Review: The brilliantly entitled 1619 Bad Ass Band covered myriad different styles from mellow sound to furious funk on their superlative and self-titled debut long player back in 1976. Two of it's standout tunes now get pulled and pressed on this red hot 7" from P-Vine, complete with a flip-back sleeve. That LP is a rare one amongst the famous TSG catalogue and first up from it is the mid-tempo dance gem 'Nothing Can Stop My Loving You' while on the flip there is the more heavy funk sound of 'Step Out' which anyone who has listened to any DJ Shadow will know he sampled.
Review: Slip into something comfortable and prepare to get sexed up by this new one from Newcastle's Six Nine Records. It features tracks by 3TOB, an outfit originally born in 2019 by band members of Tone and earlier in the year they dropped the sultry hip-hop, soul and r&b album Trading Places. Those tracks are "My Baby' and 'Love Will Find Its Way' and neither were on the album and have been streaming only up to now. They are a timeless fusion of heart-melting harmonies and silky beats for those loved up late night sessions.
Review: RNT welcomes Brooklyn-based band 79.5 to the family with the first single from their forthcoming eponymous LP. Soulful and psychedelic, the haunting melodies of Club Level float above a steady strutting rhythm section, punctuated by moaning baritone saxophone and drenched in washy reverb.
NYC mainstay Eli Escobar crafts a masterful remix that leans into 80s nostalgia, with a soundscape and arrangement nothing short of perfection.
Review: A Certain Ratio have returned with their most tight and funky album, possibly ever, recently, and it is steeped in 40 years of ACR DNA. Now you can grab two of the standout singles on this fine, limited edition white 7" thanks to Daniel Miller's essential Mute. Opener 'Berlin' is the second single from that album, ACR Loco, and has breezy vocals and Trillin riffs over tight drum work. 'Dirty Boy' is riddled with squelchy synth funk, with popping drums and a great vocal performance that will get any party vibing.
Review: A Skillz and Krafty Kuts are veteran names by now but at one option they were some of the hottest new DJs and producers in the game. They pioneered a breakbeat, cut-up and paste sounds 20 years ago that was high on energy and with plenty of character. Now they look to the roots of the sounds they used to draw from and serve up a new single on Jam City that is all about disco. 'Lit Up' has loose, jumbled drums and funk basslines with some great vocal flourishes up top from Gizelle Smith. A remix on the flip takes things into deeper new soul territory.
Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Band - "What Can You Bring Me?" (2:45)
Review: You just cannot miss with this superb label which is now up to release number 33 in this series. And the latest is a golden-era classic featuring legendary mic men A Tribe Called Quest and top soul boy Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Band. The A-side features the track taken from A Tribe Called Quest's Love Movement album so is packed with their signature beats and bars. On the B-side, you are treated to the funky original sample source from Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Band which delivers a raw, infectious groove. If you love classic hip hop and funk, and why wouldn't you, this is a great pairing.
Review: We're big fans of these educational 7"s that often crop up, with a legendary hip hop jam on one side and the source of some its samples appearing on the flip. This time out we get A Tribe Called Quest's deep cut 'Sucka N***a' - which is taken from their legendary Midnight Marauders album - with its buttery rhymes and funky bass buried deep within. Jack Wilkins's 'Red Clay' on the flip isn't that much of a deviation. Though it's slower and free from the rhymes, it is a brilliantly effective and emotive cut. More like this please.
Review: There is very little info out there about the Milkcrate Mondays label but we do know that their only other release last year was well hyped and quickly sold out. This second one is likely to follow suit. It comes from Able and is a dusty house cut with an old school feel thanks to the gentle breaks that power it along as a signature smoky soul vocal from Amy Winehouse brings plenty of emotion to a-side cut 'Winehouse Magic'. On the flip is 'Drake Punk' which pairs Daft Punk filter house loops with auto-tuned vocals all sure to bring some fun to the 'floor.
