Soweto Soul Orchestra is produced and composed by Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse, whose importance to South-Africa's music scene can hardly be underestimated. Being a formative member of The Beaters, which was later renamed Harari, he toured Africa extensively and even hit the American charts with their "Party" single. After Harari split in 1982, Sipho went solo and scored another hit with "Burn Out", which could be heard in every township, and produced and recorded for Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba among others.

The Soweto Soul Orchestra project boasts a variety of funky tracks, all marked with that jazzy South-African sound. The stand-out tune on this one, for us, is the epic 8 minute long cosmic disco cover of "Hang em High", the original soundtrack for the eponymous classic Western movie.

This 2020 re-issue sees all tracks cut again from the official studio files, ensuring both audio quality and originality.

Originally released on and licensed through Gallo, 1981.

TRACK LISTING

A1.The Girl In The Alley
A2. Soweto Dawn
A3. Mapantsula
B1. Take It Easy
B2. Medley: Hang Em High / Down-Town

Late night ‘60s R&B caught on tape at Jim Kirchstein’s jack-of-all genres Cuca studio. Re- leased on minuscule pressings into the Wiscon- sin wilderness, these 26 sasquatchrare tracks uncover the soulful paths between the Chicago, Milw aukee, Rockford, and Rockford scenes. Featuring Harvey Scales, Step By Step, Betty Moorer, Seven Sounds, Twiliters, Birdlegs & Pauline, Esquires, Artie & The Pharaohs, and Fantastic Six, this 2xlp tell s an alternate his- tory of soul music that could only happen in the Hinterl ands on Highway 12.

TRACK LISTING

1. Twiliters - Restless Love
2. Harvey Scales & The Seven Sounds - Glamour Girl
3. The Devils & The Devilettes - I’ll Say “Yes”
4. Little Artie & The Pharaohs - It Puzzles Me
5. Birdlegs & Pauline - Too Much At Stake
6. Betty Moorer - The Long Hot Summer
7. The Esquires - You Don’t Care
8. Supremes Four - I Lost My Job (And I’ve Got To Find Another)
9. Harvey Scales & The Seven Sounds - Ten Thousand Years
10. Betty Moorer - One More Time
11. The Devils & The Devilettes - I’m Leaving You
12. Supremes Four - I Love You, Patricia
13. Twiliters - We Three
14. The Devils & The Devilettes - Tell Me
15. Step By Step - Time After Time
16. Harvey Scales & The Seven Sounds - Independency
17. Betty Moorer - My Man Lives
18. Twiliters - Can’t You Stay A Little Longer
19. The Devils Ft. J. Watson Vance - Love And Understanding
20. Step By Step - She’s Gone
21. Twistin’ Harvey - Every Step Of The Way
22. Twiliters - Girl Of My Dreams
23. Fantastic Six - I Never Knew Love
24. Artie & The Pharaohs - I’ll Take Care Of You
25. Birdlegs & Pauline - Mist Of A Dream
26. Rex Swanigan And The Fabulous Troubadores - Tribute To Jimi Hendrix

Everybody’s still talking about the good ol’ days! A rough and rugged collection of ol’ dirty classics that have inspired swarms of killer beats. A head nod to the sounds of Shaolin, the twelve chambers of Shanghai ’d Soul have moved lyrical chefs and production geniuses alike to compose some of their most ominous hip-hop. Gods and Earths alike will appreciate the raw funk and smoother-than-a-Lexus soul that come together like Voltron on this special compilation.

As sampled by J. Cole, The Game, Cappadonna, The Avalanches, Kanye, Hudson Mohawke, Anderson .Paak, Loyle Corner, Meek Mill, T.I., Quavo, Danny Brown, and hundreds more.

TRACK LISTING

1. The Professionals - Theme From The Godfather
2. Ponderosa Twins Plus One - Bound
3. The Notations - What More Can I Say
4. Tommy McGee - To Make You Happy
5. Dyson’s Faces - Cry Sugar
6. T.L. Barrett - Nobody Knows
7. Syl Johnson - Different Strokes
8. Salty Miller - Music Makes Me High
9. GreenFlow - I Got’Cha
10. The Spiritual Harmonizers - God’s Love
11. Family Circle - Mariya
12. Whole Truth - Can You Lose By Following God

Liana Flores is a London-based English-Brazilian singer-songwriter influenced by Bossa Nova, 60s British folk, and the Romantic poets, calling to mind artists from Nick Drake and Astrud Gilberto to contemporaries like Laufey and Faye Webster.

With her music, Liana aims to open a window to the sublime in the everyday, simplicity, emotional candor, and the rhythms of the seasons - inviting each listener into what she describes as a “fantastical realm.”

TRACK LISTING

1. Hello Again
2. Orange-coloured Day
3. Nightvisions
4. Crystalline
5. Now And Then
6. Halfway Heart
7. I Wish For The Rain Intro
8. I Wish For The Rain
9. Cuckoo
10. Butterflies (ft. Tim Bernardes)
11. Slowly

A double album boil down of Numero’s 2012 45 x 45RPM art object 'Eccentric Soul: Omnibus'. Gathering 25 loose remnants from across the American soul diaspora, Minibus connects the dots between group harmony, funk, disco, and modern soul, 1966-1980. Housed in a deluxe gatefold, tip-on jacket and illustrated with copious notes and photographs, the first ever LP pressing fills in a crucial hole on your Numero shelf.

TRACK LISTING

1. Rokk - Patience
2. Crystal’s Image - A Friend
3. The Procedures - Give Me One More Chance
4. The Prophets Of Peace - The Max
5. Sky’s The Limit - Don’t Be Afraid
6. The Trinikas - Remember Me
7. Duralcha - Ghet-To-Funk
8. The 13th Amendment - The Stretch
9. Tickled Pink - Reach Out (And Give Me Your Hand)
10. HiFidelics - HiFidelics Groove
11. Black Fur - Feel The Shock
12. Flack And Company - Disco-TNT
13. Elements Of Peace - Together Pt. 2
14. Morning After - Hey Girl
15. The Energettics - Rainy Days And Monday
16. Family Connection - This Time
17. Inbassador - Everyday
18. Soul-Walkers - I’m Tired Of What People Say
19. The Curtis Liggins Indications - What It Is?
20. Majestee’s - Let Her Go
21. Two Plus Two - I’m Sure
22. Walter & The Admeration’s - Man Oh Man (What Have I Done)
23. Clifton White And His Royal Knights - The Grade A
24. The Free Mind - Just Jammin’
25. The Intentions - Dig It (Shovel)

Kon AKA King of Nothing, mastermind behind many brilliant multitrack edits unleashes 2 brilliant mashup gems. 'Soul Bright' featuring Madonna’s beaming Lucky Star vocals blended over Saucy Lady’s 'Soul Amplified' instrumentation pulled from her 2021 Delirious EP, and 'Watchin’', Rockwell meets Saucy Lady mashup.

The Rockwell vocals adds to that intoxicating Mtume- like harmonies originally set by producer Yuki 'U-KEY' Kanesaka on The Garden, a track that was also released off of Saucy Lady's Delirious record that just got a tasty rework. Already dance floor tested and audience- approved with guaranteed dippin' quality.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Soul Bright (KON Rework)
B1. Watchin’ (KON Rework)

Soul Jazz Records’ classic, ‘Delta Swamp Rock’, features a killer all-star line-up of seminal artists who first blended rock, soul and country together to create a stunning new sound of southern American music in the 1970s.

Featuring the Allman Brothers, Dan Penn, Leon Russell, Tony Joe White, Johnny Cash, Bobbie Gentry, Big Star, Link Wray, Area Code 615 and loads more.

This album comes as a classic black vinyl edition complete with extensive original sleevenotes, interviews and exclusive photography, all spread over a 12-page fullsize magazine and two bespoke inner sleeves.

‘Delta Swamp Rock’ is an interstate southern road trip through the United States of America where country, rock and soul met at the crossroads - an exploration of the musical and cultural links between the cities of Memphis, Muscle Shoals and Nashville in the 1960s and 70s.

At the start of the 1970s, a new type of music emerged out of the southern states of Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi and Florida. Southern rock, the creation of young blue-collar white Americans, blended rock, soul, country and blues music together to present a new vision of the south - a post-civil rights southern identity complete with a celebration of the regions natural landscape and its way of life.

The Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd epitomised the definitive southern rock groups - a mixture of blues-rock and country with a southern rebelliousness and attitude. Unfortunately, both The Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd were to be struck by tragedy, which would affect the movement’s rise and fall.

The backstory to southern rock is the fact that a number of the people involved in its creation had been central to the production of southern soul music in the 1960s mainly in Memphis, Tennessee, and the small town of Muscle Shoals (population around 10,000) deep within the Bible Belt, liquor-free, deeply segregated state of Alabama, creating 100s of R&B hits on an almost daily basis.

Here in Muscle Shoals, with its proximity to Memphis and Nashville, an all-white group of in-house musicians, (famously referred to by Lynyrd Skynyrd in the song ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ as the ‘Swampers’), created countless classic soul records for the likes of Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Etta James, Clarence Carter and more during the 1960s.

This album charts the rise and fall of southern rock from its funky swamp roots in southern soul to its phenomenal success in the first half of the 1970s, including its influence on Nashville’s ‘outlaw’ country and tracing it right back to the arrival of rock and roll in the 1950s - the first meeting of black and white American music at the crossroads.

TRACK LISTING

1. Lynyrd Skynyrd - The Seasons
2. Barefoot Jerry - Smokies
3. Joe South - Hush
4. Bobbie Gentry - Papa, Won’t You Let Me Go To Town With You
5. Area Code 615 - Stone Fox Chase
6. Cher - I Walk On Guilded Splinters
7. Cowboy - Please Be With Me
8. The Allman Brothers - Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More
9. Link Wray - Be What You Want To
10. Boz Scaggs - I’ll Be Long Gone
11. Lynyrd Skynyrd - Comin’ Home
12. Bobbie Gentry - Seasons Come, Seasons Go
13. Leon Russell - Out In The Woods
14. Tony Joe White - Polk Salad Annie
15. Barefoot Jerry - Come To Me Tonight
16. Dan Penn - If Love Was Money
17. Linda Ronstadt - I Won’t Be Hangin’ ‘Round
18. Waylon Jennings - Big D
19. Big Star - Thirteen
20. Bobbie Gentry - Mississippi Delta
21. Travis Wammack - I Forgot To Remember To Forget
22. Johnny Cash & June Carter - If I Were A Carpenter
23. Billy Vera - I’m Leavin’ Here Tomorrow, Mama

Aerials live, dials tuned, Transmission Towers broadcasting. On either side of the river Mersey, transcendental communications are traded back and forth. Two late-night revellers, one firing messages filled with music, the other returning them laced with lyrics. The result, a dopamine hit of oddball machine soul, melded with a highlife, Afrofuturist touch. Wonky and murky yet deeply emotional, Transmission One, is a debut album that also marks the first release on Luke Una’s É Soul Cultura label, encompassing expertly the off-kilter atmosphere the label sets to orbit.

A synthesised landscape with a Northern charm, Transmission Towers marry the musical worlds of two artists that last collaborated over a decade ago. 10 years have passed, lives have been led, but a gravitational pull has placed Mark Kyriacou and Eleanor Mante back in each other’s spheres on opposite sides of the city of Liverpool. Energised with a newfound desire to strip it all back to the sounds that influenced their formative years in the late ‘80s and ‘90s - astral travelling, intoxicated on Motor City techno, Black Dog IDM and mystical Sun Ra.

Mark half Irish, half Greek Cypriot, Eleanor half Nigerian, half Ghanian, the music contained within is an alchemy of those roots and the pivotal acts that buried deep into their minds. A cosmic contrast, part machine-made, part distinctly human. Take the opener ‘UP’, an ESG-channelling, sci-fi punk beatdown or the polychromatic hyperspace anthem ‘Roller Skater 23’.

Transportive throughout, you ride the solar waves, pace and emotion ebbing and flowing. Tracks like ‘Go Slow Heart’ and ‘Cosmic Trigger’ step to a slower beat but hit with a punch. The former, a slo-mo blast of celestial tenderness, the latter an otherworldly, chugged-out lunar excursion, micro-dosing on whacked-out Wah Wah and Eleanor’s ethereal vocals. Beaming love letters to space and back, ‘Sparse’ marries the organic with the artificial, pianos and percussion circling around synth pads and broadcasting bleeps.

Elsewhere, vibrations move faster. ‘Mega’ strikes, fusing sonic tribalism with psychedelic swirls, as ‘Everything’ sweeps you up in its extra-terrestrial new wave grip. Synth stabs and basslines fizzing from every angle.

Demos of Transmission Towers music surfaced on Luke Una’s radar, making him stop in his tracks. Something magical was emerging, perfectly aligned with the E Soul guardian’s tastes. Guidance followed, quickly turning into conversations about Transmission One becoming the first release on Luke’s own label.

Escapist and futurist yet grounded and relatable. Transmission One is synthesis meets sentiment with a deep, spine-tingling soul at its core.

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Luke Una's É Soul Cultura compilations were a big hit in the shop, so it's a delight to be able to celebrate the first release on his eponymous label, from Liverpool's Transmission Towers. Smooth-af street soul and deep, snapping electronic synth lines come together into an LP that's perfect for the dancefloor but just chilled enough to make for a particularly rowdy front-room disco.

TRACK LISTING

1. Up
2. Roller Skater 23
3. Planetary Alignment
4. Go Slow Heart
5. Cosmic Trigger
6. Mega
7. Everything
8. Sparse
9. One
10. Affirmation Of Love
11. My Shadow (CD Only)
12. The Universal Drift (CD Only)

Unavailable for over 20 years, ‘In The Beginning There Was Rhythm’ was Soul Jazz Records’ first foray into post-punk and punk-funk in the UK, capturing the groundbreaking, seminal groups that crossed the divide of punk and dance music for the first time.

First released in 2001, this album is fully remastered, remade and presented once more in its entirety and features A Certain Ratio, Cabaret Voltaire, Throbbing Gristle, The Human League, The Pop Group, Gang of Four, The Slits, 23 Skidoo and This Heat.

This album comes as a CD and as a double black vinyl edition with download code complete with two bespoke inner bags containing extensive sleevenotes and original photography.

As Muzik magazine noted on its initial release, ‘In The Beginning There Was Rhythm’ is a choice selection from the fertile post-punk period when bands thought nothing of combining politics and philosophy with imported dance rhythms and edgy industrial angst.

Most of the bands featured come from the then bleak postindustrial North of England - Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds as well as Bristol and London - and yet all show a fascination with Black American rhythms and an experimentation in sound that was completely unique at the time.

TRACK LISTING

1. A Certain Ratio - Shack Up
2. 23 Skidoo - Coup
3. Gang Of Four - To Hell With Poverty
4. The Human League - Being Boiled
5. The Slits - In The Beginning There Was Rhythm (Early Version)
6. This Heat - 24 Track Loop
7. Throbbing Gristle - 20 Jazz Funk Greats
8. The Pop Group - She Is Beyond Good And Evil
9. Cabaret Voltaire - Sluggin' Fer Jesus
10. 23 Skidoo - Vegas El Bandito
11. A Certain Ratio - Knife Slits Water

Next up on our exciting new Fool’s Paradise vinyl sampler series is a very special two-tracker, kicking things off is British peak-time House Music connoisseur, Soul Avengerz (aka Paul Gardner), who joins forces with US vocal legend, Adeva, on a potent remake of her 1989 House classic with Paul Simpson, ‘Musical Freedom’. Having re-recorded all the vocals, Adeva belts out a dazzling new version of one of house music’s most iconic songs. Retaining a dash of nostalgia, whilst propelling the song onto 2024’s dancefloors with a bang, Soul Avengerz delivers an uplifting piano house soundtrack loaded with brass, string stabs and bumping beats to ramp up the hedonistic vibes on this much loved classic.

Rounding off the EP is the hugely talented French producer, Sebb Junior, with ‘Colors’. Bringing his magnetic deep touch to Fool’s Paradise and centred around one of Sebb’s signature cut-up style vocal hooks, ‘Colors’ is a punchy hypnotic groover dressed with warm bubbling synth melodies that flow over a deep effervescent bassline, bringing all the right feels to the dance floor.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Soul Avengerz, Adeva - Musical Freedom (Extended Mix)
B1. Sebb Junior - Colors (Extended Mix)

In 1984, Jasper Van’t Hof, a prominent European jazz pianist, propelled to fame with the energetic ‘Pili Pili’ a 15-minute trance collaboration with Guinea's Isaac Tagul Group. Inspired by a fiery red pepperoni, the track sold over 100,000 copies, leading the group to adopt the name Pili Pili, becoming a hit in the club and disco scene.

Pili Pili's musical roots trace back to Van’t Hof's 1982-83 tour in Central Africa, where he discovered a love for African music. The band embraced authenticity by collaborating with diverse African musicians from Mali, Congo, Senegal, and Guinea. In 2000, Van’t Hof initiat-ed a project with the young Zulu choir Phikelela Sakhu-la from Durban, South Africa.
Pili Pili's style, described as experimental fusion, blends intricate African rhythms with jazz, fusion, funk, and dance. Van’t Hof emphasized the importance of groove over complex solos, stating that intellectual approaches are lost in their music.

The band's performances, marked by their energetic fusion of jazz and African rhythms, gained acclaim across Europe. Regular tours and festival appearances, such as the Jazz Festival of Montreux, solidified Pili Pili's reputation as an excellent live band. Reviews praised the band's dynamic and explosive music, turn-ing every performance into a rhythmic and fiery expe-rience.

Pili-Pili is essential, every home should have one, and to that end NuNorthern Soul are doing a legit reissue (the album and 12 have been out of print since 1984). On the A-side of the new single is an edit from the mid-90s, which does a terrific job of tightening up the OG album mix, losing the Burundi breakdowns and fuzz guitar washes, but still rolling and building beautifully for over 15 minutes. That’s backed by a Coyote remix, which is full of subtle twists to keep old heads on their toes. The cowbell and chants are dropped into echo, the drumming further doubled by delay. Loops, filtering and phasing, adding to the track’s trance-inducing properties. The duo’s dubwise trickery pulling in favourable comparisons to Adrian Sherwood’s seminal seismic shake of the aforementioned Unknown Cases’ Ma Simba Belle.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Real deal cosmic musica here, with the original penned at the peak of Baldelli-era afro funky, whilst the edit (from '95) sets itself amongst the sunshine and sun loungers of the Balearics - expanded on by Coyote who drops a brand new edit for 2024.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Original New 1995 Edit
B1. Coyote Double Drop 2024 Edit

Live albums are often a ‘hit or miss’ affair but ‘Live Oblivion’ 1 & 2 buck that trend, Recorded across 2 nights in 1974 at the Hollywood venue The Whisky A Go Go. The group were finishing off a huge US tour that had roared down the east coast then across the Midwest and by the time they hit LA, as Brian recalls “we were all absolutely performing at our height. So I decided that I really needed to record the band live at that point”. Utilising the Wally Heider Mobile Truck, the scene was set for one of the greatest jazz-fusion live recordings to be made. The show opens with a hyper fast version of Beginning Again due to drummer Steve Ferrone being almost an hour late and running high on adrenaline, Brian remembers thinking “I don’t even know if I can play it that fast!” Fortunately, he and the Oblivion Express including stellar vocalist Alex Ligertwood rise to the challenge and the result is akin to some frenetic jazzy drum & bass but also pushes the group onto another level altogether for the rest of the show. Across both volumes there are no fillers and the highlights are many - Bumpin’ On Sunset, Freedom Jazz Dance, and Inner City Blues are all stunning, but especially the epic version of Maiden Voyage which Mos Def sampled on his 1997 'If You Can Huh! You Can Hear', and both DJ Mitsu in 2004 and 2017 Crimeapple both dipped into Live Oblivion to sample that fire for their own projects.

