SoulMusic Vinyl & CDs

Review: The Salsoul Recordings (1976-1979), a comprehensive 4xCD box set by the legendary Philadelphia group Double Exposure. This 46-track collection highlights the trio of albums they recorded for Salsoul's Gold Mind Records: Ten Percent (1976), Fourplay (1978), and Locker Room (1979). Each album is presented in an expanded edition, with the set's final disc offering a curated selection of remixes, instrumentals, and a cappella versions from their Salsoul discography. Key tracks include the groundbreaking 12" single Ten Percent, the soulful My Love Is Free, and other fan favorites like Everyman and Newsy Neighbors. The packaging includes a 28-page booklet designed by John Sellards. DJ Dyn-o-Mite of Jointzoftheday.org provides the liner notes, offering deep insights into the group's contributions to the disco era. This release is part of a larger 2024 series by SoulMusic Records/The Second Disc, celebrating the Salsoul and Gold Mind catalogues. The collection is an essential addition for any soul-disco lover.

Review: The 4CD box set of First Choice's essential recordings for Salsoul's Gold Mind imprint is here for the disco, soul and pop fan. This collection spans 45 tracks, including expanded editions of their three full-length albums and a specially curated fourth disc with remixes and re-imaginings. Newly remastered by Nick Robbins, the set highlights key tracks such as 'Doctor Love', 'Let No Man Put Asunder', 'Double Cross', and 'Love Thang', which became seminal dancefloor anthems in the late 70s. Early hits like 'Armed And Extremely Dangerous' and 'Smarty Pants' paved the way for their influential contributions to disco, and the set captures the essence of their impact. The collection features productions from notable names including Norman Harris, Ron Kersey, and Tom Moulton, alongside mixes by prominent remixers like Frankie Knuckles and Shep Pettibone. Included is a deluxe booklet designed by Roger Williams, featuring detailed liner notes by Craig Seymour, a 2024 interview with original member Rochelle Fleming, and essays from reissue producers Tim Dillinger and Joe Marchese. This comprehensive set celebrates First Choice's legacy and their extensive influence on dance music.

Review: After taking part in Kid Creole's typically eccentric Aural Exciters project, vocalist Taana Gardner joined forces with producer Kenton Nix and delivered a debut album on West End that remains one of the strongest disco full length outings of the late 1970s. This double disc set presents an expanded version of that set of CD 1 - complete with Nix's 12" extensions of key cuts 'When You Touch Me', 'Just Be a Friend' and 'Work That Body' - with CD2 collecting the vocalist's later West End singles. These include Larry Levan's legendary takes on 'Heartbeat' (a boogie-era slow-disco classic) and 'No Frills', as well as later Masters at Work takes on 'Work That Body' and 'When You Touch Me' and a surprise house-style Tom Moulton revision of 'Work That Body'. In a word: essential.ay.

Review: The expansive box set celebrating The Salsoul Orchestra's groundbreaking albums, meticulously curated and remastered, is a must-have for any disco aficionado. Boasting 103 tracks across six albums, including collaborations with icons like Carol Williams and Charo, it encapsulates the essence of the legendary Salsoul sound. Led by Vincent Montana Jr, the orchestra delivers floorfillers like 'Salsoul Hustle,' 'Magic Bird of Fire,' and 'Run Away' featuring Loleatta Holloway, showcasing the signature Philly soul sound with vibrant brass, infectious rhythms and lush strings. The inclusion of rare tracks from The Salsoul Strings and remixes by esteemed producers adds depth and variety to the collection, ensuring there's something for every disco lover. The deluxe booklet, featuring comprehensive notes by Joe Marchese, provides valuable insights into the albums and the era, making it a treasure trove of musical history. With its stellar lineup of musicians and timeless grooves, this box set truly embodies the spirit of Salsoul and proves once again that disco is indeed good for the soul.