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.
Curtis Baker & The Bravehearts - "Fried Fish ’n’ Collard Greens" (2:40)
The Native Yinzer - "The Hip Strip" (2:33)
Review: The fourth edition in Original Gravity's Down In The Basement series, which gathers instrumental soul and swing cuts onto worthy 7" slabs, resounding the fervent 1960s decadal gap in which mod reigned supreme. With juleps flowing and kneecaps knocking, Abramo & Nestor bring newfangled electric pianistic swing with 'Dig It!', while a twinned "hit it!" injunction is heard from Floyd James & The GTs on the reissued 'Work That Thang'; James' voice is tubed and speed-delayed to terrific effect, achieving a sprung intonation. Curtis Baker brassifies the bonanza with the lively 'Fried Fish 'n' Collard Greens', while The Native Yinzer's exiting excitation 'The Hip Strip' quilts our ears with a mnemic, down-feathery Hammond-breaks bit.
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: African Dubplate delivers a thrilling selection of classic and rare Afro jams, reworked and pressed with a disco single flair. Though the mysterious artist behind the project remains anonymous, it's clear the source material hails from the rich well of African rhythms. Each track brings fresh energy to timeless sounds, crafted with the dancefloor in mind. Be sure not to miss out as this limited stock release is sure to fly off the shelves. Grab yours while you can!
Review: The Alex Santos Orchestra is a self-described "orchestra" orchestrated for the express purpose of sanctifying one Alex Santos' lifelong love for jazz and Latin music. Following the much loved 'Alex Santos Y Su Orquesta', 2021's next step in Latinizing said quasi-conceptual ensemble, we've now landed in the project's live ambit. 'The Alex Santos Orchestra On Tour' captures just two live highlights from a much more recent outing (given the mystification surrounding the project, this may or may not have happened). Whatever the case, these recordings span both potentialities, retaining something of a highly-strung Hammond organ come upfront-drumkit drama on the B-side, 'Mr Clean', and an equally stirring version of the main theme from 'The Godfather' on the A.
Review: Bristol beatmsiths and remixing duo The Allergies have been hot since '16, quietly pushing the buttons, twisting the dials and raising the throw levers on their resident soul console, Jalapeno Records. This time, though they've not revealed their sources, the boys have once again delivered on their promise to scour the waxen depths of Philly filler-upper funk, with 'Bye Bye Baby' panning a mammoth breaksoul gold rush, and 'Heartbreaker' offering a counterpoint in longing body percussions and "please don't leave me"s.
Review: 'Dreamtime Trance' is a cult gem for those who like to dig deep, and Alston Koch is exactly that person. She is a Sri Lankan-born Australian musician and the mastermind behind the Kookaburra Connection project, a collaboration with Aboriginal musicians, and this track blends indigenous themes with a unique, game-changing beat and infectious groove. It's a pure dancefloor revelation and this reissue includes a new extended version with a longer intro buildup that adds depth to the track. On the B-side, the heartfelt ballad 'Midnight Lady' offers a contrasting mood that is perfect for after-hours relaxation with PiNa Coladas. Remastered and re-issued with the original artwork, this EP is a must.
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: Montreal producer and keyboard maestro Anomalie offers a full-MOT servicing of funk-jazz on 'Velours', a choice track that presaged his 2018 EP 'Metropole'. Born of a chilled bedroom jam, the first iteration of this track was uploaded to YouTube in 2017, and utilised stacks of Yamaha pianos as well as sleek, sexily designed sample pads. Anomalie provides a rich, honeyed set of chordophonal can-cans over nothing but a swung backbeat, bringing seemingly boundless phonic fruition from little nutrient. Now the song hears a full reproduction and repackaging in vinyl form via Devins 7s.
Review: 'Anything Goes Vol. 7' the latest vinyl release EP from Rollover Edit Service, a subsidiary of Anything Goes, is back. Delve into the Italian music scene of the 70s and early 80s with four meticulously edited gems; all four versions here are billed as originals, credited to contemporary producers' hands (Black Pomade, Pablot, etc.) yet are heavily built around each respective sample. Our highlight is the hard-won, twangy B4, 'Prima O Poi Ti Prendero'.
