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Back catalogue: Funk
Juno's full catalogue of Funk
Singles
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Review: Destination Youngstown Ohio, 1973: A young troupe of musicians gain local notoriety through their on-point covers and originals. While they never make it past the local legend status, they did record one 45" on a very limited run... And here it is. "Well Good" is a slinky slab of sizzling Hammond-led funk that builds with the help of some interesting time signature switches and electrified guitar. Think Booker T crossed with Shuggie Otis. "Bells" shows the band's softer side as they lay down some slow burning, soulful harmonic heaven that's made all the more poignant by the fact that the band didn't continue recording. Fittingly, this reissue is highly limited too.
… Read morePlayed by: Juno Recommends Funk, I Love 45's!
out of stock $7.30
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Review: Original pressings have been previously spotted passing hands for well over L1000: Big Apple Band's 1976 deep funk classic has been rarer than hen's teeth for most of its 41 year life. Its sought-after status accelerated by Keb Darge for last 15 or so years - that and the fact it's an out-and-out soul-stirring, honey-vocalled, low and slow funk burner - AOTN have finally unleashed it in it full length for all of us. And we should all be eternally grateful.
… Read moreout of stock $6.45
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Review: Destination 1981 for these Latin cover versions from renowned composer and Tito Puente compadre Ray Barretto. First heard on his 1981 album La Cuna, both these versions (taken from the original masters) sparkle and shine with this trademark jazz signature; the 7" version "Pastime Paradise" offers a little more bounce in the rhythm than Stevie's original while the vocals are eerily similar to Wonder himself. Carlos Franzetti's "Mambotango" enjoys pride of place on the B; light and almost loungey in its make up, the horns do all the seducing over a smouldering samba beat.
… Read moreout of stock $10.95
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Review: Athens Of The North present a brand new label Owl Of Athens. And they're starting with a serious musical mission statement. Taken from Beginning Of The End's rare eponymous LP, both cuts were written by NY hitmaker Alessandro Randazzo, both "Superwoman" and "That's What I Get" are delivered with premium polish and large-scale dynamics. The former is a heartfelt, big band-led slab of funk that's dense textured in superhuman musicianship. The latter places more focus on the vocals with epic cascading harmonies and a razor-sharp Afrobeat backing. What a way to launch a label!
… Read moreout of stock $11.50
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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.
… Read morePlayed by: Marcel Vogel, Juno Recommends Disco
in stock $21.32
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Cat: ATH 148V. Rel: 13 Apr 23
Review: Ben (Benjamin Robinson of Ben & Coco) and the Tight Squeeze Band have not long been getting us hot under the collar as Athens of the North put out a reissue of their AM Funk 7" only back in March. Now the faultless Edinburgh label is back with another pair of tunes from them that are just as good. 'Thumping For You' is nice loose-limbed, off-grid funk with love and wonky drums, happy sax lines and sustained chords bringing a golden touch next to the aloof vocals. 'Brandon's Song' is another uplifting one with seductive claps and shakers, squelchy leads and lush string synths.
… Read morePlayed by: Craig Charles Funk And Soul
out of stock $21.89
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Review: We go all weak at the knees and starry-eyed simply at the mention of the words 'Athens of the North'. The label has one of the best catalogues out there and adding to that richness now is this glorious Memphis funky 45rpm. It comes from Ben (Benjamin Robinson of Ben & Coco) and the Tight Squeeze Band and features two unreleased tunes from the tape archive. The A-side is a real dancefloor heater with lovely frayed, lo-fi production and tight, quick drums. Neat guitar riffs, distant chords and lively vocal ad-libs bring the energy then on the flip things get gorgeously deep and vibey on 'Summer Rest'.
… Read morePlayed by: Marcel Vogel
out of stock $16.27
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Review: DJ Fryer's Athens of the North imprint has provided soul and disco DJs with some killer 7" reissues since launching earlier this year. Here, he uncovers another obscure but oh-so-good gem. There's little information available about Bileo, aside from the fact that they released just two singles between 1979 and '83. "You Can Win" was there debut. It's a deliciously loose and celebratory chunk of disco-soul featuring spellbinding horns and a cheery, wholeheartedly positive vocal. It's the sort of disco-soul gem that makes us want to hug complete strangers before running into the sea fully clothed. The more low-slung disco-funk flipside, "Let's Go", is almost as good. Recommended.
