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Items 1 to 48 of 48 on page 1 of 1
Changes
Changes (LP)
Cat: AOTNLP 066. Rel: 25 Jan 24
 
Soul
Check 4 U (3:48)
It's Not About Me (3:19)
Best Thing (3:28)
Knight In Shining Armour (4:06)
Daydreamer (5:46)
Coming Back (3:51)
Goodbye Farewell (4:32)
Life Changes You (4:24)
Let Down & Liar (4:04)
My Man (4:08)
Review: Athens of the North is back in business this new year with a couple of singles as well as a new album dropping before the end of January. This time it is Bo'vel's Changes album that gets served up on wax having teased the act by including them on a compilation Just A Touch late last year. Their soul sound is distantly UK-centric but with influxes from dub, funk and more. That is well showcased here across ten tracks that were famously made in the mid-90s in Manchester without a big budget or big press campaign but became cult classics all the same.
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Played by: Mike O'Mara
$26.29 SAVE 10%
 in stock $23.65
Disco With A Feeling: An Introduction To The Heart & Soul Of Independent Disco
David HAFFNER / VARIOUS
Cat: AOTNLP 021. Rel: 17 Jan 24
 
Soul
Ice - "Reality" (3:35)
Cloudburst - "I'm Loving You" (3:38)
Popsicles - "These Are The Good Times" (4:23)
Bileo - "You Can Win" (3:28)
Mahana - "She Really Needs Love" (3:15)
Jerry Blackshear - "Defected" (3:29)
Mr Wigg & Co - "Lot Of Living To Do" (4:32)
Benita - "Time For A Change" (3:25)
Darrell Johnson - "Days Gone Past" (4:12)
Bordeaux - "Paradise's Love" (3:24)
Split Decision Band - "Watchin' Out" (3:15)
Sequence - "Disco Thing" (3:00)
Strivers Show Band - "Love Episode" (3:29)
Love Company - "Love Tempo" (3:36)
Gratitude - "We Are Here To Party" (7" version) (3:46)
Jax Transit Authority - "Life Is A Miracle" (4:56)
Review: Many of the finest independent disco 45s that Athens of the North has reissued were licensed by crate digger David Haffner, so it's fitting that AOTN boss Euan Fryer has given him a compilation of his own. "Disco With A Feeling" contains some of those picks, alongside other obscure favourites from Haffner's sizable record collection. It's absolute fire from start to finish, with the little known private press and small-run cuts tending towards the more soulful and jazz-funk influenced end of the disco spectrum. Basically, it's a must-have for anyone who gravitates towards the rare end of the disco spectrum.
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 in stock $24.71
Fall For You
Cat: ATH 181. Rel: 15 Feb 24
 
Soul
Fall For You (3:24)
Viper Flames (3:23)
Review: Multi-talented artist James Alexander Bright unveils soulful anthem 'Fall For You' and funky track 'Viper Flames' in the superb Athens of the North, all as a tease his forthcoming third solo album on the label in mid-2024. Reflecting on love's power in 'Fall For You', Bright's upcoming release follows his acclaimed debut album 'Headroom' and contributions to Groove Armada's 'Edge Of The Horizon'. His second album, 'Float', garnered praise for its eclectic blend of styles. These new tuns show what he is all about - sunny soul with standout keys and dreamy vocals that melt even the stoniest of hearts.
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 in stock $12.61
You're So Fine
You're So Fine (limited 7'')
Cat: ATH 077. Rel: 10 Jun 21
 
Funk
You're So Fine (2:57)
Sweetest Thing On This Side Of Heaven (3:45)
Review: This excellent 7" single from Athens Of The North boasts more desirable deep funk business. This time dusty-fingered digger Euan Fryer has secured the rights to a sought-after seven from Papa Bear & His Cubs, a long-serving combo whose sole "45" has long been a sought-after item amongst serious soul and funk heads. "You're So Fine" may sound like it was recorded in a cement mixer on a cheap portable tape recorder, but musically it's soul bliss - a wonderfully languid, loved-up song blessed with a superb lead vocal and languid instrumentation. "Sweetest Thing On This Side Of Heaven" is, if anything, even more dewy-eyed - a seductive slow jam whose saccharine lyrics are delivered with heartfelt passion.
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 in stock $11.31
Time For A Change
Cat: ATH 055. Rel: 16 Nov 17
 
Disco/Nu-Disco
Time For A Change (3:25)
Time For A Change (Hot mix) (3:24)
Review: In the sales notes accompanying this latest slice of 7" gold from Athens of the North, boss man Euan Fryer admits that he spent a good "four or five years" trying to locate an original copy of "Time For Change" before finally tracking down original singer Benita. She was more than happy for him to reissue the record, which is one of the most inspired and well-made disco-soul records you're ever likely to hear (how it remained a lost classic, we'll never know). Benita's lyrics and vocals are superb, the horns are punchy, and the B-side "Hot Mix" contains one of the best slap-bass solos you'll ever hear. In a word: essential.
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 in stock $12.61
I Would Have To Be A Fool
Cat: ATH 171. Rel: 25 Jan 24
 