Review: Milkcrate Mondays has got a red hot 7" on its hands here with DJ Abel and DJ Spinobi taking one side each. The former kicks off by, says the label, "taking an Ocean classic for a trip to Miami." His take on 'Lost' is a funk-laced jam that blends r&b vocals with bubbling beats and jazzy keys into something brilliantly seductive. On the flip side, DJ Spinobi lays down some heavyweight Afro drum patterns and raw rap bars on 'Bay Bunny' while 'PRVNZA VIP' is a more blissed-out island sound with reggaeton undertones and angelic Spanish vocals up top. A real summer weapon.
Review: Neil Anderson's Original Gravity loves to look back and revive forgotten classics and that is what it does again here with a quick reissue of something it dropped back in March. This time out it is two more massive slices of tasty Latin funk getting served up. The first is Abram & Nestor's 'Four Minutes Of Funk' which is indeed four minutes of funk that will unite dancefloors from here to eternity with its big organ magic. Nestor Alvarez' 'El Trombonista' is as you might guess denied by its big trombone and also boasts some great horn work. Do not sleep.
Review: After years of silence following the loss of Sonny Knight in 2017, former Lakers members Blair Krivanek and Cy Pierpont return with their new project, Ace Box Shift. The duo have made plenty of standout contributions to the soul revival scene before now and here they debut on Secret Stash Records with another pair of fiery instrumental cuts that work exceptionally well for DJs and dancefloors alike. They find Krivanek's jazz-infused guitar work meeting Pierpont's pounding rhythms with raw, funk-driven results that make for a bold, high-energy comeback that pays tribute to their roots while also moving things onwards.
Review: The studio of Harry J's in Jamaica has turned out another pair of belters here. This limited edition and hand-numbered 7" features two killer 1969 tunes. The first is a bittersweet roots tune with a lead trumpet that does all the work. It's in conversation with the organ below and as they to and fro, expressing their pair, the bass rumbles and the percussion jangles. As well as that standout from Richard Ace, the flip-side has a super rare tune 'Candy Lady' by Hugh Black & George Ferris. It's another earthy tune with lovestruck vocals.
Review: A new take on a Jonathan Richman classic from 1977 which has lit up clubs for 45-odd years, especially during the punk era. The track's infectious rhythm has inspired various reggae remixes but now it's getting a fresh cumbia twist. Cumbia and reggae share a common groove, making them a perfect match for DJs to mix and this one was recorded in Lima by Pancho Acosta, founder and guitarist of Company Quinto, who transforms the track into an upbeat cumbia gem. The flip side features Acosta's 'Carnaval de Jujuy' blended with Money Chicha's modern take on Peru's fuzzed-out chicha sound.
Review: This hidden gem from 1975 was self-released on Glen Adams' Capo label out of Brooklyn, New York. 'Stay Dread' rather flies under the radar but is a must-listen, especially the outer limits version on the flip which is a brilliantly psychedelic dub with a mad cosmic lead that takes you into all new realms. The original is a great example of reggae's raw energy and experimental spirit with Adams' distinct vocal style adding a unique touch to proceedings. The rare original has become a sought-after find for reggae heads so do not sleep on this reissue which is unpolished yet powerful.
Review: Soul fans are in heaven this month, just from the releases of Soul Direction alone. The label has been hard at work serving up plenty of golden nuggets and next in the spotlight is Joe Adams. 'That's Not Half Bad' is his stunning version of the Gene Woodbury classic. This is another lost tune that was found on a DAT tape recording made from material that was laying around in an old basement. It comes steeped in rich Philly soul and with gorgeous vocals that for us outshine the original. On the flip, it is backed with an equally sublime mid-tempo heart-wrencher for those tender moments.
Living On My Memories (feat Giulia La Rosa) (4:12)
Serenade (4:35)
Review: Ahead of his second upcoming album For Today, Etnean artist Agosta presents two unreleased tracks on a new 7" featuring Giulia La Rosa's poetic vocals. These gems blend chill-out electronics with Balearic vibes that are perfect for the brighter days ahead. 'Serenade' offers a sophisticated mix of elegant dance and relaxed atmospheres with inspiration taken from artists like Felipe Gordon and Nutty Nys. Its fluid groove, gentle percussion and dreamy synths create an immersive intimate vibe and both of these tracks evoke sunset serenity with real warmth in the vocals.
