Perfect Toy Germany Vinyl & CDs

Review: Cult outfit The General Store laid down four songs in the year of 1967. They release two of them, but the other two have remained under wraps ever since. Now, more than half a century later, they are getting pressed up to vinyl for the first time thanks to Perfect Toy who have decided to cut just 300 copies. The band themselves have given full blessing for this one and as soon as the needle drops you're taken into a swirling, high-octane world of raw 60s rock heavy funk. It is very much a case of Tower of Power meets Funkadelic with a lo-fi twist.

Review: You're unlikely to find much information about The General Store online. Clearly back in the 1960s they weren't coming up with band names that took Google searchability into account. Belonging to a different age, they made music that sounds like heart, soul, unity and good times all rolled into one, even when dealing with less rose-tinted issues. Say what you will about being able to find anything you want in a couple of clicks, right now we feel the world could do with a lot more of their sound. Love Is You can be traced by to 1967, and the very early beginnings of psychedelic funk and garage rock. Recorded in 1967, this four-track 7" is harder to track down than information about the group themselves. Or at least it was until now. Finally reissued, this is collector's stuff for sure.

Review: Down & Wired 7: A Dose Of Psychedelic Funk & Blue Eyed Soul is a gold mine of rare 60s gems, carefully curated for lovers of soul, psychedelic and garage rock. This compilation, released by Perfect Toy Germany, offers a cost-effective way to enjoy tracks that would otherwise be difficult and expensive to acquire, with original copies often fetching hundreds of dollars. Highlights include The General Store's "Love Is You," a fusion of psychedelic rock and funk that sets the tone for the collection. The Comin Generation follows with the swinging 60s vibe of "Hey Girl," while Function's "Free Style" delivers a funky riff-driven groove. Tracks like The Third Stone's 'Happiness Is Coming' and Whiz Kids' 'Take' continue the journey through the era's diverse sounds. Songs like Dandy King's 'Flowers Peace Love' and Synod's 'Places To Do,' this compilation is perfect for anyone looking to explore the eclectic sounds of 60s rock and soul.