Back catalogue: Funk

Review: Killer classic reissue on a Japan only 45 from Dubstore

Review: Spasibo welcomes Russian outfit the Soul Surfers who word on the street says have a studio full of vintage, Soviet-era gear. Using library music as their source, they bring their own psychedelic twist with deeply funky grooves and have done now for over a decade. Here they kick off with a seven-plus minute medley of 16 tracks that mix up soul from all eras with wah-wah sounds and real emotion. They repeat the same trick on the flipped with 17 tracks all featuring in a journey through space and funk that leaves you in awe.

Review: German sextet "SOUND" recorded a standout set in Frankfurt in 1978, immortalised on the LP "Jazzlife" at Night (Vol.1). Singled out was their composition 'Sound Spirit,' a dancey, post-bop jazz track where Volker Burkhardt's tenorsax soulfully wails in a Coltrane fashion over Werner Bauer' syncopated keys and Heli Kneipp's and Athur Greaves' driving percussion and drumming, intertwined with Jann Meyer's funky bass. All culminate in this super groovy contrapuntal track that often takes you nicely by surprise. Now this seminal piece arrives in a limited edition 7" of 300 on Tramp Records, the small but significant home of some of Germany's best reissued funk, soul and jazz on vinyl. Nat Adderly's 'Sweet Emma' was one of "SOUND's" other distinctive tracks that night, and it too resurfaces on the B side. This upbeat version may teeter on a 'trad' jazz precipice, but as the saxophone takes the cornet parts of the original, its tonality draws the listener in. These tracks already command attention from the discerning contemporary jazz community, and now again available is a must for those who like both upbeat or downtempo late 70s jazz.

Review: DC based imprint Peoples Potential Unlimited have really cornered the market in highly collectable reissued boogie funk rarities in 2010 and end the year on a high note with the three vocal cuts lifted from Real Love, a mid 80s mini album from Michael Soward that mixes new gospel dynamics and heavy synthesiser funk. Dam Funk fans will delight in the vintage sounds spread across this dinky 45 with the dusted groove of "He's Alive" particularly impressive.

Review: Split Decision Band dropped this pearler back in 2018. They hail from Des Moines, Iowa, and are well known to hardcore diggers who cost some of their 70s soul gems. This is another one of them with a laissez-faire vocal backed with warming chords and twirling chords that really dazzle. On the flipside tune 'Say Woman', a deeper male voice takes over the singing duties and delivers a fine turn that is utterly seductive. Some call and response with another female comes in later and the funky bass and deep cut drums are just perfect.

Review: The wonderful and now reissued 'Bi Centennial 1976' by Frankie Staton & Speckled Rainbow encapsulates the essence of a pivotal moment in American history. Released during the nation's bicentennial celebration, the track embodies the spirit of unity and pride, blending elements of folk, rock and Americana in the process. With heartfelt lyrics and soaring melodies, it serves as both a tribute to the past and a reflection of the hope and promise of the future. A timeless anthem that will still resonate now as much as it did almost 50 years ago, few tunes capture the essence of a nation coming together to commemorate its heritage as ably as this one.

Review: Stone Foundation's 11th studio album continues to yield delightful singles with this being the third. It features vocals from recent Moby collaborator JP Bimini and follows in the footsteps of a remarkable 17 previous singles which have all made the Top Ten of the UK vinyl singles charts. 'Cut Me Loose' is surely destined for the same fate with its impactful melodies and heart-swelling emotions all flowing freely thanks to the great vocal top line. On the flipside is a non-album cut 'Starting from Zero' which offers a different kind of soul vibe.

Review: Early arrivals at Stone Foundation's intimate gig are greeted with oversized cardboard masks of frontman Neil Jones, setting a playful tone for the evening. As the venue fills, a palpable buzz builds among the devoted fans packed into the steamy room. The band's latest offering, their first new material in over a year, hints at exciting new directions for the UK soul stalwarts. This double A-side single whets appetites for their 11th studio album, due in 2025. Stone Foundation's signature sound evolves here, incorporating fresh influences while maintaining their soulful core. 'Fix You Up' rides a propulsive groove, its urgent rhythm section driving forward as layers of brass and keys build to euphoric heights. Jones' impassioned vocals soar over the mix, his lyrics touching on themes of resilience and redemption. The addition of Mick Talbot's distinctive keyboard work adds a new dimension, his deft touches elevating both tracks. 'Everything and All I Want' takes a more introspective turn, its shimmering arrangement recalling classic 70s soul ballads while feeling thoroughly modern. As the set progresses, the new material sits comfortably alongside fan favourites, demonstrating Stone Foundation's knack for crafting timeless soul music. The limited pressing of 500 copies ensures this release will quickly become a coveted item for collectors. It's a fitting testament to a band continuing to evolve and excite after over a decade in the game, bridging their past work with whatever they're cooking up next.

Review: German label Tramp continues pack a serious punch when it comes to funk with this newest 7". It is a standalone pressing of two superb cuts from the fourth volume in the Can You Feel It compilation series. Up first is the super cool funk of 'Steps On A Cloud' with its dynamic drums and indie male vocal all back with some neat and funky guitar lines and almost prog style guitar freestyles. On the B-side you will find 'Whispering' which has not yet been re-issued so makes an exclusive appearance here.