Auger, in the original liner notes opines how live recordings can often have drawbacks but "I hope that spirit shines through" Live Oblivion 1 & 2, 50 years on from being committed to tape, certainly achieve that and much more. 

TRACK LISTING

1. Beginning Again
2. Don't Look Away
3. Bumpin' On Sunset
4. Truth 

Live albums are often a ‘hit or miss’ affair but ‘Live Oblivion’ 1 & 2 buck that trend, Recorded across 2 nights in 1974 at the Hollywood venue The Whisky A Go Go. The group were finishing off a huge US tour that had roared down the east coast then across the Midwest and by the time they hit LA, as Brian recalls “we were all absolutely performing at our height. So I decided that I really needed to record the band live at that point”. Utilising the Wally Heider Mobile Truck, the scene was set for one of the greatest jazz-fusion live recordings to be made. The show opens with a hyper fast version of Beginning Again due to drummer Steve Ferrone being almost an hour late and running high on adrenaline, Brian remembers thinking “I don’t even know if I can play it that fast!” Fortunately, he and the Oblivion Express including stellar vocalist Alex Ligertwood rise to the challenge and the result is akin to some frenetic jazzy drum & bass but also pushes the group onto another level altogether for the rest of the show. Across both volumes there are no fillers and the highlights are many - Bumpin’ On Sunset, Freedom Jazz Dance, and Inner City Blues are all stunning, but especially the epic version of Maiden Voyage which Mos Def sampled on his 1997 'If You Can Huh! You Can Hear', and both DJ Mitsu in 2004 and 2017 Crimeapple both dipped into Live Oblivion to sample that fire for their own projects.

Auger, in the original liner notes opines how live recordings can often have drawbacks but "I hope that spirit shines through" Live Oblivion 1 & 2, 50 years on from being committed to tape, certainly achieve that and much more. 

TRACK LISTING

1. Freedom Jazz Dance
2. Happiness Is Just Around The Bend
3. Maiden Voyage
4. Second Wind
5. Whenever You're Ready
6. Inner City Blues
7. Straight Ahead
8. Compared To What 

Lost in the soot and fallout from Youngstown, Ohio’s infamous Black Monday steel industry collapse was Tony March’s cross-generational Tammy label. From its early days as a doo wop powerhouse to their last gasps chasing disco hits, Tammy unintentionally documented Youngstown’s small but prolific Black music scene. This single LP surveys the label’s best R&B, soul, funk, and disco, with 13 tracks from Ice Cold Love, Lynn Minor, J.C. and the Soul Angels, The Snapshots, Iron Knowledge, Roy Jefferson, and Steel City Band. Housed in a deluxe tip-on jacket, with a booklet crammed full of notes and ephemera, The Tammy Label continues Numero’s 20 year tradition of preserving regional Ohio music.

TRACK LISTING

1. Ice Cold Love - Sheer Magic
2. Lynn Minor And His Band - I Finally Found True Love
3. J.C. & The Soul Angels - True Love Is Hard To Find
4. Ice Cold Love - Wonderful To Be Loved
5. Iron Knowledge - Oh Love
6. The Snapshots - Should I Believe You
7. J.C. & The Soul Angels - Angel's Theme
8. J.C. & The Soul Angels - Nightmare Strut
9. J.C. & The Soul Angels - Dance Party (Pt.1)
10. Steel City Band - Shakin' It Down (Pt.1)
11. Iron Knowledge - Give Me A Little Taste Of Your Love (Pt.2)
12. Roy Jefferson With J.C. & The Soul Angels - He's Got To Go (Pt. 1)*
13. Lynn Minor And His Band - Hesitate One Time For Me

Comprising of Darren Rock, Darren House and Ashley Beadle (of XPress 2), alongside David Hill and Uschi Classen, they combined their talents on a series of mysterious vinyl releases in the heady days of the London club scene. If you were part of a clubbing tribe in the early/mid ‘90s - any clubbing tribe - you will have danced to the Ballistic Brothers.

TRACK LISTING

1. Portobello Café
2. Come On
3. Soho Cab Ride
4. I’ll Fly Away
5. Jah Jah Call You
6. Mark’s Lude
7. I Don’t Know
8. Sister Song
9. A Beautiful Space
10. Steppin’ Into Eden
11. Peckings
12. Uschi’s Lament

Dave Lee's "AC Soul Symphony" alias has been releasing delectable and sultry disco since 2005 but reached his magnus opus in 2023 with the release of the "Metamorphosis" LP. Here we find two tracks handpicked from the album and delivered, for the first time, in a 7" format. The single starts much as the album does with the track "Windy City Theme", beautifully scored, recorded, and produced legato strings envelope the track, punctuated with horns and vocals reminiscent of a Love Unlimited Orchestra production. This version of the track has been rearranged, speeding up the pacing of the track and reaching the juicy parts in a really satisfying way. On the flip side we have the title track from the album "Metamorphosis", which is the first time the vocal version has been made available on Vinyl. A bass laden intro gives ways to glistening pianos and those signature strings (have we mentioned how good the strings are?). A more laid back and seductive track than the A side, but no less appealing. Again, due to the limitations of the 7" format, "Metamorphosis" has been expertly rearranged with loving care and attention.

STAFF COMMENTS

Mine says: As disco as disco gets (and therefore not for everyone) - but with a b-side like this who can possibly resist? Metamorphosis with its catchy motif and sultry vocals has me well and truly hooked.

TRACK LISTING

Windy City Theme
Metamorphosis

THIS IS A RECORD STORE DAY 2024 EXCLUSIVE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE INSTORE ON SATURDAY APRIL 20TH ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS, LIMITED TO ONE PER PERSON.

IF THERE ARE ANY REMAINING COPIES THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT 8PM ON MONDAY APRIL 22ND.

Originally issued in 1995, ëSlaughter of the Soulí is considered as one of the most important and influential metal albums of all time. Featuring the classic tracks ëBlinded by Fearí, ëColdí and ëSuicide Nationí, the album married melodic sensibilities with razor edged aggression to devastating effect.

PRESSED FROM THE ORIGINAL MASTER TAPES. THIS ALBUM HAS BEEN SPECIALLY RECREATED USING ëFDRí ñ FULL DYNAMIC RANGE MASTERING - ALLOWING THE MUSICíS NUANCES TO SHINE THROUGH AND GIVING THIS CLASSIC ALBUM A MORE FEROCIOUS AND DYNAMIC SOUND, ENABLING THE LISTENER TO IMMERSE IN THE FULL AUDIO HEAVINESS LIKE NEVER BEFORE. Limited edition Orange and white splatter vinyl with Earache Records exclusive ë35 years Of Noiseí branded OBI Strip & Hype Sticker. ? Includes exclusive new liner notes by At The Gates bassist Jonas Bjˆrler, along with a 12" colour insert featuring classic era photographs. ? Only 1000 copies worldwide, a must have for any death metal vinyl collection. ? Widely considered as one of the most important and influential metal albums of all time

THIS IS A RECORD STORE DAY 2024 EXCLUSIVE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE INSTORE ON SATURDAY APRIL 20TH ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS, LIMITED TO ONE PER PERSON.

IF THERE ARE ANY REMAINING COPIES THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT 8PM ON MONDAY APRIL 22ND.

The 40th anniversary of The Sisters Of Mercy's first two EPs from 1984, packaged together as one LP.

THIS IS A RECORD STORE DAY 2024 EXCLUSIVE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE INSTORE ON SATURDAY APRIL 20TH ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS, LIMITED TO ONE PER PERSON.

IF THERE ARE ANY REMAINING COPIES THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT 8PM ON MONDAY APRIL 22ND.


Soul Jazz Records’ new 10th anniversary one-off limited-edition heavyweight special-edition orange coloured vinyl pressing (+ download code) exclusively for Record Store Day 2024 of their long out of print ‘Punk 45: Kill the Hippies! Kill Yourself!’

Soul Jazz Records’ debut ‘Punk 45’ album charts the rise of underground punk across the United States of America in the years 1973-1980.

This album is fully remastered, relicensed with new tracks exclusively for RSD 24 and includes new tracks from Iggy & The Stooges, Nervous Eaters, Angry Samoans and more.

The ‘Punk 45’ album features a collection of seminal, classic, obscure and rare punk and proto-punk 45 singles from the likes of Electric Eels, The Pagans, The Deadbeats, The Randoms, The Lewd and many more – a lightning-rod journey across the states of America: Cleveland, Detroit, Los Angeles, Akron, New Orleans, Philadelphia – tracing the rise of punk music in these various towns and cities.

The album comes complete with extensive text, biographies on each of the bands, exclusive photos and original record artwork.

THIS IS A RECORD STORE DAY 2024 EXCLUSIVE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE INSTORE ON SATURDAY APRIL 20TH ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS, LIMITED TO ONE PER PERSON.

IF THERE ARE ANY REMAINING COPIES THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT 8PM ON MONDAY APRIL 22ND.

Special new 25th anniversary edition of this most popular and highly-acclaimed of all Soul Jazz Records' Dynamite! series - 300% Dynamite is jam-packed with reggae tunes that crossedover to become dancefloor hits and are 100% guaranteed to rock any party.

Out of print for the last 15 years, this new edition is being released in a one-off limited-edition heavyweight special-edition yellow coloured vinyl pressing + download code exclusively for Record Store Day 2024.

This album is fully remastered, relicensed and with new tracks exclusively for RSD 24.

Wayne Smith's booming anthem ‘Sleng Teng’, Althea & Donna's worldwide hit 'Uptown Top Ranking', Sister Nancy's classic ‘Bam Bam’, Augustus Pablo, Lee Perry - it's all here as ‘300% Dynamite’ joins the dots between reggae, jazz, funk, dub and soul.

THIS IS A RECORD STORE DAY 2024 EXCLUSIVE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE INSTORE ON SATURDAY APRIL 20TH ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS, LIMITED TO ONE PER PERSON.

IF THERE ARE ANY REMAINING COPIES THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT 8PM ON MONDAY APRIL 22ND.

THIS IS A RECORD STORE DAY 2024 EXCLUSIVE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE INSTORE ON SATURDAY APRIL 20TH ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS, LIMITED TO ONE PER PERSON.

IF THERE ARE ANY REMAINING COPIES THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT 8PM ON MONDAY APRIL 22ND.

THIS IS A RECORD STORE DAY 2024 EXCLUSIVE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE INSTORE ON SATURDAY APRIL 20TH ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS, LIMITED TO ONE PER PERSON.

IF THERE ARE ANY REMAINING COPIES THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT 8PM ON MONDAY APRIL 22ND.

Taken from Paul Weller's upcoming seventeenth studio album. Available on transparent red 7" vinyl.

THIS IS A RECORD STORE DAY 2024 EXCLUSIVE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE INSTORE ON SATURDAY APRIL 20TH ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS, LIMITED TO ONE PER PERSON.

IF THERE ARE ANY REMAINING COPIES THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT 8PM ON MONDAY APRIL 22ND.

Soul Jazz Records’ new 18th anniversary one-off limited-edition heavyweight special-edition red and cyan coloured vinyl pressing (+ download code) exclusively for Record Store Day 2024 of their long out of print classic release ‘Studio One Rude Boy’. This album is fully remastered and relicensed for RSD 24.

From the early days of Bob Marley and The Wailers (whose striking sharp-suited Rude Boy style appears on the front cover) through to the classic 1970s Jamaican films ‘The Harder They Come’ and ‘Rockers’, Rude Boys have been synonymous with Jamaican Reggae culture.

This Jamaican Rude Boy anti-establishment attitude and stylish attire was later adopted by bands such as The Clash (in the film Rude Boy) as well as The Specials, Madness, Selector and others in the Two-Tone era that swept across the UK at the end of the 1970s.

The album features classic tracks from Studio One featuring Jamaica’s finest singers and groups such as The Wailers, John Holt, the Wailing Souls and Dennis Brown alongside super-rare hard-to-find tracks from artists such as Mr Foundation, Dudley Sibley and Jim Brown.

Driving Ska and Rocksteady rhythms, classic singers, killer horn lines, great Rude Boy themed-songs, all recorded under Clement ‘Sir Coxsone’ Dodd’s supervision at the legendary Studio One.

With musical backing comes from the legendary in-house bands – The Skatalites, The Sound Dimension, Soul Vendors and Soul Defenders – this is rightly one of the most in-demand Studio One releases that Soul Jazz Records have ever released.

Hot Casa Records present "Togo Soul 2: Selected Rare Togolese Recordings from 1974 to 1989"

A treasure-trove of rare and unusual recordings mostly recorded in Lomé during the 70’s and 80’s . A fusion of traditional voodoo chants, raw soul and even Electro Funk . Finding these tracks and their rights holders hasn’t become any easier even after few trips all over this west African country bordered by Ghana , Benin & Burkina Faso. After 8 years, We , at Hot Casa Records with the kind help of Roger Damawuzan decided to select thirteen tracks, a snapshot of some hundreds of rare and often forgotten tapes from the most prolific, professional and exciting phase of the country’s recording history included international stars like Akofa Akoussah, Gregoire Lawani to Roger Damawuzan compared as the James Brown from Lomé to forgotten tapes and brilliant songs in Mina, Kabyié and Fon language.

Many of the tracks featured here are peppered with innovation and experimentation highlighting how diverse, the music scene in Togo was at the time even if the political context influenced their creation. Many of the original albums these tracks are taken from high prices online due to their rarity and so it’s with great pleasure that we present a selection here that evokes a golden boomtime in Togolese music history.
Includes biographies and rare photos
Remastered by Frank Merritt at The Carvery

TRACK LISTING

A1. Ali Bawa -Yansama
A2. Napo De Mi Amor - Kissakpiou
A3. Alognon Degbevi & Les Vétérans Jazz - Baba Na Mi
A4. Mamo Lagbema - Fati Waka
B1. Koffi Ottytana Bebli - Doka
B2. Gregoire Lawani - Habie
B3. Deg Dos - The End Of All
B4. Tomede Ehue - Bella Bellow
C1.Mawuli Decker - Hlomede
C2. Palete Wawa - Assini
D1. Akofa Akoussah - Sumga Na Bacci
D2. Roger Damawuzan - Miziqui
D3. Agboti – Agaza Gbona

Salvo De Luca, a dedicated enthusiast of house and disco music who goes by the moniker DA LUKAS, has delivered a stellar 4-track EP of Funky-House/Disco-Boogie on Groove Culture. The EP's standout track, 'Satisfy Your Soul,' is currently making waves as one of the most played tunes in clubs globally, even finding its place in the latest set by French DJ Folamour for Boiler Room in Australia.

Additionally, the EP features a new project by Da Lukas named 'Supergood,' available exclusively on vinyl. This funk-infused cosmic delight promises to get you grooving to its unique and captivating vibes.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Satisfy Your Soul
A2. Let Your Body Be Free
B1. Supergood
B2. Music Turns Me On

By now, heads surely know that a new record by Soul Supremeis a guaranteed sure shot. Following his acclaimed tributes to A Tribe Called Quest, J Dilla, Mos Def, and more, the new "Dues and Don'ts" b/w "Fraud Fades" 45 features two all-original jazz-funk groovers by the Amsterdam-based keyboardist and producer.

"Adding Soul Supreme releases to the essential crates list has become mandatory and will surely be heavy spins for years to come,"Skeme Richards recently wrote on his Nostalgia King blog. It indeed looks like Soul Supreme's 45s rarely leave record bags, with the likes of DJ Koco,Jazzy Jeff,House Shoes,Skratch Bastid,Rich Medina, and DJ Green Lantern, among others, regularly playing his music in DJ sets around the globe.

This new release takes two highlights from last year's album 'Poetic Justice,' with "Dues and Don'ts" and "Fraud Fades" for the first time available on 45.Jay 'J-Zone' Mumfordgraces both songs with drums, heavily on point as always. The A-side features slow burner "Dues and Don'ts" with its syrupy funk rhythms. The hard-hitting, body-moving "Fraud Fades" on the B-side is the real anthem here—drum breaks galore. Clearly inspired by 60s Blue Note, the brass-heavy 'money-grubbing bad guy theme' concludes with a killer solo byDotan 'Tane' Bergmanon guitar, responded to with a solo by Soul Supreme himself.

With these two heavy hitters, this 45 is bound to never leave your record bag either.

TRACK LISTING

1. Dues And Don'ts
2. Fraud Fades

Catching Flies - aka multi-instrumentalist, producer and DJ George King – produces a bass heavy yet melodic mesh of broody electronics and intricate rhythms, containing shades of everything from hip-hop to house, from soul to jazz. Catching Flies has released on labels such as Cercle, AnjunaDeep and Ninja Tune.

TRACK LISTING

1. Prelude
2. GLY
3. True Colours
4. Halo
5. Snow Day
6. Diamonds
7. Magnolia
8. Friday Lake
9. Orsay
10. The Last Phone Call (feat. Imaginary Friend)
11. Tides

Operating in the farthest margins of L.A.’s cutthroat music business from 1961-1991, Mel Alexander’s Consolidated Productions was among the longest running Black-owned independent record conglomerates of the 20th century. Caught up in a confusing web of imprints— including Ajax, Angel Town, Car-A-Mel, Emanuel, and Kris—this first volume gathers 28 smoldering R&B cuts by the likes of Lee Harvey, B.B.Carter, Marilyn Calloway, Del Reys, Deb Tones, De Velles, Gene Russell ’s Trio, Jimmy “Preacher” Ellis, and Ty Karim. Remastered from the original 1 /4” tapes, Consolidated Productions Vol. I includes carefully researched annotation, discography, and photographs from a vital producer.

