Iwishcan William (Nad Tyler dub Strip version) (7:12)
Review: Washington D.C's The 3 Pieces initially put this out on their own private pressing on DL Records in 1982. It is a cosmic-boogie-disco-jazz and rap jam with lashings of funk and a curious spoken-word delivery and guest spot from a school aged vocalist that lends it plenty of character. The synths are glossy and harp-like, the bass grumbles are infectious and the whole thing overflows with feel good factor. The Lexx vocal mix is like an early house track with claps straight from a Peech Boys record and the Nad Tyler dub is even more ready for the dancefloor.
Review: The 4 Masters recorded these tunes in the Sound Plus Studio in Philadelphia, but they have never previously been available on vinyl. They have been officially licensed courtesy of Frank Bendinelli and both the A and B-side were recorded on February 27th, 1965. 'Pretty One' is the slow dance - the sentinel soul sound with impossibly pure falsetto vocal leads and lush string sounds as well as backing harmonies to melt the heart. 'Hearsay' picks up the pace with finger clicks and horns making for something of a Northern Soul feel.
Terrorize My Heart (Tall Black Guy Bounce remix) (3:44)
Review: The faultless Big Crown label revisits one of its biggest hits from back in 2016. New York City-based collective 79.5 is made up of seven musicians and singers and their gorgeous 'Terrorize My Heart' 45rpm reached some heart aching disco highs. Now it comes with in two new forms - the disco dub with its seductive drums and bass and airy, soulful vocal, and a remix from hip hop royalty Tall Black Guy. He deconstructs the tune and rebuilds it as a smoky, jazz tinged slow motion hip hop beat. The chords are warm and cuddly, the vocal is more meandering but still acts as the perfect icing on a delicious cake.
Review: RNT welcomes Brooklyn-based band 79.5 to the family with the first single from their forthcoming eponymous LP. Soulful and psychedelic, the haunting melodies of Club Level float above a steady strutting rhythm section, punctuated by moaning baritone saxophone and drenched in washy reverb.
NYC mainstay Eli Escobar crafts a masterful remix that leans into 80s nostalgia, with a soundscape and arrangement nothing short of perfection.
Review: There is very little info out there about the Milkcrate Mondays label but we do know that their only other release last year was well hyped and quickly sold out. This second one is likely to follow suit. It comes from Able and is a dusty house cut with an old school feel thanks to the gentle breaks that power it along as a signature smoky soul vocal from Amy Winehouse brings plenty of emotion to a-side cut 'Winehouse Magic'. On the flip is 'Drake Punk' which pairs Daft Punk filter house loops with auto-tuned vocals all sure to bring some fun to the 'floor.
Ivano Fossati - "Night Of The Wolf (Tema Del Lupo)" (4:00)
Review: Measured Mile records puts two classy soul tracks onto the same 7". Originally released in 1974, Act 1 - 'It's The Same Old Story' is often looked over classic of the era. Act 1 hailed from Detroit and featured Raeford Gerald, Roger Terry, Reggie Ross and George Barker. The band had two minor hits but often people recall 'It's The Same Old Story' as their favorite of their only full album. Ivano Fossati's 'Night Of The Wolf' is found on the B-side. A jam song that verges slightly into Latin music, asks for quite a sum of money for its original copy. Both tracks add up to a real gem of a 7".
Review: Addmoro were a lesser known Los Angeles-based disco outfit active throughout the late 70s and early 80s, and their sound was unique for its ahead-of-its-time weight and phonk, not to mention a difficult-to-match versatility, both traits evidenced by this Kalita reissue of the obscurity 'Rock & Roll Skate' here, first released on their very own Addmoro Records. The titular A-sider and 'Keep On Tryin' were released originally in 1985, with the former coming as a ploddy but groovy hard-hitter - which could've easily predicted the reams of modern-day producers who would the style on for size decades later (but not quite achieve it so well) - and the latter a surprise-taking curveball in a stumbly-funky, disco-electro mood.
Review: Cordial have partnered with Afrodisia to reissue their sought-after album, 1980's Elephant Sunrise, in 2018, with an album of previously unreleased recordings to follow. To whet our appetite, they've decided to release the never-before-heard "Malik", a brilliant chunk of jazz-funk fusion that would have got jazz dancers hot under the collar had it appeared when it was originally recorded way back in 1982. On the B-side you'll find the similarly minded "A Fool No Longer", a dancefloor-focused chunk of blue-eyed soul that has previously only been available on obscure 1981 compilation album Rock Aus Der Alten Schule. Brilliant stuff all told.
