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.
Review: ,Joe Bataan has been busy in East L.A. with Orquesta Rene for this new Latin jazz double 7" courtesy of Steady Beat. It features four all new pieces drenched in soul and percussion, starting with 'So Fine' (feat Big Sandy), a mid tempo groove with vocal longing and languid horns. 'Mestizo' is a more steamy and intimate piece with sung-spoken lyrics and glowing, golden chords. 'Mom & Dad' (feat Claudia Lennear) has s steamy shuffle to its rhythms and classic Latin percussive sounds next to a call and response vocal and 'Time After Time' closes with a sentimental feel.
Review: The Moiss Music label seems to like to drop their EPs two at a time. They did it in February and they're doing it again in May. This eighth outing collects four more lively disco cuts, each with their own subtle influences. Berobreo's 'White Rabbit' for instance has funky undertones with loopy guitar riffs and nice breaks. The Magic Track's 'Jamming With Mom' meanwhile is more sensuous and deep, with late-night synth work and seductive vocals. Oldchap's 'I Want To Show You' has an expressive soul vocal with more low-slung grooves and Alexny's 'Not Bad' then gets quick, clipped and loopy for its lip-pouting disco thrills.
Review: The charming 'Xango' by Magalhaes from his 1986 album E Sua Guitarra on Gravasom Records is an electrifying Lambada track with haunting vocals and infectious energy that now gets reissued as part of the superb series from Mr Bongo. It is a guaranteed dancefloor rescuer for DJs worldwide and has in fact been building momentum in recent years. It remains a favourite for its driving rhythm and captivating intensity and on the B-side is 'Lambada Pauleira' by Os Panteras, which was released in 1987 on Gravasom. Known for Joutro Mundo's popular re-edit, this original version stands out with its quirky charm and undeniable appeal and is a staple for renowned Brazilian DJs, including Augusto Olivani (aka Trepanado).
Review: Classic soul band The Moments serve up a couple more gems for this red hot series on Dynamite Cuts. First is a steamy, seductive, sexy version of the Lee Forsey classic 'Ride Your Pony'. The gentle drums, the swinging synths and the sting sounds are all topped with butter-smooth vocals. On the back side is something just as majestic and heart warming - 'Sugar Sugar' is a real singalong gem with nice sax stabs, freaky synth bass that never stops squelching and just good vibes that you never want to end.
Review: Originally released in 1974, "For the Love of Money" is a soul/funk song that was recorded by Philadelphia soul group The O'Jays for the album Ship Ahoy. The lineup at the time comprised of Eddie Levert, William Powell and Walter Williams, It was written and composed by Anthony Jackson, Leon Huff & Kenneth Gamble, and produced on the latter's Philadelphia International Records. The original pressing was issued as a single in late 1973 with "People Keep Tellin' Me" as its B-side. The single peaked at number three on the U.S. Billboard R&B chart, and at No. 9 on Billboard's Pop Singles chart in spring 1974. "For the Love of Money" made the group Grammy Hall of Fame Inductees in 2016.
Review: Tower Vinyl is very quickly becoming one of our favourite labels. its current run of releases is absolutely top notch and focuses on vintage soul sounds from across a wide spectrum. This latest 7" as part of the Free Soul series comes from Odessey whose 'Battened Ships' has big brass, funky drums and lots of killer guitar lines and rich bass, all topped with heartfelt vocals. The wonderful Terry Callier and is unique ones then bring jazz and soul stylings to the bouncy 'Ordinary Joe' on the flip.
Review: Blissful boogie reissue from Junko Ohashi, whose 7-inch promo for 'Dancin' here functioned as the promo material for the 1983 album 'Point Zero'. Sounding just as rough, farty and raw as its original LP cut, the track is a perfect example of what Japan brought to disco - blending it largely with city pop - at the time. 'In Your Lovin', as it did on the original album, brings up the B-side with a downer-tempo funk beat, and a lyrical subject dealing with a romanticized, ideal lover.
