Most Excellent Unltd Vinyl & CDs

Review: Legend Danny Krivit takes on two different disco moods for his latest edit on 45. This one is of Tony Orlando's 'Don't Let Go', a rarity originally released in Japan in 2012 that immediately became a much sought-after, hard to find rarity, with Krivit's creative edit utilizing a DJ-friendly instrumental intro. Like previous editions in the series, these unique selections from The New York City legend's personal archives are cut on a loud 7-inch pressing.

Review: Danny Krivit aka Mr K, that veteran of the Roxy and Paradise Garage, turns his attention to the 80s for his latest Mr K edits aka brush ups for the sound systems of today. 'Pleasure Boys' by Visage epitomised the new wave crossover sound when was released in 1982, and Krivit would eschew the vocal, using two copies to concentrate on and extend the thunderous synth bass break in his sets instead. Here he recreates the trick - a bare bones riff that still sounds enormous on a club system.

For the flip, Krivit goes a little deeper with his edit of 'Emotional Disguise' by Peter Godwin again ditching the overwrought new wave vocal in favour of the atmospheric synth stylings of the instrumental, which he recalls being a big tune with hip-hop crowds at the Garage and Roxy alike.

Review: Mr. K and Most Excellent Unlimited are back once again and this time featuring a lowdown and stomping disco gem from Minnie Riperton. Her 1977 single 'Stick Together' rather sticks out in her discography of smooth modern soul, but that's not to say it isn't great. The second half to the original is what has been reworked in this edit and so we are treated to a lengthy exploration featuring keyboardist Sonny Burke (laying down some irresistible keys. Flip it over for his take on 'Body Language,' an album cut on the Jackson Five's last Motown album and here served up with an iconic bass line that just doesn't quit.

Review: You know what you're getting with Mr K - "high-powered disco intensity" as he says himself, in this case in the form of two neglected cuts rescued and fully refurbished by the master. On the A-side comes the Dynamic Superiors' essential gay disco classic 'I Can't Stay Away (From Someone I Love)', boiled down to its most concentrated form, reshaped as a hard-charging, peak time disco climax with their proudly out singer Tony Washington - an influence on the soon-to-emerge Sylvester - setting the tone of pride and liberation.
Flip it over for the slap bass and brass of the frenetic 'Hit and Run', first released by the obscure Opus 7 in 1979 but overshadowed at the time by the slower, funkier 'Bustle'. Eliminating everything but the transcendent ride out, which is extended to a glorious eight minutes in order to fully enjoy its pumping bass and Philly-style group harmonies, Mr K ensures both sides of this are killer club weapons for the serious DJs and dancers alike.

Review: Most Excellent Unlimited has now been serving up these collaborations with master editor Danny Krivit for some time, but they never grow old. The New York-based Body and Soul mainstay this time looks to Euro-disco maestro Alec Constandinos to kick off with. 'Love & Kisses' was one of his earliest works and took up a whole side of vinyl but here becomes a more compact cut with funky vibes, bass breakdowns to die for and fine a cappella to close. The legendry Donna Summer's 'Heaven Knows' then gets the Mr K treatment on the flip and becomes a horn-led and ecstatic trip to the heavens that will leave dancefloors in raptures.

Review: The crucial Mr K is back with a special repress for Record Store Day 2024. This one throws it back to his two superb edits of Kratwerk's 'Trans Euro Express' which is cited often as the start of techno. Side A offers stripped-down, bare drum bones, with naked drums shaped into futuristic fusion, while Part II adds synthetic context. Deconstructing Kraftwerk's original sci-fi masterpiece at a slow, smouldering pace, it presents a classic in an entirely new light. This release unlocks doors of serious DJ creativity and should be snapped up quickly before it's gone again.

Review: The legendary edit king Mr. K is back with more of his trademark sonic treatments here, this time focussing on some lick funk sounds from the Motor City. His mid-tempo selections on this Detroit-themed 7" open-up with G.C. Cameron, a Motown mainstay with a wide vocal range as demonstrated on this classic rare groove cut, 'No Matter Where.' On the backside is more rare groove from Detroit but this time from the 80s and Candye Edwards's 'Time Is What You Need.' Edwards was part of the Detroit funk powerhouse One Way and through that got connected with songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Kevin McCord. They cooked up real gold together on a solo debut album with this being the standout cut from it. Perfect for warm outdoor dancing.