TRACK LISTING

1. James Foster & The L.A. Untouchables - The Time Has Come
2. The Del-Reys - Don’t You Know
3. The L.A Untouchables - Money Man
4. Spider Walker - I’m Mad
5. The Del-Reys - Walk Proud
6. Billy Williams - So Called Friend (Oh! What A Friend)
7. Ty Karim - Lighten Up Baby
8. B.B. Carter - Cool It Baby
9. Marilyn Calloway & The 4-Silvertones - My Lover
10. Deb Tones & The Del-Reys - Knock On Wood
11.The De Velles - Misery
12. Ann Stacy - Don’t You Fool Me
13. B.B. Carter - Leave Me Alone
14. Marilyn Calloway & The 4-Silvertones - Shut Up (Demo)
15. Jimmy “Preacher” Ellis -(C’mon) Dance To The Drumbeat
16. The LA Untouchables- Acey Deucey
17. Gene Russell’s Trio - Doin’ The Snake Hips
18. The De Velles - Let’s Do The Hunch
19. Gene Russell’s Trio - Jet Set
20. Dynamic Duo And The Penguiness - Turkey Trot
21. Gene Russell’s Trio - Foggy Bottom)
22. Lee Harvey - Only True Love
23. Lee Harvey - Need Of Love
24. Lee Jones - I Got To See My Baby
25. Lee Harvey - Prove It
26. Lee Harvey And The L.A. Untouchables - My Assurance
27. Lee Harvey And The L.A. Untouchables - If I’m Dreaming
28. Lee Harvey - False Pride

Australian producer Inkswel is back on the Cosmocities label in France with more of his superbly soulful sounds, this time with none other than Chicago legend Robert Owens. The lush 'Space Love' is a playful deep house jam with the sort of cosmic synths that recall early Fingers Inc and Owens's smoky tones only heighten that feeling. Steve Spacek provides a mix that rides on broken beats with elastic bass but just as much cosmic energy and Fluterumental gets all loose-limbed and seductive. On the flip side are two Yoruba Soul mixes that bring extra rich soul vibes and shimmering pad work. A classy and timeless EP for sure.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: boogiemeister Inkswell returns with a new track - a total curveball from the Aussie producer as he enlists Robert Owens for a modern soul epic that's got a feel of "The Back Stabbers" about it. A real departure from his usually boogie-centric sound but one with real universal appeal. Nice smattering of remixes too. Excellent stuff indeed.

TRACK LISTING

Space Love
Space Love (Steve Spacek Remix)
Space Love (Fluterumental Mix)
Space Love (Yoruba Soul Remix)
Space Love (Yoruba Soul Instrumental Mix)

Strut proudly presents the first official remastered reissue of the funk/Afro classic, Lafayette Afro Rock Band's 'Soul Makossa' from 1973. In 1971, an undocumented seven-member Afro-American ensemble known as the Bobby Boyd Congress made a transformative journey from the United States to France. Bandleader Frank Abel recollects,"We sensed that the soul and funk market was saturated back home, and our original plan was a brief 6-month stint in Paris. Surprisingly, we ended up staying for a decade." Upon lead singer Bobby Boyd's return to the U.S., the group rebranded as Ice and crossed paths with independent producer Pierre Jaubert, a seasoned studio professional with credits on groundbreaking recordings alongside Charles Mingus, John Lee Hooker, and Archie Shepp, among others.

Drawing inspiration from Motown's work ethic, Jaubert initiated regular rehearsals with Ice. He recalled, "I didn't want to mimic Berry, but with seven talented musicians collaborating daily, something unique emerged." The band, residing in Paris and immersed in the African-dominated Barbesse district, began infusing African elements into their music frequently performing with Paris-dwelling Camaroonian and legendary composer Manu Dibango.

Rechristening themselves Lafayette Afro Rock Band, the group's musical direction shifted towards predominantly instrumental compositions, characterized by a weightier, more intricate Afro-funk sound. Their debut recording under this new moniker, 'Soul Makossa,' made a powerful impact with a dynamic rendition of Dibango's classic, coupled with the intense break of 'Hihache' and the contagious 'Nicky.' Initially released by Musidisc in France and later in the U.S. via Editions Makossa, the album omitted the title track due to publishing clearance issues.

Despite modest sales upon its initial release, the album's enduring influence became evident as hip-hop culture surged in the '80s, establishing it as a primary source for samples and riffs. The iconic 'Hihache' break found fame in Biz Markie's 'Nobody Beats The Biz,' and tracks from the album were lifted by LL Cool J, The Beatnuts, Kruder & Dorfmeister, and numerous others.

This remastered reissue, the first of its kind, meticulously crafted by The Carvery from the original tapes, showcases the album in its entirety and includes the full original artwork.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Soul Makossa
A2. Azeta
A3. Oglenon
B1. Voodounon
B2. Hihache
B3. Nicky

A 2LP compilation featuring 42 of the world’s most supreme Northern Soul anthems.

An essential collection for any fan of great timeless music, this compilation celebrates the dance movement that emerged in Northern England and the Midlands in the early 1970s. Be transported back to the swinging sounds of Northern Soul, featuring the soulful classics from Gloria Jones, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Dusty Springfield and Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons.

TRACK LISTING

SIDE A:
1. Gloria Jones - Tainted Love
2. Frank Wilson - Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)
3. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - Going To A Go-Go
4. The Supremes - Love Is Like An Itching In My Heart
5. Martha Reeves & The Vandellas - Nowhere To Run
6. Barbara Randolph - I Got A Feelin'
7. The Flirtations - Nothing But A Heartache
8. Brenda Holloway - When I'm Gone
9. Darrell Banks - Open The Door To Your Heart
10. Jimmy James & The Vagabonds - Ain't No Big Thing
11. Dean Parrish - I'm On My Way

SIDE B:
1. Stevie Wonder - Uptight (Everything's Alright)
2. R. Dean Taylor - There's A Ghost In My House
3. The Marvellettes - I'll Keep Holding On
4. The Elgins - Heaven Must Have Sent You
5. Dusty Springfield - Live It Up
6. Fontella Bass - Rescue Me
7. Dana Valery - You Don't Know Where Your Interest Lies
8. Archie Bell & The Drells - Here I Go Again
9. Edwin Starr - Stop Her On Sight (S.O.S)
10. Barbara McNair - You're Gonna Love My Baby
11. The Tams - Hey Girl Don't Bother Me

SIDE C:
1. Al Wilson - The Snake
2. Dee Dee Sharp - What Kind Of Lady
3. The Velvelettes - He Was Really Saying Something
4. Marlena Shaw - Let's Wade In The Water
5. Diana Ross -
6. Tammi Terrell - This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You)
7. Paul Anka - I Can't Help Lovin' You
8. Brotherhood Of Man - Reach Out Your Hand
9. Coasters - Crazy Baby
10. Marvin Gaye - This Love Starved Heart Of Mine (It’s Killing Me)

SIDE D:
1. Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons - The Night
2. Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes - The Love I Lost
3. The Exciters - Blowing Up My Mind
4. Shirley Ellis - Soul Time
5. Joy Lovejoy - In Orbit
6. Bobby Hebb - Love, Love, Love
7. Tami Lynn - I'm Gonna Run Away From You
8. Mary Wells - Shop Around
9. The Isley Brothers - My Love Is Your Love (Forever)
10. Tobi Legend - Time Will Pass You By

25 all-time classic soul tracks, from the bouncy, catchy acts from Motown (like The Temptations, The Marvelettes, and Stevie Wonder), to the horn-driven, gritty soul of Stax and Volt (such as Otis Redding and Booker T. & The MG's), there was much diversity within classic soul. This essential LP edition contains 25 of the most legendary original songs of the idiom. If you're looking for a way to start a soul music collection on vinyl, this is a fantastic set to begin with. Here you can fnd the most infuential artists, from the genre's inception in the 1950s until 1962. The track listing covers the period when R&B was giving way to soul music. It includes smash hits and classic soul anthems by such celebrated fgures as Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Ike & Tina Turner, Ben E. King, and Marvin Gaye, to name a few.

TRACK LISTING

Otis Redding - These Arms Of Mine
James Brown - Think
Mary Wells - The One Who Really Loves You
Marvin Gaye - Stubborn Kind Of Fellow
Ray Charles - Hit The Road Jack
The Marvelettes - Please Mr. Postman
Jimmy Rufn - Don't Feel Sorry For Me
Ike & Tina Turner - A Fool In Love
Wilson Pickett - If You Need Me
Aretha Franklin - It's So Heartbreakin'
The Impressions Feat. Curtis Mayfeld - Little Young Lover
Sam Cooke - Twistin' The Night Away
Stevie Wonder - Contract On Love
The Crystals - He's A Rebel
The Drifters - I Count The Tears
Chuck Jackson - The Breaking Point
The Isley Brothers - Shout
The Temptations - Check Yourself
Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs - Stay
Booker T. & The MGs - Green Onions
Maxine Brown - Wanting You
Barrett Strong - Money (That's What I Want)
Solomon Burke - Cry To Me
The Coasters - Yakety Yak
Ben E. King - Stand By Me

Riddim Chango Records present their first LP release, "Kintsugi Soul Steppers", a unique sonic patchwork from the Filipino Canadian collective seekersinternational and their fellow beat-maker juwanstockton. This album heralds a cultural fusion, connecting the heritage sounds of Jamaican dub and the essence of American soul with the nostalgic ambience of 1980s Japan. "Kintsugi Soul Steppers” embodies the spirit and art of Kintsugi - celebrating the beauty of piecing diverse fragments together and transforming them into a harmonious new whole. With seekersinternational and juwanstockton at the helm, the LP celebrates the fusion of different sounds, cultures and identities to create new forms within contemporary music.

Recorded at Aquaboogie Studios, East Richmond, BC and Aki’s Kitchen.Mastered and cut at Wolfpack studio in Tokyo.

Tracks 2 & 5 featuring Manila Dread Horns, recorded at The Penthouse, Quezon City, Metro Manila.

TRACK LISTING

Side A:
1. AKAI Telecom
2. Bruk Encounter
3. Shinjuku Skanking
4. Never 4get EDIT

Side B:
5. Wind Rider
6. Mercury Rising
7. Riddim Changes Pt.1 & 2

Soul Jazz Records’ ‘Down Beat Special’ is a rollercoaster Greatest Hits ride through many of the alltime classic tunes hand-picked from across the mighty vaults of, without doubt, Jamaica’s finest ever record label and pioneering powerhouse of reggae music.

Seminal tracks such as Michigan and Smiley’s ‘Nice Up The Dance’, Dawn Penn’s ‘No, No, No’, The Wailers’ ‘Simmer Down’, The Eternals’ ‘Queen of the Minstrels’… and on it goes. Non-stop big tunes - ‘Down Beat Special’ is an essential primer to Studio One Records.

Originally released as a one-off pressing limited edition (long-since deleted) 7” box set, this new edition is fully remastered and expanded to a massive 18 rare and killer cuts from the Studio One empire.

Featuring The Skatalites, Jackie Mittoo, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Horace Andy, Alton Ellis, Lone Ranger and many more, the album features rare and classic tracks throughout.

Newly commissioned sleevenotes by Noel Hawks (History of the Jamaican Recording Industry) featuring a track by track historical and musical analysis, label scans and more added to this fantastic collection.

TRACK LISTING

The Eternals - Queen Of The Minstrels
Michigan And Smiley - Nice Up The Dance
The Mad Lads - Ten To One
Jackie Mittoo - Totally Together
Horace Andy - Just Say Who
The Skatalites - Addis Ababa
Sugar Minott - Live Loving
Lone Ranger - Can't Stand It
Wailing Souls - I've Got A Burning Fire
Bob Marley And The Wailers - Simmer Down
Dub Specialist - Hooligan
Alton Ellis - Your Heart Is Gonna Pay
Roland Alphonso - Do It Good
Wailing Souls - You Should Have Known
Dawn Penn - No No No 
Freddie McKay - You'll Be Sorry
Alton Ellis - We Need Love
Cornel Campbell - Best To Be Free

The follow-up compilation to Time Capsule’s "Nippon Acid Folk", "Nippon Psychedelic Soul" takes myriad pathways into the tripped-out undergrowth of 1970s Japan. Finding their feet at home and looking for inspiration abroad, the musicians featured here were engaged in the communal soul-searching that followed the breakdown of the 1960s protest movements. Some made it big, others drifted into oblivion. The music they left behind shimmers with intensity.

At the core was Happy End, the first project of YMO’s Haroumi Hosono, whose distortion-heavy guitar and crisp back-beat laid the foundations for Japanese lyrics that flipped the paradigm of Japanese rock music on its head. With it came a new found sonic ambition, such as in the bold Philly-soul style arrangements of producer Yuji Ohno, whose work with occult wandered Yoshiko Sai shares some of the bittersweet grandeur of Rotary Connection or David Axelrod.

Then there was Jun Fukamachi, a pioneer of Japanese synthesis, whose debut album was a carnival of orchestral funk, euphoric horn lines and rich production, complete with soaring guitar solos, psychedelic organ and a truly cinematic finale. The first and only time Fukamachi would sing on record, "Omae" rips like the ultimate end-of-nighter.

Influenced by giants of the US soul scene, maverick composer Hiroshi 'Monsieur' Kamayatsu (otherwise known as ‘the Brian Wilson of Japan’) went one step further, enlisting Tower of Power to play on "Have You Smoked Gauloises?" The B-side to Monsieur’s biggest-selling single, it coasts with sophisticated cool - a liquid bassline and suave keys comping under a roaring trademark ToP sax solo. No surprise it found favour once more on the acid jazz dancefloors of ‘90s London.

Such was the spirit of experimentation that big studio productions and private press releases sat side-by-side, with the likes of Momotaro Pink and Kazushi Inamura, taking their hopes of success into their own hands with the resources available to them. More reflective but no less robust, theirs was a heavy, fat-backed drum sound, soaked in dramatic, soulful psychedelia.

If some were dreamers and others space cadets, none were further out than sci-fi writer, musician, activist and self-made scientist Tadashi Goino, who transformed his own fantasy novel Messenger from the Seventh Dimension into an operatic prog odyssey with few discernible musical reference points – a majestic and completely bonkers outlier even among company as strange and brilliant as that which is collected here.

Less a compilation of a scene, as a compilation of a sentiment, "Nippon Psychedelic Soul" is a wild ride from start to finish, shattering the narratives of the Japanese folk and rock tradition into a million tiny pieces.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Hiroshi Kamayatsu - Have You Smoked Gauloise?
A2. Happy End - Haruyo Koi (Come, Spring)
A3. Yoshiko Sai - Aoi Galasu Dama (Blue Glass Ball)
A4. Tadashi Goino Group - Jikan Wo Koero (Go Beyond Time)
B1. Jun Fukamachi - Omae (You) 4
B2. Momotaro Pink With Original PINKS - Hachigatsu No Inshow (August’s Impression)
B3: Vol.1 Chap.100 - Heya No Naka (In The Room) 

Studio One Roots set the standard for Soul Jazz Records’ long-standing series of Studio One collections and features many of the classic artists from Clement 'Sir Coxsone’ Dodd’s mighty roster of reggae.

This album includes Freddie McGregor, Willie Williams, Cornell Campbell, Alton Ellis, Devon Russell alongside some of the defining crack-session men groups of Jamaican reggae history - The Sound Dimension, Brentford All-Stars, The Skatalites, New Establishment and more. As ever the album is filled with a mixture of seminal cuts and super-rarities from the vast vaults of 13 Brentford Road.

Stand-out tracks include Alton Ellis’s Blackish White, a surreal and powerful Afro-centric dream, Count Ossie Nyabinghi and Rastafarian drummers genre-defying interpretation of Booker T and The MGs ‘Meditation’, Willie Williams awe-inspiring versioning of the Skatalites' seminal Rastafari anthem Addis Ababa and many, many more.

This album has been fully digitally remastered, analog cut and packaged complete with the following: Original sleevenotes by Lloyd Bradley (author of When Reggae Was King), compiled by Mark Ainley (Honest Jons), high-quality Soul Jazz mastering, wicked images of Count Ossie and the Mystic Revelation of Rastafari on the cover, and a rare image of Clement Dodd and musicians inside the studio at Studio One on the full colour inner sleeves.

TRACK LISTING

1. The Cyclones With Count Ossie – Meditation
2. Cornell Campbell & The Brentford Rockers – Natty Don't Go
3. Freddy Mcgregor With The Sound Dimension – Africa Here I Come
4. Bunny & Skitter – Lumumbo
5. Willie Williams & The All Stars – Addis A Baba
6. L.Crosdale With Drummond Bago & The Rebel Group – Set Me Free
7. Leroy Wallace & The New Establishment – Far Beyond
8. Lennie Hibbert – More Creation
9. Alton Ellis & The Sound Dimension – Blackish White
10. Winston Jarrett & The Sound Dimension – Fear Not
11. Devon Russell – Drum Song
12. The Gaylads – Africa
13. Black Brothers & The New Establishment – School Children
14. Linton Cooper & The Brentford Disco Set – You'll Get Your Pay
15. Sound Dimension – Congo Rock
16. Zoot Simms – African Challenge

For this Studio One release we return to the roots of Reggae music-The Soundsystem. Throughout the late 1950s and 1960s Soundsystems played throughout the city of Kingston, Jamaica. As well as Sir Coxsone's Downbeat Soundsystem other famous Soundsystem operators included Duke Reid (the Trojan), Prince Buster, Tom the Great and King Edwards.

These Soundystems were the birthplace of much of Jamaica's musical culture ­ Soundclashes, Dancehall and the idea of the Toaster who sang over records- theDJ. As ever Clement "Sir Coxsone" Dodd led the field and so for this release the focus is on DJ's at Studio One and features legendary toasters such as Denis Alcapone, Dillinger and Prince Far I as well as a host of rare material by lesser known artists. Also included is Count Machuki ­ the original DJ- the first man ever to speak over the mic-at Sir Coxsone¹s Downbeat Sound System- from where it all began.

As Steve Barrow (author of The Rough Guide to Reggae/Blood and Fire Records) writes in the sleevenotes, Jamaican deejay music is the source for all Rap music: From Count Machuki talking over records on Sir Coxsone's legendary Downbeat Sound System this style would eventually travel to America when the Jamaican-born Kool Herc began playing at Block parties (a version of the Kingston Soundsystem parties) in the Bronx. Cutting up rare-groove classics for the first B-Boys to rap over, Hip-Hop was born and theDJ music that had started on the early Soundsystems of Kingston would go on to conquer the world!

Studio One Records is the original Jamaican record label. Studio One Records started the career of hundreds of Jamaican artists from Bob Marley to The Skatalites, from Horace Andy to The Heptones. Studio One DJs (compiled by Mark Ainley) is the next in the series of releases where Soul Jazz Records are showcasing the music of Studio One, the label that literally defines Reggae.