Disco/Nu-Disco
I Would Have To Be A Fool (3:33)
Just Give Love A Try (4:08)
Review: Ben White - not the same Ben White that plays as a defender for Arsenal - was just 25 when he was brought by Eddy Bongo Brown of the Funk Brothers to the Motor City to play with Marvin Gaye. It was five years after that when he lay down this single - his only one, although it is said there are some lost tapes featuring a full album on them out there somewhere. We hope it is found as this is excellent - 'I Would Have To Be A Fool' is a super smooth soul with nice funky rhythms and a hint of disco energy. 'Just Give Love A Try' is a more slow and lavish groove with choral backing and fancy piano.
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Played by: Dave Lee ZR
 in stock $13.15
Slow Dance
Cat: AOTN 12014. Rel: 23 Sep 21
 
Disco/Nu-Disco
Slow Dance (4:34)
Slow Dance (Axes) (4:23)
Leave It All Behind (3:32)
Punch (4:35)
Review: It's hard to keep up with the number of releases that Athens Of The North are putting out this month, but you really must try. This one is a gooey and loved up disco 12" from the dream team pairing of Tom Findlay from Groove Armada and James Alexander Bright. They hook up via mutual appreciation over Twitter and worked up a load of new material in the studio as Bright & Findlay. Their first offering 'Slow Dance' is perfection - lush 80s synths, slow-motion boogie beats and drum machines marbled with little guitar riffs and soulful vocals that ate you to a better place. Two further heart melters come on the flip side and we are already in love with this project.
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 in stock $6.05
Where Will I Go
Cat: ATH 070. Rel: 30 Jun 21
 
Soul
Where Will I Go (4:09)
Always (4:34)
Review: North Carolina's Brief Encounter were one of the bands to define the 70's US soul sound but, unlike many of their peers, the group remained in the sights of crate diggers and specialists, straying away from significant commercial success. This particular single, for instance, wasn't even released officially and has remained the stuff of legends until now, so it's thanks to the reliable Athens Of The North that we're able to give it a spin on our turntables. Put simply, "Where Will I Go" and "Always" are two unmissable soul ballads that are simply impossible not to appreciate and get excited by - they encapsulate a particular note of optimism and romance that represented the 1970s in America, taking us on a journey into the past. Don't miss it!
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 in stock $13.15
Let Love Enter
Cat: ATH 051. Rel: 07 Dec 17
 
Soul
Let Love Enter (2:55)
Come To Me (3:33)
Review: Incredible late night smoochy stuff right here from one of the most decorated bassists of all time. A major figure in the bands of Miles Davis and Stevie Wonder, Henderson was also a killer solo artist amassing eight artist albums between 76-86. This AOTN "45 showcases his true breadth as "Let Love Enter" lilts on a soft bossa with rising horns, velvet backing vocals and an unabashed come-to-bed message. "Come To Me" gets even deeper under the sheets with as he goes toe-to-toe, cheek-to-cheek with Rena Scott with smoking results.
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! low stock $6.05
Thumping For You (reissue)
Cat: ATH 148V. Rel: 13 Apr 23
 
Funk
Thumping For You (4:12)
Brandon's Song (5:09)
Review: Ben (Benjamin Robinson of Ben & Coco) and the Tight Squeeze Band have not long been getting us hot under the collar as Athens of the North put out a reissue of their AM Funk 7" only back in March. Now the faultless Edinburgh label is back with another pair of tunes from them that are just as good. 'Thumping For You' is nice loose-limbed, off-grid funk with love and wonky drums, happy sax lines and sustained chords bringing a golden touch next to the aloof vocals. 'Brandon's Song' is another uplifting one with seductive claps and shakers, squelchy leads and lush string synths.
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 in stock $12.61
We've Got One
Cat: ATH 149. Rel: 01 Jun 23
 
Soul
Wendy Walker - "We've Got One" (4:06)
Legal Assault - "Nice & Slow" (feat Dan-Elle) (4:30)
Review: .Athens of the North has been a buy-on-sight for years. The Edinburgh-based soul, disco and funk reissue label rarely ever misses and does some of the most tireless digging in the game as this latest 7" shows. It is a spotlight on one of the best tunes made by Anthony Brightly while working with a young Wendy Walker. 'We've Got One' is dub tinged slow-motion funk with a glorious vocal, and on the flip is Legal Assault's 'Nice & Slow'. This one is also from the Sir George label and a sensuous deep soul and lo-fi gem with steamy vocals and lush chords.
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 in stock $13.15
So Sad
So Sad (7")
Cat: ATH 107. Rel: 26 Aug 21
 
Soul
So Sad (4:35)
Maybe What You Do Comes Back On You (3:46)
Review: Crystal Winds is best known for a supreme and sophisticated funk and soul album that was released in 1982 on the Cash Ear label. The tunes from it have never reportedly been on 7" before, so the Athens of the North label boss made it his mission to right that wrong. This one offers up some hugely classy soul sounds for more tender DJ sets or lazy Sunday listening sessions. 'So Sad' is awash with golden chords and intimate, spoken word exchanges between lovers, and on the flip 'Maybe What You Do Comes Back On You' slows down even further, sinking you deep into the richness of the arrangement.
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 in stock $10.26
Just A Touch: Underground UK Soul Compiled By Sam Don
Sam DON / VARIOUS
Cat: AOTNCD 063. Rel: 12 Oct 23
 
