Juno Recommends Soul March 2019

Review: In 1972, Marvin Gaye set to work recording what was scheduled to become the follow-up to his greatest single studio album, the previous year's "What's Going On". In the end, only one single from that mooted set ever appeared - "You're The Man", a weary assessment of that year's U.S Presidential Election - and Gaye's bitter arguments with Motown continued. This intriguing album tries to set the record straight, gathering together work completed for the shelved album with newly mixed songs based around previously unfinished works. There's much to admire throughout, with the material flitting between the kind of lusciously orchestrated, conscious songs featured on Gaye's previous set and more commercial-sounding Motown pop (much of which was produced by Willie Hutch).

Review: One of Finnish funk imprint Timmion's most enduring stories; Pratt & Moody and Cold Diamond & Mink's 2017 "Lost Lost Lost" gets an update with Gerald McCauley. Not particularly known for his singing or songwriting (but very much active in other aspects of the industry) the original's raw blues struck a chord so strong in him, he put pen to paper and dulcets to tape to provide a new perspective on the track. The results speak for themselves. There's no wondering here... It's a full blown heartache conclusion.

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: Pure boogie, pure voice... UK singer/songwriter Cheri Maree comes correct on this Boogie Back rebirth over two uncut 80s style Brit funk gems. "Starting Over Again" is the more seductive of the two with its silky groove and hushed vocals while "I Want You Back" goes into boogie overdrive with lavish synth bass (wait for the solo), velvet chords and strong backing vocals. If you enjoy Atmosfear or Hi-Tension, you'll love this!

Review: Straight from the Volt vaults! 50 years after their release, Margie's coveted breakthrough tracks get the Expansion treatment. Her famous crossover track "One More Chance" has never not been in favour through the soul phases. And by the way it builds triumphantly, it's not hard to tell. "Nobody" meanwhile has a real kick to its swing and a gradual sense of momentum that really catches you by surprise. Don't sleep on this one.

Review: Famously returning to the game he was part of right back in the late 80s, Brian Power released his first album last year at the age of 54. Now back with his first new material since then, he's not messing around. Featuring long standing Muthafunka Marc Evans, "Falling Back Into Love" is a sprightly sunny side soulful house gem loaded with timeless appeal and emotion. And if that's not enough, the legend that is DJ Spen has supplied his own edit for the B. Feel the love!

Review: Richard Marks' super rare, quadruple figure selling 1975 45" "Speak Now/Purple Haze" enjoys its first ever reissue and it's well worth your attention. "Speak Now" is straight up soulful that yearns with gutsy intent and swoons with subtle country elements thanks to some strong slide guitar (from Marks himself) while "Purple Haze" on the B reflects a much more cosmic, psychedelic side to Marks' style. Not to be confused with Jimi's original, this is a whole other trip... And everyone's invited. Speak now or forever hold your peace.

Review: Straight form the heart of London via the mind of Detroit, the ever-consistent Soul Brother crew have laid down another stellar reissue here through Dee Edwards' gorgeous "(I Can) Deal With That". Originally out on the much-coveted De-To label in 1977, the original mix is a delicate, whaling soul monster that'll melt your heart from its first guitar riff - Edwards' voice is truly magnetic over the slow-burning percussion. There's a more stripped-down 'Strings' version to act as the cherry on the cake - you just gotta.

Review: French funk fusioneer Alexis Evans hits home with the second single from his new album "I've Come A Long Way". "She Took Me Back" is the opening track from his LP and you can hear why; soaring deep soul, all swooning and sweeping, it's an instant heart warmer that sets the scene for the whole album. "It's All Over Now" is a much more upbeat take with chunky honky tonks, tight horns and a fantastic band leading on the breakdown. His style, tone and delivery belie his young age. It ain't over yet...

Review: Original released in 2014, Music On Vinyl bring Marvin Gaye's Collected compendium back to life on limited edition coloured vinyl for a special release on what would have been his 80th birthday. Stacked with hits from every chapter of his influential career, it runs from his earliest soulful moods of 1961 right through to his experimental, technology embracing mid 80s dreams via his most troubled of times. Telling the story of his life and modern soul and funk music at large, "Collected" brings all of Marvin's greatest moments together in a unique and well curated way. No collection is complete without this.

Review: If you've yet to investigate the Soul Tune Allstars fine debut album, "Introducing The Soul Tune Allstars", then this taster single should be essential listening. A-side "World" is an absolute treat; a rich, undulating, retro-futurist turnoff-the-80s style soul cut full of jammed-out Hammond organ licks, punchy horn lines and effortlessly soulful vocal courtesy of former reggae singer and Freddie Cruger collaborator Desmond Foster. The similarly soulful Anna Thiam handles vocal duties on flipside cut "Natural Feeling", a particularly sweet, sunny and laidback song that sits somewhere between classic soul, jazz-funk and more contemporary cuts.