TRACK LISTING

1. Count Machuki – More Scorcha
2. Prince Francis – Rock Fort Shock
3. Dennis Alcapone – Power Version
4. Dillinger – Natty Kung Fu
5. Jah Scotchie – Man Of Creation
6. Jim Brown – Seen Him
7. Jah Buzz – Love In The Arena
8. Prince Francis – Street Doctor
9. Lone Ranger – The Answer
10. Prince Jazzbo – Crime Don't Pay
11. Brigadier Jerry – Every Man A Me Brethren
12. Big Joe – Version Of Rights
13. Lone Ranger – The Big Match
14. Jah Jesco – Warning
15. Prince Far I – Natty Farmyard
16. Charlie Ace & Scorcher – Father And Dread Loc

Spanning tracks from 30 years of Studio One releases, ‘Studio One Story’ is a roller coaster ride through many of the label’s finest moments and features many of the tracks that defined its history as well as Reggae itself. Tracks such as Alton Ellis’s ‘I’m Still In Love With You’, The Skatalites’ ska anthem ‘Guns of Navarone’ through to the Roots killer, The Abyssinians’ ‘Declaration of Rights’, to absolutely monster party tunes such as Michigan & Smiley’s ‘Nice Up The Dance’. It really doesn’t get any better than this.

TRACK LISTING

1. Theo Beckford – Easy Snapping
2. The Skatalites – Guns Of Navarone
3. Delroy Wilson – Dancing Mood
4. Michigan And Smiley – Nice Up The Dance
5. Heptones – Baby
6. The Abyssinians – Declaration Of Rights
7. Alton Ellis – I'm Still In Love With You
8. Tommy McCook – Tunnel One
9. Sugar Minott – Jah Jah Children
10. The Skatalites – Man In The Street
11. Dub Specialist – Banana Walk
12. Dennis Alcapone – Run Run
13. Larry Marshall – Nanny Goat
14. Brentford Allstars – Throw Me Corn
15. Lone Ranger – Love Bump
16. Jackie Mittoo – Freak Out

‘Studio One Dub’ remains super-hard hitting, featuring classic and rare dub tracks from Studio One, many available on vinyl for the first time in over thirty years. ‘Studio One Dub’ includes the dubs of many classic tracks such as Horace Andy’s ‘Skylarkin’’, Johnny Osbourne’s ‘Truth and Rights’, John Holt’s ‘Hooligan’ and Freddie McGregor’s ‘Bobby Bobylon’, plus many more rare tracks.

TRACK LISTING

1. Dub Specialist – Bionic Dub
2. Dub Specialist – Take A Ride Version
3. Dub Specialist – Sky Rhythm
4. Dub Specialist – Taurus Dub 2
5. Dub Specialist – Hooligan
6. Dub Specialist – Dub Rock
7. Dub Specialist – Rastaman Version
8. Dub Specialist – Jah Jah Version
9. Dub Specialist – Creator Version
10. Dub Specialist – Running Dub
11. Dub Specialist – Hi Fashion Dub
12. Dub Specialist – Pretty Version
13. Dub Specialist – Race Track Version
14. Dub Specialist – Spawning
15. Dub Specialist – In Cold Blood Version
16. Dub Specialist – Chase Them Version
17. Dub Specialist – Feel The Dub

Studio One's music in the 1970s took the label to new heights. The new style of Disco Mix brought many areas of Reggae together ­ Roots, Lovers, Disco and Dub all came together in extended form, re-versioning classic hits, experimenting with new studio technology, over-dubbing, syn-drums and more producing what many fans describe as the most creative and innovative phase in the history of the legendary Studio One Records.

This Studio One Disco Mix album includes many sought after classic tunes only ever released in very small quantities (on Studio One's very first 12" records as well as it's infamous Music Lab 10"s out of New York) and consequently many of these track s have been unavailable since their day of release. Studio One Disco Mix features many of the classic Studio One artists such as Alton Ellis, Sugar Minott, Jackie Mittoo and Willie Williams (with his classic re-versioning of his own "Armigideon Time") alongside less well artists such as Doreen Schaeffer, Judah Eskender Tafari and George Dudley and many more.

TRACK LISTING

1. Lloyd & Devon – Push Push
2. Judah Eskender Tafari – Rastafari Tell You
3. Doreen Schaefer – Ain't Gonna Change My Mind
4. Dub Specialist – Kampala
5. George Allen – Be Wise Brethren
6. Jackie Mittoo – Night In Ethiopia
7. George Dudley – Gates Of Zion
8. The Silvertones – Come Forward
9. The Ethiopian – Muddy Water
10. Willie Williams & Brentford Disco Set – Armagideon Time
11. Willie Williams & Brentford Disco Set – Armagideon Time (version)
12. Norma White & Brentford Disco Set – I Want Your Love
13. Norma White & Brentford Disco Set – I Want Your Love (version)
14. Alton Ellis – You Make Me Happy
15. Suagr Minott – Love And Understanding
16. Winston Francis, Jackie Mittoo & Brentford Roc

Lovingly compiled, this album features only the finest Lovers from Jamaica’s finest label. From Blues parties in London, Birmingham, Bristol etc Lovers Rock quickly became one of the UK’s finest-ever musical movements.

Sweet harmonies, soulful reggae, love songs – the key ingredients of Lovers Rock - were all based on the revival of many of the classic Rocksteady harmony groups of the late 60s and early 70s, such as The Heptones, Carlton and The Shoes, Larry & Alvin, The Paragons, that Clement "Sir Coxsone" Dodd’s Studio One and rival Duke Reid’s Treasure Isle label produced hit after hit with as they fought for dominance in the dancehalls of Kingston.

As well as these classic harmony groups, this album also features fine contributions from many of the reggae greats – Horace Andy, Alton Ellis, Bob Marley and The Wailers, Delroy Wilson – All artists who became stars at the legendary Studio One Records which Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records, describes as "The University of Reggae".

TRACK LISTING

1. Delroy Wilson – I Don't Know Why
2. Basil Daley – Hold Me Baby
3. Myrna Hague – Touch Me Baby
4. John Holt & The Paragons – Darling, I Need Your Loving
5. The Sharks – How Could I Live (1st Cut)
6. The Mad Lads – Ten To One
7. Jackie Mittoo – Reggae Magic (2nd Cut)
8. Larry & Alvin – Your Love
9. Freddy & Jenny – Too Long Will Be Too Late
10. Alton Ellis – Let Him Try
11. Albert Tomlinson – Don't Wait For Me
12. Horace Andy – Got To Be Sure
13. Carlton & His Shoes – Never Give Your Heart Away
14. The Heptones – Ready To Learn
15. Bob & Marcia – Really Together (No Strings)
16. Ernest Wilson – Undying Love
17. Bob Marley & The Wailers – I'm Still Waiting (1st Cut)
18. Doreen Schaeffer – We're All Alone

Drummer and composer David Lee Jr.’s stunning and rare album, ‘Evolution’ (1974), blends the deep experimentalism of John Coltrane and Sun Ra with the pulsating second-line and parade rhythms of New Orleans to create a stunning sonic and rhythmical tour de force.

In a lineage of incredible New Orleans drummers, that includes James Black, Idris Muhammed and Zigaboo Modeliste of The Meters, and stretching back to Earl Palmer and Baby Dodds, David Lee Jr. stands out for his fire, experimentalism and an out-there-ness like no other.

‘Evolution’ is a super deep lost classic radical and groundbreaking deep spiritual jazz album. Originally released in New York in 1974 (400 copies only ever pressed!), the LP is an extraordinary one-off solo album, pressed on the artist’s own Supernal Records, a record company whose slogan, “Seeking creative progress,” and dedication “to peace and freedom” clearly displayed artistic intent over any commercial or marketled forces.

David Lee Jr was born in New Orleans, and the deep experimental drum compositions featured on ‘Evolution’ are as rooted in this Southern city rhythmically as they are in the spiritual and metaphysical musical ideas of Afro-Futurist pioneers like Coltrane, Sun Ra and others.

In the early 1970s, Lee Jr. headed off to New York, playing in Roy Ayers’ Ubiquity and later immersing himself in the thriving loft deep jazz scene, playing with Leon Thomas, Lonnie Liston Smith, Harold Alexander and Charles Rouse, and recording for a host of seminal deep jazz labels, including Strata-East, India Navigation and Flying Dutchman.

Today, ‘Evolution’ remains one of the rarest and heaviest of all deep and spiritual jazz albums ever made.

TRACK LISTING

Revelation
Spirit Voice
Cosmic Vision
Wymbo-Ngoma
Regeneration
Freedom Bells
Acknowledgement
Love Parable
Nova Reflex
Evolution (Initiation, Development, Enlightenment Determination, Illumination, Inheritance, Destiny)
Cosmopolitan
Second Line March
Constant Search
I Want Our Love To Always Last
Mystic Sound

New one from Mark Seven's Parkway Records camp and it's a dazzler from The Whole Truth who are a truly great addition to the modern funk and boogie scene!

Coming in three subtly varying flavours, "Lord, Quench My Soul" is based around a catchy gospel-tinged vocal hook: 'fill my cup!'. The original mix is possibly the most stripped back affair, allowing cascading synth lines to drip through squelchy boogie beats and that rubbery yet rugged bass. While the club mix decorates the mix with bolshy piano chords, the OG utilizes phazed guitar chops to equally great effect. On the garage mix, we see the bassline replaced by a more soundsystem-hefty option, as lead lines hover overhead suspended on dub delays. The production and instrumentation is superb throughout, with Mark's flair on the mixing desk sure to impress more intrepid listeners on repeat plays. Top draw Parkway Records tackle, delivered direct your lugholes! Most recommended.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Lord, Quench My Soul (Original Mix)
A2. Lord, Quench My Soul (Club Mix)
B1. Lord, Quench My Soul (Garage Mix)

Today's club culture all started with Northern Soul and its roots in the Mod all-nighter scene of London clubs. All the ingredients were there: DJs privy to the latest imports and advance promos, dancers fuelled by illegal uppers, venues which had scarcely opened when the pubs were all but deserted. The records, drugs and clubs have all changed, true, but the lifestyle is identical. Featuring classics from the Northern Soul Scene including Tom Jones, Ronnie Jones, Brotherhood of Man, Sonny Childe, Billie Davis, Tony Newman, Bats and more. Presented for the first time on orange colour vinyl and CD, this is essential for any funk and soul lovers.

TRACK LISTING

Side A:
1. Frankie & Johnny - I'll Hold You
2. David Essex - So-Called Loving
3. The Flirtations - Nothing But A Heartache
4. Fearns Brass Foundry - Don't Change It
5. Clyde McPhatter - Baby You've Got It
6. Micky Moonshine - Name It You Got It
Side B:
1. Ronnie Jones - My Love
2. Fantastics - Ask The Lonely
3. Tom Jones - Stop Breaking My Heart
4. Billie Davis - Billy Sunshine
5. Amen Corner - Our Love (Is In The Pocket)
6. Danny Williams - Whose Little Girl Are You
Side C:
1. Eyes Of Blue - Heart Trouble
2. Bobby Hanna - Everybody Needs Love
3. Dave Berry - Picture Me Gone
4. John E. Paul - I Wanna Know
5. Elkie Brooks - The Way You Do The Things You Do
6. Jon Gunn - I Just Made Up My Mind
7. Adrienne Poster - Something Beautiful
Side D:
1. Brotherhood Of Man - Reach Out Your Hand
2. Sonny Childe - Giving Up On Love
3. Truly Smith - My Smile Is Just A Frown (Turned Upside Down)
4. Stevie Kimble - All The Time In The World
5. Tony Newman - Let The Good Times Roll
6. The Bats - Listen To My Heart

After releasing countless collectable and in-demand 7" singles and making a name for themselves in the contemporary raw funk and soul scene; and after working with the legendary Janko Nilovic For "Maze of Sounds" and "Two Tales For The Mind vol 1", The Soul Surfers drop their first 7" on Broc Recordz. "High Roller" is a reverb soaked, breezy afternoon funk jam, with nods to Surprise Chef and Khruangbin along the way. "Big Slick" meanwhile, revolves around a raw, untreated drum break whilst more reverby guitar chops lie atop a sparsely populated bassline.

Psychedelic collage cover made by the italian artist Riccardo Bettazzoni. Limited edition of 500 copies. 

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: More dusty, psychedelic funk with library leanings and a relaxed mood - file next to Surprise Chef and other releases on the killer Broc Recordz .

TRACK LISTING

A. High Roller
B. Big Slick

Escaping the Soviet through music is a running theme for the "Groove of ESSR" compilation. Funk Embassy returns with the second volume that includes 11 tracks from 1973-1984. Some hide meaning between lines, others offer solace on the dancefloor. It's an ongoing journey to uncover these jewels and meet their makers. Majority of the tunes will be released for the first time. The 12-inch comes with a 30-page booklet that provides background stories and quotes from the artists.

The "Groove of ESSR" project has garnered attention around the globe. From the first volume released in 2019, tracks were picked up by Gilles Peterson, Mehmet Aslan, Zag Erlat and DJ Tahira to name a few. During the production of this album, two of the most influential figures in Estonian funk and soul passed on: Marju "Maryn" Kuut (1946-2022) and Tõnu Aare (1953-2021). We dedicate this album to them.

TRACK LISTING

1. Eesti TV & Raadio Estraadiorkester - Meie Aeg (Instrumental)
2. Marju Kuut & Apelsin - Maskeraad
3. Laine - Nüüd On Mul Muusika
4. Raivo Parind & Eufoonia - Hei, Päike!
5. Jaan Kumani Instrumentaalansambel - Mind Veel Ei Ole (Instrumental Short Version)
6. Collage & Apelsin - Memme Vaev
7. Magnetic Band - Liiklus
8. Ülle Ernits & Admiral - Ma Tahan Olla Siin
9. Eesti TV & Raadio Estraadiorkester - Mälestus (Short Version)
10. Teravik - Hoia Ennast Koos
11. Els Himma - Veerev Päev
12. Pirita - On See Hea (Instrumental)

The sweeping poem ‘Cofio’ by the great Welsh poet Waldo Williams has inspired a remarkable collaboration between Ibiza-based record label NuNorthern Soul, Welsh DJ, performer and cultural commentator Gareth Potter, composer and musician Joan Bibiloni, poet and actor Pep Tosar Vaquer, actor Rhys Ifans and musician James Baron aka JIM / Ron Basejam.

1st March is St Davids Day and Balearic Day. St David’s Day honours the death of the patron saint of Wales and the Day of the Balearic Islands the day when islands Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca became an autonomous region of Spain.

Cofio Recorda Remembrance is made up of two powerful and haunting tracks drenched in NuNorthern Soul’s unique take on the globally popular Balearic Chillout style. Un Adéu features music by Joan remixed by James Baron with Pep reading the poem in Catalan and Spanish. Badia Onírica is a tremendously atmospheric reading of ‘Cofia’ in Welsh and English by Rhys with music again arranged by James.

It connects Wales and Ibiza but, on a more universal level, Cofio Recorda Remembrance links the fundamental aspects of human existence, of, as Waldo Williams puts it ‘earth’s innumerable generations’.

TRACK LISTING

A1. 'Badia Onírica' [Welsh Version]
A2. 'Badia Onírica' [English Version]
A3. 'Un Adéu' [Instrumental Version]
B1. 'Un Adéu' [Catalan Version]
B2. 'Un Adéu' [Spanish Version]
B3. 'Badia Onírica' [Instrumental Version]

Atlanta’s original Eccentric Soul labels - Jesse Jones’ Tragar and Note - captured critical regional R&B, soul and funk from 1968-1976.

Compiling 34 tracks and sprawled across two LPs, this 15-year anniversary deluxe edition appears on vinyl for the first time.

Featuring rare-as-hens’-teeth 45s by Eula Cooper, Tee Fletcher, Richard Cook, Frankie & Robert, Tokay Lewis, Nathan Wilkes, Chuck Wilder, Bill Wright, Sonia Ross, Sandy Gaye, Four Tracks, Young Divines, and several others the label can’t fit on a hype sticker.

TRACK LISTING

Tee Fletcher - Down In The Country
Bill Wright - You Got A Spell On Me
Eula Cooper - Shake Daddy Shake
The Knights - Tipping Strings
L. Daniels - Nitecap (inst)
Frankie & Robert - Sweet Thing
Franciene Thomas - I’ll Be There
Richard Cook - Somebody Got’a Help Me
Frankie & Robert - Love (It’s Been So Long)
The Knights - The Hump (inst)
Chuck Wilder - The Clown
Tokay Lewis - Who Wants Me Now
Nathan Wilkes - Now That I’m Wise
Langston & French - Tumbling Down
Eula Cooper - Heavenly Father
Tokay Lewis - What Can The Matter Be
Richard Cook - Love Is So Mean
Bill Wright - You’re The Only Thing I’ve Got Going For Me
Sonia Ross - Every Now And Then
Sandy Gaye - Watch The Dog That Bring The Bone
Bobby Owens & The Diplomats - Messing Around
Bill Wright - How Can I Hit The Ball
Tee Fletcher - All Because Of You
Eula Cooper - Standing By Love
Four Tracks - Charade
The Young Divines - Deep In Your Heart
Eula Cooper - I Need You More
Chuck Wilder - Why
Sonia Ross - Let Me Be Free
Eula Cooper - Try
Young Divines - Ain’t That Sharp
Franciene Thomas - Too Beautiful To Be Good
Sonia Ross - Breaking My Heart
Four Tracks - You Mean Everything To Me

Soulful sounds from the South of Italy, coming courtesy of Soul Departure Recordings label head Kikko Esse.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Deep Mind
A2. 4 PM
B1. Take It Easy
B2. Make It

A superb 12” slab of rare South London British Jazz-Funk, originally released in the UK in 1984 by Jamaican-born producer Tony Williams, the man behind the seminal Funk Masters’ jazz-funk masterpiece, ‘Love Money’.

Nat King Cool’s stunning in-demand one-off single release ‘Checking Out’ sounds like a blend of MFSB’s ‘Mysteries of the World’ meets UK Brit- Funk, complete with very cool flip-side instrumental. Originally released on the tiny Tai Wan label, this track sounds fresh.

An absolutely essential 1980s Brit-Funk 12” tune, fully remastered from tapes, bespoke exact reprolabels, pressed on pristine vinyl and housed in groovy Soul Jazz / Funk Masters house bag.

TRACK LISTING

1. Checking Out
2. Checking Out (Instrumental)

Soul Jazz Records’ new 10th anniversary edition of their long-out-of-print Punk 45: No Such Thing As Society. This is a one-off limited-edition heavyweight special-edition coloured vinyl pressing and download code.

The album charts the rise of underground punk and post-punk in the UK from 1977-81.

This new edition is fully remastered, repackaged and includes five new tracks from 23 Skidoo, Notsensibles, Pretty Boy Floyd, The Astronauts and The Impossible Dreamers.

The album is a collection of seminal, classic, obscure and rare punk and post-punk singles from the likes of The Mekons, Johnny Moped, The Killjoys, The Rings and many more which all chart the rise of independent music and Do It Yourself culture that exploded in the wake of punk and during the years of Britain under Margaret Thatcher.

The album comes complete with text, biographies on each of the bands, exclusive photos and original record artwork. Limited-edition super-loud, super-heavy double gatefold-sleeve vinyl edition complete with full sleeve-notes plus download.