… Read morePlayed by: Scratchandsniff, Ian Blevins, Charles Maurice, Mukatsuku Records Chart, JimmyTheTwin, Tunguska Sound, Dicky Trisco, Athens of the North (Fryer), RUSTAM OSPANOFF., Smoove, Craig Charles Funk And Soul, Ivan Ivánovich, Jitterbug (Uzuri / Metrolux), * Record Breakin' Music *, WOLF Music, Javi Frias, Lay-Far, Superbreak, Marcel Vogel, Juno Recommends Disco, Frank Booker, Suonho, I Love Disco!, Marc Hype, Summer Carnival Chart, I Love 45's!, NICOLA CONTE, Mr. Mendel, BodyMoves, Red Greg, Dam Swindle, Falcon Punch, Originals, VinylAddicted, Al Bumz (Al-Tone Edits), Editor's Kutz, Alan Mooney's Edits, Chesney, Roger Bong (Aloha Got Soul), Groove College
… Read moreout of stock $20.49
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Review: Athens Of The North have worked with some OGs and veterans in their time but Bobby Boyd is by far one of the biggest and influential. Cutting his teeth in the Lafayette Afro Rock Band before going solo, he recorded a whole host of material that remained unreleased. Until now. "Love Goddess" kicks off the collection with a northern soul stomp, big harmonies backed by a tight, slippery funk groove while "Good News" is golden era Boyd funk with its bright horn work, positive sentiment and driving soul energy. This is an amazing piece of investigatory work by Fryer and co. And there's more, too...
… Read moreout of stock $6.45
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Review: Athens Of The North serve up a mighty fine taster of a singles LP that is due to drop soon of Brief Encounters most popular modern and disco sounds. Both the tunes here are stone cold classics licenced direct from the band. 'Get A Good Feeling' is all big horns and rolling rhythms, disco flourishes and squelchy bass. On the flip, the tone changes completely with the heart aching balladry of 'Just A Little Notion'. Falsetto vocals are off set by warmer backing singers, pained wind leads ring out and spoken word sections bring the intimacy.
… Read moreout of stock $14.59
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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.
… Read moreout of stock $14.32
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I'm Gonna Miss Ya (7")
Cat: ATH 050. Rel: 25 Jan 18
Review: For their latest trip into "in-demand collector cuts" territory, Edinburgh's Athens of the North shines a light on the work of obscure Miami artist Aaron Broomfield. "I'm Gonna Miss You" originally appeared on Mountain Records in 1981 and has become something of a sought-after record in recent years. It's a brilliant chunk of rubbery Miami synth-funk rich in mazy synthesizer solos, elastic slap bass and the urgent hustle of P-funk. Over on side B you'll find the cosmic soul bump of "Does Anybody Really Know", which appears to a previously unreleased vocal workout featuring some deliciously fuzzy electric guitar solos.
… Read moreout of stock $11.50
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Review: The relentless Athens Of The North is having a busy month even by its own high standards. February alone has at least three new 45rpms dropping and this might be the best: Homegrown Syndrome were a band that ended up in LA but giggled all round Memphis. Some members had played with an earlier band but they all came good on these previously unleashed tunes that have been found in the attic of Jerry Jones. 'Got The Love' is a chunky funky stepper with swirling synths and disco energy. 'Party Vibes' then takes off once more on hip swig claps, big arching chords and strident drums.
… Read morePlayed by: Marcoradi as Hear and Now, Juno Recommends Disco
in stock $14.03
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Review: So good it spills over into two parts, Bill Brown's cult 1974 Brownstone release "Bip Bam" has been known to pass hands for triple figures in the past. Now you can enjoy its sweeping MGs style lavish organ and horn fusion at a fraction of the price. Deep, soulful, laced with infectious percussion and Bill's swooning scat vocal textures, this still sounds of its world and time to this day.
