Original Gravity Vinyl & CDs

Review: Original Gravity have been carrying Curtis Baker and the Bravehearts for the past few years, slipping out a clutch of his hot and heavy blues tunes and covers. On this latest single, he's tackling the mighty 'Spoonful', originally written by Willie Dixon and first made famous by Etta James, Howlin' Wolf and eventually Cream. Baker more than does the track justice, hitting a note somewhere close to The Doors' groovy kind of psychedelia, locking in so hard it has to stretch over both sides of the 7".

Review: Original Gravity serve up yet two more contemporary soul tracks; sides A and B on this latest 7" are shared by Curtis Baker & The Bravehearts and Floyd James & The GTs respectively. The A's 'By Hook Or By Crook' recounts the all-to-relatable feeling of stopping at nothing to get what one wants, while 'The Switchback' ups the big beats and big halls for a roomy guit-funk come mod romp. Yet another delight to add to the OG Newtonians' pile.

Review: This unique 7" features two different artists - Raye Cole and Rachel Maxann - doing their own renditions of the same song, in this instance, 'Find Myself Another Man'. These versions bring a modern twist to a rhythm and blues banger that will transport you back to the good old days, Raye's version adding a bit more of a hop to it while Rachel's version has a garage band and surf rock tinge to it. Both are late night blues without a doubt though andit'sanother case of hats off to Original Gravity records for always keeping things fresh with their ever-changing moods.

Review: Another mighty fine reissue here from the masters of just that in the Original Gravity label. It features distorted organ loveliness here that continues with their practice of putting out new music in the style of old soul 7"s. On this split-flip 45, two of the most eminent soul vocalists out today share a side each. St. Louis singer Raye Cole helms the A-side, with her energetic number 'You Gotta Set Me Free' stomping on forward with a shaker-clapping, horn-heavy blues swing. Rachel Maxann - perhaps another alias similar to Nestor Alvarez - brings up the B on a finger-clicking alternate take on 'You Gotta Set Me Free'.

Review: The reissue of Step On by Junior Dell & The D-Lites is here only three short years after its initial run of 300 copies. 'Step On' is a reggae and ska version of the song 'He's Gonna Step on You Again' by John Kongos, made famous by Happy Mondays, who shortened its title to 'Step On'. For the B-side comes an original song done by the band called 'Meanwhile On The 15th Floor' which is a classic sounding ska instrumental from the 70s. This second pressing is a mere 250 copies - so act fast.

Review: Floyd James & The GT's 'Green Onions' is one of those seminal classics that defy age and categorisation and makes anybody who hears it move. It has the twisted rock riffs, the nice dusty Hammond organ leads, and a smooth rhythm section that just won't quit. Add in the funky midsection and you have everything you need to get a party started. To be honest the slightly more jazzy and free-swinging flipside 'On The Good Foot' ain't too bad either. Move fast with this one because there are only 200 copies and with this being such a perennially hot tune, they won't last long.

Review: More scorching hot soul sounds here from Original Gravity who look to Jodie and Floyd James and the GTs for their latest dose of 7" goodness. Jodie is in powerful form on the a-side as she delivers an empowering vocal over fast paced and chested-puffed drums that will steamroller all in their wake. This soul anthem has class and depth with some slick guitar solos and big horn energy. Floyd James & The GTs step up on the flip side with 'Johnnie's Blues' which is full of Hammond organ chords and 60s guitar riffs.

Review: Junior Dell & The Delights are back with a mighty fine new single that comes imbued with plenty of proper good old school ska and reggae values. It's an upbeat rhythm that will get you on your toes with its energetic horns and riffs, swaggering drums and superb vocal work. On the flip of this limited 7" is, of course, 'In A While Crocodile'. It's a continuation of the a-side with just as much swagger and energy. Both tunes are essential and mark another fine drop from this great modern day outfit.

Review: "Here we go again, yeah!" exclaim Luchito Rodriguez and Nestor Alvarez - Original Gravity's two core mainstays - who team up once again to evoke the undeniable spirit of a 'Boogaloo Party' for the ages. Channelling the sound of the inimitable Latin dance style, but also gradating it so as to be mixable in DJ sets, 'Ain't Nothing But...' delivers compelling call-and-responses and horn-swelling builds. 'Fiesta Bugalu' dubs things out for a reflection on the party just gone, retaining the tempo but relaxing things for extra percussive effect.

Review: Rachel Maxann's 7" single 'All Of This And Nothing' offers a delightful journey back to the swinging 60s. With a sultry voice and passionate singing, Maxann channels the era's essence, accompanied by a backing band featuring a vibrant horn section and captivating organ melodies. The title track oozes with vintage charm and undeniable groove, transporting listeners to a bygone era of soulful music. On the B-side, 'Find Myself Another Man (alternate take)' takes a different turn, embracing early rock 'n roll vibes with a sprinkling of blues influence and soulful flair. Maxann's vocals shine against the backdrop of energetic instrumentals, delivering a rousing performance that keeps the essence of the era alive while adding her own modern twist.

Review: If Original Gravity serves as one of the foremost outposts for heavy funk jams in the modern era, you know their All-Starts outfit are equipped with the tools to make a record really pop. All the ingredients are there on ‘Ain’t Nothing But A Groovy Party Baby’, as overdriven organ duels with a formidable brass section and rolling drums for a peak-time party pleaser cut from a classic cloth, with an early 70s soul sound to match. On the flip, ‘Organised Drum Sax’ locks into a deeper groove from the JBs school of funk - pure feel good licks and sassy brass to help you get your strut on.