Back catalogue: Funk

Review: For our money, XL Middleton is one of the best producers in the game right now. His ability to craft timeless funk and electro sounds that make you want to move your ass is second to none. Here he does just that with his remix of Hannah Warm's 'Just In Time.' It's defined by his usual sense of LA cool with squelchy synth bass, stepping street soul beats from the 80s and in this case a Japanese vocal that soars through a cloudless sky on a sunny day. Flip over this tidy 7" for the original version which is a pure city pop delight.

Review: Ralph White's early ventures into disco are finally gathered in one place with the first official anthology of his 1978 recordings at Sydney's Albert Studios. Better known at the time as a session player and producer in the city's studio scene, White was tapped by M7 to craft four disco pieces aimed at an emerging dance market. Over just two days in the studio and a small group of local players - including a young Tommy Emmanuel - he recorded four standout cuts, together which remain some of the most refined Oceanian disco ever put to tape. Though the original 12"s saw limited success domestically, M7's distribution push into markets like Canada, India and Argentina helped cultivate a quiet cult following. Now remastered and housed in a deluxe spot-UV sleeve with inserts featuring new liner notes and White's biography, this reissue shines overdue light on a forgotten chapter in Australian dance music.

Review: Whodamanny's Biloba sublabel on Periodica Records takes us into dark, hypnotic sax-driven sounds here with a new single that comes with four unique versions. The Club mix of 'Volveran ' features chanting vocals and neon-hued pads over tinny electric disco beats with some big sax stylings. TehSax Only does what it says on the tin and the Radio mix condenses this energy into a spellbinding pop gem while the Dub version removes the sax, highlights delayed drums, cosmic chords and sunlit guitar riffs and tops it with hazy vocals. These are lively, retro-future disco delights that are sure-fire crowd-pleasers.

Review: Winfree's 'Friday Night,' a catchy 7" on Six Nine, delivers a fresh take on soul with a modern twist. Side-1 features the T-groove remix of 'Friday Night,' blending a slamming slow groove with funk and electro complete with vocoder work that nods to Zapp. Side-2's 'The Way She Makes It Bounce' dives into early electro sounds, perfect for low-rider music enthusiasts, channeling the spirit of Roger Troutman. This release captures the classic vibes while infusing it with contemporary elements, making it a track to check out for fans of both old-school and modern funk. Both sides, needless to say, are proper party starters.

Review: Use Vinyl looks back to two iconic tracks from the 70s and 80s here for source material for a new remix EP by the Vannelli family. Joe T remixes 'Thrill Me' by The Wonderland Band into the sort of direct and funky house sound that brims with early dance music charm while the Vannelli Bros offer their rework of 'Party On' by Pure Energy which comes with plenty of energy for club contexts. Both tracks are presented as Classic Mix versions and bring plenty of new life to the original hits without forgoing the timeless, catchy and meaningful melodies that define the originals. House music like this is as authentic as it gets.

Review: Side-1 kicks off with a raw and funky garage band jam that perfectly captures the spirit of 1967. With its dynamic energy, the track blends elements of jazz, rock, funk and blues, creating an exciting, soul-infused experience. The rhythm section drives the track with relentless energy, while the soulful melodies and infectious groove make it a standout piece. The mix of surf rock and mod influences gives it a timeless, gritty edge that resonates with both vintage and modern listeners. Side-2 takes a more experimental turn with a unique jam laden with saxophone and rich instrumental textures. The track's experimental nature is underscored by its unconventional structure, utilizing the harpsichord to create a distinctive, jazzy vibe. The saxophone adds a layer of depth, intertwining with the rhythm to produce a mood that's both introspective and lively. This track offers a refreshing, avant-garde twist that contrasts beautifully with the raw energy of the opening side.

Review: Weldon Irvine was a pioneering musician whose innovative style and emotionally powerful melodies earned him admiration across generations and genres, from 1970s jazz and soul to 1990s club and rare groove scenes. Known for his versatility, Irvine left behind a legacy of timeless tracks and this best-of album, curated from his extensive catalogue, features eight standout songs that showcase his genius. The always-sensitive P-VINE presents this special collection in style and offers a comprehensive glimpse into the depth and breadth of Irvine's musical contributions, all of which highlight his lasting impact on the music world.

Review: Osaka's acclaimed jazz-funk band Wa Yo Set are back with a highly anticipated third album. This release marks the arrival of another gem that captures the essence of the group's signature urban folk sound, or as they call it 'ADM, Acoustic Dance Music. Seamlessly blending influences from jazz, hip-hop and r&b, the record is a dynamic and multidimensional musical trip with an innovative crossover of styles that all push boundaries. There are wiggling instrumental funk workouts, fly moments of introspection like 'Tonight Is Boogie Back Nice Vocal' and much more besides.

Review: WAR's The Collection 1977-1994 is a deep celebration of the band's legacy, featuring five remastered albumsiPlatinum Funk (1977), Galaxy (1'977), The Music Band (1979), Outlaw (1982), and Peace Sign (1994)ishowcasing WAR's evolution as a "sophisticated pop machine" with their signature fusion of funk, soul, and rock. The box sets commemorate WAR's 55th anniversary and follow the success of their The World Is a Ghetto: 50th Anniversary Collector's Edition. The previously rare Platinum Funk, which includes hits like 'L.A. Sunshine', and Outlaw, featuring classics such as 'Cinco De Mayo', highlight the band's diverse musical prowess. With over 50 million records sold globally, WAR's rich sound continues to resonate, solidifying their status as one of music's seminal groups. Fans can anticipate these releases as a treasure box of rhythm and history.