… Read moreout of stock $14.32
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Review: The irrepressible Athens of the North is back with another heart-melting 7", this time from OG Tulsa soul man Billy Bruner. He is known for writing this, a superb ode to his homeland that is steeped in classic 80s soul sounds and is filled with melodies, hooks and rhythms that burrow deep into your brain. On the flipside is a ballad that has never before been released and was found in the archives.'I Want To Hold You' is a slow motion plea with nice rough edges that well deserve to be brought back to life.
… Read moreout of stock $10.38
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Review: A serious self-press rarity from the heart of Clarksville, Suggs never achieved the recognition he deserved during his tenure as a band leading soul man. Still in Clarksville and now a missionary, the sentiments of this recording history peak resonate with what he does now: "Everything That Looks Good" is a JB style message on the lure of temptation while "You Don't Deserve", an instrumental that sees Bubba switching his vocals for equally commanding sax, is a moment for poignant, soul-searching reflection. Lord have mercy.
… Read moreout of stock $8.14
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Review: Is there any label out there that does as much leg work as Athens of the North. The Edinburgh outlet doesn't just reissue the obvious stuff, but goes on mad quests to track down almost impossible to find OG soul, funk and disco tunes for the benefit of us all. This latest 7" is another irresistible one from Antonio Castro. Born in Spanish Harlem to Puerto Rican immigrants, Castro later changed his name to covid any association with Fidel and was inspired by everyone from Louis to Frank. This one came in around 1970 and is a heart rending two tracker with warming vocals and gentle rhythms.
… Read moreout of stock $12.63
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Review: Written by James Ernard, 'How Close' is a poppy funk track with as much history as killer synths. Written after his previous Ohio-based group Perfect Element declined opening for Prince on tour, Ernard left to set up his own label (which met a similar end as he and co-founder Kennith also had a falling out over creative differences). 'How Close' is a sensational piece of 80s American pop history, with a killer synth line and earworm vocals that'll have you shaking your hips before even realising. Side B has a nippy little remix by an undisclosed producer (which is sometimes the case with such niche pieces of history), that nonetheless breathes even more life into such a colourful track. It's often the 7" records that tell us the full history of the music industry behind the scenes at that time, and this release is no different - a perfect addition to that niche 7" collection you've been building up...
… Read morePlayed by: Born To Shine Records
in stock $16.82
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Review: It's always a buzz to see a new Athens of the North 7" drop onto our shelves. This first drop of the year comes from label regulars Coast to Coast who had their unreleased and self-titled soul album reissued here back in October 2021. It is the opening track from that glorious record that gets its own pressing on 45 rpm here with an instrumental on the flip. The original from core members Mark Beiner and Ben Iverson, 'Love Is The Same' has glorious vocal falsettos and super sweet rhythms that bring feel-good vibes like no other.
… Read morePlayed by: Charlie bucket/ dancing in space, Juno Recommends Soul
out of stock $5.90
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Review: Athens of the North: the epitome of a buy on sight label right now! This 7" dinker from Stephen Colebrooke being a case in point; both cuts on Shake Your Chic Behind originate from the stupidly rare album, Stephen, issued on Bahamas label G.B.I. Recording Co. Ltd back in the day. Instead of wasting time and money tracking that LP down, place your trust in AOTN and this 45 which picks out two highlights that will result in a delighted dancefloor. "Shake Your Chic Behind" is simply wonderful, a forgotten Islands disco classic touched with catchiness and personality - when that moog solo comes in... oh, my! On the flip, "Stay Away From Music" has a very Stevie Wonder feel to it and offers Colebrooke the chance to engage full croon mode.
… Read morePlayed by: Scratchandsniff, Dicky Trisco, Curious Disco, Dom Servini, Watson, I Love 45's!, Skyline Recordings Chart, Cyclist
out of stock $11.22
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Review: Dreamy mid '70s funk from Caribbean (St Maarten to be precise) trio Cool Creations: "Wish Upon Love" struts with a Boz Scaggs-style confidence and a deep, cloudy finish that would make Faze-O proud. Flip for a straight-up cloud burst as "Night On Beach Island" lives up to its name with measured pace, cosmic trumpets, sandy pianos and lavish, lolloping wave-lapping double bass. Beautiful.
