disco . italo . cosmic . disco-not-disco . boogie

WEEK STARTING 20 May

Genre pick of the week Cover of Back To Mine - Horse Meat Disco by Various Artists.

Various Artists

Back To Mine - Horse Meat Disco

Back To Mine

The first volume of Back To Mine was released back in 1999 by Nick Warren, designed to showcase a selection of tracks you’d find and be heard playing at the artist's home. Selectors have come in the form of New Order, Pet Shop Boys, Fatboy Slim, and Faithless who all dug deep to find their essential at-home listening. The latest compilers in the Back To Mine series are none-other than the renowned four-piece, Horse Meat Disco. The horsemen are known for their incredibly fun, deep-diving selections, and this shines through in their Back To Mine compilation in flamboyant style.

Over the course of 16 years of their nightclub tenure, they have become a global brand as pinnacle players of the queer party scene in London and beyond, holding down residencies in New York, Berlin, and Lisbon. Their flamboyant nature and incredibly fun, deep-diving selections have made them one of Disco’s most beloved acts. Across 15 eclectically brilliant tracks, Horse Meat Disco, which comprises Jim Stanton, James Hillard, Luke Howard, and Severino Panzetta expertly traverse through classic disco cuts, wonky dancefloor groovers, and silky smooth soul.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: You always know you're in good hands with a 'Back To Mine' and this time sees London disco favourites Horse Meat Disco pull out an absolutely simmering collection of late night funk and disco classics, as well as a good few lesser heard gems. Superb.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Gwen McCrae - Move Me Baby (Danny Krivit Edit)
A2. Alien Alien Feat Igino - Perfidia (Severino Panzetta & Ray Mang Remix)
A3. Escape From New York - Fire In My Heart
B1. Margie Lomax - God’s Greatest Gift To Man Is A Woman
B2. Róisín Murphy - Ancora Ancora Ancora (Severino & Nico De Ceglia Remix)
B3. Marianne Faithfull - Sex With Strangers (feat. Beck)
B4. Lisa King - You've Got Magic
C1. William Stuckey - Just Around The Corner
C2. Larry Heard Presents Ona King - Premonition Of Lost Love (Extended Adult Mix)
C3. Kassav - Avèou Doudou
C4. Fajardo '76 - C'mon Baby, Do The Latin Hustle (Oye Mami Ven Y Baila El Latin Hustle)
D1. GAME - Gotta Take Your Love (Single Version)
D2. Horse Meat Disco & Kathy Sledge - Jump Into The Light (Wash House Dub)
D3. Horse Meat Disco Featuring Xavier Smith & ROY INC. - Self Control (Eagle Dub)
D4. The RAH Band - Messages From The Stars

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Cover of Summer Body / Breakfast In Space by Aldorande.

Aldorande

Summer Body / Breakfast In Space

Favourite

Aldorande is back! The French jazz-funk quartet returns with a strong new EP “Summer Body / Breakfast in Space”.

After their first eponymous LP our explorers strike again with two club-friendly compositions joining the dots between jazz-funk and disco-boogie. Recorded with great care, reflecting a penchant towards the authentic analogue sound, both tracks come with Charles Maurice dub versions.

A-side opens with “Summer Body”, a summery and frivolous boogie jam with magnetic bassline, surrounded by lush synthesizers and catchy backing vocals arranged in the tradition of the best Brazilian songs.

On the B-side comes “Breakfast in Space”, a sort of cosmic opera with maximum flamboyance! The slap bass and drums combo set up a tight P-Funk foundation whilst Aldorande puts psychedelic vocal lines and rampant percussion bursts over the top causing spontaneous eruptions of energy and pleasure all over the mix!

Behind Aldorande, you will find a team of great musicians including bandleader and founder Virgile Raffaëlli on bass (Setenta, Camarão Orkestra), Florian Pellissier on keys (Iggy Pop, Guts, Setenta, Cotonete), Mathieu Edward on drums (Chassol, De La Soul) and Erwan Loeffel on percussion (10LEC6, Camarão Orkestra). For this new EP, always looking for more funk into their groove, they’ve been joined by French guitarist Farid Baha (Cotonete, Camarão Orkestra).

Modern disco and funk doesn’t get much better than this! 


STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Favourite are on a roll at the moment. Releasing brand new funk, boogie and disco that sounds as good as anything from the golden era. This new one by Aldorande is no exception!

TRACK LISTING

A1 Summer Body
A2 Summer Body (Charles Maurice Dub Version)
B1 Breakfast In Space
B2 Breakfast In Space (Charles Maurice Dub Version)

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Cover of (Just) Remember by Ian Ash & Ella May.