Review: After the roaring success of his last outing here, the '3 Woman EP,' Art Of Tones is back on GAMM with a 12" that brings male ovals to the fore. They are all very different in style but all highly effective. 'International Truth' opens with strident and funky disco drums and noodling guitar lines with soulful tones lighting up the beats. 'Don's Expensive Afro' is a rework of a rare Afro-disco track with more expressive vocals instructing the floor to move. Last of all is a stunning reimagining of an overlooked Stevie Wonder gem, 'Stevland's Run', which is off-balance and unusual funk madness laden with psyched-out guitar work.
Review: Heavy Jazz returns with Ellis Island, their latest instrumental offering following the success of 'Indian Rope Man'. This new release highlights Brian Auger's signature jazz prowess, delivering another intricate and powerful workout. The flip side honours the late Zoot Money with the first-ever 7" release of 'George Bruno Money'. This limited edition comes in a carefully designed sleeve featuring foldout flaps and a cutaway rear. It's an essential piece for jazz lovers and collectors alike, brimming with soulful rhythms and nostalgic nods to jazz legends.
Review: This orange 7" is a miniature monument to one of soul's most quietly influential figures. Roy AyersiLos Angeles-born, jazz-schooled, funk-mindedicrafted 'Everybody Loves the Sunshine' not to dazzle but to dissolve. It moves with a drowsy clarity: shimmering synth, near-whispered vocals, and a lazily tumbling bassline that never quite lands. Released during a golden run of Ayers' mid-70s material, the track has since become shorthand for warm-weather introspection, equal parts ease and ache. The instrumental version on the reverse keeps the spirit intact, offering a meditative glide through the same terrain. Limited to 300 copies, this orange pressing pairs a low-lit groove with a deepening sense of legacyiAyers' influence isn't just heard, it's felt in the space he leaves behind.
Everybody Loves The Sunshine (instrumental) (4:36)
Review: 'Everybody Loves the Sunshine' represented a pivotal moment for Roy Ayers and Ubiquity as it marked a shift towards a funkier, more relaxed sound in 1976. It is one of his best-loved tunes as a result and always comes out when the weather warms up. That means it also often gets reissued, as it does here, as the track captures the essence of summer through joyful lyrics and a hypnotic groove. Ayers' vibraphone melodies intertwine seamlessly with the band's instrumentation while on the flip us an instrumental that offers a slightly different vibe. It all comes on nice yellow marbled vinyl.
Review: Legendary Brazilian jazz-funk trio Azymuth drop their latest record 'Arabuta', pointing themselves in a new cardinal direction in sound. The limited 7" brings two new mix version of their recently released 'Arabuta' to the fold, both by fellow producer and Azymuth collaborator Daniel Maunick. Part-dancefloor, part-dub, both versions bring preservative tones, fully circling the resinous Brazilwood tree after which the track is named. The Tupi Guarani word for the endangered tree fuses with deft unperturbed jazz licks, despite the sense of urgency in saving the species, underscoring Azymuth's fusion of timeless Brazilian jazz-funk and cosmic futurism. In more ways than one, this record serves as a symbol of both the value and fragility of Brazil's natural beauty.
Review: The third volume of this series delivers an irresistible blend of funk and 60s-inspired grooves. Side-1 kicks off with a surf-rock-infused funk jam packed with energy and retro vibes. Following that, a swinging 60s sound that combining catchy rhythms and pop sensibilities keeps the momentum going. Side-2 shifts gears a groove-heavy track led by a soulful organ that oozes vintage charm. Closing the collection, there is a gem that features smooth, funk-driven melodies, topped off by a standout sax solo and a subtle British flair. This compilation offers a vibrant mix of styles, perfect for fans of classic funk with a modern twist.
Review: Fresh from inspiring the global disco community with a tasty debut 7", Portuguese duo the Bam Jam band (AKA Pedro Teneiro and Sergio Alves) return with a similarly impressive sequel. A-side 'Keepin' On' is a genuinely killer workout - a low-slung bass guitar-propelled chunk of revivalist dancefloor disco-jazz rich in sustained organ chords, funky Clavinet licks and restless, Latin-influenced piano riffs and solos. The duo's love of memorable basslines comes to the fore once more on 'Something About Love', a more languid, picturesque and bittersweet affair in which slow, eyes-closed piano patterns and squelchy synths stretch out across a relaxed mid-tempo groove. An artist to watch in 2025 for sure.