TRACK LISTING

1. The Users - Sick Of You
2. Johnny Moped - Incendiary Device
3. The Astronauts - Everything Stops For Baby
4. Pretty Boy Floyd And The Gems -
5. Rough, Tough, Pretty Too
6. 23 Skidoo - Last Words
7. Notsensibles - I'm In Love With Margaret Thatcher
8. The Rings - I Wanna Be Free
9. The Now - Development Corporations
10. The Killjoys - Johnny Won't Get To Heaven
11. The Impossible Dreamers - Spin
12. The Lines - White Night
13. 'O' Level - East Sheen
14. The Jermz - Power Cut
15. Roses Are Red - Can't Understand
16. Eric Random - 23 Skidoo
17. The Nerves - TV Adverts
18. The Mekons - 32 Weeks
19. The Freeze - For J.P.S. (With Love And Loathing)
20. The Scabs - Leave Me Alone
21. The Cravats - You're Driving Me
22. The Shapes - Wot's For Lunch Mum?
23. The Cigarettes - They're Back Again, Here They Come
24. Disturbed - I Don't Believe
25. Puncture - Mucky Pup
26. Josef K - Radio Drill Time

Sweden's mash-up maestro returns with six tracks of masterfully cross-pollinated bangers on this hand stamped white label. On tap we have classics from Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder, Elvis & Alexander O’Neal, classily re-contextualized in ways only the Mighty Swede can manage. As usually - limited, randomly coloured vinyl edition. No digital release.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Beatconductor's back, taking on some frankly gigantic source material somehow tapping into the seams of Saturday night in the Northern Quarter. Keep the fun on the floor and the knob heads out the booth with these party starting splices.

TRACK LISTING

Side 1
1. Move On Up (5:36)
2. Living Disaster (5:40)
3. Take Me Home (3:17)
Side 2
1. Caught In A Trap (4:38)
2. Deep Fake (edit) (6:01)
3. Move On Up (STTD Remix) (4:24)

A real soul gem from 1970 on the James Brown affiliated Deluxe label, the first and only album by this mysterious singer: Marie Queenie Lyons.

The songs are a combination of funky covers, some of which she’d been doing in her live shows, like ‘Fever’ and ‘Try Me,’ and originals co-written by pianist Don Pullen, who was the bandleader on the session.

Our reissue features an alternative cover photo and includes a booklet with rare photos, extensive liner notes by Andrew “Monk-One” Mason and the first ever interview with Queenie herself!

TRACK LISTING

1. See And Don’t See 01:00
2. Daddy’s House 01:00
3. You Used Me 01:00
4. Your Thing Ain’t No Good Without My Thing 00:59
5. Snake In The Grass 00:59
6. Your Key Don’t Fit It Anymore 00:58
7. Fever 01:00
8. I Don’t Want Nobody To Have It But You 00:58
9. We’ll Cry Together 01:02
10. I’ll Drown In My Dreams 00:59
11. I Want My Freedom 00:59
12. Try Me 00:59

Justin Drake and Clive Henry, recognised as the legendary Peace Division, stood out as one of the UK's most successful tribal/tech house production duos from the late 90s to the mid-00s. Their contributions extended to renowned British labels such as NRK and Junior London, as well as releases with Hooj, Crosstown Rebels, and major label remixes.

Lesser-known but equally intriguing was their venture into a different musical realm under the alias Soul Purpose. Shifting towards a deeper shade of house, Soul Purpose featured tracks characterised by lush chords and rolling basslines, placing a strong emphasis on the soulful elements.

Originally released on Low Pressing Limited, an offshoot label of Clive Henry and Rocky (X-Press 2) iconic Low Pressing, the four Soul Purpose titles emerged between 1997 and 1998. Despite being somewhat under the radar, these tracks gained recognition among DJs in the know. Now, the Selected Works release, compiled from the original DAT tapes and fully remastered, reunites the entire Soul Purpose catalogue for the first time in 27 years since their initial release.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Soul Purpose 1 (A)
A2. Soul Purpose 3
B1. Soul Purpose 1 (AA)
B2. Soul Purpose 4 (Stalis Theme)

Bella Brown & the Jealous Lovers Unveil "Soul Clap" LP: A Fusion of Retro Soul/Funk and Modern Grooves

Los Angeles-based retro soul/funk sensation Bella Brown & the Jealous Lovers are set to ignite the music scene with their highly anticipated LP, "Soul Clap." Born from the creative genius of Grammy Award-winning vocalist/songwriter Carol Hatchett, Bella Brown emerges as a diva with a fiery stage presence, drawing inspiration from the likes of Tina Turner and Sharon Jones, and channeling the empowered female leads of 70s Blaxploitation films. Led by producer/bassist/songwriter Daniel Pearson, The Jealous Lovers assemble an impressive ensemble of A-list musicians, boasting pedigrees that include names like Mick Jagger, Elton John, Whitney Houston, Prince, and Stevie Wonder. This musical collective is on a relentless quest to redefine the boundaries of music, infusing soul and funk with elements of jazz, rock, and Afro-Caribbean influences.

The essence of "Soul Clap" is derived from the cultural phenomena it is named after—a shared and improvised rhythm-making by a collective. The LP, spanning 40 minutes of pure musical bliss, invites the audience to immerse themselves in the groove and discover their individual truths in the music.

The title track, "Soul Clap," and the infectious "Living Proof" serve as funky dance bangers, echoing the spirit of Bohannan and The Tramps. These tracks, punctuated with jazzy improvisations and soulful horn arrangements, are simple yet joyful expressions of shared humanity and self-love.

"Coming For You" is Bella's audacious response to the soul/funk classic Apache, boldly announcing her and The Jealous Lovers' arrival on the modern soul landscape. "I Found You" takes a northern soul love song approach, reminiscent of Gloria Jones with a touch of modern influence, giving it a distinct Amy Winehouse feel.

Bella Brown seamlessly weaves social commentary into her art. "Bang Bang Bang," an uptempo, funky Motown groove, cleverly uses Curtis Mayfield's sense of sarcasm to reflect on American gun culture. "Lady Time" takes a driving afrobeat groove, employing brassy horns and reggae-like echoes to address the issue of homelessness.

However, the album is not without its lighthearted moments. "Fast As Lightning" celebrates a cleaner future by imagining Jimi Hendrix joining Ike and Tina Turner's band to create a classic Chuck Berry car song. "There Is Love" blends horns, strings, and vocals reminiscent of The Stylistics over a Chi-Lites style rhythm section, to create a lush message of support to those among us that may find the world a bit overwhelming at moments. Finally, "What Will You Leave Behind," is a revamped version of the group's sold-out vinyl 45 release. This track serves as a powerful call to action for a better future, delivered over a straight-up Motown groove with a funky Sly Stone finish.

Bella Brown & the Jealous Lovers have crafted an album that transcends genres, embracing the roots of soul and funk while pushing musical boundaries.

"Soul Clap" is a celebration of individual truths, shared experiences, and the timeless power of music.

TRACK LISTING

1. Soul Clap
2. Lady Time
3. What Will You Leave Behind
4. Coming For You
5. Bang Bang Bang
6. Living Proof
7. I Found You
8. Fast As Lightning
9. There Is Love

From 1967-1980, Kansas City’s Forte Records captured nearly every iteration of popular Black music; basement beehiver-y from The Ray-Ons and Four Darlings, funky soul from Gene Williams Lee Harris, Louis Chachere, and The Fantastiks, downtempo disco ballads from James Whitney and Sharon Revoal, and the newly independent work of James Brown’s former Soul Sister #1 Marva Whitney.

Compiled here are 28 of the label’s enduring sides, contextualized with copious photos, ephemera, and essay, all housed in heavy weight gatefold jacket.

TRACK LISTING

1. Gene Williams - Don’t Let Your Love Fade Away
2. Lee Harris - I Am Gonna Get Your Thing
3. Tear Drops - I’m Gonna Get You
4. Louis Chachere - The Hen Pt 1
5. The Fantasticks - Cry Night And Day
6. Marva W. Taylor - I’ve Lived The Life
7. The Fabulous Rhythm Makers - Mini, Mini Afro Twist
8. Tony Ashley And The Delicates - I’ll Never Be Satisfied
9. The Rayons - You Confuse Me Baby
10. The Four Darlings - Baby Your Love Is Amazing
11. Lee Harris - Lookin’ Good
12. Marva Whitney - Daddy Don’t Know About Sugar Bear
13. Gene Williams - Whatever You Do (Do It Good)
14. Everyday People - Is It Really That Bad
15. The Rayons - Baby Be Good
16. Tony Ashley And The Delicates - All Along I’ve Loved You
17. Lee Harris - I’ve Got To Have Somebody’s Love
18. Everyday People - Super Black
19. James Whitney - With Fun In My Life
20. Sharon Revoal - Reaching For Our Star
21. Marva W. Taylor - Nothing I’d Rather Be (Than Your Weakness)
22. The Four Darlings - Give Me Love
23. Unknown Artist - Dearest Lover
24. The Fantasticks - Live And Let Live
25. The Fabulous Rhythm Makers - Ya Gotta Be Doing It
26. Lee Harris - Skate Boogaloo And Karate Too
27. Tear Drops - Don’t Fade Away
28. Marva Whitney And Ellis “Gripey” Taylor - We Need More (But Somebody Gotta Sacrifce)

Operating in a basement studio at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, pipeline man Howard Neal and his appropriately named Shoestring label was Alton, Illinois’ answer to a question no one asked. Pressed in minuscule numbers and barely outside the 62002 zip code, the singles by The James Family, Jimmie Green, Pete & Cheez, and Carletta Sue are prime examples of cosmic midwestern disco in search of a break. This heavy weight 10-song LP is housed in a tip-on sleeve, and includes an essay and imagery that complete the picture of this pure expression of small- town soul.

TRACK LISTING

1. The James Family - We’ve Got It Made
2. Jimmie Green - Let Yourself Go
3. Pete & Cheez - You And Me
4. Howard Neal And Friends - A Broken Heart Will Mend
5. Howard Neal - Disco Fever
6. Jimmie Green - Dance
7. Pete & Cheez - So Smooth
8. Carletta Sue - You Keep Holding Back On Love
9. Jimmie Green - I Need You So
10. Howard Neal And Friends - You’re All The Woman I Need
11. The James Family - Radio Promo

'Right Of Me' is an incandescent and refined excerpt, like the entire new concept of the album 'Peaceful Sound For Broken Minds' due out on 28 Feb 24. The plan of Salvo Dub from Catania aka Go.Soul.Map does not stop here - we are in front of an artist with an exceptional creative phase, a hothouse of sparkling ideas that flow out in continuous streams like the lava of Etna in its full eruptive activity.

As with 'Pushing', 'Right Of Me' is always presented in a Nu-disco key, super Dance in a formula full of Pop and Soul enriched by keyboard sounds. Salvo comments on how proud he was of this track, which is certainly the strongest track on the whole album, and it is no coincidence that it was chosen as the second single. The performance and refined voice of Derane Obika complete the work, her lyrics touching a deep state that explores the relationship with one's self and faith.

In conclusion, we can say that in a world where artificial intelligence will only numb our creative stimuli, there is no shortage of creativity here and at the same time, more unique than rare, Go.Soul.Map. remains firmly anchored to its roots beyond passing fads in a space of pure simplicity and creative essence alongside its friend Derane Obika.

TRACK LISTING

1. Right Of Me (On My Dance Side Version) [feat. Derane Obika]
2. Right Of Me (Radio) [feat. Derane Obika]

Soul Jazz Records’ ‘200% DYNAMITE!’ set the benchmark for reggae-meets-funk compilations that has never been bettered. Jam-packed with reggae tunes that crossed over to become dancefloor hits, such as Tenor Saw’s soundboy anthem, ‘Ring the Alarm’, K.C. White’s classic cut of the seminal ‘No, No, No’ and Augustus Pablo’s ‘Rockers Rock’, ‘200% DYNAMITE’ explores the links between reggae, jazz, funk and soul.

Carrying on perfectly from ‘100% DYNAMITE’, this second compilation continues to trace the history of Jamaican reggae and the influence of American styles such as funk and jazz had on this music.

Featured here are serious funk and rocksteady tunes from the likes of The Skatalites and Johnny Osbourne through to Jamaican jazz from masters such as Tommy McCook and Byron Lee, as well as some serious dub from the likes of Augustus Pablo, King Tubby and Jackie Mittoo.

New bonus tracks on this updated 2023 edition include seminal dancehall party cuts Sister Nancy’s ‘One Two’ and Chaka Demus and Pliers’ ‘Murder She Wrote’, alongside classic soul to reggae covers including cuts of Marlena Shaw’s ‘Women of the Ghetto’ and Odyssey’s ‘Don’t Tell Me Tell Her’.

“In Soul Jazz’s outstanding ‘DYNAMITE!’ series, ‘200%’ is the head turner. The label has its finger on the pulse of the now just as surely as it does on that of the past.” - Pitchfork

TRACK LISTING

Augustus Pablo - Rockers Rock
K.C. White - No No No
Tenor Saw - Ring The Alarm
Johnny Osbourne - Bewitched
Pinchers - Agony
The Abyssinians - Mandela
Sister Nancy - One, Two
King Tubby Meets Tommy McCook And The
Aggrovators - King Tubby Dub
Chaka Demus & Pliers - Murder She Wrote
Johnny Osbourne - Ready Or Not
Jackie Mittoo - Earthquake
Sandra Reid - Don't Tell Me Tell Her
The Skatalites Meet King Tubby - Herb Man Dub
Kim Harriott - Woman Of The Ghetto

After the fall of the Deep City label, Rocketeers bandleader Frank Williams set up shop under the name of his twin daughters Saadia and Giwada and got to work reinventing the Miami Sound. Tracked between 1968-1970, this LP gathers 15 of Saadia’s funkiest and deeply soulful moments, featuring Pearl Dowell, Joey Gilmore, Little Beaver, Frank Williams’ Rocketeers, Robert Moore, Brother Williams, and Sam Baker. Your next sample, first dance, workout jam or closing credits is buried in here somewhere.

TRACK LISTING

1. Pearl Dowell - It’s All Over
2. Little Beaver & The Rocketeers -
Everybody Has Some Dues To Pay
3. Robert Moore - Just Can’t Help Myself
4. Little Beaver & The Rocketeers - Do Right Man
5. Brother Williams - Right On Brother
6. Pearl Dowell - Good Things
7. Joey Gilmore - Somebody Done Took My Baby And Gone
8. Little Beaver & The Rocketeers - Blind Man
9. Joey Gilmore - Girl Your Best Friend Done Took Your Place
10. Robert Moore - Everything’s Gonna Be Alright
11. Little Beaver & The Rocketeers -
Do It To Me One More Time
12. Thunder Lightning And Rain - Super Funky
13. Brother Williams - Cold Sweat
14. Joey Gilmore - Blind Man
15. Sam Baker - Do Right Man

Legendary producer Dave Lee returns as AC Soul Symphony with the “Metamorphosis” LP - his most ambitious production project in his 35-year career.

With an inimitable CV and discography that includes over a thousand production credits to his name, hundreds of singles under renowned pseudonyms including Joey Negro, and three UK top 40 hits as Jakatta, Dave Lee is one of the UK’s most revered producers of disco and house music, defining each genre with a signature sound. Always looking to push the boundaries of what it means to make music, his latest project sees Dave return to one of his lesser-known pseudonyms – AC Soul Symphony – to deliver an epic disco record that takes the sound back to its roots in every way possible.

“A few years ago, I produced a remake of David Shire’s orchestral disco masterpiece Manhattan Skyline under the alias of AC Soul Symphony. I really enjoyed reworking that classic track in a way that retained my favourite parts of the original but also writing new musical sections that gave it more my own flavour.”

Comprising 15 beautifully arranged disco tracks that effortlessly span almost two hours, “Metamorphosis” is an album by definition, but at its core, much more than that – it is a labour of love, meticulously composed, arranged and crafted through a very tangible and human creative process which is unmatched by many modern producers.

“I do it because I love the process of creating something. My aim is to come up with an end result I genuinely think I’d want to buy, play and listen to if it wasn’t me.”

Inspired by happy memories from the golden era of TV and the soundtracks of his favourite childhood shows, “Metamorphosis” was borne of a desire to put the strings center stage and recreate the same analogue sounds that brought instrumental albums by Love Unlimited, MFSB and Salsoul Orchestra to life.

“I thought making a whole album of this mainly instrumental, string heavy, tv theme like music would be a really enjoyable project and one that would play to my strengths as a producer. It was also slightly new territory musically and a bit of challenge.”

Taking disco back to a physical place, “Metamorphosis” was an organic writing process that saw Dave lay down his ideas digitally, before reshaping the MIDI strings into a proper arrangement and recording them live with a 20-piece orchestra at RAK Studios. By his own admission, it is an album of pure indulgence, but by relying on digital production methods, it can be easy to lose sight of the soul that makes music such a unifying entity. Backing up the immaculate strings with catchy vocals and enough groove to level a discotheque, it’s this soulful energy that Dave has captured and expertly delivered with “Metamorphosis”.

TRACK LISTING

Record One
A1 The Philly Avengers
B1 AC Express
B2 The Mystery, The Moment

Record Two
C1 It’s Got To Be Love
C2 Music For Your Pleasure
D1 Losing My Mind At The Disco

A sonic snapshot of America’s steel capital, developed in the prosperous cavern between the departure of the Jackson 5 to Motown and the collapse of U.S. Steel, Skyway Soul is a love letter to Gary, Indiana. Featuring The New Day, El Anthony, Nate Evans, Sky’s The Limit, Wilton Crump, Lost Weekend, General Lee, Krash Band, Billy Foster & Audio, I.N.D., and Junei, this double album collects 21 lost songs from the southern-most tip of Lake Michigan. Housed in a deluxe tip-on gatefold jacket, with a 16-page booklet crammed with photos, ephemera, and an indepth essay from Jake Austen, Skyway Soul connects the dots between The Spaniels, Michael Jackson, and Freddie Gibbs. Don’t forget to pay the toll.

TRACK LISTING

1. The Newday - Wait A Minute Girl
2. El Anthony - I Want To Be Together With You
3. Nate Evans - Main Squeeze
4. El Anthony - Sweet Jo-Ann
5. Sky’s The Limit - Don’t Be Afraid
6. Nate Evans & Mean Green - The Look On Your Face
7. Wilton Crump - Give Your Love To Me
8. Lost Weekend - The Bridge Of Love
9. Wilton Crump - Think It Through
10. The Krash Band - So I Can Make This Change
11. El Anthony - We’ve Been In Love Too Long
12. General Lee & Lost Weekend - Trouble
13. General Lee - Pleasure
14. Billy Foster - I Need Your Love
15. Into New Dimensions - Stay Sweet
16. General Lee - Magic
17. Junei - Let’s Ride
18. Into New Dimensions - You Just Be You
19. Billy Foster - Night Music
20. Into New Dimensions - Everybody Likes To Do It
21. General Lee & The Space Army Band - We Did It Baby (Part 1)

THIS IS A BLACK FRIDAY 2023 EXCLUSIVE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE INSTORE ON FRIDAY NOVEMBER 24TH ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS, LIMITED TO ONE PER PERSON.