Ian Ash & Ella May

(Just) Remember

Boogie Butt

Crucial modern funk from the Boogie Butt crew. "(Just) Remember" by Ian Ash & Ella May is a sensuous and cushiony slab of sweltered, mid afternoon boogie. Magoo takes it to the Saturday night disco ball; galvanizing the drums and adding 3D synth licks.

Ella May was born and raised in Sweden. In the early 90's, she worked as a backing dancer and singer for both Swedish and international artists such as Jazzy B, Papa Dee among others.

A side "Just Remember" is the original funk version produced and arranged by Ian Ash as a tribute to Luther Vandross' mega-hit "Never Too Much".

B Side brings a massive remix by renowned French producer Magoo. He gives the tracks the boogie sound just like in D Train productions.

Limited import copies.


TRACK LISTING

A Just Remember
B Just Remember (Magoo Remix)

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Cover of New World Shuffle / Inner Light Remixes by Nicola Conte & Gianluca Petrella.

Nicola Conte & Gianluca Petrella

New World Shuffle / Inner Light Remixes

Schema

This is the second 12" EP featuring reinterpretations of tracks taken from the brilliant Nicola Conte & Gianluca Petrella's jazz dance album "People Need People" released in 2021. The song "Inner Light" gets here a further interpretation by the great Anthony Nicholson, one of the most respected producers and key characters in the tribal / afrocentric house scene, while DJ Spinna has put his artistry on "New World Shuffle" for an uplifting result: Bridgette Amofah's original vocals shine over a sunny house groove full of keys and moog lushy layers, in a distinctive 'Spinna feel'. Coming next: new versions of "People Need People" songs made by Tall Black Guy, Andrés and Fred P.! Stay tuned!!!

STAFF COMMENTS

Millie says: The second instalment of remixes from People Need People and this doesn't disappoint, high energy electronica nu-jazz with a housey vibe. Very very into this.

TRACK LISTING

1. New World Shuffle (DJ Spinna Galactic Soul Remix) [feat. Bridgette Amofah]
2. Inner Light (Anthony Nicholson Miquifaye Remix) [feat. Raashan Ahmad]

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Cover of Incarnadine by Curses.

Curses

Incarnadine

Dischi Autuno

Hailing from New York and currently based in Berlin, musician Curses releases sophomore LP ‘Incarnadine’ on label Dischi Autunno, operated by music pioneer Jennifer Cardini, featuring collaborations with Jennifer Touch and TERR.

Known for blending his Morricone–esque guitar with elements from early 80s music genres like New Wave, Post Punk and New Beat, Curses keeps pushing the boundaries of these references with an emphasis on his own ghostly vocals and guitars on the 2nd album for Dischi Autunno, following his 2018 debut ‘Romantic Fiction’. A resident DJ for Berlin’s infamous Pornceptual party, he also established his own label Ombra INTL in 2016. Further solidifying his love for genre-hopping, Curses runs a monthly Rinse France radio residency where he showcases artists who also share this passion for mixing Wave and the dark and weirder side of Italo Disco.

“The album is a dialogue between the inner self and outer, and romance of eternal and immortal existence. Hence the first single, ‘Miriam’ being a ballad to the Vampiress main character in The Hunger book and film from the 80s. How do we make an emotion timeless?“

Cult classic film The Hunger explores themes of immortality, love and timelessness, the post-modern vampire film contains a dark glamorous atmosphere and stars David Bowie. In a similar way we can see this reference transposed on Curses record. Slick production values and dark grooving melodies push the listener down a path. Opening with cloying nostalgic guitars the track ‘Miriam’ is based on the antagonistic lover from the 80s film. Played by Catherine Deneuve, Miriam is a character trapped in eternal loneliness forever searching for a love that can last the test of time. A battle between her internal desires and external reality. In the same way Curses music is caught in a push and pull between the melancholic beats of the past, contrasted with a contemporary and sophisticated production.

With ‘Boundless feat Jennifer Touch’ Curses turns his references on their heads, going from the dark moody guitar driving tracks akin to Depeche Mode into a more playful goth Siouxsie and the Banshees vibe. With vocals by Touch the melody is fast and dynamic with the lyrics almost holding a teasing quality. ‘Smoke’ continues the playfulness but this time pushing further into dance floor territory with vocal samples weaving in and out of a moody but very smooth rhythm. With ‘Ghost of Arms feat TERR’ Curses explores an ethereal pop atmosphere with the Brazilian artist’s vocals. Throughout the LP you can hear the signature running bass-lines from Dame Bonnet who tours with Curses for his live show. ‘Made In Shade’ closes out the album, paying homage to Curses’ musical roots and the sounds that have shaped him.


STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Incarnadine is a superbly accomplished mixture of 80's indebted post-punk groove and spacious, gothic ambient business. It's reminicent of Blackest Ever Black's Tropic Of Cancer, but veers more into basement post-punk and machinated industrial thump.

TRACK LISTING

A1 - Miriam
A2 - Blood Oath
A3 - Gretchen Bender
B1 - Boundless Feat Jennifer Touch
B2 - Smoke
B3 - Coma
C1 - Déjà-vu, Inc.
C2 - Malice (Interlude)
D1 - Ghost Of Amrs Feat. Terr
D2 - Made In Shade

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Cover of Lovin' & Dreamin' by Edit & Dub.

Edit & Dub

Lovin' & Dreamin'

Edit & Dub

Cult Tokyo imprint, Edit & Dub's latest adventure features extended versions of "Lovin'", an unknown but gloriously energetic authentic, mid-era disco jam; along with the Paradise Garage, boogie-disco classic "I Must Be Dreaming'" by Wanda. Maximum smiles guaranteed on this latest outing from the imperative stable! Limited import copies. 


STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Worth it for THAT Wanda tweak. Two highly decorated and extra frilly disco joints get cut down to size by the Edit & Dub mob.

TRACK LISTING

1. Lovin' (6:19)
2. I Must Be Dreamin' (6:49)

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Cover of Sono I'imperatore by Eva Geist & Chikiss.

Eva Geist & Chikiss

Sono I'imperatore

Space Ritual

Upon meeting some years ago in Berlin, Galina & Andrea connected creatively and embarked on a musical voyage. These are studio recordings from Xberg in 2018, at a time when they gave life and animation to a beautiful and young electronic music scene.

Opening with the foreboding, minimal wave throb of "Notturno Crescendo", underpinned with a simple hi-hat utterance and circling b-line. "Zhiva Sessiya" is up next, slowly floating and ascending with dark angels and celestial spirits, merging the metaphysical world with our current reality. "Sono I’imperatore" concludes with a circuit bent B-line, forceful whispers and eerie leads. Carnivalesque, noir-wave horror core - you can have that one for free!

Really strong stuff here on the wonderful Space Ritual label - check! 


STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Mega stuff from the label that brought you Various Lurkers. I'm sure there's a Leeds connection here (?). Anyway, Eva Geist contributes some wonderfully unique sounds here - a bit Dusseldorf a bit industrial and bit wavey; basically if you like it left of centre and a bit scuzzy round the edges, this one for you.

TRACK LISTING

A1 Notturno Crescendo 
B1 Zhiva Sessiya 
B2 Sono I’imperatore 

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Cover of Kirkstone by Henry Greenleaf.

Henry Greenleaf

Kirkstone

Redstone Press

Redstone Press return with a new ep from Par Avions Henry Greenleaf. Henry spent a lot of time in the Lake District prior to and during the beginning of the pandemic and this release is the fruit beared from that period! Full of tense space and creative freedom, "Kirkstone EP" is Henry’s finest work to date (in our biased and arrogant opinion) and highlights his ever-upwards trajectory.

The EP’s namesake boots down the door with his instantly recognisable drum work and intricate synth lines. The A2 “Headache District” is a more spacious affair, awash with ambient sweeps that, when paired with his intricate booming kicks, creates a subtle groove that belies the driving force behind the track.

On the flip “Put By” swaps sweeping synths for metallic abrasion and a building tension that dissolves into unsteady piercing stabs and crumbling basslines. Henry expertly stiches together elements that on paper shouldn’t work, into a masterfully deep and ominous 5 minutes. Closing out the EP is “Group Translate”, a symphony of cascading sounds that ramp up the pace and force you into taking notice! This hammer of a track sounds like something you’d hear as you pass through a blackhole in space, on eccies.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Kirkstone Pass
A2. Headache District
B1. Put By
B2. Group Translate

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Cover of Dumme Willie by Idjut Boys.