Review: Any Omar S release is worth checking, but when it also features Detroit funk godfather and Motor City legend Amp Fiddler, as well as Andre Foxxe of Parliament-Funkadelic, then it's pretty much buy on sight. You never know what you're gaping to get with the FXHE boss, and never was that more true than here on this sweet little 7". A-side 'The First One Hundred' is a loop of Omar S's trademark dusty drums and a deeply buried bass guitar riff that is super funky, and 'Dance Your Blues Away (feat Amp Fiddler)' sounds like Prince making house music in Omar S's studio. They are short, but oh so sweet.
Review: In 1985, Isy Martin Jr. released 'Rug Burns' and it became a low-key disco stepping classic. Now, Prime Time Records and Tapes has secured the rights and presents this official repress featuring that cut on the A-side so you no longer have to play high prices on the second-hand market. As well as that fresh bit of ass-shaking and funky dancefloor fun, the label has pressed a special re-do of 'Rug Burns' featuring XL Middleton and Zackey Force Funk on the B-side. It's a slightly more contemporary boogie-down sound with the same original vocal charms.
Review: The classic 1982 funk anthem 'Don't Fight The Feeling' by American r&b and funk band One Way gets a fine 12" pressing here, which means it can be played nice and loud. Singer Al Hudson leads the way with his buttery vocal, while a stepping and broken rhythm with lovely dry claps and w sloppy synth squeal make for a pretty unique sound given when this was first recorded. On the flip side, Windjammer's 'I Thought It Was You' offers a more mellow, melodic contrast full of the band's signature blend of r&b and jazz with cooing, heart-melting vocals and a nice stepping rhythm that lovers of UK street soul will surely be drawn to.
Review: Insanely funky business from Senegal's famous Orchestra Baobab (who are still touring and toiling 40 years later), "Kelen Ati Leen" is a really sweaty, heavy slab of funk that stares west for inspiration and a mild psychedelic Hendrixian sheen. "Souleymane", released three years after the A-side in 1978, takes more of a Latin influence as the horns get steamy over a rigid highlife spine to create a detailed and very physical groove.
Orchestre Poly-Rythmo De Cotonou-Dahomey - "It's A Vanity" (4:21)
Clement Melome Et Le Orchestre Poly-Rythmo - "Nougbo Vehou (La Verite Blesse)" (4:49)
Review: The legendary Afro funk fusionists Orchestre Poly-Rythmo De Cotonou Dahomey have got unlimited amounts of big tunes in their back catalogue and the fiery 'It's A Vanity' is one of them. It has fat and chunky drums with trademark horns leading the way next to the impassioned vocals. The tune twists and turns on a vibe as it funks you up and then on the flip is the more lo-fi and stripped back, earthen funk sounds of 'Nougbo Vehou' (La Verite Blesse). Anotehr killer 7" reissue from this great collective.
Review: Benin funk supergroup Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou have an essential discography that takes in some of the most definitive afro-funk sounds you can hear. The Acid Jazz label serves up a couple of such betters here with 'Kpede Do Gbe Houenou' layering up the driving grooves, killer horns and wild keys into something intoxicating. Less intense but just as good, 'Ma Wa Mon Nou Mi O' brings the guitar work to the fore, with plucked and funky riffs underneath the imploring vocal work that's up top. Both tunes have been restored and remastered.
Review: Acid Jazz Records' has got a licensing agreement with legendary Benin label Albarika Store that is seeing them put out some of the best music to have ever come from West Africa. Benin's almighty Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou Dahomey made plenty of it. This latest 45 is another stunner with plenty of raw screams, wails and grunts all adding extra life and vitality to the already trilling guitars and bustling drum rhythms. Add in heavy percussion and you have a real heavy Afro psych-funk tune. The flip is more deep and soulful, and just as good for different reasons.
Review: As if their recent album Beyond The Sun wasn't quite enough new material this year, Orgone return with two more brand new jams on this 7" for Colemine. "Strike" is a firing, sweaty Union cover that's focused on nothing but an unashamed party. "New You" is a softer, more sensual boogie number that oozes soaking wet guitar licks and honey-coated vocals throughout. Powerful contemporary funk from one of the most successful and prolific troupes in existence.
