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World Psychedelic Classics 5: Who Is William Onyeabor? (gatefold 3xLP)
Cat: RT 54/8089900791. Rel: 21 Oct 13
International
Review: Following 2012's fourth volume that celebrated the existential work of Tim Maia, here we find Luaka Bop exploring the legacy of William Onyeabor. A high chief and Kenyan diplomat who allegedly refuses to discuss his music, he self-released eight albums in the 70s and 80s and these are some of the many highlights. Stretching from the New York-influenced post-punk synth funk of "Good Name" to the most authentic Afro fusion of "Why Go To War", Onyeabor's range not only reflects his clear creative skill, but also the ever-developing international language of music during the fruitful period he was active. Who is William Onyeabor? Press play and find out yourselves...
… Read morePlayed by: Scratchandsniff, Andrew Pirie (Melting Pot), Djouls (Paris DJs), Powlo Thirsty Ear, Charles Maurice, Felix Dickinson, Dicky Trisco, Lawrence Le Doux, Sito / / Mischio Dischi Disco, Manu Archeo, AfroBase (Radio Chart), RUSTAM OSPANOFF., Eamon Harkin, Mister Saturday Night, Bradley Lucke, Curt J, Ksoul, Ionik (Traveller Records, KGS), Mop Mop, Dusty / Jazz & Milk, Adam isbell -Racubah Sound System, Kisk, Andrew Allsgood (Free Association), Voodoocuts, Patrick Forge, Horton Jupiter, Far Out Recordings, Pushin Wood (Bambeats), Session Victim, Juno Recommends Funk, Riccio, Marsman, Damon Martin (Disco Bloodbath), Eddie C, Amen Brother Disco Band, Afro Beat Foundation, Daniel Nellstrum O'Bongo, Juno Classics, JKriv (Razor-N-Tape), Your Name (Legalize Lambada), Alien Disco Sugar / Leonidas DeeJay, Sccucci Manucci, Mitchell Goor, DJ ROCCA, Dam Swindle, Hugo Mendez, Alan Dente, Pedestrian, DJ Kobayashi, Guillaume Metenier (Gee Recordings), Chesney, Freddie Norwood, Francesco Rossini, Bal 5000
… Read more in stock $39.01
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VARIOUS
Doing It In Lagos: Boogie Pop & Disco In 1980s Nigeria (gatefold 3xLP + 7" + 8 page booklet + MP3 download code)
Cat: SNDWLP 087. Rel: 15 Nov 22
International
Review: Soundway offer us a new compilation featuring 20 rare tracks from the currently much talked about world of Nigerian pop music; a zeitgeist of their early 1980s club culture. The country's economy was booming at the time and so was its recording industry. Strongly influenced by '70s disco and funk, this new generation were, as the liner notes explain "Eager to sound as American as possible with no hint of the fervour for afro-beat, afro-rock and afrocentric thinking that the 1970s had thrown up". The original albums that many of these singles came from go for exorbitant prices online, so here's a chance to snap up some of the periods finest music, remastered across three 12"s.
… Read morePlayed by: Andrew Pirie (Melting Pot), Charles Maurice, JimmyTheTwin, Rocco Universal, Yiannis 'Nova' Dorakis, Baggy [Emotional Pop], Kay Suzuki, Adam isbell -Racubah Sound System, Christopher Tubbs, Superbreak, Irfan RAINY, Juno Recommends Disco, Afro Beat Foundation, Soundway Records, I Love Disco!, JKriv (Razor-N-Tape), Your Name (Legalize Lambada), Leri Ahel, Jamie Trench, Skyline Recordings Chart, Cyclist, Nick Bike, Roberto S, Gumshoe, DJ ROCCA, Juno Best Sellers 2016, Charlie bucket/ dancing in space, Tone B. Nimble (Al-Tone Edits), Juno Recommends International, SEEN ON TV, Hhatri, Beam Me Up
… Read more in stock $35.69
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Review: This latest reissue from Awesome Tapes From Africa is the whole reason for founder Brian Shimkovitz starting the blog and the label that grew out of it. Some 13 years ago, Shimkovitz stumbled across a cassette copy of Obaa Sima whilst travelling Ghana and his love for Ata Kak's music lead to the foundation of the Awesome Tapes From Africa blog and the commencement of a long running effort to track down the Ghanaian musician. Some four years after ATFA became a label, Shimkovitz finally tracked down the musician, real name Yaw Atta-Owusu, and was granted permission to reissue Obaa Sima, using the second hand tape purchased in Ghana as the source. The seven tracks on this LP are a winning tinny combination of highlife, rap, pop, and more with "Daa Nyinaa" sounding like a cover version of William De Vaughn's "Be Thankful For What You've Got".