Review: Melbourne's funk pioneers The Bamboos return with a fresh 7" Christmas EPian idea long held by bandleader Lance Ferguson. After their successful 'This Is How You Do It' album and sold-out Jazz Cafe shows, the group offers a festive twist with this limited-edition vinyl, complete in vibrant and custom knitted-sleeve. The A-side, 'Wrapt In A Beau,' sees Kylie Auldist delivering soulful, warm vocals in signature Bamboos style. On the B-side, 'The Bells Of Holly Hill' brings a lush, breakbeat-driven instrumental with sleigh bells, capturing the unique essence of an Australian Christmas.
Review: In 2011, Banda Achilifunk & OJO served up Gitano Real, one of the year's most essential albums. It was caned far and wide by funk lovers, in particular Craig Charles on his 6 Music show. Now, two cover versions taken from the essential album have been pressed to limited edition translucent yellow vinyl. First up, 'I Believe in Miracles' is an overwhelming take on the Jackson Sisters classic with plenty of happy Latin vibes and rumba funk rhythms. Flip it over for a more abstract version of McFadden and Whitehead's seminal 'Ain't No Stoping Us Now' which is a soulful disco number packed with sunshine.
Young Pulse & Fleur De Mur - "Smooth Sweet Talker" (6:53)
Review: Get yourself geared up for festival season with some fierce party starters certified with the Glitterbox stamp. Melvo Baptiste leads the charge with 'Sweat', a sizzling disco house stomper with Dames Brown giving the biggest diva energy on her show-stopping vocal. Lovebirds bring unbridled joy on the Philly string swoon and slinky b-line funk of 'Burn It Down', while Art Of Tones & Inaya Day keep it peak time on the sassy strutter 'Give My Love'. Young Pulse & Fleur De Mur complete the set with 'Smooth Sweet Talker', another bright and bold vocal cut par excellence.
Review: Major Keys revisits the jazz-funk classics with Gary Bartz's Music is My Sanctuary, now making its debut on a 12-inch. This 1977 gem, featuring the double Grammy-winning saxophonist, is an evergreen floorfiller, remastered for DJs and vinyl enthusiasts alike. With Syreeta Wright on vocals, Bill Summers and James Mtume on percussion, and arrangements by Larry Mizell, this track assembles top-tier talent. The lyrics are joyful and heartfelt, all anchored by Bartz's glorious saxophone. It's a timeless piece for both the mind and the dance floor. On Side-2, Carnaval De L'Esprit, is a lesser-known but equally brilliant jazz-funk masterpiece. Its sunny vibe lifts even the weariest spirits, cementing Major Keys as a must-have label. This record is a treasure that will be revisited time and again.
Review: An intriguing song is 'Aftershower Funk', the Latin American musician Joe Bataan's curt salsa single from 1974. Fresh, cologned, groomed, and with towel firmly wrapped round hair, Bataan's largely instrumental track is about as lightfooted as the sprightly young man he was, then at 34 years old. With heavy tin drum and cowbell clangings peppered throughout, a toe-tapping mood is sure to beset the listener. B-sider 'Fin' continues the mood, uniting percussion with piano, brass, whistle and rhythm guitar; a much fuller exercise in triumphant finality.
Review: The BDQ duo were in the studio 25 years ago working on these tracks but never quite finished them due to life changes like marriage and kids. Recently, while revisiting old tapes, they discovered a lost tape and decided to give it another listen. They liked what they heard and after a bit of effort to transfer the tracks, they now feel the time has come for a vinyl release. Side 1 features their version of Timebox's 'Beggin'' with vocals by Sarah Orpen and Bryn Barklam laying down some killer Hammond sounds. Side 2 presents their take on the Mirettes' 'Take Me For a Little While' with more stellar vocals from Sarah.
