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Review: Last year, the Expansions label kicked off a wonderfully intriguing 10" series featuring classics from soul music's rich canon complemented by contemporary cover versions and so far it's seen Blue Note troupe Quasimode tee off against Johnny Hammond and Bembe Segue challenge Norman Connors. A third edition duly arrives and hints Expansions are really enjoying the creative challenge the concept allows them with the jazz funk classic "Zaius" from Eddie Russ joined by a cover from the celebrated UK funk veterans Incognito. Originally appearing on the 1976 LP See The Light, "Zaius" is a blinding example of why Russ is described a master of the keyboard and it's complemented well by Incognito's B Side cover which appears on vinyl for the first time. Don't sleep!

Review: Expansion's offshoot label is back with a second release and for the occasion have put together a special eco vinyl 10" here that is strictly limited to just 100 copies and is fully deserving of that treatment: Tom Browne Feat. Carol Woods combined to great effect in the 80s on this soul classic that now gets a first-ever single release. It's the sort of immediately heartwarming tune that draws from soul, jazz funk, disco and more to cook up a steamy and excellent groove. On the flip is Diplomats Of Soul with their own super cover of 'Brighter Tomorrow' featuring Brit funk and acid jazz greats Incognito & Imaani.

Review: Australian DJ and producer Dave Mathmos serves up an obscure edits entree, sampling/reworking a whopping seven disco cuts from the late 1970s and early 1980s, but adding just enough modern flair to essentially make them his own. A well-rounded, sticky quality is heard on this septagonal crock of heaters, with the downtempo slink-funk of 'Late At Night' and the equally sumptuous, string-backed plod of 'Wonderful Feeling' remaining our highlights.

Review: DJ S is a Greek producer who is one of the best editors around, with his own singular downbeat sound. On his latest release, he joins the Too Slow To Disco Edits series with four tracks of smooth and groovy disco edits. He reworks some classic and obscure gems from the late 70s and early 80s, adding his signature touch of warmth and soul. From the funky groove of 'Groovin', to the low slung sexiness of 'Sweet Love' (2022 version) and the absolutely romantic 'U' - DJ S delivers a delightful EP that will make you want to dance and chill.

Review: The impact of Weldon Irvine's music across a wealth of genres cannot be overstated with his jazzy piano playing and compositions regularly passed down to newer generations. Artists like Q-Tip and Mos Def are noted admirers of the jazz-funk artist, and the distinct sounds of Irvine echo across the ages in samples etched into hip-hop history. The album version of Time Capsule was originally released in 1973, and this 10" features two versions of 'Deja vu' on the A-side and 'Feelin' Mellow' and 'Watergate --- Don't Bug Me!' on the B.

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: Brace yourself as the holiday season is upon us, and that means reaching for those platters which stir up the strongest of sentimental feelings as the nights draw in. Greg Lake's 'I Believe In Father Christmas' is a bittersweet look at the festive tradition - like so many surprise seasonal hits it's got an underlying heavy-heartedness which somehow strikes a chord with the masses. This edition of the all-time classic comes on a none-more on-brand red 10" disc, backed up by 'Humbug' and 'Closer To Believing' as well as an instrumental version of the lead tune, so if you're feeling bold an know the words, you can cheer family and friends with your own rousing rendition.

Review: Seven Psalms finds Australia's most imperious musical misfit Nick Cave leaving his Bad Seeds at home and teaming up with frequent collaborator Warren Ellis for a limited 10". The spoken word pieces on this record are the result of a daily song writing practice over a week during lockdown - Cave himself describes them as "small, sacred songs," set to appropriately subtle musical accompaniment. Recorded during the sessions for Cave and Ellis' 2021 album Carnage, it's a rich work in its own right that offers a different perspective on Cave's considerable gifts as a soothsayer.

Review: "This 10" single reissue comes in celebration of the upcoming 30th anniversary of Ozzy Osbourne's 'No More Tears'. A new mashup sure to inspire only the best moshpitting and hair-flicking skills from every true hard rock head, this new track hears a the original Ozzy song mashed up with Motorhread's version. Never before released, it sounds like an alternate Dante eagerly cruising through the many layers of hell, as new drum reversings, stereo effects and soundscapes are peppered into this masterful musical jigsaw. The B-side also contains the two original, unremixed versions.

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Review: A really cool concept from Expansion here; one side is a reissued seminal classic, the other is a contemporary version. And what a way to start the start the series; hard bop hero Johnny Hammond influenced pretty much every soul, jazz, rare groove and funk artist who've followed in his path, and the joyously unpredictable "Los Conquistadores Chocolates" is one of his best. Naturally Japanese jazz outfit Quasimode are an ideal remix choice. Known for their wildstyle riffage and signature switches, they've paid the utmost respect to Hammond.

Review: It's been five years since Truth & Soul's octet gave us the incredible Wu Tang version album. It's been two years since they last dropped a single, too. However the band is back and their trademark cinematic soul is richer and more emotive than ever. From the instant the trembling flute and guitar open with the cuddly, ultimately positive "Kiddy Ditty" we're whisked on a largely instrumental journey that flings us through the wild west ("Little House"), soul's early JB chapters ("This Song For You") and straight up NY low-slung funk ("A Little Sloppy"). Climaxing with a Lee Fields featured "By The Time I Get To Phoenix", Loose Change is a kind reminder of just how accomplished and creative El Michels Affair are. No change there, then.

Review: Nu Mark's been teasing his fans since May, releasing selected cuts from his new album Broken Sunlight in coloured vinyl 10" instalments. With the attention reaching fever pitch, he's unleashed one of the biggest cuts on the LP. Hooking up with the dollar-hungry Aloe Blacc, it's a horn-heaving slice of hip-hop funk that pushes all the right buttons. "Tough Break" is a double-time deal sealer. With more horns and a frenetic rhythm, it's Nu Mark at his very best. Essential.