Now Again US Vinyl & CDs

Review: Carmike's sole album is a gritty masterpiece of "slithering nightmare raps" that was originally recorded amidst carjackings and robberies and very ably and aptly captures the raw chaos of its 1994 cassette release. Now officially reissued for the first time on LP, this cult classic is dark, haunting and unapologetically authentic as it embodies the turbulence of its time. Delivering a visceral listening experience that resonates decades later, this gem is the latest of a multi-LP series exploring Memphis's influential hip-hop history These distinctive and often brutal tracks helped reshape rap music and have to be heard by anyone who considers themselves in the know.

Review: Real rap heads will know that in the mid-90s, Memphis was the centre of an intriguing scene. It boasted a ton of great artists who all helped foment a raw, hard-hitting style with direct lyrics that revealed plenty about life on the local streets. Gangsta Blac's Breakin Da Law is a record from that time which gets reissued here and takes you right back to energy of Memphis at that time. With its pounding beats, eerie synths and relentless flows, the tracks capture the gritty realities of street life and rebellion while Gangsta Blac's commanding delivery and vivid storytelling paint a picture of survival and defiance that still resonates while channelling the spirit of the Dirty South and Southern hip-hop's golden era.

Review: Emerging from the vibrant but devilish Bermuda scene of the early 70s, Spacing Out stands as a gleaming instrumental lapis. The entirely self-taught band recombined the raw chi of OG instrumentation with pre-spirited arrangements by The Meters, The Temptations, Aretha Franklin and The Isley Brothers. This one cemented the Invaders as a finely polished instrumental ensemble, gilding the slabs for the retro-soul and funk scenes to follow, and which were in turn incubators of hatchlings Daptone and Big Crown. The reissue, a collaboration with the band and their full participation, comes complete with an expansive booklet by Jefferson "Chairman" Mao, offering an in-depth look at the group with rare photos. With expository, reverb-laden percs, ridin' breakdowns and low strung brasses, the record arouses a mood of loose-girdled passion.

Review: MC Money and Gangsta Gold's collaboration offers a glimpse into the hard-hitting underground sound of Memphis rap, capturing the raw energy and stark realities of the city in the 90s. The tracks feature gritty, no-frills vocals, driven by bass-heavy beats and shadowy synths that mirror the harsh streets of Frayser. The music remains unapologetically rough around the edges, yet there's an undeniable sense of purpose behind each trackian unwavering honesty that demands attention. It's not just about the aggressive delivery or tough subject matter; it's about a snapshot of a time and place that continues to resonate. Each beat pulses with a sense of urgency, while the lyrical content cuts straight to the heart of Memphis' rap scene, without pretense or over-production. There's something undeniably compelling about its rawnessia reminder of the power of minimalism when it's done with conviction.

Review: The long-lost disco-soul-funk album You Can Be by the Music Makers Band is finally seeing the light of day on vinyl once more with new mixes from original multi-track tapes by Kenny Dope. Forgotten in a linen closet in Macon, Georgia since 1979, this reel-to-reel treasure contains recordings from the group that previously released 'Black Gold' as The Mighty Chevelles in 1977. By 1979, now known as Music Makers Band, they captured this disco-funk gem at Capricorn Studios and here each track shines anew thanks to the fine work of funk lover Kenny Dope's work.

Review: Released in 1977, this Nigerian rock album remains a hidden gem, rediscovered by a new generation thanks to recent reissues. Produced by Odion Iruoje, the album features a group of college students whose music captures the vibrant, post-civil war Nigerian rock scene. With a sound that blends Western rock influences like The Beatles, Buffalo Springfield and early Genesis with a distinct African touch, the album is a joyful yet melancholic exploration of love and harmony. Tracks like 'Love', 'Be Nice to the People' and 'Mary Enne' showcase the band's signature blend of fuzz guitar and heartfelt vocals. The music resonates with the exuberance of other African bands like Blo and Witch, yet it stands out with its heavy fuzz guitar and English vocals, steering clear of political or social activism in favor of pure, emotional expression. This album, recorded in Kenya, captures a moment in history when African rock was evolving, bridging cultures and sounds. It's a timeless piece, equally nostalgic, fresh and perfect entry point into African psychedelia for new listeners and a rewarding revisit for those already familiar with the genre.

Review: The reissue of Stone Alliance's self-titled debut album from 1976 is a thrilling revival for jazz fans. Originally released on Gene Perla's PM Records, this album has transitioned from a rare groove gem into a cornerstone of America's deep jazz canon. The all-analog remaster by Bernie Grundman enhances the record's sonic depth, removing Dolby noise reduction and allowing the music to breathe, resulting in what Grundman claims is the best sound this album has ever had. The ensemble, featuring percussionist Don Alias, bassist Gene Perla and saxophonist Steve Grossman, delivers a dynamic performance. The album kicks off with the electrifying 'Vaya Mulatto', a track that masterfully shifts from a samba-like groove to high-speed funk, exciting even non-jazz fans. 'Sweetie Pie' shows the group's chemistry with its infectious riff and adventurous sax explorations. Meanwhile, their languid interpretation of Stevie Wonder's 'Creepin'' adds a different flavor. This definitive reissue, complete with an informative eight-page booklet, makes this a record you need to have.

Review: Soul Cal is a deep dive into America's independent 70s soul scene, expertly curated by Eothen 'Egon' Alapatt. This compilation is a prime blend of the retro-utopian vision, where small-town record stores and garages across the U.S. might have been hiding virtuosic funk and soul outfits. The bittersweet joy of these previously overlooked musicians finally getting recognition is palpable, and the music itself is an absolute thrill. Songs like Luther Davis' 'You Can Be A Star' and Pure Essence's 'Wake Up,' the album is an impressive variety of styles, from heartfelt ballads to hard-hitting funk grooves. Anubis' 'Ecology' and Mixed Feelings' 'Sha-La-La' add a dash of social consciousness, while Leon Mitchison & The Eastex Freeway Band's 'Love Is' brings smooth sophistication. Mastered by Dave Cooley and team, the sound quality is stellar, making these hidden gems shine. Soul Cal is not just a tribute but a rediscovery, offering a bittersweet glimpse into an era of soul music often overshadowed by its mainstream counterparts.

Review: Loving On The Flip Side compiles overlooked ballads from the flip sides of funk 45s in the Now-Again and Truth and Soul vaults, all presented in the same format as the Soul Cal anthology. This collection showcases incredible music that pairs heavy funk with sweet soul to create a sound the label calls "sweet funk." The journey began nearly a decade ago with the discovery of the Darling Dears and Funky Heavy's unique two-sided single which sparked a search that led to their full inclusion in this anthology. The process unearthed other soulful gems and now culminates in an essential exploration of black American creativity and musical innovation.