Review: This is one of those raw soul sounds that never goes out of fashion, and thankfully neither does it often disappear from availability. It features two r&b classics, the dancefloor-ready 'Last Night' and the soulful 'Don't Break Your Promises', both originally released on the Rainbow label in the UK and a long-time bastion of Aitken's mastery of blending Jamaican and British influences. The opener draws from The Mar-Keys and Georgie Fame, showcasing r&b's imprint on Aitken's style. 'Don't Break Your Promises' is a Milson Luce cover that gained fame in Jamaica before inspiring numerous versions.
Review: Japanese stars Akiko and Yukihiro Fukutomi came together to cover SADE's anthem several years ago but it now makes its way back to fresh wax courtesy of Record Store Day 2024. They infused it with dark, mysterious jazz and contemporary influences and Akiko's enigmatic vocals intertwine flawlessly with the minimalist arrangement. On the B-side, their original 'let GO' offers a spiritual journey through dub-techno realms where the synergy between Akiko's emotive delivery and Fukutomi's masterful production creates a captivating sound. This release epitomises the pair's creative chemistry and innovative approach to blending diverse musical elements into a seamless, immersive new realm.
Review: The legendary collaboration between Akinyele and Kool G Rap, 'Break a Bitch Neck,' is one of rap's most famous cuts and not for musical reasons. It is a track which showcases a scorching beat and the incredible synergy between these two New York lyricists but is best known for being one of the most unapologetically sexist and outrageous rap songs ever. It's a hard-hitting and deep hip-hop joint with a super cool break and naughty bars. On the flip, you will find a remix but only the brave will play this one in today's socially conscious landscape.
Review: Alessandro Alessandroni (often said to be the most famous whistle in the history of film thanks to appearing on famous spaghetti western 'A Fistful of Dollars') is a legendary composer and musician who very much had a big say in the characteristic sound of Italian soundtracks during the 60s and 70s. This lovely 7" from Four Flies showcases that with two well chosen cuts that have been taken from a dusty tape found in the great man's vault. 'Shine On' is superbly stylish funk with some seductive vocals and rolling drums all peppered with golden chords and dynamic horns. 'Prohibition' is a little more mellow but still features magic Rhodes and characterful horns.
Review: Bernard "Pretty" Purdie and his Playboys were an iconic funk group of the late 70s who had big hits with the likes of Gil Scott Heron on his seminal 'The Revolution Will Not Be Televised' single. A year later on the same label, Flying Dutchman, they served up the 'Heavy Soul Slinger' single which gets reissued here. It's driven by big drum breaks and funky hits, with plenty of lush chords and rolling basslines all taking you on a high class and sophisticated trip. On the a-side is Harold Alexander 's 'Mama Soul' from the same era, but with a much more experimental sound rooted in wordless ad libs and frantic flutes.
Review: American jazz and gospel singer came up in Chicago and world the local scene - both playing in the clubs, but also as part of an a cappella choir for a number of years. She moved to LA to pursue her dreams in 1962, and the move paid off. She recorded 24 albums and nearly as many EPs right up until the mid nineties. 'Baltimore Oriole' was originally recorded in 1957 but this version is from 1977 . It is a glorious bit of uptempo Afro-Cuban jazz with lush jazz, funk and soul stylings all topped off by a fine vocal.
Review: This is a super sought after slice of 1980s disco goodness that was sampled by UK house producer Midland. He used bits of it on his huge, and we mean huge, 2016 summer anthem 'Final Credits' and that only served to send the price of the original up further. You'd be lucky if you can find an original copy of the 7" for under L125 these days. This official reissue has your back though and has been fully remastered with replica artwork in time to celebrates the 40th anniversary of its original release.
Review: Jalapeno remains one of the hottest and most spicy labels out there for hip hop lovers, and now it is The Allergies who bring the heat on a new and limited edition 7". They kick this one off with 'Stanky Funk' which features Bootie Brown and brings some old school cool, plenty of retro organ chords and noodling basslines that will tie the dance floor in knots. 'Never Gonna Let Go' then ups the ante with even more raw and hard hitting breaks next to big vocals and driving brass.