Review: It's hard to fault the work of the Original Gravity crew and when the tasteful London label's All Stars assemble it's even more important to take note. It is they who kick off 2025 with a classic funky break that is topped with spoken word samples from an MC at a big fight event (though it's not Michael Buffer, the man behind these famous words, because he has a strict copyright on them). The beats are as fiery as a heavyweight showdown with plenty of punchy horn stabs. On the flip, 'Rumble In The Jungle' is a similar sound that makes just as much impact.
Review: If Original Gravity serves as one of the foremost outposts for heavy funk jams in the modern era, you know their All-Starts outfit are equipped with the tools to make a record really pop. All the ingredients are there on ‘Ain’t Nothing But A Groovy Party Baby’, as overdriven organ duels with a formidable brass section and rolling drums for a peak-time party pleaser cut from a classic cloth, with an early 70s soul sound to match. On the flip, ‘Organised Drum Sax’ locks into a deeper groove from the JBs school of funk - pure feel good licks and sassy brass to help you get your strut on.
Review: Following persistent requests, Mr Bongo has finally relented and dedicated an edition of their popular Brazil 45s series to Orlandivo Honorio de Souza, a composer, singer and percussionist whose 1977 album Oelandivo remains high on my collectors' wants-lists. Wisely, their A-side pick is 'Onde Anda O Meu Amore', a cosmic and spacey fusion of samba-soul and jazz-funk rich in ethereal flute lines and intergalactic keys. This time round it comes backed by the equally as impressive 'Gueri Gueri', an insatiable samba-rock number wrapped in heady accordion, jangly acoustic guitar and punchy horn sounds.
Review: This is another fine addition to the Four Flies 45 series: it is a first-ever 7" taken from one of the few soundtracks that legendary producer and composer Paolo Ormi ever wrote (namely a rather underwhelming parody of Woody Allen's Play It Again, Sam). He is best known for his mix of Italian funk, disco and library music, both for underground labels but also stars like Raffaella Carra. All three of the instrumentals here are seriously funky - two of them have actually been put out before as part of this label's hard-to-find compilations Esterno Notte and Esterno Giorno.
Review: Four Flies presents a gem for vinyl collectors with the 7" release of Riz Ortolani's soundtrack highlights from Confessione di un commissario di polizia al procuratore della Repubblica. Side-1's 'Serena e Lomunno' showcases an exceptional quartet's jazzy spell, weaving bass, electric guitar, drums, and piano into a standout groove. On Side-2, Il ricordo di Serena continues the magic with a trio, maintaining the rhythmic essence while sacrificing none of the brilliance. The interplay of bass and drums is the backbone, adorned by electric guitar and piano's refined phrasings. The result? Irresistible jazz-funk breaks, ripe for sampling. A must-have addition to Four Flies' series of 45s celebrating Italy's golden age soundtracks and library productions, this release is essential for any serious Italian sound enthusiast's collection.
Review: Mr Bongo's crucial Brazil series hits a 94th volume here with vocal and instrumental group Os Carbonos from Sao Paulo. The band had a long and fruitful career that started in the 60s and ran on into the 80s. This offering is a tune from later on in their time and it is a prime slice of Brazilian boogie with funk drums, vamping chords and hip swinging claps all designed to bring the good ties and the sunny vibes. The bass-driven a-side is the one, but the flip from Sandra Sa is a special kind of sentimental soul sound.
Review: Mr Bongo's Brazil45 series continues apace with this 95th entry, which carries two separate sides to keep any Latin-minded DJ very happy indeed. 'Mar Afunda' is a dancefloor delight from Os Novos Crioulos which originally came out on the group's self-titled album on Pirata in 1976. It's shuffling and sublime, sure to get a plethora of ID requests and shimmying moves from the people with their ears tuned in. On the flip we get Supersom TA's 'Brasileira Roxa', a sunny slice of samba fun which originally came out in 1972 and features more cuica flexing than you could ever dream of.
Review: Samba flavours do not come more authentic than this. The sixth in Mr Bongo's Brazil 45 series, here they unearth two foundation pieces from Rio collective Os Origianais Do Samba. Forming in 60s Rio, they're still highly active today and have a discography peppered with Brazilian gold. This 45 does well to showcase their breadth... "La Vem Salgueiro" is quintessential samba. Heavy rhythm, punctuated vocals and a dynamic that leaps from bold and delicate in a flash, it charms you instantly. "Tenha Fe" has a softer soul as it strums and sways and more of a folky sensation, tight harmonies and alluring naked instrumentation.
