Review: Celestial Echo has got a superb one here for this year's Record Store Day in the form of a reissue of Winfield Parker's superb soul classic, 'I Wanna Be With You.' This gem was first released in Baltimore in 1979 and in the 45 years since it has become one of those many sought-after soul treasures that will often cost four figures now on second hadn't markets. The reissue comes on limited edition 7" and has been meticulously remastered so sounds excellent with its buttery vocals and soothing, hooky melodies.
Review: Reserved for Record Store Day comes this exciting new doublet from brilliant Brazilian jazz-funkers Azymuth, in the form of both an extended mix of their enduring major hit single from 1979, 'Jazz Carnival', and a fresh remix by Yambee, the duo of Ashley Beedle and Yam Who?. The original track was a rare slice of instrumental funk music, dare say instrumental music at all, to climb the UK charts and remain in its upper echelons for a solid twenty weeks. Though its initial popularity was lengthy, it has since then gone underground, becoming a throwback favourite of the likes of Kerri Chandler, Mr. Scruff and Gilles Peterson, to name but a few icons to play it back out over the years.
You Don't Care (About Our Love) (long version) (6:30)
You Don't Care (About Our Love) (3:48)
You Don't Care (instrumental) (4:27)
Review: The Record Store Day releases are coming thick and fast right now, and this is another doozy that arrives in limited quantities. British artist Mark 'China' Burton left an indelible mark with his one and only ever release, which is this soulful disco masterpiece. Produced by Adam Sieff and unveiled on the Logo label in 1979, this string-laden gem remains highly coveted, with original 12" copies fetching over L400. The arrangement, crafted by the UK's John Altman, who later collaborated with icons like Diana Ross and Tina Turner, adds to its allure. Altman, known for his work on the iconic 'Walking In The Air' with Aled Jones, lends his expertise to this limited edition release.
Review: 20 years ago now, Michael Gray secured what you can rightly say was a global and monumental crossover dance hit when he dropped 'The Weekend' in 2004. To mark its 20th anniversary and as part of this year's Record Store Day celebrations, it is making its way, for the first time ever, to a limited edition coloured vinyl 7". This one comes with the celebrated original sleeve artwork and that's not all, because it also includes a previously unreleased 7-inch Version from Gray himself: titled the 'Sultra 7' mix, it comes with live strings and a lush ambient feel that makes this even more essential.
Review: Another Record Store Day gem here, this time that looks to the golden era of hip-hop and one of its many classic tracks. It finds B-Boy and Empire Slate present a true gem from 1987 that is well and truly deserving of all the plaudits it has had over the years. The original mix is a masterpiece that has never before been released on a 7" format, but that wrong is now righted after 35 years. It has been condensed to fit on a '45 but retains all the glorious and fluid rap that defined the original, all freshly remastered for 2024 on heavyweight wax.
Review: What we gonna do right here is go back, way back. You already recognise that refrain, don't you? That's because it is one of the most sampled refrains in dance music history. Now it gets pressed up on to 7" for this year's Record Store day as a 7" double header featuring two of the most impossibly huge hits from the Jimmy Castor Bunch, namely the million-plus selling 'Troglodyte', and on the reverse, 'It's Just Begun'. A true funk masterpiece that made its mark lighting up parties in the Bronx in the 70's before it set a fire under those who went on to create hip-hop's earliest blueprint, it remains a classic to this day.
Review: Norman Connors 's 'She's Gone' and ''Mr.C' (the title cut from an album of the same name) have never been available on vinyl before but this year's record store day celebrations end that with a nice heavyweight pressing courtesy of Arista. 'She's Gone' is a timeless blend of soul and r&b that is much loved in the soul scene for its fresh composition and stirring, heartfelt vocals. The instrumentation too is next level and superbly fuses horns, strings, and rhythm instruments. Newly remastered but with a sympathetic ear for the original 80s sounds, this one will fly off the shelves.
Review: Is it just us or has the quality of Record Store Day releases really levelled up in recent times? No longer do we just get unwanted new formats of the tired old classics. Instead we get genuine treasures reappearing, vital reissues popping up and interesting remixes like the one. It finds global tech house titans Solardo adding their own spin to Patrick Prins' seminal 'Le Voie Le Soleil' n the occasion of its 39th anniversary. It's full of mad pianos, euphoric drums and feel good energy that is perfect for festival season. A Pat Re-flex on the flip seals the deal.
