Ace Vinyl & CDs

Review: Here, There and Everywhere: Black America Sings John Lennon, Paul McCartney & George Harrison is Ace Records' third compilation of soulful jazz and r&b covers of Beatles classics by Black American artists. This collectio has a deep Motown presence, acknowledging the Beatles' early admiration for Motown before the label's music even hit the UK charts. The album spans Beatles and post-Beatles compositions from 1964 to 2004, with standout performances by artists like Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. The song selection takes listeners on an inspired journey through well-known hits, reimagined with rich soul and jazz interpretations. The Supremes' take on 'You Can't Do That' and The Four Tops' 'Michelle' reveal fresh, emotive layers in songs that are simultaneously faithful and transformative. Randy Crawford's stirring 'Give Peace a Chance' and Stevie Wonder's vibrant 'We Can Work It Out' underscore Black America's lasting engagement with the Beatles' work, while tracks like Sam Fletcher's 'Can't Buy Me Love' and Keb' Mo's 'Imagine' breathe new life into familiar melodies with jazz-infused warmth and soul. Each cover on the compilation not only reflects the artists' creative voices but also traces the Beatles' own roots in soul and r&b, bridging cultural influences that shaped music in the 60s and beyond. Here, There and Everywhere is an enriching and unique compilation that has one of the most enduring cross-cultural exchanges in modern pop history.

Review: Tribal Rites Of The New Saturday Night was the title of a landmark New York Magazine article which formed the basis for the story of Saturday Night Fever. It's a solid foundation on which to build the track listing for this compilation on Ace, which explores the nascent disco era when it was only half a step on from a more traditional kind of soul and funk. It's been put together to appeal to discerning disco heads as well as casual listeners, taking in less obvious cuts from legends and lesser-known acts of the era, packing 22 solid gold dancefloor bombs onto two slabs of wax.

Review: New Jill Swing is a vibrant throwback that captures the essence of late 80s and early 90s female r&Bb, offering a refreshing take on the male-dominated New Jack Swing era. This collection shines a spotlight on the talented women who matched, if not surpassed, their male counterparts, delivering smooth, soulful tracks that defined a golden age of R&B. From SWV's infectious 'I'm So Into You' remix to Karyn White's upbeat 'The Way You Love Me,' the album kicks off with undeniable energy. Gems like En Vogue's 'Lies' remix and Xscape's 'Love On My Mind' keep the groove going, blending attitude with vocal finesse. The compilation also includes lesser-known but equally powerful tracks like Ex Girlfriend's 'What I Will Do To You' and Chantay Savage's 'Betcha'll Never Find,' adding depth and variety. Each song is a nostalgic journey, perfectly curated to remind listeners of the era's distinctive sound. Overall, New Jill Swing is an enjoyable and well-crafted homage to the women who helped shape R&B.

Review: Paul Weller of The Jam pens an unlikely soul missive in 4xLP compilation form, released through Ace. The British new wave and mod revivalist naturally grew up listening to soul music, though the likes of 'That's Entertainment' and 'Going Underground' hardly bear their imprinting marks. Having hassled Weller for years to compile such a thing, Ace now finally, happily deliver this biographic brain-pick. From James Carr's 1966 'Pouring Water On A Drowning Man' to 'Life Walked Out' by The Mist, we've a somewhat obscure selection here; but it's only natural for a man so immersed in 60s soul as a teenager that he'd go so far as to buy a Lambretta and vow never to take off his mohair!