Juno Recommends Funk / Rare Groove / Reissues : May 2024

Review: Dimitri From Paris' Le Edits imprint returns with another triumph, infusing their style into the music landscape with meticulous care and attention to detail. This time, the spotlight falls on UK jazz-funk pioneers, Jamiroquai, and their 1999 hit 'Canned Heat' from the album 'Synkronized.' Dimitri takes listeners on a transformative journey deeper into the funkmosphere, delivering a euphoric disco odyssey of epic proportions. The Side-1 features an extended, nearly nine minute vocal version of 'Canned Heat,' showcasing both Jamiroquai's unparalleled talent and Dimitri's mastery in crafting dancefloor sensations from classic records. Complementing this is a stellar Dubstrumental rendition on the second side. With a no re-press guarantee and a commitment to uncompromising quality, each Le Edits release is a testament to Dimitri's dedication to restoring sophistication and excellence to the re-edit game. From the highest-grade tip-on heavy-duty sleeves to outer protective covers, every detail is meticulously crafted, affirming Le Edits' commitment to prioritizing quality over quantity.

Review: Riveting, super-punchy uptempo funk from Japan's Mushi 45 imprint, the label home of the band The Mushi Players, and whose wily curatorial wits are put on full display with this incredible new release shared with Super Eagles Band. The Players' fourteenth release, 'Sock It To Me' welcomes the newly formed Super Eagles for an enthralling sonic spectacle; part one on the A signals an unmatched taste for unisons and tightness, prepending singeing axes with gnarly vocal yaps and an overall unmatched fonk; the instrumental B-sider, meanwhile, eschews the various voxes and solos for a full-frontal exposing of the nude groove, evincing a strong taste for on-beat hat-batterings and firmly-held sax notes in their place.

Review: Weighty, bass-packed hip-hop editry from the form's current stylistic crown-bearers Krafty Kuts, who this time deliver yet another two curios for the heads to chew on. On this 7" comes a smoked-out, heads-down version of 'C.R.E.A.M.' by Wu-Tang, flipping the song instrumentally towards a mood of melodrama and vacillatory tension-release; the B contrasts with a soft-bellied version of Lou Reed come A Tribe Called Quest's 'Take A Walk On The Wild Side' aka. 'Can I Kick It?', with an instrumental take that'll make your ears point straight upwards.

Review: Panorama Records reintroduces Danish pop duo Gitte and Inger's electrifying cover of Creative Source's 'Can't Hide Love' with their reissue of 'Ud Af Buret'. Originally released in 1978, this high-energy rendition captures the soul of the original while infusing it with the duo's unique style. Presented on limited 7", this reissue promises to be a party starter, offering a fresh perspective on a timeless classic. With Panorama Records at the helm, collectors can anticipate a discovery of Gitte and Inger's twist on the hit, establishing the label as a tastemaker in the reissue market. Get ready to groove or miss out on this essential addition to your collection!

Review: El Michels Affair are widely recognised in the hip-hop game now as a cinematic soul outfit worthy of collabs with the likes of Freddie Gibbs & Madlib, Black Thought and many more besides. It all kicked off when they toured with Raekwon and other Wu-Tang Clan members before recording their cool and deadly covers of the entire Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) in 2009, giving a smoky ensemble feel to the iconic, gritty beats. Two of the choicest cuts from that album are revived here on this Fat Beats 7", namely 'C.R.E.A.M' and 'Glaciers Of Ice', which sound as tough as the original versions while subtly sliding into the heavy funk sphere undetected.

Review: Only 300 copies of this tantalising 7" single from the esteemed Soopastole Edits label are available, so act quickly to secure yours because they all sold out fast back in 2016 upon original release. As usual, Soopasoul, a regular on Jalepeno Records, is at the helm, deftly wielding his scalpel to craft two scorching interpretations of a lesser-known gem from the 'Sex Machine' sessions. On side A, 'Shake Your Money Maker (Part 1)' showcases Maceo Parker's electrifying saxophone solos soaring over Soopasoul's tightened-up version of the JB's infectious groove. Flip to the B-side for more saxophone magic and a groove that delves into the original track's percussive sections, delivering irresistible hip-swinging and toe-tapping thrills.

