Culture Factory France Vinyl & CDs

Review: This collection compiles Louis Armstrong's entire collaboration with the Dukes of Dixieland, featuring their pioneering stereo recordings that captured Armstrong's iconic sound. Known for his brilliant trumpet and vocal performances, Armstrong tackled classic tunes like 'Dixie,' 'New Orleans,' and 'Sweet Georgia Brown'. Formed in the late 1940s, the Dukes of Dixieland stood out among Dixie bands of the era, benefiting greatly from early stereo recording technology. Armstrong joined forces with them in 1959, resulting in sessions that produced two albums but left additional tracks unreleased. This definitive edition compiles all recordings from these sessions and makes for a great listen that captures a vital time in jazz's evolution.

Review: Bob Marley was known as a peace purveyor, reggae innovator and, our favourite fact, for being a welder before becoming a global music icon. He was already a big star by the time he dropped this album, Small Axe, which now gets reissued after the recent reissue of Trenchtown Rock. It is a record full of killer rhythms but also hey messages of hope and revolution that all show his mastery of the reggae form. It's a record that, like many of his albums, marked a landmark in the life and times of Bob Marley.

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: Lee "Scratch" Perry, a Jamaican record producer, singer, and songwriter, is largely acclaimed for his innovative and experimental production techniques. His Black Ark Studio, established in the mid-1970s, became a renowned hub for reggae music production, fostering the talents of numerous artists. Perry's Black Ark studio was not merely a recording space but an alchemic laboratory where he conjured sonic masterpieces. With his use of tape loops, heavy reverb, and other unorthodox techniques, Perry created a distinct and hypnotic sound that transcended conventional reggae boundaries. Artists such as Bob Marley, the Wailers, and Max Romeo flocked to Black Ark to collaborate with Perry. In his studio, Perry's intuitive approach to music making blurred the lines between producer and artist. He considered himself a "musical doctor" whose role was to guide and inspire the musicians. The Black Ark became a sanctuary for musical experimentation, where artists were encouraged to explore their creativity freely. This vinyl has been out of print and completely unavailable until now.

Review: Ringo Starr's Stop and Smell the Roses, originally released in 1981, has been celebrated for its star-studded contributions from music legends like Paul McCartney, Ronnie Wood and Stephen Stills. This picture disc edition,includes a cardboard sleeve, a printed inner sleeve and an OBI side spine, making it an attractive addition for any collector or Beatles fan. Ringo's engaging pop and rock sensibilities with notable songs like 'Wrack My Brain', which became his last US top 40 hit and 'Private Property'. Initially titled Can't Fight Lightning, the album underwent significant changes following Starr's departure from Portrait Records, leading to a revamped tracklist and title. The album's eclectic mix highlights his collaborations and the creative energy of the era.