Review: Times may change and life may evolve, but the Allergies will always be unashamed party-starters whose records are both pleasingly heavy and instantly accessible. By now, you shouldn't need further proof og their skills in this department, but if you do, the Bristol combo's latest "45" is a lesson is dancefloor-igniting goodness. 'Lean on You' is a live and funk-fuelled as you'd expect, with distinctive flash-fried funk-rock guitar riffs, bustling, interestingly slung breakbeats and a fine lead vocal from Dynamite MC. Over on the flip, 'Working on Me' is a more bluesy, cut-and-paste funk breaks number that's guaranteed to get feet moving out on the dancefloor.
Review: Dot Allison debuted in 1999 with her Aftergow album and ever since has kept fans old and new enthralled with her voice. Heart-Shaped Scars was a follow-up 12 years later than won plenty of plaudits and now the label it came on serve up this bonus 7" with two new cuts. There is the rather bleakly but beautifully alluring 'Ghost Orchid' and then 'Love Died in our Arms' which is a reference to a past musical life in which Dot made trip hop. It also comes with a download code to unlock a third and final bonus cut named 'Heart-Shaped Scar.'
Review: Alpha & Omega is a legendary dub duo and despite them having many superb sounds to their credit, this one is a real standout. 'One Culture' pens with heavy bass as you would expect, but the alluring Indian vocal up top is even more hypnotic. It has a transcendental feel and is soulful and smoky while warped synths rumble away beneath the dusty drums. It's a real mental trip. On the flip is 'One Prayer' which is paired right back to dubby rhythms and subtle vocals are smudged and smeared throughout. Both of these are perfect for lazy Sunday afternoons in the sun.
Let The Power Flow (Horny remix instrumental) (3:59)
Review: Nothing is off limits for The Altered Tapes crew who are known for cutting, splicing and cross-pollinating anything they can gets their hands on from the worlds of hip-hop and beyond. Every time they drop a new 7" it sells out in quick time, such is the impact of the blistering beast they design. This new one is another potent weapon in the form of a rework of Snap's classic. 'Let The Power Flow' (Horny remix) is driven by dusty breaks and florid trumpet leads, plenty of mean bars and slick funk lines. On the flip is an instrumental that's just as compelling.
Joe Gibbs & The Professionals - "Calico Suit" (3:43)
Review: Althea & Donna combined to beautiful effect on the Joe Gibbs label here with a tune that very much remains an iconic reggae anthem. It was originally released in 1977 and effortlessly captured the spirit of Jamaican music of the day with its irresistible blend of ska, rocksteady and reggae influences. Althea & Donna's stylish vocals are paired with expert production that is full of catchy hooks and neat riffs. The clever lyrics and upbeat rhythm mean it still sounds like a hit as it did back when it did well on the UK charts.
Review: Sitting back to back, with their silhouettes filtered through lamplight and street smoke, neo-soul duo The Altons have returned with two slow, gushing jams. Adjacent to the local jazz club's neon signage comes the blissful harmonies of Bryan Ponce and Adriana Flores on 'Tangled Up In You', a hurtful song that carries with it a tinge of psych rock. The B-side duet, 'Soon Enough', sparsely fuses traditional jazz instruments for a lovers' reunion song. For all the soft-hearted among us, don't miss this one.
Review: This is another reissue of a record that remains an ongoing favourite. Original Gravity delivered again with the original pressing featuring two unique versions of 'Burning Spear'. Nestor Alvarez opens with a lively, Latin-inspired rendition filled with fluttering flute melodies, raw drum beats and vibrant dancing keys that radiate sunny energy. On the flip, La Machine D'Argent takes a more cosmic approach, smoothing the vibe and layering spaced-out sounds for a dreamy, immersive journey. This release showcases Original Gravity's knack for reimagining funk with flair by offering two distinct yet equally good takes on a timeless groove.
Review: It's good to have this one available again. Dorothy Moore's 1976 soul classic, featuring vocals from Taka Boom, Chaka Khan & Mark Stevens, 'Misty Blue' became an Ibiza chill-out anthem in 2002. As 'Misti Blu' it got high-profile plays by Mary Anne Hobbs, Pete Tong and Mixmaster Morris and even David Mancuso charted in his end-of-year highlights. Now the sundown gem gets reissued here on a tidy 7" as a superb rework from Claude Money. The crooning vocals remain the highlight with sultry trumpets and lavish downtempo rhythms. What's more, we're told that a new live disco and house version are also to come this year.
