Back catalogue: Funk

Review: Previously unreleased, Joe Bataan (real name Bataan Nitollano) recorded the bulk of the material making up Drug Story in 1972. This new, highly limited box set hears seven revered, rarely-heard gems of Latin jazz, deep soul, raucous boogaloo, and heavy salsa by the legend, most of which were largely salvaged from his very own self-run Ghetto Records vaults. Drug Story was inspired by true events, and hears Bataan croon graciously over themes of destitution, lost family members and friends, and addiction. One of three definitive reissues of Bataan's greatest works, licensed from Bataan himself, with his oversight and input into a 15 page oversized book by Pablo Yglesia,s that details Bataan's larger-than-imagination life and his little Latin label that could.

Review: The long-lost disco-soul-funk album You Can Be by the Music Makers Band is finally seeing the light of day on vinyl once more with new mixes from original multi-track tapes by Kenny Dope. Forgotten in a linen closet in Macon, Georgia since 1979, this reel-to-reel treasure contains recordings from the group that previously released 'Black Gold' as The Mighty Chevelles in 1977. By 1979, now known as Music Makers Band, they captured this disco-funk gem at Capricorn Studios and here each track shines anew thanks to the fine work of funk lover Kenny Dope's work.

Review: Soul Cal is a deep dive into America's independent 70s soul scene, expertly curated by Eothen 'Egon' Alapatt. This compilation is a prime blend of the retro-utopian vision, where small-town record stores and garages across the U.S. might have been hiding virtuosic funk and soul outfits. The bittersweet joy of these previously overlooked musicians finally getting recognition is palpable, and the music itself is an absolute thrill. Songs like Luther Davis' 'You Can Be A Star' and Pure Essence's 'Wake Up,' the album is an impressive variety of styles, from heartfelt ballads to hard-hitting funk grooves. Anubis' 'Ecology' and Mixed Feelings' 'Sha-La-La' add a dash of social consciousness, while Leon Mitchison & The Eastex Freeway Band's 'Love Is' brings smooth sophistication. Mastered by Dave Cooley and team, the sound quality is stellar, making these hidden gems shine. Soul Cal is not just a tribute but a rediscovery, offering a bittersweet glimpse into an era of soul music often overshadowed by its mainstream counterparts.

Review: Loving On The Flip Side compiles overlooked ballads from the flip sides of funk 45s in the Now-Again and Truth and Soul vaults, all presented in the same format as the Soul Cal anthology. This collection showcases incredible music that pairs heavy funk with sweet soul to create a sound the label calls "sweet funk." The journey began nearly a decade ago with the discovery of the Darling Dears and Funky Heavy's unique two-sided single which sparked a search that led to their full inclusion in this anthology. The process unearthed other soulful gems and now culminates in an essential exploration of black American creativity and musical innovation.