Firecracker: The Early Emissions (EPs 1-4) CD

These days, there's nothing particularly unusual about record labels pressing records in limited quantities, with sublime, screen-printed artwork. That certainly wasn't the case back in 2004, when Scottish soulsters Firecracker Recordings put out their first lovingly produced 10" EP. Now firmly established as a go-to imprint for those interested in joining the dots between deep house, soul, jazz and disco, the Firecracker crew were undoubtedly trailblazers. Here, they revisit their early recordings (2004-2009), offering them up on CD for the first time. There's much to enjoy, from the woozy jazz of Linkwood Family's "Miles Away", and the Marvin Gaye-sampling Fudge Fingas' classic "Gettin' Together", to the Moodymann-ish Linkwood jam "What's Up With the Underground", and Fudge Fingas' effortlessly soulful "Situation Diminished".