Soul
Bo'vel - "Coming Back"
Sam - "Life" (club mix)
Marcelle Moncrieffe - "Take Me There"
Kofi - "Step By Step"
Pure Silk - "What You Do For Me"
Jenny B - "Sexy Eyes" (club mix)
Sonja Ryshard - "Step Back"
Cavalier - "Don't Touch"
Purely Fizzycal - "Straight To The Top"
Dennis Planeter - "I Still Dream Of You"
Taffy - "Passion"
Weekend In Paris - "Hold Your Head Up"
Review: Having previously shone a light on lovers rock via two volumes of his For The Love of You compilations, dusty-fingered selector Sam Don has turned his attention to 'underground UK soul'. In practice, that largely means - though not uniformly - street soul of the late 80s and 90s. It's a simple idea, executed brilliantly, with Don working tirelessly to get the blessing of all the artists involved. Sweet, synth-heavy and lusciously loved up, the 12 tracks on show are undeniably excellent, with the many highlights including the piano-sporting, breakbeat-driven dancefloor pleasure of Kofi's 'Step By Step', the sax-sporting shuffle of Jenny B's 'Sexy Eyes (Club Mix)', the bubbly 80s soul cheeriness of Cavalier's 'Don't Touch' and the bustling post-boogie brilliance of 'Passion' by Taffy.
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 in stock $14.99
Love Is The Same
Cat: ATH 176. Rel: 25 Jan 24
 
Soul
Love Is The Same (4:13)
Love Is The Same (instrumental) (4:05)
Review: It's always a buzz to see a new Athens of the North 7" drop onto our shelves. This first drop of the year comes from label regulars Coast to Coast who had their unreleased and self-titled soul album reissued here back in October 2021. It is the opening track from that glorious record that gets its own pressing on 45 rpm here with an instrumental on the flip. The original from core members Mark Beiner and Ben Iverson, 'Love Is The Same' has glorious vocal falsettos and super sweet rhythms that bring feel-good vibes like no other.
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 in stock $12.61
Strung Out (On Your Love)
Cat: ATH 111. Rel: 09 Sep 21
 
Soul
Strung Out (On Your Love) (4:21)
All My Love For You (4:18)
Review: Athens Of The North has never been shy in putting out music. The label is always working on a wealth of different projects it seems and this month drops a couple of very tasty - as per usual - 7"s. Rivage was a leading band in the 70s modern soul scene and one long loved by the Athens label head. He put out a first-ever reissue of their Sit-in On It LP last year and now serves up some of the singles from it, namely the flute-led joy of 'Strung Out On Your Love' and 'All My Love For You,' a comforting soul tune with swirling grooves and classic falsetto vocals. Lovely stuff.
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 in stock $11.56
Face The Facts
Face The Facts (gatefold 2xLP)
Cat: AOTNLP 042. Rel: 26 Nov 20
 
Deep House
Theme For City (5:58)
First Take (4:46)
Porty (4:27)
Face The Facts (5:08)
3VSR (2:32)
Meet In The Middle (5:52)
Don't Throw It (5:06)
Gold Leith (4:23)
Downright (3:05)
Varial (2:38)
Shapes (8:42)
Silver Nows (5:35)
Up Wrong (4:02)
Review: Given their shared musical heritage - both are members of the extended Firecracker Recordings crew - it's perhaps something of a surprise to find that Face The Facts marks the first serious collaboration between Linkwood and Gav 'Fudge Fingaz' Sutherland AKA Other Lands. It's less surprising that the album is really, really good. Touching on warming synth-boogie, head-nodding downtempo jams, mutant beatdown, Balearic beats, sunset-ready soundscapes and warming analogue deep house, the 13-track set is notable for the pair's extensive use of dusty old drum machines, tactile instrumentation (think smooth Rhodes solos, languid guitar solos and blissed-out synths) and Sutherland's hazy, sometimes seductive singing voice.
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 in stock $12.61
Disco Thing
Cat: ATH 117. Rel: 24 Feb 22
 
Disco/Nu-Disco
Disco Thing (2:56)
Your Love (3:03)
Review: It was way back in 1977 when disco collective Seaquence made their debut on Aidqueen Records, a tiny, independent label based in their home city of San Diego, California. That debut, a delightful but extremely hard to find "45", has long been in demand amongst deep disco collectors, hence this timely reissue on Athens of the North. The real killer is A-side 'Disco Thing', a tight-but-freewheeling chunk of disco-funk piled high with alternate male/female vocals, loose-limbed drum-breaks, punchy horns, swooping strings and squelchy synth sounds. Original B-side 'Your Love' is a deeper and far sweeter affair - a traditional flipside slow jam that's as tear-jerking as it is effortlessly soulful.
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 in stock $13.15
Leather Pants
Cat: ATH 104. Rel: 24 Feb 22
 
Disco/Nu-Disco
Leather Pants (4:24)
Nicci's Theme (3:35)
Review: The relentless Athens Of The North is having a busy month even by its own high standards. February alone has at least three new 45rpms dropping and this might be the best: Homegrown Syndrome were a band that ended up in LA but giggled all round Memphis. Some members had played with an earlier band but they all came good on these previously unleashed tunes that have been found in the attic of Jerry Jones. 'Got The Love' is a chunky funky stepper with swirling synths and disco energy. 'Party Vibes' then takes off once more on hip swig claps, big arching chords and strident drums.

