Back catalogue: Funk

Review: Legendary New York DJ, producer and remixer Joe Claussell launches the new mixtape series for Secretsundaze. The 85 minutes mix is a typically spiritual and introspective selection recorded at The Cosmic Arts Center, Brooklyn.

Review: Immerse yourself in the world of Ginger Root, where Cameron Lew's meticulous craftsmanship shines through. Since 2017, this Southern California multi-instrumentalist, producer, songwriter, and visual artist has drawn a dedicated following with his remarkable albums, films, and global tours. Ginger Root's soundia polished blend of synth-pop, alt-disco, boogie, and soulireflects Lew's Asian-American heritage and love for 1970s and '80s music, including Japanese City Pop and its Western counterparts like French Pop and Philly Soul. Lew's third LP, Shinbangumi, marks his debut on Ghostly International and is set for a 2024 release with an accompanying visual album. This album represents a new chapter for Lew, showcasing his confidence and intention in presenting Ginger Root's definitive sound. Tracks like 'No Problems' and 'Better Than Monday' highlight Lew's signature style, blending diverse genres into cohesive songs. With Shinbangumi, Lew masterfully weaves his influences into a modern and refreshing sound, creating an album that serves as both a nostalgic homage and a bold step forward.

Review:  "An obscure collection of the most sought after breaks ever recorded. no bootlegs or compilations were used. 100% originally recorded material"

Review: Some 30 years after rising to prominence via a now legendary NYC radio show, veteran hip-hop DJs Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Garcia have finally made a debut album. It sees them join forces with specially created nine-piece combo The M19s Band to serve up fresh covers of a range of well-known and obscure "dance floor bangers" (as the accompanying press release puts it). There are some superb interpretations, with the Police's dub disco jam "Voices Inside My Head" becoming a sweet soul-jazz treat, the Clash's "Magnificent Dance" reborn as a Latin jazz number (complete with Rich Medina spoken word vocal) and Womack & Womack's "Baby I'm Scared of You" a seductive, shuffling Afro-Cuban jazz standard. In a word: brilliant.

Review: We're still banging XL Middleton's collab with Moniquea from back in October on the MO Funk label land already he is back with more of his squelchy analogue boogie sounds on the same label. This time Chrome Springs Eternal comes on a cassette and is backed with irresistible analogue jams. The withering chord lines and gurgling bass, pixelated pads and inherent funk of these tunes are gloriously colourful and sun-kissed. It's the soundtrack to a perfect 80s summer in LA you never lived but will feel like you have.