IF THERE ARE ANY REMAINING COPIES THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT 8AM ON SATURDAY NOVEMBER 25TH).

Collection of rare and previously unreleased demo recordings of some of Stax Records’ biggest hits, with the highlights from "Written In Their Soul: The Stax Songwriter Demos". Featuring original demos of the hit singles “634-5789 (Soulsville, USA),” “If You’re Ready (Come Go With Me),” “Woman to Woman,” and “Respect Yourself” . Pressed on Orange Crush vinyl.

THIS IS A BLACK FRIDAY 2023 EXCLUSIVE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE INSTORE ON FRIDAY NOVEMBER 24TH ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS, LIMITED TO ONE PER PERSON.

IF THERE ARE ANY REMAINING COPIES THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT 8AM ON SATURDAY NOVEMBER 25TH).

Seminal rare groove funk and deep soul album originally released in 1973 on GRC Records now released 50 years later on Soul Jazz Records in this fully remastered edition of this CLASSIC album especially for RSD/Black Friday.

The album ‘Ripple’ contains the all-time classic ‘I Don’t know What It Is, But It Sure Is Funky’, one of the most memorable funk tunes of all time and sampled many times over.

Ripple’s unique blend of funk, soul, rock, proto-disco and more stood them alongside groups like Funkadelic, Brass Construction, Mandrill, Pleasure, Kool and the Gang and The Blackbyrds, who were all blending these styles while remaining firmly focused on the dancefloor. Like the group Funkadelic, Ripple hailed from Michigan and in 1976 opened for the group on their Parliament/Funkadelic Mothership Connection tour.

This classic album has been out of print for nearly 30 years on vinyl and is now fully remastered and presented here in its original artwork

Limited to 500 copies for the UK & Ireland.

TRACK LISTING

1. You Were Right On Time
2. Be My Friend
3. I Don't Know What It Is,
4. But It Sure Is Funky
5. I'll Be Right There Trying
6. Get Off
7. See The Light In The
8. Window
9. A Funky Song
10. Willie, Pass The Water
11. Dance, Lady Dance
12. Ripplin'

THIS IS A BLACK FRIDAY 2023 EXCLUSIVE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE INSTORE ON FRIDAY NOVEMBER 24TH ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS, LIMITED TO ONE PER PERSON.

IF THERE ARE ANY REMAINING COPIES THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT 8AM ON SATURDAY NOVEMBER 25TH).

Soul Jazz Records’ new one-off limited-edition heavyweight special-edition coloured vinyl pressing + download code exclusively for Black Friday 2023 of Soul Jazz Records’ long out of print classic ‘Studio One Kings’.

Featuring a new striking alternative sleeve design (featuring the singer Freddie McKay) as well as a special yellow coloured vinyl pressing, ‘Studio One Kings’ is a 'who's who' of the world's greatest reggae artists.

Studio One’s list of singers launched at the famous label reads like a roll call of Jamaican music. Horace Andy, Alton Ellis, Ken Boothe, Freddie McGregor, Johnny Osbourne and more.

This album features classic and rare tracks that span the breadth of the legendary Studio One catalogue: Ska, Roots, Rocksteady, Lovers and more from the 1960s and 70s.

The album comes with sleeve-notes by the celebrated writer Chris Salewicz, author of Reggae Explosion, Rude Boy as well as notable books on Bob Marley, The Rolling Stones, Jimmy Page, Joe Strummer and more.

Limited to 1000 copies for the UK & Ireland.

TRACK LISTING

1. Larry Marshall - I've Got To Make It
2. Horace Andy - Every Tongue Shall Tell
3. Alton Ellis - The Well Run Dry
4. Johnny Osbourne - Water More Than Flour
5. Anthony Rocky Ellis - I'm The Ruler
6. Cornell Campbell - Pretty Looks Isn't All
7. Alexander Henry - Please Be True
8. Burning Spear - Them A Come
9. Joe Higgs - Change Of Plan
10. Devon Russell - Roots Natty
11. Ken Boothe - Be Yourself
12. Freddie Mcgregor - I Shall Be Released
13. Freddie Mckay - Father Will Cut You Off
14. The Ethiopian - Locust
15. George Philip - One One
16. John Holt - I Don't Want To See You Cry
17. Delroy Wilson - Won't You Come Home

THIS IS A BLACK FRIDAY 2023 EXCLUSIVE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE INSTORE ON FRIDAY NOVEMBER 24TH ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS, LIMITED TO ONE PER PERSON.

IF THERE ARE ANY REMAINING COPIES THEY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT 8AM ON SATURDAY NOVEMBER 25TH).

The album title came from the Johnny Cash song "Five Feet High and Rising". It is listed on Rolling Stone's 200 Essential Rock Records and The Source's 100 Best Rap Albums. When Village Voice held its annual Pazz & Jop Critics Poll for 1989, 3 Feet High and Rising was ranked #1. It was also listed on the Rolling Stone's The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

Released amid the 1989 boom in gangsta rap, which gravitated towards hardcore, confrontational, violent lyrics, De La Soul's uniquely positive style made them an oddity beginning with the first single, "Me, Myself and I." Their positivity meant many observers labeled them a "hippie" group, based on their declaration of the "D.A.I.S.Y. Age" (Da. Inner. Soul. Yall).

Sampling artists as diverse as Hall & Oates, Steely Dan and The Turtles, 3 Feet High and Rising is often viewed as the stylistic beginning of 1990s alternative hip hop (and especially jazz rap). 3 Feet High & Rising was chosen by the Library of Congress to be added to the National Recording Registry for its cultural significance and general excellence.

TRACK LISTING

1. Intro
2. The Magic Number
3. Change In Speak
4. Can U Keep A Secret
5. Jenifa Taught Me (Derwin's Revenge)
6. Ghetto Thang
7. Transmitting Live From Mars
8. Eye Know
9. Take It Off
10. A Little Bit Of Soap
11. Tread Water
12. Potholes In My Lawn
13. Say No Go
14. Do As De La Does
15. Plug Tunin' (Last Chance To Comprehend)
16. De La Orgee
17. Buddy (With Jungle Brothers And Q- Tip From A Tribe Called Quest) 
18. Description
19. Me Myself And I
20. This Is A Recording 4 Living
21. In A Fulltime Era (L.I.F.E)
22. I Can Do Anything (Delacratic)
23. D.A.I.S.Y. Age
24. What's More (From Ost Hell On 1st Ave)
25. Jenifa (Taught Me) [derwin's Revenge] {12 Mix}
26. Buddy (Native Tongue Decision Part 1)
27. Buddy (Native Tongue Decision Part 2)

Legendary producer Dave Lee returns as AC Soul Symphony with the “Metamorphosis” LP - his most ambitious production project in his 35-year career.

With an inimitable CV and discography that includes over a thousand production credits to his name, hundreds of singles under renowned pseudonyms including Joey Negro, and three UK top 40 hits as Jakatta, Dave Lee is one of the UK’s most revered producers of disco and house music, defining each genre with a signature sound. Always looking to push the boundaries of what it means to make music, his latest project sees Dave return to one of his lesser-known pseudonyms – AC Soul Symphony – to deliver an epic disco record that takes the sound back to its roots in every way possible.

“A few years ago, I produced a remake of David Shire’s orchestral disco masterpiece Manhattan Skyline under the alias of AC Soul Symphony. I really enjoyed reworking that classic track in a way that retained my favourite parts of the original but also writing new musical sections that gave it more my own flavour.”

Comprising 15 beautifully arranged disco tracks that effortlessly span almost two hours, “Metamorphosis” is an album by definition, but at its core, much more than that – it is a labour of love, meticulously composed, arranged and crafted through a very tangible and human creative process which is unmatched by many modern producers.

“I do it because I love the process of creating something. My aim is to come up with an end result I genuinely think I’d want to buy, play and listen to if it wasn’t me.”

Inspired by happy memories from the golden era of TV and the soundtracks of his favourite childhood shows, “Metamorphosis” was borne of a desire to put the strings center stage and recreate the same analogue sounds that brought instrumental albums by Love Unlimited, MFSB and Salsoul Orchestra to life.

“I thought making a whole album of this mainly instrumental, string heavy, tv theme like music would be a really enjoyable project and one that would play to my strengths as a producer. It was also slightly new territory musically and a bit of challenge.”

Taking disco back to a physical place, “Metamorphosis” was an organic writing process that saw Dave lay down his ideas digitally, before reshaping the MIDI strings into a proper arrangement and recording them live with a 20-piece orchestra at RAK Studios. By his own admission, it is an album of pure indulgence, but by relying on digital production methods, it can be easy to lose sight of the soul that makes music such a unifying entity. Backing up the immaculate strings with catchy vocals and enough groove to level a discotheque, it’s this soulful energy that Dave has captured and expertly delivered with “Metamorphosis”.

TRACK LISTING

Record One
A1 Windy City Theme
B1 Tradewinds

Record Two
C1 Six Billion Dollar Man
D1 Seneca Village
D2 Metamorphosis

'Pushing', an explosive track in a Nu-disco key, modern but firmly rooted in the past, with a production that enhances the sound of the keyboards; full of 70s/80s Funk and Soul, it also has a Disco-Pop vein that makes it perfect for radio. The track is excellently performed by Derane Obika of Living Sounds. A Londoner of Nigerian origin, as well as an exceptional singer, Derane is also the author of the song's melodic lines and lyrics, which can be interpreted as a dialogue between an imaginary interlocutor and his spiritual guide journeying through the maze of life - The 'Pushing' 45 will feature as a B-side an exclusive instrumental version (the one sung by Reiwa Pia will be included on the full-length) of 'Back In The Underwater', a track that combines a Hip-Pop groove with cinematic atmospheres.

TRACK LISTING

1. Pushing (feat. Derane Obika)
2. Back In The Underwater (Instrumental) [feat. Derane Obika]

Welcome Back, friends, to the Yacht Soul cruise that never ends!
This theme, explored at length in the previous installment of this series, is a fertile one that just keeps on giving, and give it certainly does on the tracks we have dug up for your perusal, enlightenment, edification and enjoyment on Yacht Soul 2.

For those just joining us, the concept here concerns R&B and soul artists mining the songbooks of their white contemporaries for cover versions that serve the dual purposes of potentially garnering some crossover radio airplay as well as introducing great songs to segments of the listening public who might otherwise miss them. Some of these versions might have come about because they were personal favorites of the artist in question, others might have been strongly suggested by their labels or by the publishing company, but all of them provide an entirely new perspective on what were already fantastic songs to begin with.

So there you have it--a further dig into this nebulous concept that reveals more unexpected connections and crossed paths. Understanding the hows and whys of the way these particular covers and collaborations came to be is as fascinating as just enjoying the music itself, and there really is a lot of great music to dig into this time around! We hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we did putting it together.

TRACK LISTING

1. Mel & Tim- Keep The Faith
2. Impact - Sara Smile
3. Billy Paul - It's Too Late
4. Esther Phillips - I Hope You'll Be Very Unhappy Without Me
5. John Edwards- Tin Man
6. Roy Ayers - What You Won't Do For Love
7. Arnold McCuller - Gringo
8. Richie Havens - Dreams
9. Brenda Russell - I Want Love To Find Me
10. Patti Labelle - Monkey See - Monkey Do
11. The Main Ingredient - Euphrates
12. The Isley Brothers - Listen To The Music
13. Dionne Warwick - Dedicate This Heart
14. Chaka Khan - Fate
15. Keni Burke - Love Is The Answer

New edition of Beth Lesser’s seminal ‘DANCEHALL: The Rise Of Jamaican Dancehall Culture’. Features a new introduction by Duro Olowu.

15th anniversary edition on Soul Jazz Records of this now classic large format deluxe book - the definitive photography book and essential guide to Jamaican Dancehall in the 1980s, featuring 100s and 100s of amazing photographs, all with accompanying text, interviews and biographies.

‘DANCEHALL’ is an essential reference book for anyone interested in Reggae and captures a previously unseen era of musical culture, fashion and lifestyle in stunning, vibrant colour.

Dancehall is a culture that encompasses music, fashion, drugs, guns, art, community, technology, and more. Born in the 1950s out of the neighbourhood soundsystems of Kingston, Dancehall grew to its height in the 1980s before a massive influx of drugs and guns made the scene too dangerous for many.

Today Dancehall remains at the centre of Jamaican musical and cultural life. From its roots in Kingston in the 1950s to its heyday in the 1980s, Dancehall conquered the globe spreading to the USA, UK, Canada, Japan, Europe and beyond.

In the early 1980s Jamaica was in the throes of political and gang violence - photographer Beth Lesser ventured where few other dared and this book is a never-before-seen record of the exciting, dangerous and vibrant world of Dancehall.

Living in Jamaica in the late 1970s and early 80s, Beth Lesser photographed and documented a cultural explosion as producers, singers, DJs and soundsystems who all made a living out of the slums of Kingston. With unprecedented access to the incredibly vibrant music scene during this period, Beth Lesser’s photographs are a unique way into a previously hidden part of Jamaican culture.

“Lesser’s book is a vibrant anthology of all that mattered; the soundsystems, singers, producers, singers and deejays.” - The Guardian

“This superb book of Beth Lesser’s photographs, supplemented by her emphatic text and wonderful candid interviews with many of the main players gives us a unique view straight to the heart of dancehall reggae.” - Steve Barrow, author of ‘Rough Guide To Reggae’

“This book features Dancehall and all its luminaries, with a backdrop of bass bins, heat-hazed colour and excellent knitwear, plus interviews, biographies and diversions into the music’s development.” - MOJO

“I love when I find a book that investigates a particular scene or sub-culture. Beth Lesser’s ‘DANCEHALL’ captures the Jamaican Dancehall culture of the 1980s with the same level of sincerity and curiosity that Brassai exhibited while capturing Paris nightlife in the 1930s.” - The Satorialist

Legendary producer Dave Lee returns as AC Soul Symphony with the “Metamorphosis” LP - his most ambitious production project in his 35-year career.

With an inimitable CV and discography that includes over a thousand production credits to his name, hundreds of singles under renowned pseudonyms including Joey Negro, and three UK top 40 hits as Jakatta, Dave Lee is one of the UK’s most revered producers of disco and house music, defining each genre with a signature sound. Always looking to push the boundaries of what it means to make music, his latest project sees Dave return to one of his lesser-known pseudonyms – AC Soul Symphony – to deliver an epic disco record that takes the sound back to its roots in every way possible.

“A few years ago, I produced a remake of David Shire’s orchestral disco masterpiece Manhattan Skyline under the alias of AC Soul Symphony. I really enjoyed reworking that classic track in a way that retained my favourite parts of the original but also writing new musical sections that gave it more my own flavour.”

Comprising 15 beautifully arranged disco tracks that effortlessly span almost two hours, “Metamorphosis” is an album by definition, but at its core, much more than that – it is a labour of love, meticulously composed, arranged and crafted through a very tangible and human creative process which is unmatched by many modern producers.

“I do it because I love the process of creating something. My aim is to come up with an end result I genuinely think I’d want to buy, play and listen to if it wasn’t me.”

Inspired by happy memories from the golden era of TV and the soundtracks of his favourite childhood shows, “Metamorphosis” was borne of a desire to put the strings center stage and recreate the same analogue sounds that brought instrumental albums by Love Unlimited, MFSB and Salsoul Orchestra to life.

“I thought making a whole album of this mainly instrumental, string heavy, tv theme like music would be a really enjoyable project and one that would play to my strengths as a producer. It was also slightly new territory musically and a bit of challenge.”

Taking disco back to a physical place, “Metamorphosis” was an organic writing process that saw Dave lay down his ideas digitally, before reshaping the MIDI strings into a proper arrangement and recording them live with a 20-piece orchestra at RAK Studios. By his own admission, it is an album of pure indulgence, but by relying on digital production methods, it can be easy to lose sight of the soul that makes music such a unifying entity. Backing up the immaculate strings with catchy vocals and enough groove to level a discotheque, it’s this soulful energy that Dave has captured and expertly delivered with “Metamorphosis”.

TRACK LISTING

CD One
1. Windy City Theme
2. The Philly Avengers
3. I Want To See You Dance
4. Music For Your Pleasure
5. The Mystery, The Moment
6. It’s Got To Be Love
7. Metamorphosis
8. Tradewinds
9. AC Express

CD Two
1. Losing My Mind At The Disco
2. Six Billion Dollar Man
3. Manhattan Skyline
4. Seneca Village
5. The Talented Mr Adams
6. K-Jee

“The word timeless is applied way too often in music, but here it is entirely justified.” - Fact 

New one-off press silver coloured double vinyl edition of Soul Jazz Records’ long unavailable ‘Jamaica Soul Shake’ collection of tracks from The Sound Dimension, probably the funkiest reggae group to ever to exist on the planet. Features classic tracks recorded at Studio One.

This is the first ever collection of the music of The Sound Dimension - a mixture of classic tracks alongside super-rare singles only ever released in Jamaica.

Alongside The Skatalites, The Sound Dimension were perhaps the most important group in the history of reggae music. That they remain relatively unknown is explained by the fact that they mostly functioned as the in-house studio group at Studio One Records performing anonymously behind the stars of the day - the reggae equivalent of Motown’s Funk Brothers. In their relatively short-lived career, the group’s unique sound came to define reggae music.

During this period the group played on literally hundreds of hits with Jamaica’s finest vocalists - Alton Ellis, John Holt, Cornell Campbell, Dennis Brown, Horace Andy, The Heptones, Bob Andy, Marcia Griffiths, Freddie McGregor and many more.

Even more importantly, their countless addictive, super-tight, classic tracks at Studio One became the foundation rhythms of all reggae music, countlessly replayed in new forms by an endless list of Dancehall artists from the 1970s onwards, as producers such as Joe Gibbs, Sly & Robbie, Steely & Clevie re-interpreted these seminal tunes.

The group’s fluid line-up itself features a roll call of reggae legends - Jackie Mittoo, Leroy Sibbles, Cedric Brooks, Vin Gordon, Ernest Ranglin, Leroy Horsemouth Wallace and others.

TRACK LISTING

Heavy Beat
Federated Backdrop
Baby Face
Rathid
Bitter Blood
Love Land
Full Up
Upsetters Dream
Soul Shake
The Thing
My Heart In Rhythm
Man Pon Spot
Holy Moses
Doctor Sappa Too
Hail Don D
Solas

“I think if a nuclear family could have a soundtrack, ours would be the Soul Jazz comp ‘Studio One Scorcher’. I wouldn’t say it’s the best record ever made, but if I heard it every single day for the rest of my life, I’d be 100% cool with it.” - DJ

New one-off press transparent orange coloured triple vinyl edition (with download code) of Soul Jazz Records’ long unavailable ‘Studio One Scorcher’, featuring a blistering collection of rare and classic cuts recorded at Studio One.

‘Studio One Scorcher’ is one of the most important collections in Soul Jazz Records’ ‘Studio One’ series, bringing together an unmissable collection of stand-out cuts from many of the finest players ever in Jamaica and in reggae music.

