Back in stock: Soul

Review: With both tracks now coming out for the first time on 7" vinyl, the 'Liquid Love' and 'What's The T?' 7" single is a must get for all Roy Ayers fans and serious music collectors, not least as 2023 witnesses Roy's final ever tour of live dates. This release is a fitting tribute to the career of one of the most influential musicians in global Black music history and each track represents his virtuosity as a vibesman and his versatility across genres. 'Liquid Love' is taken from the 2015 BBE released album of Roy's unreleased material, Virgin Ubiquity II and is a wicked mid-tempo track where Roy's vibraphone complements an amazing female vocal arrangement to create harmonies and melody over a tough-as-you-like breakbeat, bassline and keyboard riff.

Review: Des Moines in Iowa is usually best known as the hometown of prolific writer Bill Bryson, but it is also the small-town which gave rise to this obscure R&B outfit. Split Decision Band deserve to be up there with any of their peers but for whatever reason they only realised this one single back in 1978. It came on the local Network label and has since take on cult status-meaning this EP often fetches high prices amongst avid soul collectors and for good reason. The a-side is a big, swirling and feel good tune with lush instrumentation and 'My Love Just For You' slows it down to a more sentimental sound.

Review: Soul-Direction Records recently had huge success with the release of the Decisions' 'We're In Love/I Love You' and now follow it up with another vital 45rpm after a conversation with Numero who gave their permission. As such this is the only 7" vinyl release of 'P's and Q's' and its instrumental version. These tracks were part of the quartet from Washington DC's recordings with DC International. The band generated plenty of local buzz but never quite got the major label deal they craved. On these evidence of these two, though, they should have. 'P's & Q's' is lively and funky work, with heart-melting vocals and super smooth grooves.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


Songs in The Key of E is a new offering the legendary soul man Everis, arriving in limited edition vinyl form just in time for Christmas. It features a number of superb new hair raising soul songs with some top guests too including a pair of award-winning singers, two international rappers, and a cult UK MC and sound system legend. There is an old school r&b tinge to the production and songwriting, with lavish keys and nice fresh beats all topped with emotive vocals that all swell the heart.