Soundway Vinyl & CDs

Review: Remastered release of Circus Underwater's 1984 self titled outing, including unreleased tracks taken from the original quarter inch tapes. Something of an unsung, DIY prog-electronic masterpiece, Circus Underwater now comes reissued with an insert, which retells the unique story of this oddball duo. An incredibly obscure LP and musical project first conceived under the aegis of Washington DC label Glass Wing, its two founding members are still unknown to us; all we know is that they are/were two friends who set off on a psychic quest - from the beatnik suburbs of their US capital city to the parallel hippie recesses of San Francisco - and produced this ambient prog jetsetter in the process.

Review: The Black Truth Rhythm Band is renowned for its Afrobeat fusion - a sound that very much epitomizes the vibrant spirit of 1970s funk and soul. Their iconic album 'Ifetayo (Love Excels All)' stands as a testament to their musical prowess and social consciousness. It has been fully remastered here with all its pulsating rhythms, infectious brass, and impassioned vocals transcending time to deliver a message of love and unity. Rooted in the African diaspora experience, the band's music serves as a rallying cry for social justice and cultural pride. Ifetayo remains a timeless work that still resonates with audiences worldwide thanks to its potent blend of groove and meaning.

Review: The star-studded Sai Galaxy project returns, bringing together West African legends Steve Monite and Rob with multi-instrumentalist Simon Durrington, guitar maestro Alfred Bannerman, and Egypt 80 trumpet player Bade, for a second EP of vital Afro-disco and soul. Following up 2020's 'Get It As You Move' EP, the likes of 'Sometimes It Rains', the homonymous 'Okere', the truth-to-power 'Rich Man, Poor Man', and the live and swinging coda 'Hold Me Tonight' paint a multifaceted picture of a trio, equally as concerned with groove delivery as they are with narrative storytelling. Most emblematic of Sai Galaxy's approach is their inspiration by analog production techniques of similar Afro-soul albums from the 1970s and 80s, adding a modern touch informed by Simon Durrington's Digital Afrika project.

Review: Yoruba Singers were musical pioneers who cooked up a unique fusion of cultures and influences that were said to be a pre-curser the Champeta Criolla sound in the Caribbean coast of Colombia. They infused Guyana folk music with Afro-roots and culture most notably on this, their debut album, Ojinga's Own. It made them into stars throughout the Caribbean and South America and led to standout singles like 'Basa Bongo' which is also being repressed this month. This album has been remastered for the first ever vinyl reissue and makes for gloriously sunny listening with organic drums and percussion, majestic wind and string sounds and carefree vibes.

Review: GC Cameron was born and raised in McCall Creek, Mississippi, and by the age of 22 he was already famous having joined Motown Records. He was signed up as lead singer of the legendary group The Spinners and had several web recover tunes and a few hits such as 'It's A Shame,' which was co-written and produced by Stevie Wonder. After that, Cameron left the group and went solo and teamed up with Harvey Faqua, Greg Crockett and Elgie Stover to record his best-ever work, which now makes its way onto this fine four-track EP courtesy of Soundway.

Review: Oluko Imo is a legendary figure in Yoruba mythology as well as being revered as one of the progenitors of the Yoruba people. He is believed to be a descendant of Oduduwa, the mythical founder and first king of the Yoruba people, but it's also the name of a Trinidadian musician who blends calypso heritage with Afrobeat and jazz from Nigeria. He recorded his iconic album between Lagos and New York in 1988 and it has long been a cult classic. This reissue features the title track from it - a deep cut and steamy rhythm, and 'Were Oju Le (Eyes Are Getting Red)', a horn led Afro-funk workout.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Creasing to corner of outer sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition***


Edits in the hole! Two Afrofunk gems enjoy floor-primed refocuses: Steve Monite's Doing It In Lagos-featured "Only You" gets a little juice from Sofrito's Frankie Francis who really brings the bass out in proceedings. Meanwhile on the B Nick The Record and Idjut Boy Dan Tyler tweak the energy and sheen of Tabu Ley Rochereau's "Hafi Disco" as the drums are given a little more momentum and the chorus and horns are really brought to the centre of the action. Stunning.

Review: Soundway brings the West Indian funk from 1977 on the new and raw double-sider. King Wellington's 'Shango' goes first and is a tune taken from his Sooner Or Later album. It now finally makes it onto 45rom for the first time and is inspired by the ritual from which it takes its name with roots in Yoruba culture and hints of Calypso music all powered by hypnotic bass with Wellington's signature vocal adding to this unique Caribbean blend. Canadian musician Tony Springer fronts the B-side cut 'Mystery Man' which is a dreamy and psyched-out trip with electric keys and floating horns.

Review: The Yoruba Singers reinterpreted Guyana folk music and infused it with Afro-roots and culture on this double A-side 7". Now for the first time every it gets reissued on vinyl. This release came a year after the group's debut album Ojinga's Own and were recorded in Barbados and released on the Green Shrimp label. They were big regional has with dancers lapping the grooves throughout the Caribbean and South America. The sounds are said to be the building blocks for what went on to become known as the Champeta Criolla sound in the Caribbean coast of Colombia.