… Read moreout of stock $7.58
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Review: You can always rely on Athens of the North to sure up pure gold each and every time. This is another case in point: Chris Rael's 'November 18, 1983' is a joyful, funky gem, somewhat reminiscent of a lost Cure record, and this is its first ever appearance on vinyl. Rael's dedication to creating something distinct by working progressive jazz and new wave into a new sound shines through. Despite initial doubts about his musical abilities, Rael's imagination and determination drove him to produce this layered work, which has long been out of print. Whether or not you have heard it before, you don't want to snooze on this one.A
… Read morePlayed by: Gumshoe
in stock $16.27
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Review: Athens Of The North is unveiling a whole wealth of new 7"s this month and as usual, each and every one is an essential purchase. This one in particular will resonate with a wide audience thanks to the ubiquity of the source material - Luther Vandross's 'Never Too Much.' There have been many versions over the years but this reggae take from Derrick Cross is special indeed, and an OG will costs basically too much for any sane person. Now a fully legit repress makes it accessible to all once more, and hurrah for that.
… Read moreout of stock $11.79
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Review: Derwin Daniels, an accomplished soprano saxophonist and composer, crafted this smooth r&b 45 back in 1989. Featuring the powerhouse vocals of the late La Donna Wells, who delivers a performance on par with Mary J Blige, this gem pre-dates "What's The 411" by three years. The track oozes slick, deep r&b vibes that are soulful enough to fit seamlessly into modern soul and disco sets. On the flip side, Daniels treats listeners to some jazzy brilliance, showcasing his versatility as a musician. An essential find.
… Read morePlayed by: Juno Recommends Soul
in stock $13.19
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Review: Athens Of The North triumph once again with two incredible slices of crossover, feel good soul from the early 70s. Douglas & Lonero enjoyed a good vein of major form on Columbia for a while, including a live album Live At Charley Brown's, but this 1975-released RCA 45 has been the most collectable (with OG copies of the double-sided pressing fetching over 500 pounds sterling in the past) Fully remastered from the original tapes, this is the clearest, sharpest and sweatiest Douglas & Lonero have ever sounded.
… Read moreout of stock $7.85
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Review: Absolute gold from Earth Wind & Fire that was only ever included as filler track on their 1977 All N All album, it's been a staple sample across house and hip-hop ever since, utilised creatively by everyone from Tribe Called Quest and Danny Krivit. Previously only 80 seconds long, Fryer has managed to unearth a previously unreleased extended version that really digs into those honeyed harmonies. "My Love" takes us four years forward to their 13th album Raise! where the musical emphasis has developed from all-out vocal soul to a more restrained rare groove feel. One per customer, AOTN aren't messing around on this one.
… Read moreout of stock $12.34
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Review: Athens Of The North get themselves in party mode with a fourth EP from East Coast Love Affair. There is some series fun to be had in these tracks, with side one. 'Confrontations,' being a rebuild of a rare disco funk 45 by Homegrown Syndrome. On the backside is 'Shake' which goes deeper but still has plenty of dance floor appear. It has tropical perc and whirring electronics that just scream 'dance' while the actual screaming vocal reminds of Moby classic 'Go!' These are hefty tunes, rare as you like, but immediately accessible and high impact.
… Read morePlayed by: Casbah 73, Roual Galloway, Owain Kimber (Owain K), Craig Charles Funk And Soul, Fabietto Delgado (Ankle Release), FINGERMAN, Javi Frias, Per Bojsen-Moller, Marcel Vogel, Juno Recommends Disco, I Love Disco!, JKriv (Razor-N-Tape), Your Name (Legalize Lambada), Ltj xperience, Cyclist, DJ ROCCA, Charlie bucket/ dancing in space, LEGO EDIT
… Read moreout of stock $13.19
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Review: Having previously re-invented Eddie Kendricks' 'Date With The Rain' as a luscious lover's rock epic, Athens of the North house band East Coast Love Affair has now turned its attention to another 1970s classic: Roy Ayers' 'Chicago'. In an act of genuine musical genius, they've re-imagined the track as a TB-303 and TR-909-driven chunk of acid house/deep house fusion, effectively updating Ayers' celebration of the Windy City while paying tribute in their own unique way. It's great, as is flipside 'Back on You (featuring Crystal Winds)', a dreamy, immersive and slowly building chunk of sunrise-ready, bongo-sporting musical deepness that's as sun-kissed and emotion-stirring as they come.