Review: This is one of those raw soul sounds that never goes out of fashion, and thankfully neither does it often disappear from availability. It features two r&b classics, the dancefloor-ready 'Last Night' and the soulful 'Don't Break Your Promises', both originally released on the Rainbow label in the UK and a long-time bastion of Aitken's mastery of blending Jamaican and British influences. The opener draws from The Mar-Keys and Georgie Fame, showcasing r&b's imprint on Aitken's style. 'Don't Break Your Promises' is a Milson Luce cover that gained fame in Jamaica before inspiring numerous versions.
Akiko & Masayasu Tzboquchi - "Love Theme From Sparticus" (feat Mbanja Ritchy aka B-Bandj - Clear Day mix) (4:34)
Review: Tom Browne's 1980 single 'Funkin' For Jamaica' has long been something of an anthem - a hybrid funk/boogie classic that remains a staple in sets of hip-hop, disco and soul DJs alike. Given its ubiquity, covering the song is fraught with danger, but remarkably Japanese producer Akiko and guest vocalist Mbanja Richy have successfully put a new spin on it. Their take is subtly tougher and more synth-heavy, with bilingual French/English vocals, nods to Zouk music and a bassline so squelchy it could have been lifted from a P-funk record. Over on the flip, the pair go mellow, deep and laidback on a pleasingly skewed hip-hop soul cover of Terry Callier's legendary vocal interpretation of Alex North's 'Love Theme' from 'Spartacus'. Inspired stuff all told.
Review: Lee Alfred's 1980 disco classic 'Rockin - Poppin Full Tilting' fetches incredibly high prices on second hand vinyl markets, if you can even find one at all. It is one of only a couple singles the artist put out between 1980 and 1981. Here it gets a special one-sided 45rpm pressing with an extended version rolling on for six sumptuous minutes. Underpinined by a tight rhythm section and bubbly bass, the dazzling synth leads are all pixelated and cosmic, the female backing vocals add heat and the main voice of Alfred is all buttery and soulful.
Review: The Altons are a product of the South LA scene's love of indie soul and the duo - who expand to five members for live shows - display their unique charms on this double-sided 7". It's a perfect introduction to their sound, showcasing their tight harmonies, evocative songwriting and undeniable chemistry. 'Waiting' sets the tone with its sultry, downtempo groove, Adriana Flores and Bryan Ponce sharing vocal duties, their interplay creating a delightful dialogue that speaks to the complexities of love and longing. On the flip, 'Teach Me to Forget You' picks up the pace with a shoulder-shimmying rhythm and Adriana's soulful vocals that offer a bittersweet ode to lost love.
Review: Sitting back to back, with their silhouettes filtered through lamplight and street smoke, neo-soul duo The Altons have returned with two slow, gushing jams. Adjacent to the local jazz club's neon signage comes the blissful harmonies of Bryan Ponce and Adriana Flores on 'Tangled Up In You', a hurtful song that carries with it a tinge of psych rock. The B-side duet, 'Soon Enough', sparsely fuses traditional jazz instruments for a lovers' reunion song. For all the soft-hearted among us, don't miss this one.
Review: The Altons turn up the heat with another platter produced by the Inland Empire's own, Bosco Mann. A soulful duet at its core, 'Float' finds the group exploring new realms of pop excellence. The sophisticated arrangement and instrumentation gives the tune a cinematic feel that builds to a crescendo of psychedelic, swirling of strings - immersing the listener in a wash of Morricone-tinged euphoria. A track that wouldn't be out of place in the next 007 blockbuster. On the flip is "Cry for Me", a latin-tinged mover featuring Adriana Flores on lead vocal. Her pleading, soulful delivery gives the bouncy, hook-laden tune a seriousness that's simultaneously uplifting and heartbreaking.
Review: It's good to have this one available again. Dorothy Moore's 1976 soul classic, featuring vocals from Taka Boom, Chaka Khan & Mark Stevens, 'Misty Blue' became an Ibiza chill-out anthem in 2002. As 'Misti Blu' it got high-profile plays by Mary Anne Hobbs, Pete Tong and Mixmaster Morris and even David Mancuso charted in his end-of-year highlights. Now the sundown gem gets reissued here on a tidy 7" as a superb rework from Claude Money. The crooning vocals remain the highlight with sultry trumpets and lavish downtempo rhythms. What's more, we're told that a new live disco and house version are also to come this year.
Review: Australian soul singer Stella Angelico has been at it since 2012, and now, signaling yet more to come, we hear a fresh 7" documenting her work with Cookin' On 3 Burners, a Melbourne-based band whose specialism is Hammond organ funk and soul. On the A we've got 'I'm Comin' Home To You', a nimble pop-soul of impeccable quality, expressing the joy of a long-awaited return. The B-sider, 'Whole Woman', is more of a monologue and slow jam, expressing the joy of staying fully embodied and grounded.