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 in stock $12.61
Is It What You Want?
Cat: AOTNLP 54. Rel: 29 Sep 22
 
Soul
Rock This Mother (0:24)
Talk To Me Girl (2:08)
You Can Find Me (0:39)
Check This Out (0:04)
Jesus Going To Clean House (5:27)
Hope You Understood (0:50)
Is It What You Want (3:22)
Love Is Everlasting (0:09)
This Is Hip-Hop Art (3:57)
Opposite Of Love (2:40)
Do You Know What I Mean (0:52)
Saving All My Love For You (1:23)
Look Out Here I Come (3:21)
Girl You Always Talking (0:26)
Have A Great Day (4:49)
Take My Hand (2:14)
I Need Your Love (1:37)
Your Town (2:32)
Talk Around Town (1:45)
Booty Head/Take A Little Walk (2:57)
I Love My Mama (0:05)
I Never Found Anyone Like You (1:13)
Review: A record unlike any other, 'Is That What You Want' is a fascinating slice of what some might call 'outsider soul', but even that label can't do full justice to the music here. Part of a wholly unrecognised community of DIY musicians living in East Philadelphia in the 1980s, Lee Tracy and Isaac Manning were a vocal, instrumental and production duo whose efforts flew sorely under the radar at the time that they laid these slick slices of experimental joy to tape. Bleeding a shocking transfusion of gospel, electro, lo-fi, funk and soul, this is a worthy slice of Afrofuturism existing outside the jazz connotation. "We never went to no studio," retorts Manning, showing off the pair's homespun ingenuity. Bolstered by a slew of DIY videos shot in Lee's front garden, this has everything from black Southern IDM to machine-glitched proto-raps. It deserves all the recognition it can get.
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 in stock $22.88
The Prince Of Georgia Soul
Cat: AOTNLP 049. Rel: 23 Jun 22
 
Soul
Lonely Girl (3:06)
Sexy Lady (3:54)
If You Want My Love (5:09)
My Love (3:57)
Let's Get Together For The Wrong We Have Done (2:54)
Whatcha Gonna Do About It (3:54)
You Are The One For Me (3:05)
Oh Baby Why You Want To Make Me Cry (2:55)
You Talk Too Much (3:59)
It's You Girl (4:00)
Review: It's time for another one of Athens of the North's magnificent reissue albums, this time with Arthur Ponder in the spotlight. The Georgia resident started singing in the 1960s, at first replacing Otis Redding in Johnny Jenkins & The Pinetoppers after Redding left. His first recording came in 1970 after years spent gigging hard and then he carried on well into the 80s making great tunes. It is that decade which is represented here with some solo tunes and some alongside local group Side Show. She are unreleased, some have previously been on 45 pm, all are gold.
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 in stock $17.62
Defected
Cat: ATH 116. Rel: 24 Mar 22
 
Disco/Nu-Disco
Defected (3:26)
You Are The One (3:27)
 in stock $13.15
Lovers Holiday
Cat: ATH 108. Rel: 26 Aug 21
 
Soul
Lovers Holiday (4:28)
Love Ain't Easy (4:01)
Review: The tireless Athens of the North label boss has many ongoing musical missions but one right now is putting out the first-ever 7" singles from a famous 1970s soul album by Crystal Winds. The band is made up of keyboardist Paul Coleman and saxophonist M.C. Morris Brown, and guitarist Martin Dumas co-wrote the a-side here, 'Lover's Holiday' with Brown. It's a gorgeous number with smooth but funky bass licks and soft backing vocals fleshing out the sumptuous sounds. The energy levels pick up on 'Love Ain't Easy' with its swirling, skyward strings, sapling cymbals and more lovely bass playing.
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 in stock $11.56
I Need You Baby
Cat: ATH 112. Rel: 26 Aug 21
 
Disco/Nu-Disco
I Need You Baby (4:19)
Answer (4:20)
Review: A year after putting out the exceptional full-length Sittin On It by Rivage Athens of the North revisits the album to pluck some stellar singles from it. There are two such 7"s out this month, and this one opens on 'I Need You Baby.' The simple title is the mona vocal hook of this lush and lux disco swirling, with soul to dare. The flip side is 'Answer,' a more prickly beat with funky guitar and meandering synths that are all finished off in style by another of those heart-felt vocals up top. These are glorious tunes for grown-up dance floors.
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Tags: Soul Disco
 in stock $11.56
Let Go
Let Go (7")
Cat: ATH 053. Rel: 24 Aug 17
 