Featuring The Skatalites, Jackie Mittoo, Tommy McCook, Cedric Brooks, Tommy McCook, The Sound Dimension, Don Drummond, Brentford Road All Stars and more. Heavy, heavy tunes from start to finish! All killer no filler! 

These tunes encompass ska, rocksteady, roots, dub and more. Studio One instrumentals are the foundation of reggae. They literally define reggae music. Many of these classic recordings became the basis for everything that followed in reggae music, replayed and versioned thousands of times. 

Here you will find Jackie Mittoo’s seminal ‘Sidewalk Doctor’, Don Drummond Jnr’s classic ‘Heavenless’, The Soul Vendors’ ‘Ringo Rock’ and the Sound Dimension’s ‘Heavy Rock’. All original artists and original classic tunes, all on one album. Not to mention a host of utterly superb rarities from the mighty vaults of Studio One.

TRACK LISTING

The Skatalites – Coconut Rock
Cedric Im Brooks & The Sound
Dimension – Mun-Dun-Go
Tommy Mccook, Richard Ace,
The Skatalites & Disco Height – Shockers Rock
Soul Vendors – Ringo Rock
Jackie Mittoo & Ernest Ranglin – Jericho Skank
New Establishment – The People Skanking
Karl Bryan & The Afrokats – Money Generator
Lester Sterling – Afrikaan Beat
Sound Dimension – Heavy Rock
Sugar Belly – In Cold Blood
Don Drummond & The Skatalites — Heavenless
Soul Bros. – Bugaloo
Vin Gordon – Red Blood
Pablove Black – Push Pull
Jackie Mittoo & Brentford Rockers – Sidewalk Doctor
Liberation Group – Namibia
Brentford Road All Stars – Last Call
Soul Defenders – Still Calling
Karl Bryan & Count Ossie – Black Up

Released in August 1970, as well as detonating hard and reaching #4 in the US R&B charts, ‘Stand By Your Man’ became a break-through single for Candi Staton, spending 14 weeks in the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #24. When it came to the follow-up to ‘Stand By Your Man’, the formula was repeated with Candi taking on another country song ‘She Called Me Baby’. This song was written by country singer Harlan Howard and appeared on “Harlan Howard Sings Harlan Howard” released in 1961. It was first drenched in strings and sung from the female perspective as ‘He Called Me Baby’ by Jeanne Newman in 1965 and then, in more soulful form, by Ella Washington, whose version got to #77 in the Billboard Hot 100 in 1969. As with Newman and Washington’s versions, Rick Hall dressed the song in strings as well as belting brass. Staton’s definitive southern soul version of ‘He Called Me Baby’ got to #9 in the R&B chart and #52 in the Billboard Hot 100 when released in January 1971.

Both ‘Stand By Your Man’ and ‘He Called Me Baby’ – as well as their flips ‘How Can I Put Out The Flame (When You Keep The Fire Burning)’ and ‘What Would Become Of Me’ – appeared on Staton’s second album “Stand By Your Man”, released at the end of 1970. As with her singles and debut LP, “I’m Just A Prisoner” Capitol’s promotional rodeo ran wild and one advert even included the line, “Stand by your radio. Stand by your racks. Stand by for Candi Staton, a new American singing star.”

“Stand By Your Man” is one of the cornerstones of Southern soul. As well as the tracks listed above it features other ear-Candi such as ‘Mr and Mrs Untrue’, Freedom Is Just Beyond The Door’ and ‘Sweet Feeling’.

TRACK LISTING

Side One
1. Stand By Your Man
2. How Can I Put Out The Flame
(When You Keep The Fire Burning)
3. I'm Just A Prisoner (Of Your Good Lovin')
4. Mr And Mrs Untrue
5. Too Hurt To Cry
Side Two
1. He Called Me Baby
2. Sweet Feeling
3. To Hear You Say You're Mine
4. What Would Become Of Me
5. Freedom Is Just Beyond The Door 

• With Candi Staton hitting the UK to play the Love Supreme festival over the weekend of 30th June/2nd July, Ace records is delighted to reissue her debut LP, which has been out-of-print on vinyl for decades.

• “I’m Just A Prisoner” was released in 1970 and remains a definitive slice of Southern soul. Recorded at Rick Hall’s legendary FAME studio in Muscle Shoals, “I’m Just A Prisoner” pulled together five tracks – ‘I’d Rather Be An Old Man’s Sweetheart (Than A Young Man’s Fool)’, ‘I’m Just A Prisoner (Of Your Good Lovin’)’, ‘Evidence’, ‘You Don’t Love Me No More’ and ‘Sweet Feeling’ - that had appeared as A and B-sides on early singles issued in 1969 and 1970. These were augmented by another five tracks recorded specifically for the album; ‘Someone You Use’, ‘Get It When I Want It’, ‘Do Your Duty’, ‘That’s How Strong My Love Is’ and ‘Another Man’s Woman, Another Woman’s Man’. Like Southern fried chicken, this music is essential food for your ears.

• This new edition includes an inner sleeve featuring a new interview with Candi conducted by Ace Records’ Ian Shirley about this magical stage of her career as well as photos from the period.

TRACK LISTING

Side One
1. Someone You Use
2. I'd Rather Be An Old Man's Sweetheart (than A Young Man's Fool)
3. You Don't Love Me No More
4. Evidence
5. Sweet Feeling
Side Two
1. Do Your Duty
2. That's How Strong My Love Is
3. I'm Just A Prisoner (of Your Good Lovin')
4. Another Man's Woman, Another Woman's Man
5. Get It When I Want It 

Superb slice of super-rare electro funk grooviness originally released as a one-off small-run private press 12” single out of Ohio, USA in 1985.

Complete with vocoders, slap bass, drum machine, hand claps and space vocals, this electro boogie funk rarity is the jam.

This is a one-off pressing, exact reproduction single, remastered and restored by Soul Jazz Records, and is taken from Soul Jazz Records’ recent ‘Space Funk 2 - Afro-Futurist Electro Funk In Space 1976-84’ compilation.

This 12” comes in four-colour black and white original sleeve design and features both an extended and short version of ‘Music-A-Lizer’ plus two extra tracks, ‘World Of Ecstasy’ and ‘Computer’.

TRACK LISTING

1. Music-A-Lizer (Short Version)
2. World Of Ecstasy
3. Music-A-Lizer (Long Verson)
4. Computer

Tasty selection of street beats and blunted head nodders courtesy of Five Deez' Fat Jon. Lots of juicy soul licks and hard-edged MPC rhythms thrown together into a sonic bong bowl before being sparked up and inhaled by our ears. Don't forget, these instrumental hip-hop albums are great for budding wordsmiths to hone their freestyle / battle skills! 

This 12 track LP serves as a soundtrack to the eponymous manga published by Dark Horse Comics and comes with a 12"x12" manga poster, in a full print jacket. A must have for fans of Jon's work on classics like Samurai Champloo.

RIYL: Dez Andres, Ras G, MF Doom. 

TRACK LISTING

Side 1
1. Manifestation (2:13)
2. OI (Mortal Dilemma) (2:10)
3. Scramble District (2:07)
4. Intimidation (3:15)
5. Kinetic (2:02)
6. Septembers (1:17)
Side 2
1. Bazaar (2:18)
2. Radioactive Aura (2:57)
3. Triggered (Two Faces) (2:53)
4. Just Say It (2:17)
5. Levitation (2:07)
6. Fascination (3:04)

The first Latin soul collection featuring a mix of chart-topping hits and deeper cuts from the crown jewel of the mambo era Tico Records, celebrating the iconic imprint’s 75th Anniversary. The 2-LP set includes 26 tracks from trailblazers Tito Puente, Ray Barretto, Joe Cuba, Celia Cruz, Eddie Palmieri, La Lupe, Willie Bobo and more. New liner notes by DJ Dean Rudland that tell the story of the New York City label that launched the careers of some of the most revered names in Latin music.

TRACK LISTING

LP1 - Side A
1. RAY BARRETTO Y SU CHARANGA MODERNA – El Watusi
2. WILLIE BOBO – Bobo! Do That Thing
3. WILLIE BOBO – Be’s That Way
4. THE JOE CUBA SEXTET – El Pito (I’ll Never Go Back To Georgia)
5. THE JOE CUBA SEXTET – Bang! Bang!
6. CANDIDO – Madrid
7. RAY BARRETTO – Babalu
LP1 - Side B
1. EDDIE PALMIERI And CAL TJADER – Come An’ Get It (Boogaloo)
2. TITO PUENTE Y SU ORQUESTRA – Fat Mama
3. THE JOE CUBA SEXTET – Oh Yeah!
4. THE JOE CUBA SEXTET – Sock It To Me
5. TITO PUENTE/LA LUPE – Steak-O-Lean
6. TITO PUENTE’S ORCHESTRA – TP’s Shing-A-Ling
7. THE JOE CUBA SEXTET – Hey Joe, Hey Joe (Hey Girl, Hey Girl)
LP2 - Side C
1. THE JOE CUBA SEXTET – Psychedelic Baby
2. EDDIE PALMIERI & HIS ORCHESTRA – The African Twist
3. LA LUPE – Fever
4. THE MODERN SOUND OF AL ESCOBAR – Tighten Up
5. THE MODERN SOUND OF AL ESCOBAR – The Horse
6. CELIA CRUZ/TITO PUENTE – Aquarius/Let The Sun Shine In
LP2 - Side D
1. GILBERTO SEXTET – Yes I Will (Part 1)
2. TITO PUENTE & HIS ORCHESTRA – Hit The Bongo
3. TITO PUENTE & HIS ORCHESTRA – Oye Como Va
4. JIMMY SABATER – Times Are Changin’
5. THE JOE CUBA SEXTET – Do You Feel It?
6. JOE PANAMA And COMPANY – My People 

After almost two years of extensive research "Can You Feel It?" compilation series is here. The majority of the artists originate from the United States, however Tramp records are extremely proud to present a couple of German bands too. The one quality these tunes all share is that they, once again, will make you get up, get down, and get ready for some more highly underrated Modern Soul, Disco and Boogie that you can feel!

Obscure but brilliant Modern Soul, Disco and Boogie grooves of which all songs have not been compiled anywhere else. Enjoy your guided tour back into the late 1970s and 80s Disco era.

TRACK LISTING

1. Matter Of Taste - Step By Step
2. Vantage Point - All Night
3. Kim McCrae - I'm Feeling It Too
4. Frankie Staton - Bi-Centennial - 1976 (feat. Speckled Rainbow)
5. Kathy Lowery - Super Dude
6. Royal Touch - What Am I Gonna Do Baby
7. Synod - You Shake Them Things
8. Pat Carpenter - Love You Use To Be So Easy
9. Swankk - If It Takes All Night
10. Ocean Orchestra - Skinflint
11. Street Life 80 - Steps On A Cloud
12. Jackie Berns - I Still Love You
13. Tory Wynter - Real True Voices
14. Chatham - I'll Be Good To You
15. Sool - Stepping Out Of Line
16. Dalton Reed - Giving On Into Love
17. Panama Gold - Gettin' Lucky
18. Ditto Memo - Upside Down
19. Ditto Memo - Feel The Heat

Tom Moulton mixes of The Fantastic Souls tracks "After Shower Funk" and "Soul To The People". More heat from the recently re-ignited Kay-Dee Records - Kenny Dope's iconic label. Snooze and you'll lose! 

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Tom Moulton guests on Kay-Dee Records with two highly frenetic and irresistible tweaks of The Fantastic Souls. Proper loving this recent Kay-Dee resurgence!

TRACK LISTING

A. Soul To The People (Tom Moulton Mix) 
B. After Shower Funk (Tom Moulton Mix) 

Soul Clap Records serve up the flavours of Tatie Dee for their next release. Morning Routine is a six-track weave through bumping house complete with trademark remixes from Black Loops and Belaria.

Opener ‘Nuit d'Ménil’ channels journeys home through the 20th arrondissement of Paris, around Ménilmontant, for Tatie and her friends. Those late-night walks inspiring this dreamy glitched out, synth heavy roller.
Next up, ‘Bed and Break fast’ is a dancefloor bumper, raw and emotive yet powerful and punchy. Moving from a breakbeat to a 4/4 rhythm it’s an intoxicating concoction laced with grooving bars, glistening pads and deft sax injections. Black Loops steps up on remix duties honing in on that breakbeat flavour with a late night, blissful, bouncy burner.

On the flip, ‘I Wasn't Born In 1937’ nods to Tatie’s pal Lucas Moinet, who runs Studio 937. The person that introduced her to the world of the MPC, rolling with her to buy her first one. Having got home and plugged everything in, the first sound Tatie composed on her MPC was this one - it was for him.

Next, ‘16 Swing-71’ is a classic-leaning, ‘90s feeling deep house track. Weighty organs and trademark deep house stabs are served with the 16 swing-71 shuffle from the SP1200 to make everything groove just right. Closing it out Baleria puts a fast-paced new beat spin on Bed and Break fast’ for a club ready powerhouse remix.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Nuit D'Ménil
A2. Bed And Break Fast
A3. Bed And Break Fast (Black Loops Remix)
B1. I Wasn't Born In 1937
B2. 16 Swing-71
B3. Bed And Break Fast (Belaria Remix)

Clive Hunt, the ace Jamaican producer, has assembled an elite team of musicians and vocalists from around the world to breath new life and positive Reggae vibes into The Beatles' songbook

The result is 'Rub- A- Dub Soul', a twelve- track LP/ Fourteen- track CD featuring standout performances from legends such as Barry Biggs, The Pioneers plus contemporary artists such as Tarrus Riley, Gentleman and emerging artists Dave Eggar, Yaniss Odua, Ala-Ni and Danakil.'

TRACK LISTING

You Won't See Me - The Pioneers
Help - Gentleman
Michelle (Featuring ALA.NI) - Pierpoljak
Hey Jude - Danakil
Let It Be - Patrice
With A Little Help From My Friends - Tarrus Riley
Taxman - Nai-Jah
Here Comes The Sun - Barry Biggs
Norwegian Wood - Little Roy
Blackbird - The Tamlins
Strawberry Fields Forever - ALA.NI
Revolution - Yaniss Odua

“Jackie Mittoo was one of the great names in Jamaican music, manning the keyboards for the Skatalites, the Soul Vendors, and Sound Dimension - three of the greatest house bands of the 60s (and I mean anywhere, not just in Jamaica).” - Pitchfork

New one-off press transparent green double vinyl edition of Soul Jazz Records’ classic Jackie Mittoo and The Soul Brothers ‘Last Train To Skaville’, featuring classic tracks recorded at Studio One.

Jackie Mittoo is one of the most important artists in the history of Jamaican music. As founding member of the legendary Skatalites, as in-house arranger / producer at Studio One and as a solo artist in his own right, leading groups such as The Soul Brothers, Sound Dimension and Soul Vendors.

These classic and rare recordings were made in the mid-1960s at Studio One. The Soul Brothers bridged the gap between Ska and the arrival of Rocksteady mixing it all up with Funk, Jazz and Latin styles.

The Soul Brothers recorded at Studio One between 1965-1967, the transitionary period between Ska and Rocksteady where the music was a mixture of Funk, Latin and Jazz sometimes with a reminder of Ska and the hint of Rocksteady.

The Soul Brothers were born in 1965 out of the ashes of the great Skatalites. The new group featured ex-Skatalites members Jackie Mittoo, Roland Alphonso, Johnny Moore and Lloyd Brevitt. By the end of the year the group were up and running, releasing countless addictively catchy singles and two albums, as well as becoming the new house band at Studio One, following the demise of The Skatalites.

TRACK LISTING

1. Jackie Mittoo & The Soul Brothers – Train To Skaville
2. Roland Alphonso & The Soul Brothers – James Bond
3. The Soul Brothers – Voodoo Moon
4. The Soul Brothers – Ska Shuffle
5. Jackie Mittoo & The Soul Brothers – Take Ten
6. The Soul Brothers – Chicken And Booze
7. The Soul Brothers – Honey Pot
8. The Soul Brothers – Mr Flint
9. Roland Alphonso & The Skatalites – Dr Ring Ding
10. The Soul Brothers – Got My Boogaloo
11. Roland Alphonso & The Studio One Orchestra – From Russia With Love
12. Roland Alphonso & The Soul Brothers – Ska-Culation
13. Jackie Mittoo & The Soul Brothers – Home Made
14. Roland Alphonso & The Soul Brothers – Sufferer's Choice
15. The Soul Brothers – One Stop
16. The Soul Brothers – Hot And Cold

“Vol 1 was mighty fine, presenting rare and deep recordings from Studio One’s mid-70s heyday. Hard to believe the Vol 2 is even better… As with all Soul Jazz material, the vinyl is heavyweight, with fine packaging and good liner notes. Reggae music doesn’t get much better than this: buy immediately and play loud” - David Katz, FACT

New one-off press transparent green double vinyl edition of Soul Jazz Records’ long unavailable ‘Studio One Roots 2’, which features classic tracks recorded at Studio One.

‘Studio One Roots 2’ delves deep into the vaults of the legendary Jamaican Reggae label and features rare and classic roots as well as an unprecedented seven unreleased tracks that up till now had never seen the light of day.

Roots and Rastafarian music was being recorded at Studio One by Clement ‘Sir Coxsone’ Dodd from the early 1960s onwards to the 1990s and this album reflects the depth and diversity of roots music at the label.

From the slow-ska of Dudley Sibbley, to the deep instrumental jazz cuts of Cedric Im Brooks over classic roots rhythms such as Satta Massagana to Winston Mathews stunning eerie version of Bob Marley and the Wailers’ ‘Sun Is Shining’. The Zion All Stars features the Burro Rastafarian drumming of Count Ossie and the Mystic Revelation of Rastafari.

This album features many of the classic Studio One artists - Willie Williams, Tommy McCook, Cedric Brooks, The Gladiators, Vin Gordon - as well as many less well known artists - all who produced classic roots music under the guidance of producer Clement ‘Sir Coxsone’ Dodd and recorded at the legendary Studio One Records.