Review: Oooh! Angie Stone's "Wish I Didn't Miss You" definitely belongs in the canon of all time modern soul classics. Taken from her 2001 second album Mahogany Soul, the Swizz Beats produced track made optimum usage of an O' Jays sample and was instrumental in that LP going gold and propelling the former D'Angelo collaborator to stardom. It also inspired countless official and under the counter remixes with Blaze's perhaps the most recognisable. So yes this reissue on 7" from Outta Sight is worthy if you don't have the original in your collection and features a housed up remix from Hex Hector on the flip.
Review: You always know what you are going to get from Mr Bongo's Brazil 45 series and that is pure fire in musical form. This 100th release suggests the label has no intention of slowing down nor is it running low on top source material. This one from As Meninas on the A-side has beautiful female vocal-group arrangements with flutes that soar up top and plenty of ass-shaking samba shuffles down low. It's a tune that oozes soul and charm and was first released back in 1967. It's a super sweet but short song that is backed with 'Brasileiro' on the flip. It's taken from Jorginho Telles' self-titled 1971 album on Copacabana Records and mixes up raw guitar sounds with r&b vibes into something unusual and alluring.
Review: A self-titled opus, the OG presses of Aura's one and only album have been known to fetch over L100 while the 2016 Aloha Got Soul reissue was supported across the board from Theo Parrish to Giles Peterson. Here are two of the most delectable highlights in bright white 45" form; "Let Me Say Dis About Dat" is all about the crunchy riffs and rock funk fusion while "No Beginning, No End" is a thrilling disco funk cut that has aged to perfection. Limited and likely to fly.
I Am Your Mind (part 2 - Pepe Bradock main mix) (7:31)
Review: Roy Ayers staked a bold claim by flaunting the fact that he had 'Reach[ed] The Highest Pleasure' back in June '77. Unfortunately for us back then, this lifetime hedonistic milestone - documented in instrumental funk form - was shelved for reasons unknown beyond simple artistic oversight. As said, this slick solo instrumental for drums, bass and vibraphone is a perfect soul-jazz, chillout trifecta, one for the rarities collectors.
Review: 'Good Good Music' and 'Chicago' are two gems taken from Roy Ayers's 1983 disco funk album Silver Vibrations, which was last reissued back in 2019 by BBE. This 7" pairs off two of its most vibey cuts. 'Good Good Music' has mad synth squelchy, big organic disco licks and a diva vocal full of soul. On the flip is a late-night romancer, a slow motion smoother with under vocal wishers, low slung funk bass and rich, golden chords for a luxurious feel. Two very different but equally devastating tunes.
Review: 'Adzagli (Jungle Funk)' and 'A Song For You (Ayawa)' have never before been released on vinyl. Kalita has acquired the rights to do so though so we are now treated to two next-level slices of West African disco from Amsterdam's Kofi Ayivor. They have been taken from his 1981 classic and much sought-after album 'Kofi' and have been cut nice and loud for extra impact. As well as the lively and vibrant, instrument-rich originals, DJ and producer Mendel has cooked up his own remixes of each recording using the original multitrack session tapes. Pure fire.
Fountain Of Life Joy Choir Under The Direction Of Kevin Yancy - "I'm So Happy" (Marc Davis & Sadar Bahar edit) (6:17)
Rev Charles H Nicks Presents The Baptist Assembly Of Free Spirit Mass Choir - "Optical Illusion" (Marc Davis & Sadar Bahar edit) (7:20)
Review: If you go to the sort of quality dances where you might hear old sound disco then there is a good chance you will have lost your shit to this one at some point the past. It is a disco gospel 12" curated and edited by Chicago pair Sadar Bahar and Marc Davis. First, they up the energy levels on the joyous Fountain Of Life Joy Choir Under The Direction Of Kevin Yancy tune 'I'm So Happy' which is high speed, high spirit and life-affirming goodness. Then they tweak Rev Charles H Nicks Presents The Baptist Assembly Of Free Spirit Mass Choir's 'Optical Illusion' with swirling big band energy and magnificent organ chords.
Review: Huzzah! New music from Liam Bailey, who has voiced a couple of the most gorgeous reggae, soul and dub fusion 7"s we've got in our collection in recent years. He has, we're told, recently been recording a new album and the two tunes pressed up here on Big Crown are taken from it. El Michels Affair man Leon Michels is the go-to producer once more for Bailey and they strike gold as always with 'Dance With Me'. It is a hella catchy two-stepper that harks back to the earliest days of reggae. On the flip, 'Mercy Tree' has hard-hitting drums and big horns that come with a powerhouse vocal that speaks of racial tensions that sadly persist throughout the world. It's a standup jam with a potent message.