Soul
Let Go (5:42)
Will You Be There (4:33)
Review: Following the excellent excavation of the Miami band's unreleased album Best Kept Secret, AOTN's Fryer treats us to his two favourite cuts on a 500-only never-to-be-repressed 45. Seeped in powerful vocal harmonies, "Let Go" is rare groove gold with smooth sax and a dynamic that keeps on surprising while "Will You Be There" is an end of night soul shakedown with a tenderness that's tangible in every element. Don't sleep on this... Or the album. One of AOTN's most exciting releases this year.
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Tags: Soul Disco
 in stock $5.78
Love Tempo
Cat: ATH 061. Rel: 08 Feb 18
 
Soul
Love Tempo (3:35)
Somebody Help Me Be Fair (4:22)
Review: Athens Of The North strike again. A big spinner for the likes of Floating Points, this rare-as-pigs-shoes 1980 45 from Ohio troupe Love Company has gone for big sums in the past. It's not hard to hear why; "Love Tempo" raises the heat with an unrelenting disco beat, coastal guitar textures and harmonies to swoon to. "Somebody Help Me Be Fair" flips for a much more sentimental story as Love Company unravel the problems of a menage-et-trois. Steamy.
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 in stock $10.26
You're The Best
Cat: ATH 078. Rel: 26 Sep 19
 
Disco/Nu-Disco
You're The Best (4:28)
Train Of Thought (4:29)
Review: Many disco-era modern soul collectors regard, Larom Baker's "You're The Best", which initially appeared in 1978 on an impossible to find, single-sided 7" single, as one of the style's genuine "Holy Grail" records. It's good news, then, that Athens Of The North has secured the rights to reissue it, releasing the full studio version (rather than the shorter edit that was released all those years ago) for the very first time. It's a genuine gem, with Baker's deliciously breezy West Coast soul vocal seemingly floating over a killer backing track rich in hazy horns, bustling slap bass and crunchy Clavinet lines. Turn to the flipside for the more disco-minded "Train Of Thought", one of a string of recently discovered Baker recordings that form the basis of a forthcoming album of previously unreleased tracks.
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 in stock $11.31
Coast To Coast
Cat: AOTNLP 045. Rel: 21 Oct 21
 
Disco/Nu-Disco
Love Is The Same (4:00)
I Want You Dear (4:38)
Paula Marie (4:45)
A Woman (Was Made To Be Loved) (4:34)
Reincarnation Of Love (4:05)
Love Is The Same (alternate instrumentals) (5:38)
Paula Marie (alternate instrumentals) (4:32)
Move Your Body (alternate instrumentals) (4:13)
Funkin' Coast To Coast (alternate instrumentals) (6:07)
Review: The second LP on Athens Of The North (Edinburgh) this month is an unreleased soul LP from the American band Coast To Coast, who only released two singles between 1982 - 1983. Core members Mark Beiner and Ben Iverson were involved with acts such as 'The Hornets, Nue Dey Express and Crown Heights Affair in the early '70's. Other band members consisted of Joe Crowley, Carl (Woody Wood) Morton and Jimmy Johnson. Woody and Jimmy used to play together in the early days of seminal rap outfit Run DMC in St. Albans, Queens. Worth a listen for the soothing soul power of 'Paila Marie' alone.
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Tags: Soul Disco
 in stock $21.03
Waiting In The Wings
Cat: ATH 133. Rel: 02 Mar 23
 
Soul
Waiting In The Wings (East Cost Love Affair mix) (3:16)
Waiting In The Wings (2:56)
Review: It's a busy time for Athens of the North - to be fair when isn't it - as the Edinburgh label drops a couple of real gems this month. Marion Javius's 'Waiting In The Wings' originally dropped in 1978 and the head of this label loved the track but for a couple of aspects to it. Years later, he discovered that a friend of the label David Haffner "had been sitting on the multi-track tapes for some time and was cool with us doing a 45." So here we have the original on the B-side, and the slightly tweaked and edited new East Cost Love Affair version on the a-side. It's a great touch-up job if you ask us.
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 in stock $14.99
Everything That's Good In Life
Cat: ATH 121. Rel: 28 Apr 22
 
Soul
Everything That's Good In Life (4:29)
Hold Me Close (4:17)
Review: It will shock no one that this week along, Edinburgh based label Athens of the North has a wealth of great new music out. This 7" is another one from William Stuckey. The last one came last year but sadly, only after the man himself had passed away. But they follow it up with another gem that comes with the blessing of the man's family. 'Everything That's Good In Life' has never been released before but is as good as his material gets and is sure to become another classic. ON the reverse is an alternate 7" mix of 'Hold Me Close' that cuts deep.
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! low stock $14.20
What Do You Want Me To Do
Cat: ATH 099. Rel: 15 Jul 21
 
Disco/Nu-Disco
What Do You Want Me To Do (4:32)
What Do You Want Me To Do (edit) (4:24)
Review: Athens of the North is continually one of our favourite labels here at Juno HQ. The Edinburgh based outlet's tireless mission to unearth forgotten gems or shine a light on deserving tracks that may have been overlooked cannot be faulted. This time out Christopher Jay's 'What Do You want Me To Do' from 1987 gets served up on its own 45rpm. It is a glorious bit of disco boogie with a rugged broken beat, funk in the bass and soul in the buttery vocal. On the flip is a subtle edit that hits just as sweet a spot and it comes with a nice picture sleeve, too.
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Tags: Disco Funk
 in stock $7.62
Take Them In Prayer
Cat: ATH 109. Rel: 25 Nov 21
 
