Cultures Of Soul US Vinyl & CDs

Review: Destination '77: Nigerian troupe The Apostles lay down their third album Banko Woman. And, with it, this widescreen vibe excursion that's been a go-to for Afrobeat diggers since it was released on Love Day 40 years ago. "Banko Woman" is a firing, energetic funk jam layered with vibrant levels of instrumentation that gradually strip back at points to let you feel the raw tempo of the groove. "Faith Luck & Music" is at once both more bluesy, thanks to the sliding, melting guitars, and spiritual, thanks to the traditional rhythm and chords. A rare and long-awaited reissue.

Review: Two more rare grooves purloined from Cultures Of Soul's Brasileiro Treasure Box Of Funk & Soul and delivered on a sweet 45: Celia's "A Hora E Essa" is a steamy Latin funk workout from 72; all horns, cuicas and soft, honeyed vocals. Franco's "Ei, Voce, Psiu!" takes a more US funk idea with Franco's spoken vocals giving off a strong air of bandleader as the band lock down a tight groove beneath. Watch out for samba flip towards the end. Blink and you'll miss it.

Review: The Brasileiro Treasure Box Of Funk & Soul gems keep flying out from Cultures Of Soul: Novos Baianos' 1970 rarity "Juventude Sexta E Sabado" is a heartfelt, yearning slice of psychedelic soul peppered with urgent Plant-level vocals while Dom Salvador & Abolicao's "Uma Vida" is the ultimate feel-good song: what begins as a funk soul tracks suddenly rips into gospel with so much gusto you genuinely can't stay still. One of the best 45s to come from the collection so far.

Review: Cultures of Soul have a reputation for digging deep for inspiration, so it's little surprise to see their latest compilation shine a light on the previously unheralded South African synth-disco scene of the early 1980s. Compiled by label boss Deano Sounds and Johannesburg digger DJ Okapi, Boogie Breakdown gathers together 12 hitherto hidden gems from six seminal South African acts. There's naturally much to admire throughout, from the spacey synths and celebratory vocals of Harari's "Party", and the slick, soulful electrofunk of Don Laka's "I Wanna Be Myself", to the reggae and P-funk flavoured thrills of Benjamin Ball's "Flash A Flashlight", and the sensual, late night synth-soul of Al Etto's "Hold On To Love".