… Read morePlayed by: Alex Attias, RUSTAM OSPANOFF., Matt Pond (DeepSystems), Per Bojsen-Moller, ISOUL8 (Volcov), Mike O'Mara, BEN SUN, Richard Zepezauer (RZ-1), JKriv (Razor-N-Tape), Ltj xperience, Caserta / Bridge Boots / God Hour, DJ ROCCA, Charlie bucket/ dancing in space, Giovanni Damico, Danijel Kevic, SARTORIAL (Tropical Disco Records)
… Read moreout of stock $22.17
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Review: Edinburgh has long fancied itself as the Athens of the North, having gained a reputation since the 1700s as a centre for ideas in philosophy, economics and medicine.The Athens Of The North house band are back as East Coast Love Affair and their soulful and emotive deep disco version "Don't Be Afraid", a version of a super rare Disco 45" by Sky's The Limit, followed by a low slung and minimalistic afro house workout titled "Taken For Granted" on the flip.
… Read morePlayed by: Dj maus (Zwartwerk), Mukatsuku Records Chart, Dicky Trisco, Yiannis 'Nova' Dorakis, Athens of the North (Fryer), RUSTAM OSPANOFF., PHANTOM ISLAND, Superbreak, Voodoocuts, Marcel Vogel, Session Victim, Juno Recommends Disco, Frank Booker, Your Name (Legalize Lambada), I Love 45's!, Nick Bike, John Kong, Originals, Born To Shine Records, Le Visiteur Online, Blair French, Danijel Kevic, LEGO EDIT, Dynamite Cuts, Juno Records Staff Picks
… Read moreout of stock $8.14
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Review: Athens of the North has barely put a foot wrong of late, but even by their high standards the label's latest 45 is rather special. It sees them flip a thoroughly obscure modern soul seven-inch originally released in 1980 on a "tiny local label" in the U.S called Shore Records. It was, and remains, the sole release by the mysterious E.S Funk. A-side 'Funny Feeling' offers a delicious fusion of floor-friendly grooves - check, in particular, the crunchy, snare-heavy beat - immaculately played and produced instrumentation and a catchy chorus. 'Shake Your Body (At The Disco)' is an altogether funkier, club-focused affair whose most prominent features are a rubbery slap-bass line, dancer-friendly drum-breaks and horn and synth lines that seem to be playfully sparring with each other.
… Read moreout of stock $14.03
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Review: Originally out in a distant but very relatable 1971, what we have here is perhaps one of the rarest funk 7"s that has ever graced our charts. No lies, no exaggerations. This two-track beauty by Everyday People, out through the timeless Forte label way back when, has been the dream of many a digger, and it's kind of surprising that we're sat here writing this review while the record is still in stock. "Super Black" is a monstrously rolling funk gem that's adaptable to any sort of room or dancefloor, backed by those majestic vocals, and "Is It Really That Bad" acts as the neat instrumental to top it all off. We know the A-side has been remastered from the original tapes, while the B-side might be a direct lift from one of the few original copies in existence. Either way, you ain't gonna find it anywhere else.
… Read moreout of stock $12.07
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Review: Another week, another masterful 7" reissue from the unstoppable Athens Of The North. Moreover, it's another sublime find from the label, and it sticks closer to their usual trick of finding one-off soul singles from much coveted artists of the '70s and '80s. Felony Theft only released this one single back in 1972, "When You Have Love", but you can understand why AOTN would want to resurface its dusty percussion for the modern audience; it's one of those rare tunes that sounds like nothing else from the genre, a quirky piece of magic for the diggers. "Run For Cover" is fun, upbeat but less alluring than its A-side sibling, but that is not to say that it isn't also a fine slice of soul-funk mastery. Go.