Soul
Take Them In Prayer (4:04)
Let Him Be Your Everything (3:43)
Review: Another week brings another monster new 45 from the incomparable Athens of the North. This time out it is an early 80s bit of irresistible gospel, disco and boogie from Earl Young. 'Take Them In Prayer' is pure gold thanks to its tight and funky rhythm section, the delicate thinking on the keys and the heart aching vocals of earl Young that soar up top. Flip it over and on the reverse of this one and you will find 'Let Him Be Your Everything,' a quiet love song with only melancholic keys for company. It's the complete opposite of the a-side but is just as devastating for different reasons.
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 in stock $14.99
Treasure Mind
Cat: ATH 120. Rel: 10 Jun 22
 
Disco/Nu-Disco
Treasure Mind (2:55)
UR (3:32)
Review: A true Texan soul rarity, Athens Of The North have outdone themselves in reissuing this word-of-mouth classic. Trace Of Smoke's only single under the name, 'U.R.', originally came out in 1982 on the tiny friends-and-family-run Austin label B.J. Records. However, legend has it that the song might have existed up to a decade earlier. Being the first Black band in Austin to play white clubs in the 1970s, only the vaguest memories of their performances of 'U.R.' and 'Treasure Mind' survive, lending to the exorbitant prices fetched by the original pressings. Disco-soul fusion of peak quality, from the band later known as Karizma.
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Tags: Soul Disco
 in stock $13.15
Love Is A Heartbreaker
Cat: ATH 115. Rel: 24 Mar 22
 
Soul
Doctor 'T' - "Love Is A Heartbreaker" (4:38)
Presley Strong - "Let's Be Together, 1982" (4:33)
Review: Even for Jedi level diggers, tracking down original copies of Doctor T aka Lenoah Presley Strong aka Rick Strong, 7"s is almost impossible. He was a master instrumentalist who can turn out a tune on any piece of gear and was a regular in his local clubs. He spent time between Selma, Atlanta, where he was born, and Beverly Hills and played with artists like Willie Hutch. This compilation collects together some of his best jams and is an essential pick up for any and all soul lovers. A-side 'Love Is A Heartbreaker' is a real pearler in particular, while the flip side is no slouch either.
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 in stock $11.56
Look A Little Higher
Cat: AOTNLP 057. Rel: 23 Jun 22
 
Funk
Money Won't Change You (3:33)
It's Bad (3:08)
Good Thing (2:31)
Best Of Luck To You (3:02)
That's What I Get (2:11)
That's The Sound Of My Heart (2:20)
How Long Must I Wait For You (2:29)
Foxy Mama (2:36)
Look A Little Higher (2:43)
I Take What I Want (2:26)
She's Got To Be Loved (2:42)
Just A Dream (2:02)
To Love Me Like You Do (2:49)
There's Gonna Be A Better Day Coming (2:37)
Review: The glorious Athens of the North label will always be one of our favourites. It is pretty much buy on sight for lovers of soul, funk and disco and this month it is serving up two more unmissable long players. Here it is Ike and The Uptights and their superb sounds which make, what me might bravely, say, could be one of this always high class label's finest releases. Formed by Henry Bradley in Forrest City, The Uptights recorded for Memphis label Action Records and here we get a perfect window into their world of raw and guttural funk.
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 in stock $24.46
Be My Lady
Cat: ATH 098. Rel: 25 Feb 21
 
Disco/Nu-Disco
Be My Lady (4:40)
Come Out Tonight (4:19)
Review: Some boogie collectors go weak at the knees at the mention of Christopher Jay's 'What Do You Want Me To Do', a superb single from 1987 that's long been near impossible to find. This isn't that gem, but something arguably even more exciting: some previously unreleased business from the same obscure, overlooked artist. 'Be My Lady' dates from a similar period and sees Jay sing swooning words to a member of the opposite sex over a sunny and kaleidoscopic blend of rubbery bass, clipped guitars and shiny synthesizers. Flipside 'Come Out Tonight' is rather tasty, too. Slower and even warmer, it sits somewhere between 80s soul and yacht rock.
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 in stock $10.51
Mono
Mono (LP)
Cat: AOTNLP 048. Rel: 24 Jun 21
 
Deep House
Bubbles (2:28)
Candy Land (3:19)
Shortwave (1:46)
Rain & Shine (2:07)
Byte Size (5:06)
Squeeze (4:14)
Endcoms (2:12)
I Love You (3:23)
No One & Perfect (3:29)
Date-Line (2:59)
Refresher (2:39)
Kubes (3:25)
Dust Jacket (2:53)
Strangely Enough (1:31)
Review: Linkwood can do no wrong if you ask us. Whatever music he puts out - be it his collabs with jazz great Greg Foat, his melodic deep house abstracts or this new electro tinged collection, it is gold. He recorded this one with some Moog and Oberheim gear in the Athens of the North studio and casts his net far and wide - there is crisp bit lo-fi, starry eyed electro like 'Shortwave' next to more 80s tinged pop-like nuggets "Rain & Shine' and cosmic explorations such as 'Date-Line'. It is the sound of a producer who can create at will, unbound by rules, but defined by excellence.
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 in stock $28.13
Don't You Know I Love You
Cat: ATH 057. Rel: 07 Dec 17
 