Review: Get your hips and heart around this bit of L.A. boogie by the elusive Ben White and you cannot help but feel better. It is a highly sought-after rarity that disco collectors have been fawning over since forever. It was originally reissued as a 45 by the great Athens of the North and now comes this 7" version which was sourced from Andy Noble, who has often helped the label out before. It features two sides of exceptional modern soul and boogie that blend rhythm and grove in magical ways that are never going to age. 'I See A World' has lovely and tender falsetto vocals and 'Give Me Love (Always)' is more of a party starter.
Review: Blackhole drops a vital new 7" that features a pair of tidy edits of some classic cuts. First is a Dorothy Ashby masterpiece that has been remastered and is awash with lush, golden harp sounds and gently broken drums. It's a charming escape to heavenly melodic worlds. On the flip is 'Gold' with some masterful guitars and Donny Hathaway on piano. This is the first time this cut has been on its own 45 rpm and is one that has been sampled by greats like hip-hop kings Jay DIlla and Pete Rock.
Review: Betty Black's 'Gypsy Heart' is a sassy, driving dancer, brimming with flair and powerful vocals. The track marries Rhythm and Blues under the watchful eyes of Gospel and African-American Spirituals. It's mystical and cinematic, yet gutsy and funky - a true Roots Revival Soul with a sophisticated twist, perfect for the dance floor. On the flip side, 'Sweet Beautiful Lies' blurs the lines between Motown, Latin Soul, and Funk. Betty is surrounded by a Phil Spector-inspired wall of sound, delivering a 60s aura as she recounts a young woman's encounter with a smooth-talking man. Backing vocals echo the timeless theme with a modern touch. The track boasts fat backbeat drums, roaring bass, a full Latin percussion section, and horns, all crammed into the studio to accompany Betty.
Review: .5 Borough Breaks are back with another essential slice of 90s hip-hop nostalgia. Their latest 7" revives a 1995 Hot 97 favourite-a gritty, golden-era banger that once ruled the NYC airwaves. Handily pressed for both DJs and collectors, Blahzay Blahzay's 'Danger' captures the raw energy of East Coast rap at its peak. As always with this label, the flip side features the original sample source: a soulful gem 'Rockin Chair' from recently departed legend Gwen McCrae whose legacy shaped generations of soul fans and hip-hop heads. As such, this 7" combines deep digging with authentic hip-hop flair and pays tribute to both the beatmakers and the soul pioneers who inspired them. Essential wax.
Review: Matasuna Records, based in Berlin, kick off their 2025 with a ladling of fresh soul soma food, this time by Barca's finest one-girl band The Blaxound (Marta Roman), in collaboration with singer John Vermont. Building on irreverent, vintage 60s pop from Spain, whose sound is categorically fiendish to replicate, the two artists have nonetheless managed a close hewing here. 'No Es Por Ti' showcases Vermont's throaty singing, lyrically playing out the eternally relatable breakup trope of "it's not you, it's me." Then 'Qu Ms Te Da?' follows with an affectingly syncopal rhythm, with a tightened snare played only on the 4, heightening the erotic tensity of the scene, driven by shuffling hats alone, whilst the artists' respective cools are kept.
Review: Border Edits 02 delivers four distinctive disco edits that blend groove, funk, and boogie into one irresistible package. Side-1 kicks off with 'Love Excess,' a track that strikes a perfect balance between a smooth disco groove and a hefty dose of funk. It's a sweet opener that sets the tone for the record. Next, 'Triple Boogie' serves up a disco boogie builder with a bassline that will feel familiar to many. It reinterprets the original into a jam that invites you to "listen to the music and let your body move." On Side-2, 'Supafunky' lives up to its name as an anthem for getting down, packed with funky rhythms that are impossible to resist. Finally, 'Wordoutro' closes the record with a drum break that's tailor-made for DJs and dancers, providing the perfect backdrop for creative mixes and energetic dance floors. This is a versatile and funky collection of edits that will keep any disco lover moving.
Review: The legendary UK acid-jazz innovators Brand New Heavies dropped many a classic sounds and none more so than their iconic album 'Heavy Rhyme Experience Vol. 1. More than three decades after first release it remains an influential work that blends UK club jazz with US hip-hop. Featuring collaborations with artists like Main Source, The Pharcyde, Gang Starr, and Black Sheep, the album marked a groundbreaking fusion of genres back in its heyday and now two standout tracks from the album, 'Soul Flower' featuring The Pharcyde and 'It's Gettin' Hectic' featuring Gang Starr make their way to 7" for the first time and sounds as good as ever.