Review: Galaxy Sound Company has become one of those cop-on-sight labels thanks to is cultured 45rpm edit series. This time, label staple, bedroom B-boy beatmaker and Michigan native Strictlybutters drops a sweet duo of beatstrumentals that skate, stomp and groove with great style. Side A's 'Espresso Con Panna' flips Salt of the Earth's 1984 gospel-funk banger 'Love Light II' into a bass-thumping, sax-smooth hip-hop gem that will enliven any party. The second offer is just as sweet: 'Pain Au Chocolat' is a Detroit-inspired and buttery groove dripping in jazzy Axelrod-esque flair. Pure head-nod gold.

Review: The much loved Tramp label is mighty good at serving up the soul and this time it is the buttery smooth sounds of Stroke they turn to for this reissue. The original 45rpm is one of those rare as hens' teeth cuts that cost way too much to buy even if you do track one down. The A-side is the sort of wonderfully uplifting tune that brings life-affirming joy to your life. On the flip is something really quite different - a more rock-tinged funky stepper by the name of 'The Real Deal'.

Review: Suckaside, a creative artist with a deft touch in beat composition, sampling, and mashups, delivers a dynamic offering with Toxic Funk Vol 15. 'Sometimes Bootyful' is a piano-laden funk jam driven by a tight breakbeat that's both hip and infectious. The track seamlessly blends elements of house into its groove, making it accessible to pop fans while staying true to its funky roots. The addition of rap verses adds an extra layer of appeal, making this track a standout. Bringing in 90s funky rhythm vibes, 'Sugar Face' on the B-side cleverly incorporates hooks from D'Angelo's 'Brown Sugar.' This track is a 7" gem for funk and R&B lovers, combining nostalgic grooves with a modern twist.

Review: Sun Atlas is a mysterious ensemble whose origins remain elusive. Listening to their music, you wonder whether they could have been based in Los Angeles, New York, Marrakesh or somewhere else entirely. Their only tangible existence is found on this 45, but it's a brilliant one which showcases their irresistible sound. Afrobeat, ethiojazz, surf, cinematic soul, crime jazz and funk and hip-hop breaks all colour these tunes as Sun Atlas create a razor-sharp, genre-defying mix that speaks volumes without saying much. Their music is full of drama and tension, narrative and diverse rhythms and it all adds up to an enigmatic vibe. This release proves that sometimes, the sound itself is all that matters.

Review: Sound Signature is proud to present a re-issue of the 7-inch single from Sundown titled "Spaced Outta Place". Composed by Amp Fiddler, Spaced Outta Place was originally released in 1981 on Parkside Records.

Review: Some throwback and retro rap and early hip-hop fin here from Fraternity and Und Brother who join forces to put out this gem from Super Lover See and Casanova Rud. 'Girls Act Stupid-aly' takes up the A-side of the 7" with some playful bars and plenty of scratching, machine drum grooves and melodic hooks. 'I Gotta Good Thing' has some superb flow and plenty of James Brown vocals as well as big horns making it a real party starter.

Review: Coming quickly of the release of the single in March, newcomer jazz-funk band Surprise Chef's 'Velodrome' get a limited 7" acetate release by their label Big Crown. Backsided on the B with the track 'Springs Theme', this is a laid back, easygoing instrumental piece, with a heavy drum break and an earworm synth line guaranteed to have you humming it long after the song is over.

Review: If you read these pages at all often, and specifically those dedicated to Peoples Potential Unlimited, you will know we're fully signed-up fans of this superb DC-based label. Lo-fi funk, soul and disco both new and old is its main trade and here we get another such gem from Dwight Sykes. 'Rock Steady' is a passionate sound with listing hi-hats cutting through the murky analogue airwaves as jumbled drums, bass guitar twangs and epic falsettos all tug at the heart. 'One Night Stand' (feat Jahari) is a slow and seminal soul sound full of yearning and romantic pain.

Review: Sylvester has too many hits to count, but 'Over And Over' has to be up there. Originally released in 1977, the timeless slice of uptempo disco funk was a mighty meeting of minds - any track penned by Ashford & Simpson is set for iconic status, and with Sylvester up front it's even more of a sure thing. Quite simply eternal. Of course, Sylvester's most famous collaborator was Patrick Cowley, whose magic touch is all over the wriggling, brooding synth boogie of 'I Need Somebody To Love Tonight', presented here as a compact 7" edit for a short sharp blast of perfection.

Review: Rich gutsy soul from a man who's regularly described as Brazil's James Brown, "O Journalerio" is a blueprint funk jam. Released in 1971 (on his hyper-rare album BR-3) it's all about the orchestrated swing, bluesy groove and Hammond licks so lavish you need to towel on every listen. Flip for Som Tres... An off-shoot of the Sambalanco Trio, it's the sound of Cesar Camargo Mariano controlling a restrained rolling slice of filmic instrumental funk where horns, keys and drums gather momentum with big band drama. Neither have been released on 45" before, making this all the more special.