… Read morePlayed by: Alexis Le-Tan, Charles Maurice, JimmyTheTwin, AfroBase (Radio Chart), Ionik (Traveller Records, KGS), Adam isbell -Racubah Sound System, Sha'D Underground Trax, Dj soFa, Funky Bompa, In Flagranti, Afro Beat Foundation, I Love Disco!, Bastien Carrara, Fulbert, Juno Recommends International, Africa Seven
… Read more in stock $25.73
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Review: A special summer-tuned dedication to two of Africa's most creative contributors who both passed away at the birth of the New Year. First up, South Africa's Shaluza Max's 2002 classic gets the revisitation it deserves; big accordions, honeyed Zulu vocals and a chugging groove that could plough into any dancefloor under the sun, it struts with a timeless sense of universal groove science. Flip for a rewind to the mid 80s as Soundway pays tribute to the hugely prolific Tabu Lay Rochereau. Complete with smooth, soothing synths, show-stopping harmonies and slinky bassline that won't quit, it's as heart-rending now as it was 30 years ago.
… Read morePlayed by: Shantisan, Mike Misiu, OOFT!, Mukatsuku Records Chart, Mike Shawe ✮ Hot Buttered Soul, AfroBase (Radio Chart), Tropical Fever, RUSTAM OSPANOFF., Bantam Lions, Watson, Jeremy Underground, Adam isbell -Racubah Sound System, Far Out Recordings, Marsman, Galletas Calientes, Afro Beat Foundation, Soundway Records, Savile, INKSWEL (HOT SHOT SOUNDS / BBE), Skyline Recordings Chart, Son Of Sound, Gavin Boyd (Soul Has No Tempo), WAHEVER, Admin, Originals, Jex Opolis, Juno Recommends International, Ari Bald
… Read more in stock $14.11
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Cat: STRUT 051LP. Rel: 03 Nov 09
Jazz
in stock $31.53
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Review: Soundway surpass themselves again with this wonderful reissue from the Ghanaian artist Rob, who released two albums back in 1977 for the West African Essiebons label. Rob was a seasoned musician in the 70?s, having recorded and toured with many well known bands. The album is a somewhat Spartan, brooding affair where less is most definitely more as slow burning, hip swaying cosmic funk drenched compositions are offset by wonderful punchy brass arrangements. A slow burning pulse is present throughout with highlights being ''Loose up Yourself'' and the irreplaceable carnal conquest anthem '' Make it Fast, Make it Slow''. Songs of celebration sit alongside other pieces of introspection and socially conscious topics; some might criticise the odd duff notes and occasional raw vocal edge, but this just adds texture to the overall performance and vibe. Without question one of the best reissues of 2012.
… Read morePlayed by: Djouls (Paris DJs), Powlo Thirsty Ear, Lexx, Mukatsuku Records Chart, JimmyTheTwin, Athens of the North (Fryer), AfroBase (Radio Chart), DJ Gilla, Pat Les Stache (Cabana Disco), Boy Oliver, Mop Mop, Frankie Francis (Sofrito), Jazzee Loudness, Patchworks, Funky Bompa, Afro Beat Foundation, Soundway Records, Suonho, Captain Planet (Bastard Jazz), Modern Sun Records, NICOLA CONTE, Skyline Recordings Chart, Citizen Dale (of KEPT RECORDS), Corazon At Floripa, Admin, Originals
… Read more in stock $26.54
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KHRUANGBIN / VARIOUS
Late Night Tales (180 gram vinyl 2xLP + art print + MP3 download code)
Cat: ALNLP 60. Rel: 04 Dec 20
Indie/Alternative
Review: Khruangbin might be the most logical and fitting choice for a Late Night Tales compilation in recent memory. The Texan psychedelic chill artists have always had a sense of the exploratory and unknown running through their blissful grooves, and the fundamental idea behind this series was always about opening up doors to new musical discoveries for listeners.
In many ways, the Houston trio have gone above and beyond. Melding a breadth of sounds that have emerged from an equally diverse set of cultures, we visit Hindi-disco, South Korean rock, African bass, Belarusian folk. Capped off with an exclusive version of Kool & The Gang's 'Summer Madness' conceived by the compilers themselves, it's a case of 15 gateway tracks all of which belong to artists and genres that are crying out for you to dive in.