Review: What we gonna do right here is go back, way back. You already recognise that refrain, don't you? That's because it is one of the most sampled refrains in dance music history. Now it gets pressed up on to 7" for this year's Record Store day as a 7" double header featuring two of the most impossibly huge hits from the Jimmy Castor Bunch, namely the million-plus selling 'Troglodyte', and on the reverse, 'It's Just Begun'. A true funk masterpiece that made its mark lighting up parties in the Bronx in the 70's before it set a fire under those who went on to create hip-hop's earliest blueprint, it remains a classic to this day.

Review: As soon as you drop the needle on this one you will recognise it as a sample source for one of the biggest hip hop tunes of the last 30 years. That tune was of course by Eminem, but Jay-Z and Miguel also used it in their own work. It is originally by veteran UK soul sensation Labi Siffre and features sweet beats and a rugged riff. On the flip, Banbarra's 'Shack Up' brings some raw funk vibes with chugging drums and belting vocals, and both of these versions are New New Super Heavy Funk edits by the Soopastole label's in-house namesake.

Review: Making its debut release on vibrant neon green 12" vinyl for Record Store Day 2024, this release from Sony spotlights Jamiroquai's dazzling 2006 BBC live session, recorded at Maida Vale for radio legend Ken Bruce. It features all of the funk one's most epic tunes such as the perma-hit 'Cosmic Girl', the infectious 'Canned Heat' and the superb opener 'Runaway'. A great album, a great new pressing, a great one to snap up for when you need some colourful cosmic uplifting in your life.

Review: 'The Catfish' by Peter Herbolzheimer is a thrilling addition to Dynamite Cuts' 7" series, featuring the German big band jazz maestro's powerhouse sound. Originally recorded live at the renowned ONKELPO in Sweden, this release features two monster tracks that pack a punch. On the Side-1, 'The Catfish' delivers a heavy moog and drum groove layered with outstanding horn sections, creating an electrifying atmosphere that is sure to get listeners moving. Meanwhile, the Side-2 offers 'Head Egg,' an uptempo and powerful groove with a banger of a drum loop that will leave audiences craving more. For fans of big band funk and jazz, this 7" release is a must-have addition to any collection, offering irresistible energy and infectious grooves that will captivate music lovers of all stripes.

Review: This is a lovely reissue on pink vinyl of Cymande's Promised Heights album, which is a famously warm blend of funk, soul, and reggae that showcases the band's distinctive sound and social consciousness. Released in 1974, this record continued their tradition of infectious grooves and thought-provoking lyrics. The uplifting rhythms of 'Brothers on the Slide' still resonate to this day while the laid-back vibes of 'Changes,' remain timeless. Each track has intricate instrumentation and soulful vocals that make this one so well-loved by new generations of record diggers and soul fans, all while delivering a powerful message of unity and hope.

Review: Legendary Bristol-based funk and breaks master Boca 45 is back with more of his battle-ready DJ tools. This 7" takes the form of a second volume of Tools on the Cold Beer Music label and it offers a brilliant brace of cut n' paste, surefire party starters and floor fillers. 'Kick That' has old school feels with classic piano chords from a certain Fatboy Slim tune that really will get the floor going mad. 'Unwind Your 909' taps into another iconic sample, this time from a sax, with break-neck breaks and plenty of chopped-up energy.

Review: Transcendental outernational funk and psychedelic jazz sounds are what you get from the enigmatic LA-based collective, Sun Atlas. Their identities are shrouded in mystery behind masks and costumes which means the outfit prioritises musical unity over individual acclaim. Their eclectic fusion reflects a universal spirit, blending Afrobeat, cinematic soul, spiritual jazz, and Ethio jazz with hip-hop breaks and garage funk vibes. Their debut 45 single, 'The Mystic Parade' backed with 'Grand Theft' quickly sold out and was often mistaken for lost hip-hop samples or 70s habibi funk. 'Return To The Spirit' continues their journey into the unknown, with a full-length exploration of their colourful universe, housed in a deluxe handmade tip-on sleeve.