… Read moreout of stock $14.32
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Review: Pure Puerto Rican party business, "Hallelujah" was well ahead of its time... Originally released on INS in the 70s, its madcap drum dynamics and bass have more relevance now than they did back in the day. Hyper-limited, original presses have changed hands for over L500 and didn't sound particularly good due to poor pressing issues. AOTN have added their mastering magic in a major way... And thrown in the soundtracky Latin drama of "Jonny's Theme" for good measure. What a package.
… Read moreout of stock $11.22
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Review: Nothing says 'disco' quite like records that shamelessly celebrate the delights of having a good time. Flipside's 1980 jam, "Havin' A Party", is one of the better examples - and certainly amongst the most obscure. The punchy disco-funk number was initially self-released on the band's own Flipside Records imprint, and has been unknown to all but a handful of hardcore crate diggers ever since. It has certainly aged well, with urgent vocals and clipped guitars riding a seriously heavy disco-funk groove. B-side "Music (Gets Me High)" is almost as good, with superb, hip-hop friendly drum breaks ushering in a hazy, super-sweet song that revels in its' joyous celebration of the merits of feel-good music.
… Read morePlayed by: Mukatsuku Records Chart, JimmyTheTwin, Athens of the North (Fryer), Phillie P (Ice City Rec), Randy "Hotthobo" Ellis, Lay-Far, Marcel Vogel, Juno Recommends Disco, I Love Disco!, Marc Hype, JKriv (Razor-N-Tape), Ltj xperience, I Love 45's!, Born To Shine Records, Soul Junction, Beam Me Up
… Read moreout of stock $10.95
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Review: Previously spotted passing hands for $1000, this Rodney Matthews doublet has been hot property since funk selector Ian Wright unearthed it. "Walking With Eyes Closed" oozes the slick falsetto funk Average White Band always aspired to; well-polished, super-tight, big highs and emphatic harmonies. "Life Is A Beautiful Thing" gets even funkier as the Miami troupe lay down cement-like dollops of bass-led funk over a stick beat and more rifle-like nagging vocals. Look up the word belter and you'll find this record.
… Read moreout of stock $7.58
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Review: Massive boogie joint from 1982, Frazelle's "Today Is The Day" packs the same punch it did 35 years ago; stomping beats, salubrious guitars, widescreen production and gutsy vocals from Ken Frazelle himself. Powerful in the lyrical, technical and party dynamics this is a huge dancefloor record... This reissue is long overdue. You know what to do.
… Read morePlayed by: Dave Lee ZR, DEMI, Mukatsuku Records Chart, Mike Shawe ✮ Hot Buttered Soul, Phillie P (Ice City Rec), Manu Archeo, RUSTAM OSPANOFF., Craig Charles Funk And Soul, Javi Frias, Marcel Vogel, Juno Recommends Disco, I Love Disco!, Neil Diablo, Kenneth Bager // Musicfordreams, Andrea passenger, NICOLA CONTE, Calamity Jade (Willwork4funk), Cyclist, Don Crisp, MonkeyPocket, Beam Me Up, Kalita Records
… Read moreout of stock $11.22
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Review: Fruit's delicious disco flavours keep blossoming. It started with an unearthed and unreleased album that finally saw the light of day after almost 40 years this spring. Now on this 12" we return to their only big single of the time (and most well known) "If You Feel It Say Yeah" but with a previously unreleased 12" that's been extended in all the right places. The evergreen B-side "Say It" plays the perfect foil with its ballroom disco soul dynamic. Apparently there's another unearthed 45 to come too. Tasty.
… Read moreout of stock $10.95
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Review: One of 2016's finest funk stories was, without question, when AOTN suddenly dropped this incredible unreleased album by criminally slept-on Jacksonville troupe Fruit. A stunning piece of work, even by Fryer's standards it was a coup-de-grace. Now two of the album's finest, funkiest, sweatiest jams are available on limited 45. Instant floor burners, just like the rest of the album, before the tracks are over you'll feel you and your floor have known them forever.