Review: The Durutti Column prove just how fertile the North West England music scene was during the mid-late-1970s and through the 1980s. Taking their name from an anarchist military movement active during the Spanish Civil War, the band was formed by Vini Reilly, who brought together a bunch of players from the nascent punk and post punk scene, and managed to turn heads in the process. One of which was Tony Wilson. One of the first acts to sign to his now-legendary Factory Records, they would remain on the imprint until its demise, by which time the project had become a solo thing for Reilly, whose name was already shorthand for risk taking with bold ideas. Take this record, for example, veering from Southern Mediterranean folk to experimental indie, sample-based rock-opera and more, it still defies expectations.
Review: Record-collecting Jedis out there will know that this one is a real holy grail that is coveted by name, and now Record Store Day comes good and makes it widely available (well, in limited quantities) to all for a much more affordable price than you would get on second hand sites. This 7" allows you to experience the soulful magic of New York's The Village Choir who infuse Latin, soul, and jazz elements and more into two dancefloor gems that exude timeless elegance. Previously known for fetching over L500 on the secondhand market, this is an officially licensed reissue and what's more, it comes on nice heavyweight wax.
Review: Johnnie Mae Matthews is hailed as "The Godmother Of Detroit Soul" and for good reason: she left an indelible mark by founding numerous Detroit record labels and nurturing future Motown artists in their formative years including having a profound influence on Berry Gordy, which meant she shaped the soulful landscape of Detroit for decades to come. Finally, her pinnacle, the poignant 'I Have No Choice,' is set for release alongside the equally compelling 'That's When It Hurts' this Record Store Day. After nearly 50 years as a cult classic, it now rightfully claims its place in history having since commanded high prices for original copies which comes complete with comprehensive notes and remastered heavyweight vinyl.
Review: Orbital remain titans of the global electronic scene which is no doubt why their self-titled album from 1991 now gets mastered and reissued for this year's Record Store Day. A pioneering work in electronic music, this landmark debut is a rich world of driving drums, hypnotic melodies, and intricate soundscapes. From the propulsive energy of the seminal 'Chime' to the dreamy ambience of 'Belfast,' each track showcases the duo's mastery of rhythm and texture. Orbital's use of innovative sampling techniques and atmospheric synths creates a distinct sonic universe that still stands them apart and helps make this a timeless classic that has influenced generations of electronic artists ever since.
Review: Rooted in the musical vibrancy of New Orleans, The Family Underground was led by Roland Treaudo and Manuel Herrera Jr and transcended cultural boundaries with their fusion of Baptist and Hispanic influences. Their legendary Sunday residency at Whitey's Devil's Den was consistently packed beyond its 400-person capacity and showcased Manuel's piano prowess and Roland's magnetic stage presence. For over 250 consecutive weeks, the band's electrifying performances continued into the early hours without promotion, drawing crowds far and wide. Amidst relentless touring, their limited studio time birthed timeless classics 'Everybody Knows' and 'For The Love Of You' which now arrive on this special 7" for Record Store Day.
Review: X-Press 2 signed a deal with Acid Jazz that not only means all their back cat is now more widely available, but also that the legendary house outfit will release new music with them. However in the midst of that and a superb new album comes this, a reissue of a 1992 classic for Record Store Day 2024. It features two bold and anthemic treks that tap into their signature style which is raw, stripped back, driving and hypnotic with subtle but smart samples adding just enough detail to really keep you laced in for the ride.
Review: The Family Tree's transcendent disco gospel classic We Shall See Him As He Is gets a special and much-deserved reissue here for Record Store Day 2024. It originally debuted in 1979 and since then has grown in stature as a soulful delight that embodies the vibrant gospel disco scene of Baltimore. With original copies commanding prices exceeding $300, this reissue means you can cop it for a reasonable price and revel in its rare gospel charms. Tracks such as 'Psalm 150' and a captivating disco rendition of Stevie Wonder's 'As' are standouts. This one has been remastered and comes on nice on heavyweight vinyl.
The Far Out Son Of Lung & The Ramblings Of A Madman
Appendage
Slider
Smokin' Japanese Babe
You're Creeping Me Out
Eyes Pop-skin Explodes - Everybody Dead
It's My Mind That Works
Dirty Shadows
Tired
Egypt
Are They Fightin' Us
Hot Knives
Kai
Amoeba
A Study Of Six Guitars
Snake Hips
An End Of Sorts
Review: Something of ground-breaking album on its initial release in December 1994, ISDN is one of Future Sound of London's most name-checked sets. It's effectively a re-edited and rearranged collection of live recordings - jammed out tracks that were initially broadcast to the world via ISDN links to clubs and radio stations, which FSOL brilliantly moulded into a mind-mangling journey through IDM, trip-hop, proto-big beat, dub, ambient, found sounds, field recordings and wayward electronica. To celebrate the album's 30th birthday, it returns as a two-disc set, freshly 'amalgamated and re-sequenced' by FSOL to include material from both previous editions of the album. It is, then, a kind of 'definitive version' of the LP, and one that still sounds as joyously weird, trippy and psychedelic as it did first time around.