Review: Analog Mutants-aka MC Phill Most Chill and DJ and producer Snafu with DJ Grazzhopper-return with Tittyshaker, a fun and fantastic follow-up to last year's Confidence 45. Embracing a playful vibe as you can tell from the title, they craft a lively, 80s-inspired beat reminiscent of when hip-hop playfully sampled kids' TV tunes. The track has a Sesame Street-like charm, making Phill's cheeky call for the ladies to "shake their titties" feel more like lighthearted fun than problematic. In today's world of Megan Thee Stallion and Ice Spice pushing boundaries, Tittyshaker taps into that same bold energy. The release also features an alternate version on the flip side.
Review: This is a limited edition pink vinyl aversion of a new one from Analog Mutants aka MC Phill Most Chill, DJ and producer Snafu, and DJ Grazzhopper. Tittyshaker is a lively follow-up to last year's Confidence 45. True to its playful title, the track delivers an 80s-inspired beat reminiscent of hip-hop's fun side, when sampling kids' TV tunes was common. With a Sesame Street-like charm, Phill's cheeky request to "shake their titties" comes off as lighthearted rather than problematic. In a musical landscape shaped by boundary-pushing artists like Megan Thee Stallion and Ice Spice, Tittyshaker channels that same bold energy.
Review: The Mighty Eye label has been mighty fine in its work so far and this 16th outing is another doozy for funk lovers. The Ancient Cosmonauts are at the helm and that's a perfect name for a band that blends classic funk with cosmic moods. 'Free As I Wanna Be' is conversational and instrumental brilliance with sombre lead horns and gentle live drums sinking you into a mellow mood. 'Intergalactical Travel' takes flight on more astral lines and has a little more bite in the drums but this is still a warm, heartfelt sound.
Review: Hope & Faith Records has put together three different 7"s featuring the original 'Standing Tall' riddim, which is a slick production in the early 70s roots reggae style. Acclaimed Spanish singer Payoh Soul Rebel is behind one, the female harmony trio from Basque reggae band Tacumah another, and this one comes from Jamaican legend Horace Andy who brings a fresh take on the classic roots sound. His smoky vocals bring real warmth and depth while a flip-side dub goes deep.
Review: Oooh! Angie Stone's "Wish I Didn't Miss You" definitely belongs in the canon of all time modern soul classics. Taken from her 2001 second album Mahogany Soul, the Swizz Beats produced track made optimum usage of an O' Jays sample and was instrumental in that LP going gold and propelling the former D'Angelo collaborator to stardom. It also inspired countless official and under the counter remixes with Blaze's perhaps the most recognisable. So yes this reissue on 7" from Outta Sight is worthy if you don't have the original in your collection and features a housed up remix from Hex Hector on the flip.
Review: The story of this one revolves around San Diego native Anthony "Antone" Williams. He was one day alone in a studio, messing about with the gear and before he knew he it lay down the haunting rhythm that underpins the tune now presented here by the good folks at Athens of the North. It's a sinister, restless one that got released as a hugely limited 7" on Unity Records with otherworldly soul production and a pained vocal up top. Post punk soul, some call it, and that's a fitting descriptor. A remix appears on the flip but the allure of the original is hard to beat.
Review: Mexico-based duo Apocrifo serve up their debut single 'Indicut' with LA hip-hop and soul virtuoso Georgia Ann Muldrow on the vocal. This outfit is made up of producer Kefren Rivera and percussionist Carlos Huitro and they plenty of jazz, hip hop and electroacoustic elements into a unique sound that is exemplified here. The track is a broody, lo-fi world of sound with hip-hop beats and the yearning jazz vocals of Muldrow adding to the effect next to sombre piano chords. The instrumental strips everything back to the killer beats. This is a great first offering from this outfit who surely have plenty more to come.