… Read moreout of stock $12.90
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Cat: AOE 004. Rel: 09 Apr 15
Review: Sandy Gaye's version of Inez Foxx's 1972 funk classic "Watch The Dog (That Bring The Bone)" is suitably obscure; to date, its' only previous appearance on wax came via Jazzman's 2007 Sister Funk 2 compilation, which focused on material from "unknown soul sisters". Here Athens of the North make it available to all on 7" for the first time, allowing those who missed out to revel in its' blistering drum breaks, powerful vocals and overall dancefloor-friendly appeal. It's backed by Franciene Thomas' similarly obscure and hard-to-find "I'll Be There", a deep funk classic of the sort that Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings has been trying to recreate for the best part of the last two decades.
… Read moreout of stock $9.54
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Review: "What About The Child" by Avelino Pitts' obscure band GOLD has long been a sought-after deep funk rarity, with copies of the 1977 seven-inch single being extremely hard to come by these days. Helpfully Athens of the North's Euan Fryer knows the score and has decided to offer-up a much-needed reissue. The track is a fine slab of psychedelic soul in the vein of leading San Francisco groups of the period - Vehicle, Tower of Power and so on - with plenty of rhythmic shuffle and fine group vocals. Fryer has unearthed a gem for the flip, too: a previously unreleased cut that's on a similar sonic tip to Rotary Connection. It's worth the entrance price on its own.
… Read moreout of stock $9.82
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Review: Penny Goodwin's material is hard enough to come by in LP format, but the 7"s really are a sight for sore eyes. Luckily, we got Athens Form The North on our side, a stupendous soul and funk reissuer that has been delivering some serious heat over the last three years. "Too Soon You're Old" is a 1973 soul charmer, full of mystique and sensuality, the track moves slowly but with a great deal of funky swing to its bass. "Lady Day & John Coltrane" is a different kind of swinger, an uptempo funk ballad backed by flurries of organs and drum rolls, whereas "What's Going On" heads down a spiritual jazz tip to complete what is the most diverse soul single we've got to offer this week!
… Read moreout of stock $12.63
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Review: Athens Of The North return to the disco motherland by way of this scorching groove doublet from Canadian troupe Gratitude. "We Are Here To Party" lives up to its name with vibrant horns and a thumping deep funk focus. Flip for "Loving You", as the name suggests there's a smoother tone and message at play as the band ease us into something a little comfier. Less of a B, more of an AA. Show some gratitude for the tireless AOTN crew!
… Read moreout of stock $19.37
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Review: Here's something of a surprise from the normally funk and soul-centric Athens of the North label: a "heavy salsa" 7" featuring two killer cuts from contemporary outfit Grupo Magnetico. It's a taster for their forthcoming debut album; if these two straight-to-tape cuts are anything to go by, that set will be well worth picking up. Both tracks sound like they could have been recorded by Colombian musicians in New York during the heyday of Boogaloo, with A-side "Vampiras" - a typically undulating salsa groove which is enlivened by group male vocals and heavy horns - just edging out the gentler but punchier "Hermanos Latinos" in the "standout" stakes.
… Read moreout of stock $12.07
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HARD DRIVERS feat VIVIAN LEE
Cat: ATH 040. Rel: 23 Feb 17
Review: For their latest dive into the depths of funk history, Athens of the North travels back to 1978 and the debut of John Hawes and Velma Bunch's obscure Hard Drivers project. The record initially appeared on Hawes' own short-lived imprint, and his since become a sought after 7" amongst serious collectors. "Since I Was A Little Girl" is a disco-era funk gem, with guest singer Vivian Lee providing a brilliantly confident vocal to compliment Hawes and Bunch's driving, horn-heavy backing track. On the flip you'll find original B-side "Straight Talk", a touching torch song full of harmony backing vocals, impassioned builds, and lyrics capable of melting even the stoniest of hearts.
… Read moreout of stock $7.02
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Review: Athens Of The North celebrate the longstanding contributions of host, presenter, writer, personality and occasional singer Bernard "Spider" Harrison. Recorded sometime around 1970, and fetching large triple figures between collectors, the feel good bluesy soul cut "Beautiful Day" first landed on Lulu Records and has barely seen the light of day since... Until now. And it's loaded with a never-before-released drum cut. Don't sleep, though. Only 500 of these have been pressed.
