Selector Series Vinyl & CDs

Review: The Selector Series has pulled out a big one for this year's Record Store Day celebrations. Both of these tunes are imagined classics reimagined that have a fresh West Coast jazz-funk feel and arrive on 45rpm together for the first time. The A-side has a rocky feel and is a version of The Beginning Of The End's 'Funky Nassau', while over on the other side Isaac Hayes' 'Shaft' gets a new psychedelic twist. This pari of covers by The Chuck Boris Trio are as brillaint as they are obscure and will cost you well over three figures if you can find an original. Both are remastered for this 7".

Review: American jazz pianist Gene Harris first released 'Losalamitoslatinfunklovesong' and its counterpart 'Summer' in 1974, when both initially appeared on the classic soul jazz album Astral Signal. Thereafter, it enjoyed a second bout of popularity after being picked up by the trailblazing rare groove scene in London. Now for a third: Selector Series now proffer another reissue of this rare groove workout, a Latin funk gem for an age not yet properly recorded or recognised. Snappy, pugilist drums, wowwing synths and filling choral counterpoints make this a real funk treat.

Review: The legendary Ike and Tina Turner were at the peak of their collective powers back in the late 60s. For this Record Store Day, two of their most sought after classics make it on to a special 7". First up is an ice-cold early funk jam 'Bold Soul Sister' that has big funk guitar riffs from Albert Collins. It landed initially on the Blue Thumb label in 1969 and has since been pillaged by hip hop producers for all its golden samples. Reverse this one and you'll find 'Somebody (Somewhere) Needs You' which was a classic North Soul tune and has since become hugely sought after. It was written by Frank Wilson and an original will cost you over L150 so don't sleep on this one.

Review: This hugely in demand modern soul masterpiece gets a special 40th anniversary reissue thanks to the Selector Series label. Originally released on New Jersey's Debbie Records in 1981, the label has dug into the archives to find a boogie-tactic reworking on a classic standard from The Carpenters. Often seen listed for over L400 on second hand markets, it is a serious collector's piece. It's been reissued as part of various albums over the years but never on a slick 45rpm like this. It comes with original artwork and will have any dance floors in a spin.

Review: This is one of the many exclusive Record Store Day 2024 releases and one of the many you will find yourself wanting to add to your collection. It is the reissue of Superior Elevation's soulful rarity, 'Giving You Love.' Originating from Lake Charles, Louisiana, this 1985 release embodies the band's deep connection to their hometown's soulful roots and in the realm of rare discoveries, they don't come much better. Original copies are exceedingly rare and that scarcity, coupled with the track's inherent soulful charm, cements this as an essential addition for anyone seeking killer dancefloor obscurities.

Review: Selector Series strikes gold again with their reissue of The Vibrations' 'Shake It Up,' a modern soul gem that first hit the airwaves in 1974. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, this classic, co-written by Bunny Sigler and arranged by Vince Montana, still electrifies dance floors today. With its swirling strings and unmistakable percussive intro, 'Shake It Up' became a favourite during the mid-80s London warehouse parties and the rare groove scene, solidifying its place on diggers' lists. The flip side, 'Make It Last,' penned by Thom Bell and Linda Creed, offers a mellower vibe, making this 7" a perfect blend of energy and soul.