cuts like "Le Leyenda Del Tiempo" by way of funkier, lolloping grooves like "The Detour", it's a beautiful, vibrant snapshot of Wickham's skills that will grow as the months get warmer. Stunning.
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