… Read morePlayed by: Juno Recommends Funk, Calamity Jade (Willwork4funk)
in stock $11.79
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Review: Detroit-born jazz musician Wendell Harrison did a lot of seminal work with the likes of Phil Ranelin and Tribe in the early part of his career, but he's also slipped out some seriously funky wares like this rare joint originally from 1982 on Wenha Records. Athens Of The North are champions of such records, picking them up, showing them some love and getting them out to a fresh audience, and so it goes on this killer 7", which flips the A and the B so Harrison's version of Stevie Wonder's 'Rocket Love' gets up front in all its groovesome glory.
… Read morePlayed by: Juno Recommends Funk
in stock $10.09
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Review: Previously spotted passing hands for over 5000 quid, this one-off 45" from North Carolina troupe Ice has enjoyed cult status over the years in both the deepfunk and northern soul scenes. Straight from 1980, there's a great balance of classic soul motifs and modern production as "Reality" swoons and sways unhurriedly but emphatically while "Hey Hey" ups the boogie ante with firm focus on the party, sharp switches on the chorus and some insane bass runs. Another ice cold reissue from AOTN.
… Read moreout of stock $23.01
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Review: In amongst their programme of May essentials, Athens of the North have focused on highlight the grand soul escapades of Master Weldon Irvine across two killer sevens. We Gettin' Down the second and final of these and features two tracks from Irvine's 1974 LP for RCA Spirit Man. The more scholarly ears out there will of course recognise elements of "We Gettin' Down" from A Tribe Called Quest classic "Award Tour" and it's been lifted by everyone from Dego's Tek 9 project to bandy legged pop star Jamiroquai over the years. It's a pleasure from start (what a moog riff) to end and is complemented by the jazzed up bliss of "The Power & The Glory". Athens of the North are really spoiling us!
… Read morePlayed by: Mukatsuku Records Chart, JimmyTheTwin, Athens of the North (Fryer), DJ Gilla, Craig Charles Funk And Soul, Cedric Woo, Hubbz, Marcel Vogel, Juno Recommends Funk, Osmose, I Love 45's!, Skyline Recordings Chart, DJ Chicken George, Harvey Sutherland, Djs: Most Charted - Funk, KS French, Odd Funk Finland, Replay Records Germany, Choi Records Australia, Mamadisc
… Read moreout of stock $9.27
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Review: From soul to disco, pop to balladry, Athens Of The North can do it all, and often much better than most. Another exhibit to back that up now comes in the form of this 7" from Isabr'm and his 'If I Had You.' It's a straight up bit of boogie fire, with soul overtones good enough to suit the L850 plus you will pay if you try to get an OG copy. Next to that superb a-side is 'Nothing At All' on the flip, a sombre track with aimless sax leads conveying a sense of romantic loss.
… Read moreout of stock $12.90
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Review: Southern soul star Jeff Floyd was just 18 when he provided vocals for this Michael Floyd-produced single in 1978. "Life Is A Miracle" was Jax Transit Authority's only single, and has since gone on to be an in-demand item amongst Northern Soul DJs, in particular. Given that original copies fetch upwards of L5,000, this Athens Of The North reissue is certainly welcome. Brilliantly, this pressing not only features the sought-after original 7" A-side (here tucked away on the flip), but also the previously unreleased full-length version. Predictably, it's a thing of great beauty, with Jeff Floyd's brilliant vocals soaring above a wave of undulating disco-funk bass, spiraling synth solos and clipped guitar riffs.
… Read morePlayed by: Scratchandsniff, Charles Maurice, Mukatsuku Records Chart, JimmyTheTwin, Athens of the North (Fryer), Curious Disco, Phillie P (Ice City Rec), Tripeo, Randy "Hotthobo" Ellis, Juno Recommends Disco, I Love Disco!, I Love 45's!, WotNot Music, SOUL 45, Admin, Ill Dubio (HIGH JAZZ*)
… Read moreout of stock $11.22
