Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Both tracks on this crucial new drop from Duke share a common theme of love and harmony, which were of course the cornerstones of reggae and part of the reason it has such an enduring appeal as the universal need for compassion and unity has never diminished. In fact, it might be more needed now than ever. First, 'Peace & Love' by U-Roy, The Jamaicans, and Tommy McCook & The Supersonics is a timeless cut with U-Roy's toasting sat next to horn-driven rhythms that were first released in the 1970s. Similarly, Tommy McCook & The Supersonics' "The World Needs Love" captures the essence of70s reggae, with McCook's smooth saxophone leading the instrumental arrangement.

Review: The UB's bring their particular brand of funk to this steamy and fiery new 7" on the Fraternity label. It finds them in edit mode and first up reworking 'Stone Fox Chase'. It has some country-style harmonica built into the raw beats and plenty of psyched-out guitar lines that bring Americana vibes to the percolating rhythms. On the flip is their edit of 'Delirium' which is a totally different proposition - smooth funk grooves with busy chords and icy hi-hats. It's one that looks to the stars and crushes there on a feelgood vibe you hope never ends.

Review: Ugly Mac Beer's Crystal Blue Cuts dives into the gritty, cinematic world of the show Breaking Bad with a 7" that's as audacious as it is creative. Featuring a mix of sounds, effects, and voice snippets that evoke images of gunfights, drug escapades, and street brawls, this record is a daring exploration of thematic scratching. The chaos is brilliantly organised into a coherent set that plays like a mini-audio drama of the streets. Whether you are a turntablist or you are looking for some unique cut up sample style music, look no further than this. Each track is inspired by iconic characters from the series, showing Ugly Mac Beer's knack for crafting compelling narratives through sound. A fun record that will surely have people talking about it.

Review: Although they would go on to become one of New York's most iconic hip-hop crews, the Ultramagnetic MC's were fresh-faced newcomers when they first popped up on Next Plateau Records - an imprint better-known for its proto-house and post-boogie releases - in 1986 with debut single "Ego Trippin". As this first ever seven-inch edition proves, it remains a stone cold classic: a heavy, stripped-back "golden era" gem in which the group's multiple MC's aim to get the party started over an iconic beat and weighty electronic bassline. As with the original version, it comes backed by flipside "Funky Potion", a scratch-happy, similarly constructed number full to bursting with effervescent rhymes, crunchy beats and distinctive bass.

Review: The Ultramagnetic MCs, a pioneering hip-hop group from the Bronx, NYC, are celebrated for their innovative sampling, complex rhymes, and surreal lyrical style. Founded by Kool Keith, the group also includes Ced Gee, TR Love and Moe Love, with Tim Dog joining unofficially in 1989. Their track 'A Chorus Line,' initially the B-side of a single, quickly became one of their standout hits, introducing Tim Dog to the scene, while the instrumental from 'A Chorus Line' was later reworked for Tim Dog's controversial debut single, 'F--- Compton,' produced by Ced Gee, which played a significant role in igniting the East Coast/West Coast rivalry of the 1990s. This 7" release features both parts 1 and 2 of 'A Chorus Line,' offering a glimpse into the early days of Ultramagnetic MCs and their influential role in hip-hop history, capturing the raw energy and groundbreaking creativity that defined their legacy.

Review: If you are a true boon-bap obsessive you will know that The U.M.C.'s 'One To Grow On' is a prime cut form that sounds heyday back in 1991. It sounds as good now though all these years later and is still the sort of dusty, infectious vibe that new school producers so often try and ape. You can't beat the OGs though and whether you go for the a-side with the hard bars or the more sunny and carefree flip with its sunny flutes and crisp breaks, then this is a 7" for you.

Review: Mega-chromatic soul-jazz with a dash of weirdness from The Universal Togetherness Band. 'I Want You' and 'Call For Love' were recorded between 1979 and 1982, and were subsequently shelved until one of the duo's members began doling out cassette versions, which led to an unearthing in 2014. Subdued and laid-back drums, clack-guitar and toothy bass all poke through this release's sexy soul snark.

Review: Years after their 1970 sessions at Damon Studios in Kansas City, Bump & The Soul Stompers, under the direction of Jerald "Bump" Scott, adopted the name Unnatural Funk Band, a nod to the era's unconventional naming trends. Despite their efforts, "I Can Remember" failed to find a label. This led them to the famed Cavern Studios in Independence, Missouriiliterally carved out of a limestone cavern. The result is a fascinating juxtaposition of sounds: 'Living in the Past' offers a wistful, falsetto-laden journey with a laid-back narrative, evoking a nostalgic aura. In contrast, 'Strange Happenings' delivers a remarkable funk experience, revealing the band's prowess in crafting vibrant and innovative grooves. This track, a hidden gem from a virtually undocumented Kansas City soul ensemble, was uncovered with the help of Scott during the Numero Group's 2013 research for the Eccentric Soul: The Forte Label compilation. Unnatural Funk Band's release, featuring these previously unreleased tracks, represents a significant find for funk aficionados. The limited-edition 10" vinyl showcases their unique blend of nostalgic funk and innovative rhythms, a testament to the enduring impact of their music.

Review: Two rare instrumental covers of the 1969 classic 'Spinning Wheel' by Blood, Sweat & Tears. Produced by the legendary Lee "Scratch" Perry in 1970, these were first released on the highly exclusive Spinning Wheel label, and, as the label name suggests, both tracks are fortuitous roulettes encircling dusty instrumental dub. It also happens to be the first ever release on Harlem Shuffle, marking the start of a small, pantherine catalogue. For the rather fast brachiations of 'Haunted House' - a poltergeist of a track, fettered to the weathered-down needle nib on our own turntable, causing psychokinetic rotary reactions - and the bicyclic, two tone dub reinvention 'Double Wheel', these tracks showcase Perry's technologising approach to dubbing, prioritising energy above all. Fitting for Perry's lifelong kinghood over dub music at large, the subgeneric name was, of course, baptised "boss reggae".

Review: German hardcore band Urge drops their fiery single 'Brainwashed'. After one year of work on this remix, Canadian rapper Abdominal, known for his work with DJ Format, is heard rhyming over a heavy Mo'Wax-esque beat produced by Smoove, including skilled cuts by Berlin-based turntablist and DJ Robert Smith. Together, they've built a deep-sounding monster of a tune. The 7", which sits in a Japanese Katta round inner sleeve, includes the original song, as well as bonus beats n' breaks for all the DJs.

Review: UZOO brings their raw energy and smart lyricism to new this new single which comes on Ill Adrenaline Records from the US. This project highlights the collective's dynamic sound which blends gritty beats and sharp, thought-provoking lyrics which add up to a refreshing take on hip-hop while staying rooted in the genre's golden era influences. 'Attack' hits hard with heavy, precise drums and gravelly vocals next to a mix of string samples, dark soul synths and eerie melodies that float way up above the drums.