Review: Japanese gospel-funk-soul outfit Osaka Monaurail are on a determined mission to spread the word of the lord, usually through elaborate and funky orchestral collaborations. This time, on the single 'Whole Lot Of Lovin', they team up with James Brown collaborator Marva Whitney for a distinctly vocal affair. Straight to the point, hard-driven rhythms and unisonic grooves lend a shocking immediacy to this riveting song.
Review: Detroit label and weekly party Funk Night rolls out another unmissable 7" here in the form of The Oscillators, who bring a late night and woozy sound to lo-fi production aesthetics. 'The Scoop' is a slow motion and psychedelic tinged groove with squealing guitar leads taking you into melon twisting territory while the flutes keep things in the here and now and the dusty drums rumble on. It is truly intense. 'Spare Cheeks' then has a more upbeat funk feel led by nice horns and a more silky and seductive groove, particularly the lithe bass.
Review: ** REPRESS ALERT ** Two luscious soul/folk/psychedelic funk crossover jams from American singer-songwriter Shuggie Otis are reissued and remastered 45 years after their first release for Record Store Day 2019. Equal parts groovy, dreamy, organically introspective and futuristic, "Inspiration Information" is the document of a young man who owns his inspired vision completely. We are particularly loving "Aht Uh Mi Hed" on the flip where filtered keyboard sounds blend with effortlessly graceful strings during the middle dream sequence of the track.
Review: ** REPRESS ALERT ** This timeless classic by American singer-songwriter Shuggie Otis is an instantly recognisable masterpiece of soul. 1971's "Strawberry Letter 23" from his album "Freedom Flight" has endured and become a rare groove touchstone. Flecked with elements of psych and breakbeat, it is prescient, and stuffed with neat tics and tricks. Turn to the flip for an added bonus - "Ice Cold Daydream" is a funk bomb full of bouncing organs and squelching wah wah guitars with Shuggie's trademark vocal tones laid over the top.
Review: Originally released in 1972, these are the only known recordings from Tulsa soul band Outback. The A-side is an eclectic, psychedelic funk ballad with lyrics drawn from religious scripture and drawing powerful parallels to Black slavery in the U.S. They lend a deeply spiritual and socially conscious edge to the track which is potent in groove as it is message. The B-side, 'Reggie's Thang,' takes a different turn and is a raw, psychedelic instrumental showcasing the band's musical range and experimental edge. Together, these are a time machine back to powerful moments in soul and funk history, now rediscovered and sure to be appreciated all over again.
Review: This is a reissue of a rare 1978 single from Whirl (aka West Indies Records Limited) which blends George Clinton's famous Parliament funk with Caribbean flair. The Outfit was one of the Caribbean's funkiest bands and they always showcased the creative potential of "Spouge music", particularly with their explosive cover of Parliament's 'Dr. Funkenstein', which they renamed 'Dr. Spougenstien'. Despite its rarity, the track became a hit in Barbados and was often mistaken for an original song. The B-side features a punchy Cosmic disco version of the Peter Gunn theme.
Review: Expansion deals pretty much in good vibes only and that is what we have here with OZONE's '(Our Hearts) Will Always Shine'. It is a 7" that radiates with infectious energy and heartfelt emotion as it seamlessly blends elements of pop, electronic, and dance music. The uplifting melodies soar high, the pulsating beats power things along and the soulful vocals deliver a message of resilience and positivity. The song's anthemic chorus is destined to take listeners to a new level and ignite dance floor in equal measure and it sure does that. 'Mighty Mighty' on the flip is another feel good and upbeat funky disco workout.
Review: Craft Music's Good For Dance series continues with its second instalment and this one has been curated by none other than DJ Craft himself. Joining him are talented pals Schmoltz, Bogdan Ra, Romain FX, and Outra, also known as Joutro Mundo. These deep diggers are celebrated for their prowess in unearthing hidden gems and transforming them into dancefloor anthems and that's what they do here as each artist brings a unique flavour to the mix. Schmoltz's 'Luv The States' is a peak-time percussive disco jam, Bogdan Ra brings some slap-funk drums and glossy Italo synths and 'Tell Me Why' has crunchy drums and jagged synth stabs before a camp closer in 'Colosso'.