Review: Brand New Heavies have long had their legacy assured. They played a vital role in establishing the Brit-funk sounds of the 80s and 90s and are one of the most enduring acts on Acid Jazz. Now, their standout album Heavy Rhyme Experience Vol. 1 has two of its finest cuts singled out and pressed up to this Bonafied Funk reissue on P-Vine Japan. The tunes are a blend of their signature sounds with some top-level featured guests including hip hop royalty Main Source and the one and only Grand Puba. Timeless dance floor delights, for sure.
Review: The latest addition to Echo Edits keeps the funk coming courtesy of Break Character who delivers two powerful tracks that are indicative of his unique approach, names to enhance each edit with extra layers of FX and beats. 'Cosmic Freaks' takes a 60s go-go rock groove and infuses it with Moog and Space Echo effects while paying homage to the psychedelic club sounds of Pierre Henry and JJ Perrey. 'Cherie Boca' then transports you in an instant to the funky samba rhythms of 70s Brazil with an extended edit and added beats to guide dancers from the favela to the beach. Two distinct styles, perfect for different vibes.
Review: To bear a name like Breakbeat Lou, you'd have to have earned it. And Louis Flores is indeed arch-digger numero uno: mainly having cut his teeth as a co-creator of the Ultimate Break And Beats compilations on New York's Streetbeat Records, Lou was born anew as a DJ as way back as 1974 (!), amassing a boss pile of vinyl and thus music intel, largely as to where and how to source the best breakbeats out there. With elite producers like DJ Premier, Large Professor, The Bomb Squad, Pete Rock, Dr Dre and Marley Marl all having sampled Lou's wholesale procurements over the years, the man himself now steps back up to flaunt his very own pump-action breaks works. From KRS-One to Loose Ends, the samples on this are electric, and the original beats bombastic.
Review: British multi-hyphenate James Alexander Bright is soon to return with his third album and ahead of that you can get a taste of what to expect in the form of this irresistible electro-boogie banger. 'Straight Line', says Borght, "started out as a wonky homage to 80s & 90s radio" and is "based on the memory of meeting someone you want to stay up all night listening to music with". His voice takes the lead with LinnDrum beats and wispy synths, lithe pads and a slapping bassline. It's sultry, steamy and sure to get temperatures rising. 'Oh My' is a superb jazz-funk workout in a late-night Theo Parrish style.
Review: Gustav Brom's 'Calling Up The Rain' from his 1976 album Gustav Brom Plays for You Pop Jazz and Swing is a dancefloor gem that seamlessly blends big band jazz with a Latin groove, featuring a splendid organ and trumpet solos alongside a screeching guitar solo. Panorama Records' reissue of this track reaffirms the label's commitment to unearthing and reintroducing hidden musical treasures to new audiences. The 45 release of 'Calling Up The Rain' marks the first official reissue of this anthem, promising to ignite the enthusiasm of long time fans and those who dig for special new records.
Review: Talented funk, jazz and soul outfit Bronze, Silver & Brass are back on Finland's finest Timmion Records with a second outing that confirms their top-shelf credentials. This latest high-grade outing opens with 'Renard's Groove which bursts forth and has a speedy, dramatic rhythm driven by tight guitar riffs and breakbeat energy, ll with hints of 1970s cinematic charm. Then comes 'Brass In Motion' which slows the tempo with a smooth, mid-paced jazz-funk groove. It balances its funky vibe with a lyrical, laid-back charm and is another gem from this increasingly essential band.
Review: Timmion Records presents the debut 7" vinyl single from Bronze, Silver & Brass, an eight-piece brass ensemble making waves with 'Conrad's Lesson' b/w 'Ward to Ward'. This release offers two spectacular tracks showing the group's influences from soulful stage band music to New Orleans street funk. On Side-1 'Conrad's Lesson' features a pulsing midtempo groove, driven by funky drums and mellow horn melodies. On Side-2 'Ward to Ward,' delivers upbeat New Orleans second line funk, brimming with syncopated beats and spirited horn arrangements, capturing the essence of celebration and joy. Inspired by the soulful sounds of the Kashmere Stage Band and Curtis Mayfield, as well as contemporary brass trailblazers like Young Blood Brass Band and Hot 8 Brass Band, Bronze, Silver & Brass blends these influences into a unique and infectious sound. Their debut single invites listeners to celebrate the rich heritage of brass music while keeping it severely funky. Get ready to march to the rhythms of Bronze, Silver & Brass.