Idjut Boys

Dumme Willie

Droid

Three’s a charm: U-Star, Noid and Droid! Of course, Dan Tyler and Conrad McDonnell have done way more than that. Better known as Idjut Boys, they were still there when the sun-of the summer of love went down and the acid house fever settled down. As remixers extraordinaire, party priests, dub poets or mirror ball hippies, they were broadening minds with labels like Discfunction and treating disco as a way of life. It’s hard to imagine the British club (and music) scene without their mark. Here is their long overdue return under the Droid umbrella. Reactivated for the needs and dance nerds of today, Droid initially had been designed for straight up machine music, fierce drums, electronic body music and bass heavy melodies in 2008. Following that template, Droid 0422 sounds like a cocktail made from Prelude bonus beats, Supertronics dubs and stand off between George Kranz and Curt Cress. Two well-crafted takes of each "Dumme Willie" and "Schlagstock" fill the proverbial boots of said influences and equally draw for your attention. An Idjut thing indeed. Fun fidelity guaranteed.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Dumme Willie
A2. Dumme Willie - Drum Version
B1. Schlagstock
B2. Schlagstock - Vacant Gaze Version

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Cover of Strata Records - The Sound Of Detroit - Reimagined By Jazzanova by Jazzanova.

Jazzanova

Strata Records - The Sound Of Detroit - Reimagined By Jazzanova

BBE Music

    In association with DJ Amir and 180 Proof Records, BBE Music proudly presents ‘Strata Records - The Sound of Detroit - Reimagined by Jazzanova’, a brand new celebration of the iconic imprint. How does the Berlin-based production collective Jazzanova find itself reimagining songs from the iconic, Detroit record label Strata? “I couldn’t think of a more perfect band to do this work,” DJ Amir says about Jazzanova, a combination of DJs, record collectors and musicians, “because they brought passion and love to the project, because they know the music and love the music. And on top of that, they know how to play.” This unlikely, yet ideal pairing is the result of years of work and passion from Amir Abdullah, the crate-digging, DJ and label-head for 180-Proof Records which in 2011 began reissuing the groundbreaking Strata Records back catalog and unreleased gems from the vaults. On Strata Records - The Sound of Detroit - Reimagined by Jazzanova, DJ Amir and Jazzanova breathe new life into eleven hand-picked tracks from the Strata catalog for fans of the label’s historic recordings and new ears alike. Strata Records rose from the ashes of Detroit’s tumultuous 1960s decline..

    STAFF COMMENTS

    Barry says: A superb compilation from the ever reliable BBE which sees renowned collective Jazzanova reimagining the output of Detroit stalwart label Strata. It's an absolute wealth of amazing material to draw on, and the endlessly talented Jazzanova do it great justice here. A match made in heaven.

    TRACK LISTING

    Disc: 1
    1. Introduction
    2. Face At My Window
    3. Root In 7-4 Plus
    4. Lost My Love
    5. Creative Musicians
    6. Joy Road
    Disc: 2
    1. Orotunds
    2. Inside Ourselves
    3. Scorpio’s Child
    4. Beyond The Dream
    5. Saturday Night Special
    6. Loser

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    Cover of Love Drops 02 by Love Drop.

    Love Drop

    Love Drops 02

    Love Drops

    The mysterious Love Drop continues to blend a taste for quality, eclectic grooves with an ear for making DJ versions that will really work the dance floor.

    Equal parts spiritual and exotic, but also irresistible, the second instalment on his own Love Drops imprint certainly does not disappoint. Side A has a tribal stomp which slowly unveils a squealing horn and general dancefloor hustle n bustle inna Moodymann-esque kinda shuffle. There's even a burst of gospel vocals for good measure. High grade barn stomper this folks make no mistake.

    Side B goes deeper, revealing a sort of enchanted deep house mutant which snakes and turns across a never ending keyboard solo and an Eastern slant to the timbre. It's sure to leave a magic spell across any dancefloor lucky enough to receive its rotation!


    STAFF COMMENTS

    Matt says: Highly anticipated, much hyped release from the Love Drop folks who drop volume 2 of their sell-out series. Side A reminds me of classic Moodymann DJ sets whilst side B offers up a piece of highly scented, exotic dance music that'll leave people scratching their heads in bemusement.

    TRACK LISTING

    A
    B

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    Cover of H / HH by Moar.

    Moar

    H / HH

    45 BLoves

    Jerome Potin, aka Gallic mash-up artist Moar, returns for his super limited, ultra collectable 45 Loves series.

    This time round he mashes up Ol' Dirty Bastard & Kelis' '99 smash, "Baby I Got Your Money" with a seriously low-slung, sub-heavy disco beat. Maximum head nod factor on this one folks, with just enough umph and shuffle to kick start your Friday night dancefloor early doors!

