New releases last two weeks: Funk

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

Review: Two of James "Gem" Prewitt's two early 80s disco-funk tracks, 'My Love Box' (1981) and 'Juicy' (1983), come courteously reissued via AOTN, raring a snapshot of his exceptional talents and entrepreneurial funk fastenings. Recorded in St. Louis, Missouri, 'My Love Box' marked the beginning of Prewitt's journey, with the 27-year-old attending Forrest Park Community College at the same time as establishing his own label, Keyes Production. Not only did he write, produce, and perform all these tracks, but local success with 'My Love Box' inspired him to team up with Loretta Mathison for the creation of 'Juicy', which ensues here as the orally honeyed slow jam of choice, and which picks up the pace at the midpoint through gospel operatics and wooing coos. This collaboration led to a two-year singing tour, firelighting them from beneath and propelling them from the Philippines to Germany.