Review: War's timeless fusion of Latin, jazz, pop and soul resonates anew with the reissue of their seminal albums. Celebrating their 55th anniversary, War's influence remains palpable in American music. Their self-titled debut in 1971 hinted at their distinctive sound, but it was 1971's All Day Music that defined their groove with hits like 'Slippin' Into Darkness' and 'Baby Brother.' The blend of Lee Oskar's harmonica and Charles Miller's saxophone set them apart, crafting unforgettable melodies that feel just as vibrant today. Subsequent classics such as 'Cisco Kid,' 'Why Can't We Be Friends?' and the iconic 'Low Rider' showcase their enduring appeal. Despite later challenges, War's music continues to shine, showing their innovative spirit and enduring legacy on this reissued collection. Not only a great band but a cultural phenomenon to the people of Los Angeles.

Review: War's signature sound blends rock, funk and r&b and is best exemplified by hits like 'The Cisco Kid' and the iconic anthem 'Why Can't We Be Friends?' Each track showed the group have great versatility and enduring appeal across genres as well as a fine ability to write catchy hooks and lay down infectious grooves. This compilation is a tribute to War's legacy and one that showcases their unique ability to meld different musical styles into an array of unforgettable hits. It comes on a nice translucent red vinyl, too.

Review: Johnny "Guitar" Watson's 1977 funk album, A Real Mother For Ya, solidified his status as a master of the genre. Known for his exceptional guitar skills, Watson's album produced the international hit title track along with standout songs like 'Nothing Left To Be Desired' and 'Lover Jones.' This reissue also includes the 2020 Ben Liebrand Oldskool mix as a bonus track, adding a fresh perspective to Watson's timeless funk sound. Throughout his career, Watson influenced countless artists, including Jimi Hendrix, and earned a Grammy nomination for best contemporary blues album. Tragically, Watson passed away while touring Japan in 1996, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and groove. A Real Mother For Ya remains a standout example to Watson's musical genius. Available on black vinyl, this reissue ensures that Watson's electrifying sound continues to engage audiences for generations to come.

Review: Manifestation offers a poignant glimpse into the creative synergy between Maurice White and Preston Glass, offering previously unreleased gems from their prolific collaboration. As the visionary leader of Earth, Wind & Fire, White left an indelible mark on music, and this collection adds another dimension to his legacy. The album's twelve tracks, curated by Glass and David Nathan of Soul Music Records, exude White's trademark blend of soulful melodies and profound lyricism. From the infectious grooves of 'System Of Survival' to the soul-stirring ballads, each song reflects White's unparalleled talent and enduring influence. Manifestation serves as a fitting tribute to Maurice White's musical genius, offering fans a treasure trove of rare and captivating compositions. With its release, White's legacy continues to inspire and resonate across generations.

Review: The timeless power of gospel music will never wane and if you want proof, listen no further than this fine reissue of Together by Gloster Williams and The King James Version. Originally released in 1977 on Gospel Roots Records, this classic album is now available once more on vinyl through Regrooved Records. Led by Gloster Williams, the choir blends traditional gospel with elements of soul and r&b to create uplifting and inspiring music. The title track, 'Together' is a real gospel favourite that is celebrated for its message of unity. Remastered from the original recordings, this high-quality vinyl reissue preserves the authentic sound so it's a great one to have on the racks for when you need a hit of emotion.

Review: Stevie Wonder's The Definitive Collection, now reissued on double vinyl, offers a broad overview of his remarkable career, initially compiled in 2002. . The collection highlights Wonder's versatilityipop, funk, soul, and jazz influences are all represented, with timeless tracks like 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours' and 'Sir Duke' standing out. While selections like 'Hey Love' and 'Overjoyed' may seem like odd inclusions when Stevie has had so many hits, the compilation still spans his career highlights, including smash hits like 'I Just Called to Say I Love You' and 'Part-Time Lover'. There are so many legendary songs, it's almost overwhelming - a great introduction to the breadth of Wonder's musical legacy.

Review: Stevie Wonder's enduring genius shines across this translucent orange vinyl collection, charting his most transformative years from 1966 to 1980. Early hits like 'Uptight,' 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered,' and 'My Cherie Amour' radiate youthful energy and soul, while later tracks such as 'Superstition,' 'Living for the City,' and 'Higher Ground' embody his era-defining blend of funk and social consciousness. With its mix of exuberant anthems and introspective masterpieces, this release encapsulates the vibrant artistry that secured Stevie Wonder's place as one of music's greatest innovators.

Review: Based in Jackson, Mississippi, the Wynd Chymes earned a deal with RCA/Victor Records on the strength of their independently released 1981 single, 'Ride' - a killer boogie-soul number that lit up black dancefloors across the United States. Arrival, their debut album, has long been considered a slept on classic - hence this audiophile-friendly Music On Vinyl reissue. It begins with the rather weird new-age ambience of 'Arrival' and ends with the Latin-tinged, Herb Alpert-esque excellence of 'Alakazam'; in between, you'll find an enticing mix of P-funk and boogie-inspired dancefloor workouts, synth-fired slow-dance ballads and energy-packed electrofunk workouts.