Review: Record Shack unearth two tunes from the vaults of Austrian public broadcasting institution ORF, available for the very first time on officially released 7" record. Pressed using only the strictest high-grade equipment, the flame of soul soprano Stefanie Vhynak's 'Feelin' It' is rekindled with a rejuvenative flair: the Viennese singer cut her teeth in the USA before her return to her birthplace, where she was discovered and subsequently enjoyed a longstanding career. Though her stint with the Austrian Broadcasting Company was short-lived, it could still be argued that Stefanie's rep of contributions to the broadcaster lie among her best. The exigency of radio is paramount to good songcraft, which is why there are two versions of 'Feelin' It' here; the first of which lays down the centrality of the song's lyrics via pared-backbeat and muted funk, and the latter pulling the pull ring on the sonic grenade, allowing a full-throttle vocal and instrumental amour to explode.
Review: This 7" is a reissue of one that first dropped back in July and soon sold out but with two extra cuts. It offered a rare chance to discover hidden gems from the Austrian Public Broadcasting Institution (ORF) vaults which were all vinyl debuts in summer. This gatefold double 7" kicks off with Stefanie & ORF Big Band's 'Compared to What,' a hard-hitting funk track featuring lo-fi vibes and powerful horns. The A-2 offers a subtly tweaked version, maintaining the same high energy. 'Feelin' It' then comes on the flipside with big brass leads, deep-cut drums and a stirring, emotive female vocal lead. A second alternative is also featured.
Review: This new 7" offers the chance to discover unearthed killer tunes from the vaults of the Austrian Public Broadcasting Institution (ORF), which officially appear on wax here for the first now time. Stefanie & ORF Big Band are behind 'Compared To What', a hard-hitting funk cut with lo-fi aesthetics and big horns. The flip side version is a subtle tweak with just as much energy. These tracks are pressed in top audio quality as they have been sourced directly from the archive master recordings. This release is a strictly limited edition so do not sleep.
Review: Should you be able to find original copies of the two dusty-fingered classics featured on this "45", your bank balance was be significantly smaller. Of course, just because something is rare and expensive doesn't make it good, but Jimmy Thomas's 1969 cut 'Springtime' is genuinely brilliant. Released when funk-rock was arguably at its height, it sees the legendary soul man belting out Alan de Roches' lyrics over a Hammond-heavy fusion of soul, funk and Hendrix-style heavy rock. This time round, it comes backed with a relatively hard to find - on vinyl, at least- chunk of reggae/soul/rhythm & blues from iconic Jamaican singer Owen Grey. It's superb, of course, but we still prefer the incendiary A-side.
Review: Les Cigales, the latest release from The Offline, draws deep inspiration from the cinematic scores of the 1960s and 70s, influenced by composers like Francois de Roubaix and David Axelrod. The EP offers a mix of lush, atmospheric sounds, blending psychedelic tones with retro soul and hip-hop elements. The music weaves a narrative inspired by the love story of Gyptis and Protis, the mythical founders of Marseille, reflecting themes of longing and breaking societal norms. Following his 2023 album La Couleur de la Mer, which was a soundtrack to an imagined film, The Offlineihelmed by composer and photographer Felix Mullericontinues his evocative storytelling. The music evokes dreamlike imagery: fog-drenched villas by the sea, shadowy sailboats, and nefarious villains. Each track brims with cinematic flair, from intense drama to tender romanticism. The Offline project was born after Muller's travels along the Atlantic coast of southern France, where he captured beach life on film, later turning his visual experiences into music. With support from the likes of BBC 6Music's Huey Morgan and Deb Grant, the project has built a loyal following and continues to charm listeners with its immersive, nostalgic soundscapes.