James Brown - "Funky Men" (Dimitri From Paris Special version) (6:13)
The JB's - "Just Wanna Make You Dance" (feat Maxxi - Dimitri From Paris Special version) (6:48)
Review: Dimitri From Paris returns with a fresh installment of his celebrated DFP Vaults series, highlighting deep cuts that reinforce his status as a top-tier remixer, DJ, and a true connoisseur of dance music's hidden gems. This release holds particular significance for Dimitri, as it pays homage to the legendary James Brown, a figure whose influence in music is beyond measure. The release features Dimitri's 'Special Version' of 'Funky Men,' a track from James Brown's Soul Syndrome. Originally overlooked by Dimitri in 1981, it now shines with a unique disco beat that he's reimagined using both vintage and modern editing techniques. The track has already proven its power on the dance floor. On the flip side, Dimitri revisits 'Just Wanna Make You Dance' by The J.B.'s, featuring Maxxi. This rare disco track, with its Caribbean flair, gets Dimitri's expert touch, enhancing its dancefloor appeal. DFP Vaults, the sister label to Le-Edits Records, presents this release with meticulous attention to detail, featuring state-of-the-art mastering and vintage-inspired packaging.
Review: Bull & the Matadors, hailing from East St. Louis, brought their soulful energy to the Toddlin' Town label in 1968, joining forces with the iconic Leaner family. Inspired by Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In and its courtroom sketch craze, they released the groovy r&b hit 'The Funky Judge,' crafted by Andre Williams and Leo Hutton. Now, their unreleased sequel 'Where Did The Judge Go' finally sees the light, rescued from obscurity for eager fans on provided on the flipside.
Cerebro Orgasmo Envidia & Sofia (Bosq remix) (4:40)
Review: Martin Buscaglia's riotous, psychedelic Latin funk anthem from his 2006 classic album El evangelio segun mi jardinero finally makes its much-requested debut on a 7". This release features a stunning remix by Bosq. The original track is a wild, high-energy ride through vibrant Latin funk landscapes, bursting with infectious rhythms and lively instrumentation. Bosq's remix adds a touch of his signature magic, infusing the track with a subtle cumbia feel while maintaining its midtempo groove. Resisting the urge to speed it up, Bosq crafts a remix that's perfect for the dance floor, offering a joyful, everyone-smiling experience. The result is a delightful, midtempo dancefloor treat that celebrates the original's wild spirit while adding a fresh, irresistible twist.
Review: Through persistent questioning and doubting, Socrates challenged the norms and mores of his local Athens; through persistent flipping and releasing, BusCrates bucks the established trends and staid sounds of his local Pittsburgh. The synth wonder and beatmaker shares two new ones onto breakout translucent vinyl here, enlisting singer Anda for an embodied song on 'Drift', whilst DJ Epik joins on production duties. Meanwhile, 'Serenity' persists on the inverse side as an instrumental Minimoog meditation session.
I Know You Got Soul (Mister Mushi Special vocal mix) (4:00)
I Know You Got Soul (Mister Mushi Special instrumental mix) (4:03)
Review: Bobby Byrd's classic 'I Know You Got Soul' was originally recorded with James Brown's band The J.B.'s back in 1971 and soon became a club staple. It has endured in original form ever since but now it gets subtly reimagined by Mister Mushi. He offers a fresh, funky remix that's perfect for both crate diggers and DJ sets with the standout feature being the open drum break, which is a percussion lover's dream and has been designed to be sampled and looped for fun. Mister Mushi's impeccable mix stays true to the original funk spirit and the whole thing has been pressed on high-quality vinyl so it sounds superb.