Review: Melbourne's funk pioneers The Bamboos return with a fresh 7" Christmas EPian idea long held by bandleader Lance Ferguson. After their successful 'This Is How You Do It' album and sold-out Jazz Cafe shows, the group offers a festive twist with this limited-edition vinyl, complete in vibrant and custom knitted-sleeve. The A-side, 'Wrapt In A Beau,' sees Kylie Auldist delivering soulful, warm vocals in signature Bamboos style. On the B-side, 'The Bells Of Holly Hill' brings a lush, breakbeat-driven instrumental with sleigh bells, capturing the unique essence of an Australian Christmas.
Review: Dave Barker of 'Double Barrel' fame is back on the mix here for the Original Gravity label. This is the second form the many in as many months and is on the faster end of the reggae tempo scale so prepare to be swept up and skanking in no time. The lo-fi 60s reggae and early ska vibes are strong on this one as the dancing Hammond organ chords compliment Barker's effortless flow. Horn stabs and drums with infectious swagger complete the a-side 'Peace of Mind'. On the flip, The Regulators offer up a nice and laidback, deep-cut dub version with 'Jamaican beat.'
Review: The ever vital Boogie Back has another pearler on its hands here. This 7" is an SOS Band influenced double header produced by Ernie McKone, with Cheri Maree on the vocals. Firstly, 'Time Waits' pairs nice analogue drum work and big, pixelated chords straight from the 80s. It's a sugar sweet tune with a buttery smooth vocal that will get those rumps wiggling. Flip it over and you will find 'Is It You', a more slow and sentimental tune with splashy chords and bendy bass. The vibe is steamy and romantic, with the sort of tempting groove that you won't be able to resist.
Review: The BDQ duo were in the studio 25 years ago working on these tracks but never quite finished them due to life changes like marriage and kids. Recently, while revisiting old tapes, they discovered a lost tape and decided to give it another listen. They liked what they heard and after a bit of effort to transfer the tracks, they now feel the time has come for a vinyl release. Side 1 features their version of Timebox's 'Beggin'' with vocals by Sarah Orpen and Bryn Barklam laying down some killer Hammond sounds. Side 2 presents their take on the Mirettes' 'Take Me For a Little While' with more stellar vocals from Sarah.
Review: Some hand-stamped 7" white-gold here with Beactconducter serving up a couple of brilliant disco dazzlers for late night sessions. 'The Drag Stop' pairs some aching soft-rock vocals with tumbling congas and chunky disco drums that march on wards and upwards as the synths bring some cosmic drama. On the flip is a more retro sousing disco gem with 'Something Better' (edit). It has funky drums and piano chords dancing next to hip swinging finger clicks and some big vocals. All in all a vital pick up that offers two some dance-y disco delights.
Review: Sweden's mash-up maestro Beatconductor returns with six tracks of masterfully cross-pollinated bangers on this hand-stamped white label. On tap we have edits of the likes of Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder, Elvis et al., indicating a worthy breadth of knowledge of both classics and non-classics - but all classily recontextualized in ways only the Beatconductor himself can manage. Set to heavyweight 12" wax on two sides, we're certain this one'll serve you well for drunken Saturday dancefloors and upmarket, warmly-lit Sundays alike.
Review: Expansion Records' continues to delve into the bulging archives of Roy Ayers' influential Uno Melodic Records imprint, which issued some superb jazz-funk, soul and boogie throughout the 1980s. Here they offer a new pressing of Ethel Beatty's sought-after, Roy Ayers' produced 1981 double A-side. For some reason they've reversed the running order, with side A offering original flipside 'It's Your Love', a Dee Dee Bridgwater co-authored slow jam that's soulful, seductive and sumptuous. Over on the reverse you'll find the more celebrated ''I Know You Care', a deep disco number full of glistening guitar riffs, smooth chords and warming grooves. In a word: luscious
Review: Favourite France drop some absolute truth with this killer reissue of Beckie Bell's 1980 classic "Music Madness", from the album 'In Need Of...'. This is he funkiest disco you can possibly ask for, a chirpy, upbeat tune that calls for the good times. It's the sort of track that can be slapped on in just about any set, anywhere, and Bell's vocals are as infectious as the tight groove that pushes the track forwards. There are a couple of remixes, though, which bring out the best of the original and make it even more playable than before. The first one is a more beat-heavy reinterpretation from Voilaaa, while Tom Noble injects the perfect level of houseness into the equation thanks to a slamming 4/4 and some extra percussion. Perfect, and very much recommended if you've somehow slept on the original.
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