    On side B he twists and chops the stems of Lucy Pearl's turn of the millennium school disco classic, "Don't Mess With My Man". Moar retains much of the OG, instead getting busy on the echo unit and wave chopper, injecting this smooth smoocher with a huff of poppers for the Saturday night crowd. Mega stuff from Moar! 


    STAFF COMMENTS

    Matt says: Party hip-hop mash-up 7" alert!! Working DJs don't need reminding how crucial these cuts are for the weekend armoury. Keep Sharon and Tracy at bay with this late 90s pleaser.

    TRACK LISTING

    Side 1
    1. H (4:25)
    Side 2
    1. HH (3:52)

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    Cover of Around The Sun Part 1 by Mr. Fingers.

    Mr. Fingers

    Around The Sun Part 1

    Alleviated

    Chicago house royalty Mr. Fingers returns on his own Alleviated Records imprint with a brand new album!!! Larry Heard continues on the path he's set with "Cerebral Hemispheres" in 2018, encasing his luxurious deep house workouts with influences from jazz, gospel and ambient.

    The delicate percussion lines that have become synonymous with the producer, especially on his "Electric Blue" series have reach a higher level of clarity and propulsion; effortlessly ushering you through fluffy crowds and dreamy horizons. Lead lines and chord progressions to melt hearts flow through the ten tracks like emotive butter; there's few that engage machines in such a spiritual and communicative way as Mr. Fingers.

    Vast, expansive arrangements, perfectly plotted through this imaginary soundscape; the LP takes you on a deep, vivid journey rich with exotic nuances as Larry explores Eastern scales and far-away timbres. There's even some moments of Balearic island bliss; lolloping waves and drifting vocals adding to an air of coastal decadence.

    In short, a beautifully realized, sophisticated and picturesque long player from one of house music's longest serving and charismatic players. Highly recommended! 


    STAFF COMMENTS

    Matt says: Another stunning album from the Chicago house godfather. Maturing nicely, this might be his most musical and diverse offering yet. Containing plenty of 'proper' songs - with writting vocal parts, musings into downtempo and Balearic are fully realized showing the vast breadth of musicality contained within this singular producer. Languid and relaxed, it's a noticeable divergence from the urgency and energy of the dancefloor and will make superb living room listening.

    TRACK LISTING

    Around The Sun
    Dryve
    Touch The Sky
    Coastline Paradox
    Electrostatic Levitation
    Somethings Going On
    Like The Dawn
    Pressureize
    Marrakesh
    Shimmer

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    Cover of Tweaks by Opolopo.

    Opolopo

    Tweaks

    GAMM

    After dazzling us with "Tweaks" for Local Talk, Opolopo returns with more "Tweaks" for the sister label GAMM! Ditching the Chi-town vibe and this with a homage to the Brazilian fusion sounds from the late 70's and early 80's. A sound that he's always been a huge fan of apparently.

    On the A-side George Duke's cover of Milton's "Cravo E Canela" gets a lovely house bump, while on the B, Flora Purim's classic "Love Lock" (with G.Duke on keys) is tweaked into a melodic jazz-boogie number.

    As always, Opolopo adds some of his own keyboard wizardries to make both tweaks just a little extra nippy! Expert stuff.. 


    TRACK LISTING

    A. George Duke - Cravo E Canela (Opolopo Tweak)
    B. Flora Purim - Love Lock (Opolopo Tweak)

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    Cover of Manctalo Beach by Ruf Dug.

    Ruf Dug

    Manctalo Beach

    International Feel

    Manchester producer, DJ and dancefloor spirit guide Ruf Dug gets fruity on his Korg DW8000, for this homage to Manctalo pioneers Red Laser Disco who have revitalized the Italo sound over the last decade. Given that Ruffy lives on the same street as Red Laser head honcho Il Bosco it’s unsurprising that his latest release is heavily influenced by his noisy neighbour’s antics.

    Manctalo Beach has gone through several versions over the years to arrive, like a chilled Bianco, at the crisp beauty you hear today. Packed with chunky bass arpeggios, pixelated pitch-bent melodies and freeze-frame drum fills, the A-side conjures images of coastline sunsets and waterski waves. Meanwhile on the flip, the bonus beats proceed in a more dubbed disco direction, with acres more space, cascading delays and tripped-out breakdowns. One for your speedboat!


    STAFF COMMENTS

    Matt says: Local cyberpunk and superstar, Ruffy pays tribute to Red Laser via an inspired single complete with killer dub version. The clue's in the title! ;)

    TRACK LISTING

    Manctalo Beach - Original
    Manctalo Beach - Version 

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    Cover of Body & Soul - The Disco Experience by S-Tone Inc..