Review: Mr. K Edits' latest release caters to roller skaters and groove enthusiasts alike. It features two mid-tempo tracks uniquely edited by the studio scalpel master himself as they make their debut on 45rpm. First is Rodney Franklin's 'Felix Leo,' which was originally overshadowed by his hit 'The Groove.' It unfolds with hypnotic chords trimmed to their essence and unfolds at a gradual, majestic pace with captivating and lush strings making it all the immersive. Second up is Prince's early gem 'In Love' which showcases his instrumental prowess with drums, bass, guitar, and creamy synth lines. Mr. K extends the mix seamlessly, enhancing its danceable rhythm and timeless appeal with his usual class.

Review: Legendary DJ and edit king Mr K is back on Most Excellent Unlimited with the latest in their essential collaborative series. As always this is a slab of wax that offers up two gorgeous cuts that have been skilfully cut down to a maximum 7" 45rpm format. The first is Luther Vandross's 'Funky Music (Is a Part of Me)' which David Bowie later reworked to become one of his many hit singles 'Fascination.' In its original form, it has rickety soul grooves and lavish stings next to the soaring vocals. The tune second is Zulema's 'Giving Up' which has a dramatic intro, Mr K remasters it and allows the rolling piano, great string ensemble and guitar sounds to really cut through clearly. Two bonafide dancefloor delights.

Review: The wonderful Mr K is back with more edit magic on his own Most Excellent label, this time adding his own spin to 'Wela Wela', a hard edge and raw funk cut from Black Blood, a band of musicians from central Africa but who were based in Belgium. This one was never a hit back in the day for some reason but is built on a killer groove that Mr K reworks and tweaks for more suitable dance floor deployment. It was formerly on his Grass Roots record but now makes its way to a handy 7". On the flip is 'Komi Ke Kenam (Fish & Funjee)' which has tough breaks and funk bass that will ensure 'floors get down and dirty.

Review: The one and only Mr. K presents a two-sided treat here starting with Janice McClain's underrated 1983 disco track and featuring a smooth, laid-back groove that blends steppers vibes with mid-tempo Philly soul. Written by McClain's uncle Milt Tennant and Thom Page, it captures a classic sound that is further enhanced by McClain's heartfelt vocals. This edit trims the rare 12" version for a 7" debut with pristine sound and the B-side flips to a fresh take on 'Brazil', which was a 1975 hit by the Ritchie Family. Mr. K's edit extends the vamp section, offering a full, uninterrupted four minutes of irresistible disco joy.

Review: Danny Krivit remains in a class of one when it comes to meticulous and masterful edits of classics. He puts out a fair few of them too, but the quality levels never dip, as is the case again here when he throws it back to the energy of his native New York's most legendary dancefloors. Opener 'Flying Machine' by War was originally composed for the 1978 film Youngblood and is a dramatic Latin-infused instrumental packed with swirling flutes, fierce perc and a breakbeat that's fuelled countless Afro house tracks. It's a fiery dancefloor weapon that hasn't been on 7" before and it comes backed with 'How Much Are They', which dives into deep dub territory with help from post-punk legends Jah Wobble, Jaki Liebezeit and Holger Czukay. It's a real mind melter packed with mad effects.

Review: No one edits a classic like Mr. K, as he has proven time and time again. Now the legendary studio craftsman is back and revisiting Paradise Garage and some of the club's legendary sounds. First up is TW Funkmasters' 'Love Money,' which was conceived by UK radio reggae jock Tony Williams and fuses Dennis Brown's reggae hit 'Money In My Pocket' with early rap influences. The dub version was embraced by New York's dance scene and became iconic at the 'Garage, with many homages coming later such as Larry Levan's Man Friday remake, 'Love Honey, Love Heartache.' On the flip, Janice McClain's 1979 Philly disco classic 'Smack Dab In The Middle' shines as Larry Levan's mix is reworked by Mr. K who turns up the jazzy groove with fresh breaks.