Today Only: Funk sale vinyl

Review: Man With A Gun is the debut long player from Singaporean prog and funk group Funkgus. It has a famously enigmatic toxic blue jacket that lurks you in and musically it is no less intriguing. As well as a passionate cover of King Curtis's 'Memphis Soul Stew' there are plenty of supremely psychedelic sounds. The opener is steeped in funky bass riffs with rock-tinged drum breaks and plenty of raw vocals and from there the grooves come thick and fast, often with plenty of texture and charismatic vocals such as on 'Spill The Wine' and the leggy, expressive sounds of 'Everyday People' with its twisted wah wah guitars.

Review: Gruppo Sound's enigmatic discography spans over thirty titles from the 80s and 90s, shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Despite limited information about the collective, their library music albums can be found across various labels managed by Flipper Music publishing group. Behind the pseudonym lies multi-instrumentalist Gabriele Ducros, son of renowned composer Remigio Ducros. Gabriele Ducros, the sole creator behind Gruppo Sound, ventured into music libraries and soundtracks before crafting tracks for notable television commercials, earning international acclaim. New York City, a compilation attributed to Gruppo Sound, features Gabriele Ducros' diverse musical influences, blending funk and jazz elements with electronic instrumentation. Each track reflects a fusion of styles, echoing the experimentation of the era when synthesisers were emerging. From urban vibes to dreamy atmospheres, the album paints a vivid sonic landscape. Electronic keyboards evoke nostalgia, while flute and saxophone add depth and texture. With a blend of computer-generated melodies, playful themes, and sophisticated fusion compositions, the album encapsulates the essence of the Big Apple's musical spirit.

Review: Tullio De Piscop is an Italian drummer of some repute. He worked solo and with his quartet and interest in his records, many of which were recorded back in the 70s, has piqued recently resulting in a load of reissues. Sotto E 'Ncoppa is one of them and it was recorded back in 1976 and has since gone up in value and rarity. It's a jazz-rock fusion album with a whole host of electric guitar, bass, saxophones and pianos on it that embelish each cut and make the whole thing packed with detail.