… Read moreIn many ways, the Houston trio have gone above and beyond. Melding a breadth of sounds that have emerged from an equally diverse set of cultures, we visit Hindi-disco, South Korean rock, African bass, Belarusian folk. Capped off with an exclusive version of Kool & The Gang's 'Summer Madness' conceived by the compilers themselves, it's a case of 15 gateway tracks all of which belong to artists and genres that are crying out for you to dive in.
in stock $27.93
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Review: Eight years on from its previous reissue (that time courtesy of Analog Africa's "Limited Dance Edition" series), Mr Bongo is offering up a fresh, licensed re-press of Rob's eponymous 1977 Afro-funk masterpiece. If you missed out in 2011, the set is definitely worth picking up because it's rock solid heat from start to finish. Check, for example, the heavily percussive Afro-beat/Afro-funk fusion of "Funky Rob Way", the flanged funk guitars and heavy brass action of "Boogie On", the jazz guitars and loved-up vocals of "Your Kiss Stole Me Away" and the William Onyeabor-does-James-Brown heaviness of closing cut "More".
… Read more in stock $22.41
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Review: Antal has already been dropping the worldly beats on this EP which is a fine stamp of approval for Israeli DJ and collector Elado. This marks his debut on the label having won plenty of fans for his offering on Eddie C's cult Red Motorbike. The music take its cues from all over the planet - Africa, India and the Middle East - and brims with disco joy, funk richness and plenty of earthly soul. 'Big Baba' is a classy party starter with good time feels, 'Gulab Jamun' is a foreign language acid laced love song and 'Blame' is synth heavy disco funk.
… Read more in stock $17.43
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Review: Mr Bongo kickstarts a new Afro 45s series with serious intention; all-girl troupe from Guinea Amazones De Guinee take the lead with a live recording from Paris, 1983. Taken from their Au Coeur De Paris album, it's the perfect example of a live recording with the balance of musicianship and crowd participation precision tuned. Flip for the previously rare 1980 recording by Ivory Coast's Moussa Doumbia whose smoky vocals and JB-level shrieks hit hard over a clam-tight Afrofunk rhythm. What a way to start a new series.
… Read more in stock $12.45
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Review: Insanely funky business from Senegal's famous Orchestra Baobab (who are still touring and toiling 40 years later), "Kelen Ati Leen" is a really sweaty, heavy slab of funk that stares west for inspiration and a mild psychedelic Hendrixian sheen. "Souleymane", released three years after the A-side in 1978, takes more of a Latin influence as the horns get steamy over a rigid highlife spine to create a detailed and very physical groove.
… Read more in stock $12.16
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Review: Should you stumble on an original copy of N'Draman Blintch's 1980 album Cosmic Sounds for sale, it would cost you upwards of 1,000 Pounds. This, then, is a much-needed reissue. It contains four fine cuts that showcase the Ivory Coast-born musician's distinctively intergalactic take on Afro-disco, where spacey electronics and mazy synth lines rise above bustling, high octane grooves. The album does contain one decidedly laidback and loved-up slow jam - closer "She Africa (Ton Tour Viendra)" - but it's the celebratory brilliance of the set's dancefloor workouts that most impress. Check, in particular, the anthem-like strut of title track "Cosmic Sounds" and the hot-to-trot, solo-laden Afro-disco explosion that is opener "Self Destruction".
… Read morePlayed by: Charles Maurice, GK Machine, 7 Samurai Tom Wieland freesoulinc, Manu Archeo, RUSTAM OSPANOFF., Thatmanmonkz (Shadeleaf Music), Faze Action, Superbreak, Kaoru Inoue, Marcel Vogel, Juno Recommends Disco, Galletas Calientes, Your Name (Legalize Lambada), Andrea passenger, Charlie bucket/ dancing in space
… Read more in stock $30.98
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in stock $27.11
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Review: Since it was first reissued a few years ago, Steve Monite's Only You album has gone from being a stupidly rare Nigerian boogie "holy grail", to an easy-to-access "must have" for anyone with even a passing interest in African disco and electrofunk. If you've yet to acquire a copy, we'd recommend picking up a copy of this officially licensed Soundway repress. It contains two different takes on the now anthemic 'Only You' - an infectious Lagos boogie delight - plus the pleasingly dubbed-out, piano-heavy electrofunk gem 'Things Fall Apart (Disco Jam)' (the original mix is also included at the end of side B), the slick and sweet 'Welcome My Love' and the more downtempo 'I Had a Dream'.