Review: This is one of the many exclusive Record Store Day 2024 releases and one of the many you will find yourself wanting to add to your collection. It is the reissue of Superior Elevation's soulful rarity, 'Giving You Love.' Originating from Lake Charles, Louisiana, this 1985 release embodies the band's deep connection to their hometown's soulful roots and in the realm of rare discoveries, they don't come much better. Original copies are exceedingly rare and that scarcity, coupled with the track's inherent soulful charm, cements this as an essential addition for anyone seeking killer dancefloor obscurities.

Review: El Michels Affair continues their reign of reimagined Wu-Tang Clan classics with 'Duel of the Iron Mics', which gets a dramatic makeover on the A-side, with hypnotic piano hooks complemented by stirring strings. The flip offers a fresh take on 'Bring Da Ruckus', transforming its raw energy with mind-bending bass notes and amplified organ hooks. These tracks foreshadow the brilliance of El Michels Affair's Enter the 37th Chamber, which marks its 15th anniversary in 2024, paying homage to the Wu-Tang legacy while carving out their own unique sound in the process. It's a testament to their mastery of musical reinvention and a must-listen for fans of both groups.

Review: This new series brings forth a fusion of late 60s/early 70s Funky Rock Breaks from around the world, promising dancefloor action for Hairy B-Boys and Head-Banging Breakers alike. Side-1 kicks off with 'Good Thing Going (Put It On A Record),' blending guitar riffs, big beats, rock vocals, and rap phrases to ignite any party atmosphere. On the Side-2, 'Whole Lotta Drugs!' delves into the wild world of groupies and illicit substances, featuring an obscure brassy cover of a classic rock track with added beats and samples for a backstage after-party vibe. Released on limited edition purple and black vinyl, this series delivers a high-octane soundtrack for the upcoming festival season.

Review: The Meters are a fine band that embody the famous sound of New Orleans in their work. They are claimed for singles like 'Cissy Strut,' played by Leo Nocentelli, and the celebratory gem 'Hey Pocky A-Way' both of which are classics that make a mark with funk lovers cross the ages. Their fantastic album Now Playing includes all these and many more delights on black ice vinyl courtesy of Rhino. Deep cut and steamy funk tracks like 'Fire On The Bayou', the raw and sleazy 'Just Kissed My Baby' and 'Look-Ka Py Py' all prove they have great versatility to their sound.

Review: 94 East's debut studio compilation, Dance To The Music Of The World features the late great Prince showcasing his multi-instrumental talents on drums, guitar, and synthesizer. Originally recorded in the summer of 1978 at Sound 80, Minneapolis, Minnesota, during the same sessions as 'Lovin' Cup' and 'Just Another Sucker,' the title track remained unreleased in its original 1978 form. Additional recording took place at Blue Wave Recording Studio, St. Philip, Barbados, by Pepe Willie, as with the other tracks featured on here. It is a great collection of funked-up sounds from the Purple one that remind of his untouchable genius.

Review: This Record Store Day, The Flirtations are back with Still Sounds Like the Flirtations, their first album of new material in 55 years. Renowned for their 1969 hit 'Nothing But A Heartache', which spent 14 weeks on Billboard's Hot 100, the group toured with icons like Stevie Wonder and The Four Tops. Their signature song remains a Northern Soul classic, remixed in 2022 by Tobtok and Oliver Nelson. Produced by Ben Rice, the album delves into their life stories, drawing from personal, social, and political experiences and was recorded across Abbey Road, Resident Studios, Degraw Sound, and Creative Workshop, with many standout tracks showcasing timeless perspectives on love and life.