For the first time since his viral holiday album ‘A Joyful Sound’ released in 2020, Kelly Finnigan (Monophonics) is back with two new original Christmas songs. ??‘I Can’t Wait (For Christmas Time)’ is a heavy yet laid back cut with a straight ahead pop arrangement. It’s that rust belt soul sound with the kind of harmonies that fuel Southern California cruisers; deep and emotive with just the right amount of instrumentation to push Finnigan’s tender voice forward. The tune also features label mate Kendra Morris and her band on backing vocals. Akin to previous KF releases or gems by The Escorts or The Four Mints, this record is meant for you and yours, wrapped in pretty paper under the tree until Christmas morning.

Then save some room for cookies and the b-side…

'Snowy Night In Ohio' feels like a slow moving midnight train making its way from Cincinnati to Memphis. Inspired by Finnigan’s first winter in Ohio, his love for gospel records, and horn arrangements by Isaac Hayes. This is a true stand out instrumental that oozes ice cold soul. It has a brief vocal message from Finnigan that feels testimonial and heartfelt. Featuring Colemine’s own Terry Cole and Jimmy James, plus Billy Aukstik and Morgan Price. Kelly says to be sure to treat yourself after a taxing year with a record the whole family can enjoy this holiday season. Merry Christmas!

TRACK LISTING

I Can't Wait (For Christmas Time)
Snowy Night In Ohio

The highly anticipated collaboration from Shawn Lee and Kelly Finnigan is here. The A-side on this 45, 'Say It Again', features Kelly on vocals and piano. It's a smooth, soulful tune, pulling references from Bobby Caldwell and FM radio. Shawn says of the track: "There has always been a mutual admiration society between myself & Kelly. Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of playing on both the Monophonics & Kelly’s solo records in the studio and live onstage. This is the first I’ve had Kelly on something that I’ve put together. Good things come to those who wait… and here it is!"

The instrumental B-side, 'Harpsichord Rock', comes straight out of some sort of lost 1970’s Italian movie. Entirely written and recorded by Lee, it's a hypnotic jam with a groove. The mood: funk.

TRACK LISTING

1. Say It Again
2. Harpsichord Rock

A LEGENDARY SOUL DUO!

Kelly Finnigan has teamed up with soul music legend Renaldo Domino for his next 45, out May 23rd via Colemine Records. The A-track 'Keep Me In Mind' is a catchy, straight-down-the-middle soul tune in the classic dual male duo style of Sam & Dave, Eddie & Ernie, and Bob & Gene. Featuring organ and classic horn stabs, Kelly and Renaldo's voices blend harmoniously and make for a killer cut. The B-side, 'Let Me Count The Reasons,' is a track from Kelly's critically acclaimed new LP 'A Lover Was Born.' Slower in tempo and full of love and heart, the tune is a masterclass in romantic soulful sounds.

TRACK LISTING

A. Keep Me In Mind
B. Let Me Count The Reasons

Distance as a measure of time and place informs Kelly Finnigan’s, A Lover Was Born with a grit and grace that turns passion into virtue. The latest solo release from The Monophonics frontman roots itself in the best traditions of midwest soul labels like King, Curtom, Dakar, and the Bodie Recording Company. A Lover Was Born is a testimony that these deep cut grooves are not resigned to nostalgia, instead, they are at the burning heart of longing and hope.

The journey Finnigan takes listeners on over Lover’s eleven tracks echo the state of motion and growth since his solo debut, The Tales People Tell (2019). These two records bookend a prolific period of output, including a pair of Monophonics albums, a Christmas album, a mixtape, and a full slate of producing other artists (The Ironsides, Alanna Royale, the Sextones). “There’s nothing like making records,” says Finnigan. “It feels like that’s my purpose — the reason I was put on this earth.”

Written in California, Ohio, and Staten Island, Kelly Finnigan collaborated with old friends in and outside the studio. “I enjoy working alone but it’s not how you want to make a record…almost everybody I brought in for this album I’ve worked with, toured with or spent a great deal of time with.” Max and Joe Ramey (The Ironsides), Jimmy James (Parlor Greens), Sergio Rios (Orgone), Joey Crispiano (Dap Kings) and Jay Mumford (aka J-Zone) all contribute to the overall sound of A Lover Was Born.

Dramatic influences like Isaac Hayes (check out the piano on “Be Your Own Shelter”) and Jerry Ragovoy are chopped and folded into Northern Soul uptempo numbers to create stompers like “Get a Hold of Yourself” or “Chosen Few”. Finnigan’s take on Deep Soul is captured brilliantly on “Walk Away from Me” and “Love (Your Pain Goes Deep)”, while Boom Bap pervades on hard hitters “His Love Ain’t Real” & “Cold World”. Slower songs such as “Let Me Count the Reasons”, the emotional “All That’s Left”, and the soul-stirring album closer “Count Me Out” show the honest and tender side that has become Finnigan’s calling card. All the while, the voice is raw and earthy — in the best tradition of R&B shouters like Otis Redding, Lee Moses, and David Ruffin.

The songs on A Lover Was Born reconfigure the spliced and sampled DNA of hip hop (extracted by crate diggers like Dilla and RZA) to create something new, underscoring both the spectrum and depth of soul while making a case to the timelessness of Finnigan’s sound.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: A bright, soulful suite of rippling guitar stabs, rolling bass guitar and Finnigan's unendingly powerful vocals. Smooth as silk.

TRACK LISTING

Prove My Love
Be Your Own Shelter
Cold World
His Love Ain't Real
Get A Hold Of Yourself
All That's Left
Love (Your Pain Goes Deep)
Let Me Count The Reasons
Chosen Few
Walk Away From Me
Count Me Out

Monophonics are back with another 45 from their acclaimed concept album "Sage Motel." Featuring two heavy hitters, the A-side 'Warpaint' takes the band in a new sonic direction. Featuring heavy and layered guitars, rock-riffs, and the ever-soulful vocals of Kelly Finnigan, 'Warpaint' packs an ever-elusive punch. The B-side, 'Crash & Burn' is a luscious but solemn song about love and life, highlighting delicate percussion arrangements and textured layers of sound.

TRACK LISTING

1. Warpaint
2. Crash & Burn

THIS IS A RECORD STORE DAY 2020 RELEASE AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY AS PART OF THE AUGUST 29TH DROP DAY AT 6PM.
LIMITED TO ONE PER PERSON.

Exclusive colour and one time pressing.Colored vinyl, comes with download card, tip-on jacket, gold foil numbered.The Tales People Tell was released in April 2019, this is the instrumental companion to that record.None of these instrumental versions have been released, but his debut LP sold over 6000 LPs (mostly at indie retail)