UMC Vinyl & CDs

Review: One of the most important and influential records in both Marvin and Motown's history, "What's Going On" celebrates 45 years with a revisit that includes some of the oldest mono versions of "What's Going On" and "God Is Love" and brand new twists including a superbly mixed posthumous duet with BJ The Chicago Kid which truly feels like they're in the same room together and an Elevado-mixed acoustic Coffeehouse mix where Marvin's vocals and sentiments are given even more muscle due to their forefront position.

Review: 'Pass The Dutchie' is a cover of a reggae tune by Jamaican band Mighty Diamonds. It has enjoyed a return to the spotlight thanks to being identified as a key track in Season 4 of Netflix's massively successful 'Stranger Things' series, in which it adds character to Argyle, Jonathan Wheeler's weed-loving new best friend. It is a classic tune with iconic vocal riffs and slow rolling digital-dub drums that have you wanting to reach for a smoke the second it starts playing. Snap up this limited 10" before it's gone.

Review: Recorded at home in Ringo Starr's Roccobella West studio, the former Beatles drummer has drafted a number of long-term partners in crime for his latest release. Those names include Steve Lukather, Linda Perry, Fave Coz, Jose Antonio Rodriguez, and Bruce Sugar, among others. But, ingredients aside, what's the end result actually like?

Well, for one thing, it feels like a record made with camaraderie. The appropriately-titled 'Everyone & Everything' has a definite Fab Four vibe to its outro, requesting that all in earshot get involved in a chorus designed to get everyone and everything singing along. 'Let's Be Friends' takes that atmosphere to the after party, "Ya, ya, ya, ya" vocal hook making the whole thing sound slightly madcap. Meanwhile, closer 'Free Your Soul' invites us into smoother and sexier surrounds via sax and tropical beats.

Review: With the lead track a jangly, brass-infused, upbeat celebration of hope and the increasingly-unbelievable idea that we can stop impending doom in its tracks and safeguard the planet, its flora, fauna, and people, complete with pro-diversity music video, you could be forgiven for thinking former-Beatles drummer Ringo Starr had woken up and forgotten what year it was.

In reality, although somewhat out of place amid 2021's pandemics, immigration rows, environmental catastrophe, and general cynicism, the track is exactly what the doctor ordered. If medical professionals prescribed music. It's positive, it's determined, and most importantly it's not self aware but instead unabashedly optimistic. With this in mind, our best advice is to jump on board - not least as there's a further three tracks on offer, all of which are equally potent.