Review: Man of Mine encapsulates the soulful essence of Betty Wright's talent, making it a standout track on this 7" single release. Originally released in 1977, the song remains in high demand on the modern soul scene, attesting to its enduring appeal and timeless quality. Wright's emotive vocals, backed by lush instrumentation, create a captivating listening experience that resonates with audiences across generations. With its infectious groove and heartfelt lyrics, Man of Mine exemplifies the soul genre at its finest, showcasing Wright's talent as a vocalist and storyteller. This single serves as a fitting tribute to Betty Wright's influential contribution to funk, soul music and disco.
Review: There is plenty to draw you into this special release for Record Store Day 2024 before you even drop the needle on the record. The romantic cover with its overtones of balmy nights by the sea, the lo-fi design of it all, but also the slightly kitsch sub-title -The Romantic Guitar Of Amancio D'Silva. The music is just as good thankfully and is now available on vinyl for the first time since it was first released back in 1971. It is a cult fav that has often be listed for well over three hundred quid before now and was released as part of the Lansdowne Series, overseen by the influential Denis Preston, one of the UK's first independent record producers. All the tracks are instrumentals and include pieces by George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, and Hoagy Carmichael.
Review: I Was A Mod Before You Was A Mod was originally released in 1995, at that point that made it their first album in three years. It was also Television Personalities' first collection of new music on new label Overground Records following the label putting out two live albums and nine reissued singles. Now it gets repressed and served up on wax once more but with the added bonus of eleven new tracks recorded by Liam Watson at Toe Rag Studios. his marked the band's last original album with everything coming after taking the form of covers or compilations.
Review: Originally released on the cult V4 Visions label in 1991 & 1994, Ashaye's 'Dreaming' and 'What's This World Coming To' epitomised the essence of street soul, a genre blending soul, r&b, and hip-hop that resonated across London's pirate radio stations in the 1990s. With the surge in UK soul's popularity in recent years, DJs and tastemakers have championed these tracks which has in turn elevated their demand and value. 'Dreaming' has become nearly unattainable on the second-hand market, while 'What's This World Coming To' commands prices upwards of L50. Snap up this fully licensed RSD release however and you will have both tracks for an affordable price.
Review: Universe City's 1976 12" promotional release, showcasing 'Can You Get Down' and 'Serious,' achieved legendary status in the disco realm. Produced and arranged by John Davis, its limited availability and enduring demand, amplified by spins from influencers like Sean P and Dave Lee, underscore its lasting impact in the disco community. Davis, a pivotal figure in 1970s disco, significantly shaped its sonic landscape as a composer, arranger, and producer. Now, officially reintroduced after 48 years, this exclusive Record Store Day reissue is a must-have for disco aficionados that won't break the bank like an original would.
Review: Landing at number 11 on the list of limited picture disc pressings coming from the beautiful crate-digging Italian punk restorers Radiation Records, as part of their Record Store Day celebrations; Dead Cities was only the fifth single from Scottish hardcore/Oi-punk legends The Exploited. Originally released in 1981 on Secret Records, this pressing marks the first time the cut has ever been made available on 7" picture disc. Limited to just 500 numbered copies, be quick to ensure you lock down a sweet slice of this authentic jaw-breaking, curb-stomping UK82 (or 81) classic, that comes with the legendary deep cut 'Hitler's In The Charts Again' as well as the venomous 'Class War' on the flip.
Review: Octave Japan collaborate with legendary illustrator Hiroshi Nagai to oversee and handle the artwork for a rare single reissue. Sourced from the vaults of the OG T.K. Records, to whom Nagai has been listening since day dot, The Perfections' super rare 1973 cut 'Love Storm' is a swelling romantic soul sundry from the Milwaukee muses, with impressive vocal glidings from the band's lead singer Harold Stewart lending to an unexpected mondegreen - we first heard "can't keep living this lifestyle" as the incorrect lapsus of "can't keep living this love storm". On the B-side comes Funky Nassau's 'Bahama Soul Stew', a much-loved modern rarity first released in 2005, much-loved indeed thanks to its 4x4 swag-bag and mellifluous Hammond dexterities.
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