… Read more in stock $29.05
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VARIOUS
Cat: SNDWLP 131. Rel: 06 Sep 19
International
Review: Inspired by his own experiences growing up in apartheid-era South Africa and his travels through music, Esa Williams has put together a compilation of contemporary electronic music from around the world. "Amandla: Music To The People" is well worth your attention and contains some genuine gems. Highlights come thick and fast throughout, from the percussive, chant-along sweatiness of Penny Penny's "Shilungu" and the loved-up, pitched-down dreaminess of Alaska's "Accuse (Instrumental)", to the sweet, life-affirming cheeriness of Os Panteras' "Melo Do Anjo (Outro Edit)" and the thrusting, Italo-disco style dancefloor masculinity of Masalo's "Yera". Esa's own late '80s style pitched-down South African house jam "Pantsula Traxx" is also superb.
… Read more in stock $24.07
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Review: Since the Beach Diggin' compilation series launched a few years back, a number of its obscure, Balearic-minded selections have been given full length reissues of their own. We can probably expect a number of the tracks from this brilliant fifth volume to get the same treatment. As usual, the wide-ranging track list is thick with highlights, from the synth-heavy, French language reggae of Raphael Toine's 1986 bubbler "Femmes Pays Douces" (taken from the artist's frustratingly hard to find Ce Ta Ou album) and vibraphone-laden jazz-funk smoothness of Yasuko Agwa's sought-after "L.A Night", to the barely-known brilliance of Andre Maria Tole's Cameroonian gem "Sweet Dole". In other words, it's another essential selection.
… Read more in stock $22.96
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in stock $26.83
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Played by: Alexis Le-Tan, Charles Maurice, Julian Sanza, Manu Archeo, AfroBase (Radio Chart), Patchworks, Funky Bompa, KevinTsuba, Steve Lee, RED AXES, Daniel T. (Cosmic Kids/Heat-Wave), Gavin Boyd (Soul Has No Tempo), Gumshoe, Joe Drive, Schema Records, Nummer, Juno Recommends International, Groove College, Gacha Bakradze
… Read more in stock $32.08
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VARIOUS
Ethiopian Modern Instrumentals Hits (reissue) (180 gram vinyl LP)
Cat: HS 092VL. Rel: 30 Apr 21
International
Review: The fact that Ethiopian Modern Instrumentals Hits has been reissued on numerous occasions over the last two decades is testament to the enduring quality of this most obscure of compilations. It first appeared on Amha Eshete's Amha Records label way back in 1972, and was the imprint's tenth and final album. An all-star affair featuring many of Eshete's most trusted musicians and producers, its ten tracks gleefully join the dots between dusty rhythm and blues, jazz, funk, soul, Brazilian rhythms and African grooves. It's genuinely "all killer" and "no filler", which may go some way to explain Heavenly Sweetness's decision to put it out again.
… Read more in stock $21.30
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Review: Back in 1976, legendary highlife artist Pat Thomas decided to throw his weight behind Ghanian three-piece Marjarita. Thanks to his patronage, they made quite an impact with their debut album (Pat Thomas Introduces Marjita), before striking gold with their killer follow-up, This is Marjita. Since then, the album has become something of a "holy grail" for Afro-funk collectors, with copies changing hands for astonishing sums of money. Happily, Mr Bongo has decided to license and reissue it. The album contains four superb workouts: the hard funk brilliance of "Break Through", the organ-heavy Afrobeat fuzziness of "No Condition is Permanent", the reggae-influenced wonder of "I Walk Alone" and the superior highlife of "We Live in Peace".
… Read more in stock $21.30
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in stock $12.45
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VARIOUS
Cat: SJRLP 344. Rel: 09 Sep 16
International
Review: Another work of Soul Jazz curatorial gold: Nigeria Soul Fever is a detailed gatefold trip into one of Nigeria's richest chapters in music. Heavy trade restrictions allowed them to develop their own style without too much US or European influence and the result is an array of national talent who largely remained legends within their own borders. The range is mesmerizing; the sinewy synth and playground vocal Q&A of Benis Cletin's "Get Up & Dance", the ballroom disco soul of Tee Mac's "Living Everyday", the soulful afrofunk folk of Jimmy Sherry's "Nwaeze", the gut-punching power of Arakatula's album finale "Wake Up Africa". This is a treasure trove of unreleased gems that capture a truly unique time.
… Read more in stock $39.82
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Review: Since launching in 2016, Mr Bongo's Record Club compilation series has provided three essential volumes of personal favourites - many obscure and hard-to-find - selected by the label's in-house team of crate-digging DJs. Volume four is naturally every bit as essential as its' predecessors, offering an enticing mixture of Brazilian, African, soul, funk and disco with not a suspect selection in sight. This time round, they've chosen to include contemporary music as well as dusty old gems, with highlights including Kenny Dope's delicious rework of the soul-jazz positivity of 'Throwing Stones' by James Reese and the Progressions, the fast version of Ze Roberto's 1973 MPB classic 'Lotus 72D' and the samba-folk wonder that is Matthew Tavares' 2019 gem 'Self Portrait'.