Disco/Nu-Disco
Don't You Know I Love You (part 1) (2:59)
Don't You Know I Love You (part 2) (2:36)
Review: Georgia troupe Star Quake gave the world just one record... And boy is it special. Slick pumping disco funk with focus, momentum and shimmering chimes on the chords as the track climaxes, there's an air of Stevie to the vocals and unashamed funk throughout. So good it comes in two parts, there's a reason original copies of this have passed hands for almost $2000 in the past.
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 in stock $11.84
You
You (7")
Cat: ATH 039. Rel: 24 Nov 16
 
Disco/Nu-Disco
You (4:46)
Space V (4:18)
Review: Christopher Sprains and The Strange Band recorded a whole heap of material in a hazy, drug-fuelled 19178, but their - surprisingly - never gained enough traction with the NYC disco crowd. Perhaps this work was too ahead of its time and, while it does share some qualities with the music of Rick James, it contains something dark, sexy, a little bit twisted and, of course, strange. The lead track "You" is a synth-heavy, electrifying boogie cut with a rugged percussion swing and an air of post-punk to its mix down, not to mention those utterly freaky vocals; our favourite, though, is actually "Space V", an insanely nutty electro cut that would have undoubtedly been on The Electrifying Mojo's playlist should it have landed on his lap. Totally recommended...
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 in stock $6.84
The Time Is Right
Cat: ATH 045. Rel: 29 Jun 17
 
Funk
The Time Is Right (3:23)
Feeling Funky (3:55)
Review: If this fine 7" is anything to go by, the crate digging and detective skills of Athens of the North founder Euan Fryer are as sharp as ever. The two tracks featured here originally appeared on a private press single that currently changes hands for large sums online. Fryer manager to track down the original writer/producer, Chicago-based George Riviera, who not only have his blessing to the reissue, but also sent over the master tapes. Stylistically, A-side "The Time is Right" sits somewhere between Latin soul, jazz-funk and sumptuous downtempo disco, with blue-eyed soul vocals and subtle vibraphone solos rising above superb had percussion. Fipside "Feelin' Funky" is a more up-tempo affair: an undulating chunk of jazz-funk/disco fusion laden with neat musical touches.
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 in stock $8.24
Keep On Dancin
Cat: ATH 073. Rel: 29 Nov 18
 
Soul
Keep On Dancin (3:34)
You (3:23)
Review: While Luther Davis is undoubtedly best known for his sought-after disco smash "You Can Be A Star", many collectors and deep funk DJs have long insisted that the more obscure "Keep On Dancin" is even better. Thanks to Athens of the North's timely reissue of the latter, you can now decide for yourself. Certainly, it's a ludicrously infectious, full-throttle disco-funk affair whose extreme dancefloor intensity is helped by Davis and company's liberal use of studio effects, psychedelic backing vocals and some serious eyes-closed guitar solos. This reissue comes with B-side bonus soothing slow jam "You", which is a serviceable chunk of deep soul.
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 in stock $11.04
Beautiful Day
Cat: AOE 036. Rel: 28 Mar 19
 
Funk
Beautiful Day (2:52)
Beautiful Day (Drums) (3:00)
Review: Athens Of The North celebrate the longstanding contributions of host, presenter, writer, personality and occasional singer Bernard "Spider" Harrison. Recorded sometime around 1970, and fetching large triple figures between collectors, the feel good bluesy soul cut "Beautiful Day" first landed on Lulu Records and has barely seen the light of day since... Until now. And it's loaded with a never-before-released drum cut. Don't sleep, though. Only 500 of these have been pressed.
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 in stock $11.31
Watchin' You
Cat: ATH 044. Rel: 23 Mar 17
 
Soul
Watchin' You (4:09)
To The Sky (4:39)
Review: Little is known about Friction Band's hyper-rare 45" besides the fact it's a brilliant example of outsider, slightly experimental style of modern soul, it's passed hands for strong triple figures in recent years and it's just been injected with a whole new lease of life by Fryer. "Watchin' You" is a footloose boogie jam with unabashed use of freeform keys while "To The Sky" flips for a softer, more sentimental soul affair that's fringed by just the right amount of dreamy cosmicity. Another precision find by AOTN.
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Played by: Dan Mela, Soul Music
 in stock $10.51
Windows Of My Mind (remastered)
Cat: ATH 158. Rel: 27 Jul 23
 
Coldwave/Synth
Windows Of My Mind (5:09)
Windows Of My Mind (remix) (4:56)
Review: The story of this one revolves around San Diego native Anthony "Antone" Williams. He was one day alone in a studio, messing about with the gear and before he knew he it lay down the haunting rhythm that underpins the tune now presented here by the good folks at Athens of the North. It's a sinister, restless one that got released as a hugely limited 7" on Unity Records with otherworldly soul production and a pained vocal up top. Post punk soul, some call it, and that's a fitting descriptor. A remix appears on the flip but the allure of the original is hard to beat.
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Tags: Synth Pop
 in stock $12.61
You Can Tell Me Goodbye (reissue)
Cat: ATH 140. Rel: 27 Jul 23
 