    S-Tone Inc.

    Body & Soul - The Disco Experience

    Schema

    S-Tone Inc. is back with a full rework of his previous full-length "Body & Soul", a homage to the late '70s / early '80s disco music that the artist used to immerse in during those adventurous years. Early '90s British acid jazz, '70s soul, Brazilian and jazz music are here reworked in a nu-disco key, with the exception of the downbeat tracks "Flying Away" and "Midnight Sun" and the 'spacey' "Odoya", rearranged by The Invisible Session without mining the overall mood of this release.

    TRACK LISTING

    1. Body And Soul (Remix)
    2. Pra Voce (Extended Remix) [feat. Toco]
    3. In The Name Of Love (Extended Remix) [feat. Laura Fedele]
    4. Blow My Mind (Remix) [feat. Afra Kane]
    5. Flying Away (Remix) [feat. Afra Kane]
    6. Rosa Da Ribeira (Extended Remix) [feat. Toco]
    7. (Got To) Move On [Remix] [feat. Afra Kane]
    8. No Meio Do Samba (Remix) [feat. Toco]
    9. Odoya (The Invisible Session Remix) [feat. Toco]
    10. Midnight Sun (Remix)

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    Cover of Dancing To Forget by Romie Singh.

    Romie Singh

    Dancing To Forget

    Strangelove

    Proto-future Pop exhumed from '86, Romie Singh's 'Dancing to Forget', could easily be mistaken for an up-to-the minute R&B instrumental from '22. The song's elastic swing reminiscent of a vintage Wally Badarou Compass Point session. Instead masterminded by studio maestros Günther Janssen (more lately of Donna Regina) & Peter Hantke, while Romie's vocals soar above. It's a timeless call to escape life's ill's via the dancefloor.

    Collected here on Strangelove the cavernous, dubbed out 'D.T.F.' (12" version) sits alongside the prescient hope/dystopia of LP cut 'Future World' (cue Covid World) and the killer Balearic-beat sass of 'Credo' A short sharp 3 track jolt into the trio's cult 80's catalog. Shouts to Basso for the original resuscitation!



    STAFF COMMENTS

    Matt says: Haunting, ethereal, jagged-edged - this is brilliant! Long forgotten minimal wave brilliance from 1986 given a much needed resuscitation.

    TRACK LISTING

    A1 Dancing To Forget
    B1 Future World 
    B2 Credo

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    Cover of Mystic EP by Soul Of Hex.

    Soul Of Hex

    Mystic EP

    Delusions Of Grandeur

    Brothers Gerardo and Emanuel Cedillo aka Soul Of Hex are making serious waves right now. Born and raised in Mexico’s infamous border city Tijuana the duo have been immersed in the underground house and techno scene DJing, promoting events, performing live sets on their trusty Elektron hard- ware and releasing underground floor fillers for labels such as Quintessen- tials, Secret Crunch, CVMR and Dirt Crew as well as running their own Vicario imprint. Most recently, they have not only established a new venue Marko Disco in TJ, but also a new moniker Mano De Fuego and release dropping in April on Underground Resistance no less!

    Here on the "Mystic EP" we find a little bit of that UR electro inspiration rubbing up against classic late 80’s US vocal house, crunchy disco grooves and driving feel-good Italo. "Love Is In Control" features the vocals of Steve Lucas of Fusion Groove Orchestra / If Only I Could fame and elsewhere we have vocal features from More Lotion and Temporal Wangan. 


    STAFF COMMENTS

    Matt says: Worth checking for the "Heliocentrico" track alone, which I imagine could do plenty of damage deployed at the right time. Elsewhere the nods to piano house and the housey jams of Underground Resistance tick all the right boxes.

    TRACK LISTING

    A1. Mystic (feat. More Lotion)
    A2. Love Is In Control (feat. Steve Lucas)
    B1. Heliocentrico
    B2. Sphynx (feat. Temporal Wangan)

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    Cover of Groovejet (If This Ain't Love) by Spiller Featuring Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

    Spiller Featuring Sophie Ellis-Bextor

    Groovejet (If This Ain't Love)

    Defected

    Every once in a while, a record comes along which resonates in a special way, stands the test of time, and brings the same reaction to the dancefloor now as it did all those years ago. “Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love)” is one of those records, a classic in every sense of the word. Originally released in 2000, a big time for funky house and country-wide decadence in general. File next too: “Salsoul Nugget”, “So Much Love To Give”, “Cassius 1999”, “Red Alert” etc.