Review: The Milanese outfit dive headlong into cinematic Afro-disco on this limited 7", reworking two cult dancefloor staples with characteristic flair. On the A-side, their version of Piero Umiliani's 'Discomania' hits with tightened syncopation and swirling synth arrangements, turning the cosmic Italo-disco cut into a hypnotic afrobeat strut. Flip it over for a rich reimagining of Azymuth's 'Jazz Carnival'iCalibro 35 boost the groove with deep-bottomed funk and crisp horns, pushing the original's samba swing into widescreen. Known for their work at the intersection of funk, soundtrack and psych, the band bring sharp musicianship and warm analogue heat to both sides of this essential 45.
Review: Brazilian talent Rafael Cancian has grown in stature thanks to solid outings on the tasteful likes of Razor-N-Tape and Hot Pot Records. Now with that profile established, he heads out with a new label of his own in the form of About Disco. He inaugurates it with a quartet of edits that he has already been deploying to great effect on various dancefloors around the world. 'Sounds Chicago' does indeed with raw drums and great keys dancing over the beats. 'Ti Amo' has a more funky undercarriage and disco percussion, 'D'Afrique' again brings a funky bass riff to the fore with some psyched-out sounds for company and 'Opera' shuts down with some late-night and soul-drenched synths over intimate and stripped back house drums.
Review: First released in 2009 through People's Potential Unlimited - the vintage funk and soul outfit operant out of Washington, D.C. - Cardell Funk Machine's 'Shoot Your Shoot' is a daring tease, dealing in candid soul thematics about taking chances, and/or asking, "what's the worst that could happen?". The first ever release by this alias of the avant-soul Chicago musician Cardell Harrington, 'Shoot Your Shot' was released in 2009 but may have been recorded even earlier; Cardell was said to have only been 19 at the time, allegedly laying it down in prominent soul producer Donald Burnside's studio. Backed by the 'lo-fi' halfstep number 'It's All Over', this is electric soul through and through, commanding a bare-boned but still brilliantly even, neon sonic keel.
Review: Robert Chandler's Experience My Love is a soulful gem that's been resurrected from obscurity. Originally released in 1986 on a rare white label by DJ Smokey Joe, the track quickly became a coveted collector's item, with only a handful of copies ever circulating. Produced by Steve Slavin, the single boasts a smooth, infectious groove and top-tier production that encapsulates the essence of 1980s soul. Featured on Side-1, Chandler's rich, emotive vocals, delivering a love song that resonates with warmth and sincerity. On Side-2 is the instrumental version, allowing the lush arrangement to shine on its own. This limited 7" reissue is a long-overdue revival of a track that never got the wide release it deserved. Rare groove and Soul fans should be excited about this one!
Review: Hailing from sunny California, funk/soul/jazz crew The Charities bring heart and grit to a track that delves into the intoxicating pull of a love destined to implode. The song paints a vivid portrait of a desriable yet destructive partner whose charm conceals a narcissistic core. With sharp, emotive lyrics and a bittersweet melody, it yearns for the intensity of love's highs and the sting of its inevitable downfall. It's a classic tale of attraction turning to heartache, delivered with a raw authenticity that lingers. Their third single since forming, 'Fatal Attraction' might just be their best yet, while on the flip side, 'It's Not Our Time' shifts to a softer, more reflective tone. This bittersweet ballad explores the ache of love interrupted, as two lovers part ways with the hope that time and distance will lead to a brighter reunion. The warmth of the band's instrumentation, coupled with tender, heartfelt vocals, makes this track a touching counterbalance to the A-side's intensity. The Charities' ability to channel deep emotion through timeless grooves is soulful storytelling at its finest.
Review: Cheeba's Latin brothers are back with yet another Havanan shuffle, extensively vacationing in Cuba to soak in very best of the nation's ripest stylistic amassments. Taking cues from cut and paste funk to Latin boogaloo, 'Cuban Shuffle' and 'Pablo's Theme' urge us formerly to "keep it going, now" before latterly dropping us into a fuzz-scat vat of hazy brass and stomping, found percussion. Most notably, the A-side's vinyl scratches sate a pruritic itch, and a careful dosage of reverb marks out a roomy but expansive atmosphere, one difficult to recreate lest you actually were there in 1970s Cuba.
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.