Soul
You Can Tell Me Goodbye (2:41)
I've Gotta Keep On Lovin' You (4:10)
Review: Athens of The North delivers once again here with another delightful reissue of a soul classic by Bernetia Miller And The Soul Groovers. An original of this Georgian gem is insanely rare and in fact the Athens boss himself has never actually seen a copy. It was recorded in the studio of Phil Walden's studio in Macon, Georgia and Bernetia herself has said it took many takes and plenty of hard work to get the result they wanted. Backing band The Soul Groovers had their own bus on which they toured plenty and this reissue is from the master tapes owned by Bernetia. 'You Can Tell Me Goodbye' has lo-fi drums and raw horns with a yearning vocal while 'I've Gotta Keep On Lovin' You' is more slow and steady and emotionally moving with a more tender vocal.
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 in stock $13.15
For The Love Of You Volume 2.1
VARIOUS
Cat: AOTNCD 064. Rel: 01 Sep 22
 
Soul
Lorna Fletcher - "Just The Two Of Us"
Byron Walker & Sandra Edwards - "Don't Look Any Further"
Dave Barker - "Curious"
Valerie Harrison - "Fool's Paradise"
Chosen Few - "Don't Keep Me Waiting"
Sylvia Tella - "You Might Need Somebody"
Fallon Jennings - "All Night Long"
Pete Campbell - "Holding Back The Years"
Toyin Adekale - "Smile"
Derrick Cross - "Never Too Much"
Carl Johnson - "I Wish He Didn't Trust Me So Much"
Trevor Walters - "Blood Is Thicker Than Water"
Review: Volume One of For the Love Of You was an instant hit and so it makes sense the irrepressible Athens of the North label has come back with a second volume. Once again this is a collection of soul covers featuring interpretations of Grover Washington Jr., Midnight Star, Meli'sa Morgan and Simply Red and loads more. The music is golden, the soul vibes rich, and the new styles brought to these classics is instantly appealing in a whole new way. As alwayss, this is another superb release from Athens of the North.
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 in stock $8.94
She's On The Money
Cat: AOTN 12015. Rel: 29 Apr 21
 
Disco/Nu-Disco
She Is On The Money (unreleased 14.43 Disco mix) (14:44)
Holiday (4:31)
She Is On The Money (alternate) (4:37)
She Is On The Money (7' version) (4:06)
She Is On The Money (instrumental) (4:08)
Review: Once again Athens of the North boss Euan Fryer has dug deep for inspiration. Even within disco and boogie collector circles, few know the self-released early '80 singles of sometime Sister Sledge backing bandmember Doug Payne. As Fryer has proved on this compilation style EP, Payne's boogie-era jams were genuinely brilliant. The killer cut is 'She's On The Money', a P-funk style wriggler - think squelchy, undulating synth-bass, soulful vocals, sparkling synth lines and bustling machine drums - that's available in a variety of versions. Our pick of the bunch is the previously unreleased extended mix, which stretches out to almost 15 minutes and includes some superb, DJ-friendly stripped-back sections. Also worth a listen is the slap-bass-propelled boogie-funk of 'Holiday', which was originally Payne's debut solo single way back in 1983.
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 in stock $5.78
The Sands Of Zanzibar
Cat: ATH 132. Rel: 12 Oct 23
 
Soul
The Sands Of Zanzibar (part 1) (3:49)
The Sands Of Zanzibar (part 2) (3:10)
Review: The supply of superlative sounds from Athens Of The North knows no bounds - rarely does a week go by with out the well regarded reissue label coming thorough with yet another obscure, forgotten, overlooked or rare gem that has is immediately fall in love. Falling into those categories again is this 7" 'The Sands of Zanzibar, Pt. 1' from Leonard Grandson. It is a floating groove that will swells the heart and is super hard to find in original form. It is thought to be from 1977 and was recorded in a Hollywood studio. Leonard sounds not unlike Steve Wonder and really hits a sweet spot on this one.
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 in stock $13.15
Bobby Boyd (reissue)
Cat: AOTNLP 025. Rel: 20 Jul 23
 
Soul
Why Are You Cryin' (4:03)
Good Woman (5:14)
Happy Hooker (5:47)
Ain't What You Know (2:37)
'Cause I Love You (3:48)
Girl, I Can Feel Ya (3:47)
How Do You Hang On To A Dream (3:22)
Let Bygones Be Bygones (5:07)
To Be In Love With Yourself (3:57)
On This Side Of Town (3:36)
Review: The untouchable Athens of The North has got another carefully sought-out reissue on its hands here with Bobby Boyd's self-titled album. He was a Lafayette Afro Rock Band member, highly talented and, we think, rather overlooked instrumentalist and singer and his work has appeared often on this label who have single-handedly been getting him the attention he deserves as a result. Now it all comes to fruition in fine style with this ten-track pearler - a mix of his upbeat funky grooves, more tender and downbeat soul swooners and plenty of gorgeous sounds in between, not least the jazzy grooves of 'How Do You Hang On To A Dream.'
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 in stock $24.98
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