    This unique two vinyl pack comes in full colour gatefold sleeve with augmented reality cover that will come to life once you scan the mask image on your phone accompanied by a four page 12” insert written by Spiller detailing the full story of “Groovejet”; from original production, early reactions, chart success and new 2021/22 remixes.

    The releases features the original versions plus new mixes Purple Disco Machine & Lorenz Rhode, Riva Star, Breakbot & Irfane and Harvey Sutherland. Exclusive to the vinyl are Riva Starr’s Skylight Mix and the Harvey Sutherland Instrumental version.


    TRACK LISTING

    A1. Groovejet (If This Ain't Love) (Purple Disco Machine & Lorenz Rhode Remix)
    A2. Groovejet (If This Ain't Love) (Breakbot & Irfane Remix)
    B1. Groovejet
    B2. Groovejet (If This Ain't Love) (Vocal Mix)
    C1. Groovejet (If This Ain't Love) (Riva Starr Disco Odyssey Mix)
    C2. Groovejet (If This Ain't Love) (Riva Starr Skylight Mix)
    D1. Groovejet (If This Ain't Love) (Harvey Sutherland Remix)
    D2. Groovejet (If This Ain't Love) (Harvey Sutherland Instrumental)

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    Cover of Isiqedakoma by Vumani.

    Vumani

    Isiqedakoma

    La Casa Tropical

    Much in demand album from 1986. Not much is known about the mysterious pop sensation Vumani or his short musical career. Originally from KwaZulu Natal he made his way to Johannesburg in the mid 80’s to follow his dream of becoming a recording artist. He was able to make that dream come true when talent scouts from Decibel Music came across the charismatic youngster. At the time Decibel was still a small fish trying to make waves and the label believed in Vumani they had found the star they were looking for. Being a label with mostly groups signed to the catalog they needed a Front Man to push into the growing demand for Solo Artists that were dominating the airwaves and catching the hearts of youngsters.

    Up to this point Decibel had one major hit record. In 1986 they released a single by an artist named David Thanzwane. The music was a direct rip off of the first hit single by Shangaan Disco pioneer Paul Ndlovu. Copying the music of both sides of the original single the covers offered different lyrics and hooks also sung in xiTsonga. This was enough to trick the masses and the single led to record sales for the small label. The unintentional outcome of the single was that from then on the producers and label had one sound they wanted to pump out in hopes of recreating that magic. This desire to create another Shangaan Disco hit would be the backbone of the Vumani sound and what makes his music so special and collectable after all these years.

    That same year Vumani would release two Singles, "Black Mampatile" and "Guy Fawkes". Musically these playful and fun singles would have great appeal to youngsters as they sung of daily life in the Townships. Black Mampatile being a game of Hide and Seek, Banana Kari referring to the trucks that would go around the Township exchanging chips and snacks for glass bottles and of course every child’s favourite reason the dress up on November 5th, Guy Fawkes Day. Both singles were received well and a few more tracks were later recorded to create the full album Isiqedakoma. Although he would sing in Zulu the music was unmistakable for Shangaan Disco. The synth heavy bass lines and happy melodies along with relatable fun lyrics were a perfect blend for an album that would make people dance if they were out at a Tavern or Shabeen on a weekend or just enjoying at home with family and friends.

    Vumani quickly became the Label’s top priority with managers making sure he always had the freshest clothing styles to go along with his persona, and he never missed any performances or opportunities to impress a crowd. His popularity grew in the Township’s but with that came the unfortunate and all too common problems with fame. He started getting mixed with wrong crowds. He would record another album for Miracle Music, the Decibel sub label that had emerged to focus on the more underground sounds of the post synth pop era. Musically things were going well for Vumani but it would be his life off the stage that would catch up with him. Always known for his commitment to his music and fans one day he uncharacteristically failed to show up and was never heard from again. His body would later be found in a burnt car on the outskirts of Soweto. What led to his tragic death was never known but with the company he kept it is not hard to imagine what one of the many situations that led to that horrific ending could be. His funeral was attended by the entire Township it seemed as people packed the service and flowed out onto the streets, a testament to his popularity and the love the people had for one of their own.

    STAFF COMMENTS

    Matt says: Much needed repress of this highly sought after bubblegum centric release from Vumani. One of only four release by the South African cult star, original copies can fetch up to £400! Stick this in yer pipe discogs!

    TRACK LISTING

    Isiqedakoma
    Guy Fawkes
    Banana Kar
    I Can Play
    Midnight Express
    Cheater
    Black Mampatile

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    [ - ]
    Cover of I Wandt To Believe by Niklas Wandt.