TRACK LISTING

Willie Williams & The Sound Dimension – Jah Righteous Plan
Al Campbell – Take A Ride
Cedric 'Im' Brooks – Satta
Ken Boothe & Joe Higgs – A Message Of Old
Jackie Bernard – Jah Jah Way
Devon Russell – Jah Hold The Key
Zoot Sims – Small Garden
The Saints – Sleeping Trees
Larry Marshall – Run Babylon
Vin Gorden – Babylon Rock
The Gladiators – Talawah
Prince Francis – African Skank
Cedric 'Im' Brooks – Full Time
Prince Lincoln – True Experience
Joseph Hill – Behold The Land
Winston Matthews – Sun Is Shining
Karl Bryan – LK Strut Count Ossie & The Zion All
Stars – Holy Mount Zion Tommy McCook & The
Discosonics – Tenor On The Call

Paying homage to our dance music roots in Funk, with a remarkable curation of XL Middleton’s favourite artists of the moment. "Whether you're on or off the dance floor, it's always on the one. Keep it funkin" - XL Middleton

TRACK LISTING

A1. Saucy Lady - I Got It (XL Middleton Remix)
A2. Milk Talk - Sayonara Alpinist
A3. Tryezz - Sunset Crusin
B1. Moniquea - You Don't Have To Be A Star
B2. Shiro Schwarz - This Is Who I Am
B3. I Ced & XL Middleton - We Don't Have Forever
C1. XL Middleton - Awn-N-Crackin
C2. DJ Rocca - Beans Burrito
C3. Ghost - Groove 4
D1. Zopelar - Blue Gate
D2. Soul Clap & Zackey Force Funk - For You (XL Middleton Remix)
D3. Stimulator Jones - Wake Up
D4. Zyodara - Call My Name (feat Yasmina)

A month after the release of his debut album as Tambores En Benirras, 2021’s fabulous Orbe Dotodo, Graham Newby’s life changed forever. After years living with a visual impairment, his sight had deteriorated so much that he was declared “registered blind”. For a man who had spent decades dividing his time between travelling, DJing, running clubs and lengthy sessions in his own studio, it was a genuinely life-changing moment.

It was against this backdrop, and the need to alter his working methods, that Ondas Horizontales, the second Tambores En Benirras album took shape. Inspired by a mixture of daydreaming, visualisation, immersion in other people’s music (escapism that provided mood enhancement, rather than a specific set of ideas) and long periods spent soaking up the sun in Ibiza, the album is the most vividly detailed, sonically colourful, and sun-soaked collection that Newby has released to date.

Newby’s declining sight forced him to stop spending long spells staring at a screen and undoubtedly slowed down the production process. Yet it also allowed him to reconnect with his emotions, appreciate the storytelling and mood-shifting potential of music, and mine mind’s eye memories of places and spaces that have meant much to him over the years.

The results are undeniably stunning. Designed with horizontal listening in mind, the set distils a range of musical and real-life inspirations –or, as he puts it, “ambient soundtracks, cosmic journeys, Balearic rhythms and poolside sessions” – into ten mesmerising and magical tracks; an undulating, slow-motion journey that’s as breath-taking as it is beguiling.

Newby sets the tone with ‘Mi Sueno Vibe En Reverb’, a swelling, slow-burn ambient masterpiece that tiptoes between hope and melancholia, before flitting between imaginary sunset soundtracks (‘Estrellas En Mastella’, where lilting pedal steel sounds, bubbling electronics and shuffling breakbeats catch the ear), kaleidoscopic sun-up beats (the gorgeous warmth of ‘Generadora De Reyos’), enveloping beatless soundscapes (‘Templos Del Sol’, a drowsy drift in becalmed waters under the heat of the mid-afternoon sun), and dubby, loved-up lusciousness (‘Mokono’).

As the album progresses, bobbing and weaving on an ocean of vibrant chords, pulsing melodies and heart-stopping melodies, there’s no sign of Newby’s inspiration waving. ‘Alma Hablando’ channels the spirit of mid-80s ‘worldbeat’ and douses it in layers of Balearic bliss, while ‘Extrensor Entragado’ recalls the head-nodding haziness of his best Gripper productions of old while combining them with the musical equivalent of a humid summer breeze. Then there’s the mood-enhancing joy of the album’s superb title track –a mission statement of sorts – and the life-affirming post trip-hop/Balearic fusion of ‘Un Placer Celestial (Reprise)’, where the influence of his old friend Aim is clearly evident.

A serious sonic step-up from its predecessor and a future Balearic classic in its’ own right, Ondas Horizontales marks the start of a new musical and personal journey for its creator. It is, in his words, not the end of an era, but the start of a new one.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Mi Suenno Vive En Reverb
A2. Estrellas En Mastella
B1. Generadora De Rayos
B2. Templos Del Sol
B3. Dias Mas Brillantes
C1. Molokono
C2. Alma Hablando
C3. Extensor Entregado
D1. Ondas Horizontales
D2. Un Placer Celestial (Re-prise)

Seriously sought after, classic rare groove 2 stepper from Maxi, ‘Lover To Lover’ gets its first ever official reissue on vinyl with this also being the first 7 inch pressing of this oasis of joy, courtesy of South Street Soul.

Previously only ever available on Maxi’s self-titled 1977 LP, released on Blue Note. With originals of the album selling for over £160+, South Street give these glorious grooves space to breathe with a 7 inch reissue of two choice cuts. Soaring vocals, top drawer production, sumptuous instrumentation, with a string section to melt any heart out there – all arranged to perfection. The sort of track that will sweep you off your feet before you even know what’s hit you. Famously sampled by Tom & Jerry aka 4 Hero for their ridiculously rare Jungle anthem ‘Maximum Style’.

To complete the package, another hand-picked hit from Maxi’s one and only LP with a cover of the Van McCoy penned soulful serenity ‘Walk Softly’.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Lover To Lover
B1. Walk Softly

You are about to embark on a new intergalactic journey into black space, fuelled by funk, powered by computers.

Soul Jazz Records’ new second collection of twisted hyperspace electro / funk ‘Space Funk 2: Afro Futurist Electro Funk in Space 1976-84’, continues its intergalactic journey. Featuring rare and off-the-wall space funk and electro rarities and obscurities, all released on small independent USA record labels in the late 1970s and 1980s.

Artists on this release include Alien Starr, Bobby Demo, Maggatron, Mid-City Crew, Tribe, Junie, Rich Cason and the Galactic Orchestra, and many more intergalactic space warriors.

The CD / 2LP comes in striking deluxe artwork featuring the radical African American model Pat Evans, who graced numerous album covers for The Ohio Players in the 1970s.

The space shuttle program has been altered, there are no star wars - only electro jam joyriders in space! Reactors are reacting, boosters are boosting, the countdown has started. This is space age bionic funk, programmed to make you dance.

TRACK LISTING

Alien Starr - Music-A-Lizer
Chance - Master Groove (Instrumental)
The Bobby Deemo Band - More Ounce Rap
Mack Simmons - Skin Tight
Maggotron - Computer Pop
Tribe - Vulcan Voyage
Command Performance - Breakdance
Junei - Let's Ride
The Graingers - Shine Your Light
Mid City Crew - Get Right
Chapter Three - Smurf Trek
X-Ray Vision - Video Control
Rich Cason And The Galactic Orchestra - Year 2001 Boogie
Frank James And Shadow - Summer Time

This special 12" features two tracks that will not be on the vinyl version of the forthcoming AC Soul Symphony, Disco opus "Metamorphosis" featuring a 20 piece orchestra alongside a whole host top live players. That makes it an even more vital pick up because both are pure disco fire. 'I Want To See You Dance' has the title's classic refrain repeated over big Salsoul style string licks, funky basslines and soloing piano. 'The Talented Mr Adams' is a tribute to the legendary disco producer Patrick Adams and is a super sweet swooner with golden live strings and brass backing up a loose-limbed rhythm and vamping pianos that get you in the mood for love. These two tracks act as a fine teaser for what's to come on the much-anticipated album from a contemporary version of acts like MFSB and Love Unlimited Orchestra.

TRACK LISTING

Side A
I Want To See You Dance

Side B
The Talented Mr Adams

Building on the success of their first releases featuring Cornel Campbell, the Swiss producer duo "The Circle of Confusion" is set to drop a new single on Rocafort Records, featuring none other than English old-school reggae singer Wayne Paul.

Active in the 90's and 2000's within the London label Big Dada, the artist of Jamaican origin sank into alcohol and drugs, before rising from his ashes fifteen years later. Now he's back with a powerful message of hope on this track called " Soul Of A Lion ". Wayne's soulful voice blends perfectly with the modern reggae feel created by The Circle Of Confusion.

An 80s roots-oriented sound mixed with a crusty digital edge backed with a dope dub track makes the perfect 45 for reggae heads.

TRACK LISTING

1. Soul Of A Lion (feat. Wayne Paul)
2. Soul Of A Lion (Dub Mix) [feat. Wayne Paul]

Soul Jazz Records’ ‘Holy Church of the Ecstatic Soul - A Higher Power - Gospel, Funk & Soul at the Crossroads 1971-83’ draws upon the extensive links between black American gospel music and soul music, showing how the sensibilities of gospel artists such as Shirley Caeser, Dorothy Norwood, Andrae Crouch and others crossed over into secular soul music during this period.

The album was first available as a long-sold out coloured vinyl edition for RSD 2023 and is now available on black double vinyl and for the first time on CD.

Many of the most successful soul artists - from Aretha Franklin to Al Green, The Staple Singers to Sam Cooke - all drew upon their upbringing in the church for their musical inspiration. This album discusses how important the links between the black church and soul music were in creating soul music and spotlights some of the many important (and also little-known) gospel artists who walked this line between sacred music and soul, funk and disco in the 1970s and early 1980s.

‘Holy Church Of The Ecstatic Soul’ shows how sacred gospel music was at home with Stevie Wonder, Blaxploitation-style funk, and produced music celebrated both in New York’s underground discos (The Paradise Garage, Studio 54, etc) and later sampled by the likes of Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg and Mary J Blige.

“Curated with an obvious passion and sense of history, ‘Holy Church Of The Ecstatic Soul’ serves as the perfect intro to the funky spirituals that once served as the foundation for various schools of sound (Philly R&B, disco, soul) over the last 50 years.” - The Wire

TRACK LISTING

Andraé Crouch & The Disciples - Satisfied
Shirley Caesar - Jesus Children Of America
The Meditation Singers - Trouble's Brewin'
The Clark Sisters - You Brought The Sunshine
Dorothy Norwood - Let Your Feet Down Easy
Shirley Caesar - Jesus Is Coming
Swan Silvertones - If You Believe Your God Is Dead
The Alvin Darling Ensemble - Is There Anybody Here?
Roscoe Robinson - There's A Creator
Destiny - Nothing Can Stop Me Now
The Meditation Singers - Good Old Gospel Music
Keith Barrow - Everything Is Gonna Be Alright
Roscoe Robinson - Elijah
Dyson's Faces - Till I've Got This Feelin' Of Love
The Violinaires - The Upper Way
Leomia Boyd And The Gospel Music Makers - Higher In Jesus' Love
Keith Barrow - The Right Road Now

Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump is the fifth studio album by De La Soul, released on August 8, 2000

Among the guests on the album are, Redman, Tash and J-Ro of Tha Liks, Xzibit, Busta Rhymes, Mike D and Ad Rock of the Beastie Boys, Busy Bee, Freddie Foxxx and Chaka Khan. Mosaic Thump returned De La Soul to chart territory again thanks to the hit singles "Oooh.", and "All Good?".

"Oooh" was nominated for a Source Award and the album was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rap Performance By A Duo or Group.

TRACK LISTING

Spitkicker.Com/Ray R.
U Can Do (Life)
My Writes
Ooooh
Thru Ya City
I. C. Y'all
View
Interluden
Set The Mood
AllGood?
Declaration
Squat!
Words From The Chief Rocker
With Me
Copa (Cabanga)
Foolin'
The Art Of Getting Jumped
U Don't Wanna B.D.S.

AOI: Bionix is De La Soul's sixth full length album, released on December 4, 2001.

The first single, "Baby Phat" featuring Yummy Bingham and Devin the Dude, was an ode to larger sized women.

Elsewhere, "Held Down", featuring Cee- Lo, found Posdnuos in an introspective mood as he mused on fatherhood, religion, and fame. Slick Rick also made an appearance on "What We Do (For Love)"; a humorous song about puberty and sexual discovery.

The album featured skits with a character by the name of Reverend Do Good, which worked as social commentary as well as the intros and outros of the songs. The final Reverend Do Good skit acts as one final advertisement for Ghost Weed as heard on De La Soul's previous album, Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump. A mischievous teenager takes a hit of the substance, then morphs into Slum Village frontman J Dilla, who provides the intro and outro to the marijuanathemed song "Peer Pressure" (which he also produced).

TRACK LISTING

Intro
Bionix
Baby Phat
Simply
Simply Havin'
Held Down
Rev. Do Good # 1
Watch Out
Special
Rev. Do Good # 2
The Sauce
Am I Worth You?
Pawn Star
What We Do (For Love)
Rev. Do Good #3
Peer Pressure
It's American
Trying People

New 20th anniversary edition of Soul Jazz Records’ long out-of-print ‘Miami Sound: Rare Funk & Soul from Miami, Florida, 1967-74’. The album has been unavailable for more than 15 years and is newly remastered.

Soul Jazz Records’ ‘Miami Sound’ features rare and classic funk and deep soul from Miami, Florida between 1967 and 1974. The album brings together million-selling artists such as Gwen McCrae, George McCrae and Timmy Thomas alongside artists little known outside of the sunshine state such as James Knight and The Butlers, Frank Williams And The Rocketeers and All The People.

Miami funk, soul and disco was dominated by TK Records, founded by Henry Stone in the early 1970s. Through myriad associated record labels such as Alston, Blue Candle, Dash, Glades, Cat and more, TK Records made international artists out of Gwen McRae and her brother George McRae, Betty Wright and KC and The Sunshine Band, all in the mid-1970s crossover period between soul and disco.

The music on this compilation shows the roots of this Miami sound. All the artists and musicians on this album worked together throughout the heyday of TK Records, when it produced hit after hit on an almost daily basis. The house band (the equivalent to Motown’s Funk Brothers) included songwriters such as Clarence Reid (AKA Blowfly, the adult comedian), Casey Finch (KC from KC and The Sunshine Band) along with musicians Little Beaver, Frank Williams and Robert Moore. As well as being the in-house band, most of these artists also ran successful solo careers, making Miami one of the most musically creative hot spots in the USA.

The artists on this compilation include Helene Smith, Miami’s first lady of Soul, Frank Williams and The Rocketeers (featuring a very young Little Beaver on vocals), George McRae’s rare groove classic ‘I Get Lifted’ (written by Casey Finch), Timmy Thomas’ truly experimental track ‘Funky Me’, Gwen McRae’s classic ‘90% Of Me Is You’, as well as a host of practically unknown Miami artists who never managed to make it outside the city borders.

TRACK LISTING

All The People - Cramp Your Style
Helene Smith - You Got To Be A Man
George McCrae - I Get Lifted
James Knight And The Butlers - Funky Cat
Gwen McCrae - 90% Of Me Is You
Little Beaver - Funkadelic Sound
James Knight And The Butlers - Save Me
Joey Gilmore - Do It To Me One More Time
Helene Smith - A Woman Will Do Wrong
James Knight And The Butlers - Fantasy World
Timmy Thomas - Funky Me
The New Clarence Reid - Cadillac Annie
Frank Williams And The Rocketeers - The Spanish Flyer
Della Humphrey - Don’t Make The Good Girls Go Bad
Frank Williams And The Rocketeers - You Got To Be A Man
Joey Gilmore - Somebody Done Took My Baby And Gone
Little Beaver - I Love The Way You Love

On its’ release in November 2022, Daniel Stenger’s debut mini-album as Flashbaxx, Take Care My Friend, won plenty of plaudits for its’ enticing blend of jazz-funk instrumentation, audible warmth, effortless musicality, and memorable, sun-soaked songs. Now the set returns in remixed and reworked form, with a sextet of artists taking it in turns to put a new spin on the German producer’s carefully crafted and immaculately executed tracks.

The six-cut vinyl version boasts two revisions that have already made waves on digital download: a genuinely life-affirming hip-hop-soul take on ‘Strangers’ courtesy of East Midlands’ maestro Atjazz, where Katherine Kempf’s smouldering lead vocals rise above head-nodding beats, woozy electric piano chords, yearning horn arrangements and smooth bass guitar, and a sublime Moods mix of ‘Love Boat’ that re-frames the track as a languid, groove-fired shuffle through Balearic jazz-funk territory.

The other four reworks, which are exclusive to this EP, are similarly inspired. Chris Pookah collaboration ‘City Lights’ is given the remix treatment not once, but twice. First NuNorthern Soul regulars Mike Salta and Mortale re-imagine the track as a gently breezy, dusk-ready blend of bouncy, samba-influenced grooves and colourful Balearic nu-disco, before BJ Smith – the first artist to release music on Phil Cooper’s imprint way back in 2012 – takes the track into semi-acoustic, blue-eyed-soul-meets-Balearic jazz-funk territory. Gentle, tactile, and vibrant, it’s a stunning, soul-stirring revision.

To round off the EP, two producers renowned for creating atmospheric, sunrise-ready soundscapes deliver their versions of Stenger’s kaleidoscopic, musically rich aural visions. Marshall Watson handles ‘Alright’, smothering a languid, slow-motion drum machine beat in jazzy double bass, delay-laden electric piano motifs, lazy jazz guitars, rising synth strings and the dreamiest of pads.

Then, to round things off in considerable style, Tambores En Benirras reworks title track ‘Take Care My Friend’, teasing out the track’s inherent musical colour and warmth whilst adding his own distinctive spin. Pleasingly hard to pigeonhole, his remix makes extensive use of deep, dubby bass, Latin-style percussion, leisurely beats, blossoming synth sounds and all manner of effects-laden instrumental flourishes – including guitar solos that recall some of Dave Gilmour’s most laidback, eyes-closed moments. It provides a genuinely brilliant conclusion to an effortlessly impressive set of remixes.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Strangers [Atjazz Remix]
A2. City Lights [Mike Salta & Mortale Remix]
A3. Brooklyn Love Boat [Moods Remix]
B1. City Lights [B.J. Smith Remix]
B2. Alright [Marshall Watson Remix]
B3. Take Care My Friend [Tambores En Benirras Remix]

After a series of highly sought-after 7” singles, and an acclaimed compilation album, the Kevin Fingier Collective returns with an all-new, all-original album.

A further exploration of the Latin Soul, R&B, Mod Jazz and Raw Funk sounds the Collec8ve is known for, under the helm of producer Kevin Fingier.

Featuring the powerhouse vocals of Diane Ward, Jo Ann Hamilton and Jose Dias variously throughout, with a guest appearance from reggae legend Derrick HarrioR and Senegalese musician Abdoulaye Badiane.

Presented in a characteristically hip graphic sleeve with the record itself mastered at Golden Mastering, California.

TRACK LISTING

1. Intro
2. Midnight Walk
3. I Really Care
4. Groovin’ In Soho
5. So I Can Free Myself
6. Only For Me
7. Round 2am
8. El Popcorn
9. Nada Pope Te Parar
10. Dumia Doman Doman
11. My Heart Is Burning

The fifth single off their iconic debut album, Three Feet High and Rising, is arguably De La Soul's most famous song.

"Me Myself and I" hit #1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop, Hot Rap Songs, and Dance Club Songs charts and became a worldwide hit. It also earned the band their first Grammy nomination (for Best Rap Performance). With disco- funk infused samples and lyrics extolling the band's philosophy of self-expression and self-acceptance, this song forever changed the genre of Hip-Hop.

TRACK LISTING

1. Me Myself & I
2. Me Myself & I (Instrumental)