Back catalogue: Funk

Review: G. D. & The Big J's 'Movin' On' is a primo funk, disco and boogie melange that has been heating up global dance floors ever since it was first released in 1980. It is a much sought-after jam which, if you can even find an original copy, will cost you upwards of three figures. 'Movie On' is seamless and smooth, a brilliant and vibrant mix of busy guitar riffs, and claps and upbeat drums that come with a lively vocal that says to the heavens with effortless soul. It sounds like basically the same tune is included on both sides you so never have to worry about this one wearing out - which it could well do given how often you will be playing it.

Review: Cult outfit The General Store laid down four songs in the year of 1967. They release two of them, but the other two have remained under wraps ever since. Now, more than half a century later, they are getting pressed up to vinyl for the first time thanks to Perfect Toy who have decided to cut just 300 copies. The band themselves have given full blessing for this one and as soon as the needle drops you're taken into a swirling, high-octane world of raw 60s rock heavy funk. It is very much a case of Tower of Power meets Funkadelic with a lo-fi twist.

Review: The PPU label of out DC is one of our favourites. It's lo-fi sound draws on disco, funk and soul and results in always magical 7"s of delightful dancefloor heat that not only serves up killer grooves, but also plenty of memorable and heart aching hooks. This new one from Glass Pyramid has it all. 'Stop It' is a lo-slung and dusty disco gem with lung busting diva vocals and hip swinging drums that will bring tears of joy to the eyes if dropped at the exact right moment in a set. On the flip, 'Better By The Minute' is another banger with hints of UK street soul in the drums and vocals.

Review: Be Strong Be Free's 7" series is on fire this year and now comes back with a third instalment. It is 'Nuit De Fievre' and it comes from label owner Gratts, aka the "Belgian down under," who revisits disco's golden era by assembling a stellar studio team starring the Moody Mae band in the company of Reinhard Vanbergen on violin and Jaj from Paris on vocals. What they cook up in return is elegant boogie and disco that will chime well with fans of Dimitri From Paris. The B-side features Pellegrino's jazz-funk rendition, adding Mediterranean flair straight from Vesuvius. Both sides promise deliciously uplifting grooves for any disco enthusiast.

Review: Greenwood's 'Sparkle,' originally recorded in 1985 and long forgotten, found a second life thanks to Tokyo's DJ Muro, who included it in his Hawaiian Breaks mixtape in 2009. This unexpected resurgence of interest prompted Greenwood to return to the studio, resulting in a full-length album in 2014 that featured a newly polished version. Aloha Got Soul brings both the original 1985 and 2014 versions of together on a 7" vinyl, now available in a stunning 'sparkling' gold variant. The track, a brilliant English adaptation from the city pop master Tatsuro Yamashita's For You album, is pure 1980s city pop with its shimmering production and infectious groove. Greenwood's newfound success with "Sparkle" has reignited their passion, leading to the release of their sophomore album, Music Book, which continues their exploration of city pop with more Tatsuro Yamashita covers. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the band, this single is a delightful piece of music history, offering a perfect blend of nostalgia and timeless charm.

Review: The Shake & Bake Band's Shake & Bake is an undeniable invitation to hit the dancefloor. Side-1 kicks off with 'Shake & Bake (part 1),' where the band lays down a groove that's nothing short of exhilarating. The track stands out for its originality, offering a vibe that feels almost hedonisticiperfect for those looking to experience something fresh and exciting. On Side-2, 'Shake & Bake (part 2)' strips things down, bringing in a hoedown-like twist with the addition of a harmonica. The drumming intensifies, building excitement as the funkiness truly shines through in this version. Overall, Shake & Bake delivers two distinctive takes on a groove that will keep the energy high and the dancefloor moving.