Review: There's not a lot of information out there about Arcade of Serpe, so let's skip the back story and cut to the chase. If that's really an appropriate turn of phrase here. Nothing about Cave Adventure feels rushed. Nothing. In fact, it's quite the opposite, opening on dub-wise bass and playful organs, the atmosphere - somewhere between lackadaisical, come down, BBQ, and psychedelic - subtly rises, although not to a crescendo as much as a delicate fade out after a few minutes strutting to the funk-laden groove. Flip it to find more explorations in the sonic ether, with 'Unicorn Rider' smoothly stepping out into a surreal track that uses space and emptiness to accentuate the noises that are there, which mirror, if not directly reflect, the opening title tune. It's quiet, but you won't forget it in a hurry.
Review: You always know what you are going to get from Mr Bongo's Brazil 45 series and that is pure fire in musical form. This 100th release suggests the label has no intention of slowing down nor is it running low on top source material. This one from As Meninas on the A-side has beautiful female vocal-group arrangements with flutes that soar up top and plenty of ass-shaking samba shuffles down low. It's a tune that oozes soul and charm and was first released back in 1967. It's a super sweet but short song that is backed with 'Brasileiro' on the flip. It's taken from Jorginho Telles' self-titled 1971 album on Copacabana Records and mixes up raw guitar sounds with r&b vibes into something unusual and alluring.
Review: Both of these funk gems are taken from a cult compilation Trans Groove Express, which explored the sounds of Express Records and was assembled by MURO. Fourth Wave now serve them up on a superb 7", starting with Maki Asakawa. 'Hohi Hitotsu' is a delightfully gentle and subtle dub with funky guitars adding movement while the sultry vocal soars. Yasuhiro Abe's 'Night Fish' is a brighter and more retro 80s soul and boogie sound with glowing chords and snappy hits. The Japanese language vocal is emotive enough to mean plenty without understanding the meaning of the words.
Review: Darker Shades Of Roots explores just that and has done so expertly over the course of a half-century of releases to date. The New Year starts off for them with another tasteful two-tracker that pairs a couple of contemporary artists. Ash & Willow are up first and offer 'I & I Stand' which has classic melodica leads worked into a tight rhythm that's detailed with earthy guitar riffs and lush chords, and of course some fine mic work. The Shades's 'Brother Sun, Sister Moon' then comes through with more whimsical melodica sounds and moodier vocals.
Review: As the Darker Shades Of Roots label hurtles towards its 50th release, it turns to the fine pairing of Ash & Willow. This fledgling outfit debuted in 2016 but has been slow to release. Last year was a busy one with a trio of new 7"s that are now finally arriving to us. 'The Heart Of All Men' opens up this one with slow-motion rhythms and some organic percussion that adds the detail. On the flip, the ice picks up a little and the sun shines down bright over meandering leads on The Shades's 'Revelation 21.'
Review: Ash & Willow have music in their catalogue as far back as 2016, but very little since. last year proved to be a busy one with not one but three new singles produced. They all come on the Darker Shades Of Roots label and are available with us now. This one features all their signature styles - authentic, organic reggae rhythms with conscious lyrics and melodies that linger long in your mind. 'Challenge Yourself' is a fine example of that here and on the flip is The Shades with the instrumental dub 'Grow More Loving'.
Review: Mikal Asher, a scion of Jamaica's Morgan family dynasty, reunites with Chocolate Star Records here and does so with a collaboration with disco legend Gary Davis. Asher, akin to his brother Denroy Morgan, upholds the family's legacy of righteousness through music. Known as the Binghiman, he crafts captivating tunes with profound lyrics and has recorded in Ghana's Hustle Hard Studios and collaborated with industry pioneers in Kingston and Brooklyn, setting new standards in musical excellence along the way. Here, 'Wicked Ah Fi' transforms into a modern dub stepper, while 'Black Woman' offers a soulful, laid-back dedication to Davis' wife, Sonjia. This 7" also comes with innovative remixes from California-based DJ and producer Knoe1.
Review: A self-titled opus, the OG presses of Aura's one and only album have been known to fetch over L100 while the 2016 Aloha Got Soul reissue was supported across the board from Theo Parrish to Giles Peterson. Here are two of the most delectable highlights in bright white 45" form; "Let Me Say Dis About Dat" is all about the crunchy riffs and rock funk fusion while "No Beginning, No End" is a thrilling disco funk cut that has aged to perfection. Limited and likely to fly.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.