Review: Another comprehensive collection of jazz here from the good people at Light in The Attic. This 14 track compilation has been carefully selected and compiled by Japanese jazz expert Yusuke Ogawa, who is the owner of Tokyo's Universounds record store. It comes on heavyweight vinyl with vast track-by-track liner notes by Ogawa and take sin everything from hard bop to free jazz with plenty of big and explosive moments as well as more deep and introspective sections of calm, all of which has been plucked from the vaults of Nippon Columbia. There is a reason Japanese jazz is so revered, and this record shows why.
Review: A lesser-known but electrifyingly slick city pop record (her fourth) by Junko Ohashi. 1979's Full House hears the Japanese singer's graceful but powerful contralto in full collaborative force, paired against the historic instrumental talents of her backing band, Minoya Central Station. Perhaps second only to Ohashi's timeless New York paean, Magical, Full House is yet another discographic dazzler that most likely contributed to the revival of the city pop genre after its retroactive but no less ironic recognition in the popular music sphere by the vaporwave subgenre, future funk. The mood throughout Full House is vital and joyful, suggesting something close to complete emotional fulfilment and idealistic glee on the singer's part - all part of the city pop's objective - its grand plan - to portray metropolitan life as an ultimate ideal.
Review: Legendary US funk practitioners the Ohio Played are as well known for the erotic nature of many of their album covers as they are for their super sleazy funk sounds. They never really go out of fashion which is why so many of them are always getting reissued. Ouch! is next up with a special Ruby Red Milestone Anniversary Edition on limited edition and marbled red vinyl to mark the fact it is now 40 years old. It's an upbeat and diverse mix of funk sounds that draws influence from the world of jazz and soul and pairs swooning strings with lush melodies and catchy grooves that still energise any dancefloor.
Review: The reissue of Oneness Of Juju's 1976 album Space Jungle Luv stands as a crucial addition to the Black Fire Records reissue series. When James "Plunky" Branch founded Oneness Of Juju in 1975, he had already spent years engulfed in the vibrant jazz scenes of both coasts. The group, previously known as Juju, was deeply rooted in New York's avant-garde jazz scene. However, upon relocating to Richmond, Virginia, Plunky gathered a fresh ensemble, blending African rhythms with funk and r&b. This lineup produced two of their most acclaimed albums, African Rhythms and Space Jungle Luv. This era marked the band's peak, with Space Jungle Luv embodying a shift towards a more serene, spiritual sound. The album showcases Lady Eka-Ete's enchanting vocals and guitarist Melvin Glover's celestial tones. Plunky's vision for this record was influenced by artists like Pharoah Sanders, aiming to deliver a message of spiritual upliftment through "space music, jungle music, love songs." Tracks like 'River Luvrite' and 'Follow Me' explore themes of unity and exploration.
Review: A lesson in how to follow up an incredible album: Tomorrow followed Onyeabor's incendiary Atomic Bomb immaculately. The title track instantly set the scene with more emphasis on electronic elements and studio techniques as William sermonises without pomp. "Why Go To War" is as insistent as its message thanks to a dense lolloping groove of highlife guitars and spiralling keys. "Fantastic Man", meanwhile, takes a leaf out of Parliament's playbook, rolls it up and smokes its own and "Try & Try" closes the show with country subtlety thanks to its slide guitars and blushing keys.
Review: Following 2012's fourth volume that celebrated the existential work of Tim Maia, here we find Luaka Bop exploring the legacy of William Onyeabor. A high chief and Kenyan diplomat who allegedly refuses to discuss his music, he self-released eight albums in the 70s and 80s and these are some of the many highlights. Stretching from the New York-influenced post-punk synth funk of "Good Name" to the most authentic Afro fusion of "Why Go To War", Onyeabor's range not only reflects his clear creative skill, but also the ever-developing international language of music during the fruitful period he was active. Who is William Onyeabor? Press play and find out yourselves...
Review: Reel People Music expands the fizzing dynamic between highly accomplished label associates Opolopo (AKA Peter Major) and Angela Johnson with the release of their brand new album Best of Both Worlds. The nine-track record is an impressive merging of soulful souls, building on the pair's previous 'track-by-track' collaborative approach, and calling on influences from Quincy Jones to The Isley Brothers. From the twizzling decrescendos of Buffalo, which hears the pair summon the bruk maestro Kaidi Tatham on recording and co-prod duties, to the sparkly, sparky whetstone electro-disco track 'The Ones You Love', we really do get the best of both worlds here; we get nine worlds, in fact.