    Niklas Wandt

    I Wandt To Believe

    Animals Dancing

    Twisted & percussive club brilliance with a kosmiche slant from Düsseldorf’s Niklas Wandt on the amazing Animals Dancing. Four tracks that take on cosmic house, new beat hypnotism, tribal piano breakdown madness & a wavey vocoded synth workout make up the EP for the Australian imprint’s first release of the year.

    Undeniably sounding fresh, with an upfront palette designed for club rigs, it's a club / party record make no mistake; but refuses to tread the obvious and over-explored in favour of something a little bit more leftfield and unusual. There isn't an urgency to push the tempos either, making this one of those deliciously engrossing, late nite record you can get truly lost in. Recommended. 


    STAFF COMMENTS

    Matt says: The Melbourne label proffer up a nicely varied four tracker from Niklas Wandt. Catering to all the flavours of the holiday house dancefloor expect enthralling drug chug and tops off hedonism that's perfect for festival season.

    TRACK LISTING

    Schlabberwasser
    Im Verborgenen 
    I Wandt To Believe
    300 CE

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    [ - ]
    Cover of Disco Hamam Vol. 3 by Various Artists.

    Various Artists

    Disco Hamam Vol. 3

    Disco Hamam

    Disco Hamam are on hand with a massive helping of Turkish Delight here, packing enough brightly spiced brilliance to keep me chipper. Ozerbey handles the grill like a seasoned pro on the A-side, loosening us up with a thick keyboard groove, shuffling percussion and sweeping strings on the excellent 'Mihrimah'. Slow and sleazy, this dramatic cut walks the tightrope between disco and psych-funk before Ozer locks into a looping beatdown groove and works the filters to the bone. Tasty! Flip the Gözleme (Turkish pancake for the benefit of any Daily Mail readers), for a musical meze from Anatolian cosmic king FOC Edits. The intergalactic excitement begins with "Demdir Dem Bu Dem", a lively and loose sayko-delic disco winner which works the top end with frenzied keys and space sirens before dropping into a stunning snake hipped groove which makes me think of both the bam bam riddim and Bombers' "Shake". Hot on its heels comes "Neredesin", a dusty dancer boasting an Ofra Haza-style rhythm section, sultry, spoken vocals and some seriously wiggy bass/sax interplay. I'm gonna come back for seconds!

    STAFF COMMENTS

    Patrick says: Another killer cut up EP from the Hamam camp here as Ozerbey and Foc Edits tear through a little top-notch Turkish tackle. Ozer gets loopy on the A-side (think vintage Mark E at his local Kebab house), while Foc Edits brings us a pair of groove-oozing cosmic killers on the flip.

    TRACK LISTING

    Ozerbey - Mihrimah
    FOC Edits - Demdir
    FOC Edits - Neredesin

    [ + ]
    [ - ]
    Cover of Disco Reggae by Various Artists.

    Various Artists

    Disco Reggae

    Stix

    Favorite Recordings offshoot Stix Records is back with a full album of reggae cover versions of pop / funk / soul songs. This time round we get a selection of old favourites given a reggae-disco twist, along with four new and exclusive productions.

    Many artists faithful to the stable of Favorite Recordings and its various sub-labels are invited for the occasion: The Dynamics, Blundetto, Grandmagneto, 7 Samurai, John Milk or Taggy Matcher. All came and brought their respective touch to this first compilation, with among other things some of the rarest titles from their Big Single Records’ years. Each of them delivers a great reggae-disco version of classic hits by some artists as diverse as Madonna, Herbie Hancock, Justin Timberlake, The Commodores, The O’Jays, Curtis Mayfield, Harry Nilsson or Sugarhill Gang.


    TRACK LISTING

    Side 1
    1. Chameleon (Taggy Matcher Disco Mix) (4:46)
    2. Money (7 Samurai Disco 12" Version) (5:05)
    3. Music (The Dynamics Disco 7" Version) (4:45)
    4. Brick House (Taggy Matcher Disco Mix) (4:14)
    Side 2
    1. Suit & Tie (John Milk Reggae Version) (4:29)
    2. Everybody's Talkin (Blundetto & Grandmagneto Original 7" Version) (3:18)
    3. Rapper's Delight (Taggy Matcher Dub Version) (3:36)
    4. Move On Up (The Dynamics Original 7" Version) (4:55)
    5. Saturday Night Fever (Grandmagneto Original 7" Version) (3:43)

    [ + ]
    [ - ]

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