Review: Acid Jazz has got an ongoing deal to issue and reissue music from Benin funk supergroup Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou and the latest fruits of that is this reissue of their Le Sato album. It is a follow-up to the one they dropped back in 2021 and is another section of traditional voodoo ceremonial music from the group from the mid-seventies. The name of the album is taken from the large ceremonial Sato drum, which is played with wooden stick beaters at special ceremonial occasions. Here it can be heard in all its glory making traditional rhythms and deeply ritualistic grooves that will leave you in a trance.
Review: Colemine Records is reissuing Orgone's 2008 classic Bacano on vinyl for the first time, here exclusively for Black Friday RSD 2024. Known for their raw, organic California soul, Orgone's music grabs you by the collar and pulls you to the dance floor. The band's journey began in the San Fernando Valley, where two friends, united by their love for gritty 60s and 70s soul, drew inspiration from the vibrant music scene in Los Angeles during the late 90s. This collaboration ignited a movement, and Orgone has since become a key player in delivering timeless funk for music lovers.
Review: Orgone is back in California and coming in hot with Chimera, a fire-breathing spectacle of psychedelic Afro-soul. Produced by Sergio Rios (Neal Francis, Say She She), Chimera is an electrifying, dream-like odyssey, tripping through the hazy swamps of New Orleans, weaving textures of entrancing voodoo soul, thrumming Afro-funk, and stoney psyche-rock. Taking its name from a mythical beast with the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a serpent, Chimera conjures a state that is at once trance-like and heart-poundingly exciting. For instance: the album opens like a heady puff of smoke in the face with 'Hallowed Dreams,' drawing the listener into a state where reality blurs and the music takes control. Chimera will delight fans of early Orgone while showcasing the band's effortless and endless ability to shape-shift. It's an electrifying, mesmerizing record sure to exceed expectations and keep the listener rapt.
Review: Orgone is back in California and coming in hot with Chimera, a fire-breathing spectacle of psychedelic Afro-soul. Produced by Sergio Rios (Neal Francis, Say She She), Chimera is an electrifying, dream-like odyssey, tripping through the hazy swamps of New Orleans, weaving textures of entrancing voodoo soul, thrumming Afro-funk, and stoney psyche-rock. On Chimera, the Los Angeles-based outfit carves tough, gritty, infectious grooves into heady dance rhythms. Taking its name from a mythical beast with the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a serpent, Chimera conjures a state that is at once trance-like and heart-poundingly exciting. The album opens like a heady puff of smoke in the face with 'Hallowed Dreams,' drawing the listener into a state where reality blurs and the music takes control. The focus track, 'Zum Zum,' is a hooky Afro-funk dance floor heater that synchronizes your heart rate to its propulsive percussion, the hypnotic rhythm building into a raucous, psychedelic climax. Then, on the raw and rousing 'Tula Muisi (Dance Like Them),' a tapestry of Afrobeat and heavy psych-rock bolsters the singer calls for unity and respect, which translates to "Hear the music, and dance like them".
Review: A year shy of its 40th anniversary, Inspiration Information enjoys a reissue and it's still as sparkly and soul-laden as it was in 1974. Ranging from the guitar-twanging smoky blues funk of "Rainy Day" to the sultry, strutting title track, it's largely regarded as Otis's most comprehensive work of that time. According to legend it took him three years to create... 39 years later and it still sounds as good as this? We'd say that's time well spent!
Review: In the encyclopedia entry for psychedelic soul you're sure to find some mention of Shuggie Otis, and this is the album that cemented his sound. 'Strawberry Letter 23' is undoubtedly Otis' 'Albatross', a universally adored anthem that ploughs a furrow straight to the heart, but it grows in stature even more when you hear it in context on the 1971 album it was first released on. With George Duke lending his inimitable touch on keys amongst the ensemble of players, this is a true treasure of funk and soul with the spark of inspiration to look beyond genre conventions. Beyond the big hit, this is an album of abundant riches which rightly gets a repressing to reaffirm Otis' status as a legend in a league of his own making.
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