… Read morePlayed by: DJ Kobayashi, Juno Recommends International
in stock $23.79
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in stock $29.59
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Review: Matata were formed in Kenya in 1963, laying down their grooves in Nairobi's Brilliant Club before going on to record two albums in London in the early 70s. Both Air Fiesta and Independence are perfect nuggets of Afro-funk, but alas Matata were reportedly homesick and they disbanded to return home. Their short-lived legacy lives on though, and now Dynamites Cuts have turned to their second album to present two of the hottest joints on a cool and deadly 7". 'I Feel Funky' is one of the band's biggest hits, while on the flip we're treated to 'Talkin Talkin' - you can't say funkier than that really, can you?
… Read more in stock $20.75
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Review: Labels Hot Mule and Secousse have teamed up to deliver something special: a killer EP of "lost gems from the golden era of Zouk and Gwo-Ka" in Guadeloupe (that's 1985 to '92, fact fans). The four tracks showcased here were performed and produced by an artist whose fame in Guadeloupe sadly never spread any further, Max Rambhojan. The A-side boasts two versions of the rather brilliant and suitably cheery "Tou't Jou Pa Min'm": the jaunty, sun-kissed, whistle-sporting 1986 original mix, and Rambhojan's heavily electronic, synthesizer-heavy, calypso-tinged 1992 re-make of his biggest local hit. Over on side B you'll find the bubby dub bass, sparse synths and flute solos of the decidedly tropical "Cecilia" and a suitably breezy, sunset-ready gem entitled "On Jou Matin".
… Read more in stock $24.07
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VARIOUS
Cat: STRUT 079LP. Rel: 13 May 11
International
in stock $16.88
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Cat: PH 45013. Rel: 07 Dec 17
International
Review: Philophon is a Berlin-based label run by Max Weissenfeldt. Part of Philophon is the Tonstudio Bluetenring in Kreuzberg, operated by Benjamin 'Stibbo' Spitzmueller. The label's essential motivation is to support any form of local culture with reason, freedom and ludic drive. North-Ghanaian singer Guy One presents his first international release here. He promises what his name is saying: he is the number one artist of Frafra music, named after his people. "Everything You Do, You Do For Yourself" is a driving Highlife rhythm and his only song having a phrase in English. "Estre" features one of the leading voices of Frafra-Gospel named Florence Adooni. She interweaves perfectly with the horn arrangements by Weissenfeldt and the drummer. Washington's Hailu Mergia, San Francisco's Idris Ackamoor and the Pyramids and the legendary Scandinavian producer Jimi Tenor have also released on the label over the last year too.
… Read more in stock $9.13
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VARIOUS
Edo Funk Explosion Vol 1 (gatefold 2xLP + booklet + MP3 download code)
Cat: AALP 091. Rel: 26 Mar 21
Funk
Review: Analog Africa have put together their 31st compilation here, and it's another essential, well curated overview of a fantastic funk sound, focussing on the genre's greatest originators, namely Osayomore Joseph, Akaba Man and Sir Victor Uwaifo. All of these artists' primary skill was to strip down funk down to its core essence and use it as a foundation to rebuild their own unique interpretations. Each one is imbued with the spirit of the Edo culture and all 12 cuts here pulse with driving rhythm and raw musicianship, bright keys and tripped-out guitars that bring the funk in utterly fresh and thrilling ways.
… Read more in stock $25.73
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GUTS / VARIOUS
Straight From The Decks 2: Guts Finest Selection From His Famous DJ Sets (gatefold 180 gram vinyl 2xLP)
Cat: PVS 015VL. Rel: 30 Apr 21
International
Review: Known for his Beach Diggin work, renowned French DJ, producer and digger Guts is back with a second volume of his Straight From The Decks Series. The sounds once again take in classy offerings from the worlds of Latin, afro, soul, Afrobeat, zouk and house, while a couple of super remixes from Dam Swindle also make the cut. Plenty of the tunes are hard to find rarities "acquired through nerve-raking auctions battles" while some previously digital only cuts also make the collection. Copping this one is short cut to a summer packed with classy heaters and steamy international rhythms.
… Read more in stock $25.17
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Samy Ben REDJEB / VARIOUS
Angola Soundtrack 2: Hypnosis Distortions & Other Sonic Innovations 1969-1978 (2xLP + booklet + MP3 download code)
Cat: AALP 075. Rel: 19 May 21
International
Review: A unique political story told in 20 chapters, Angola 2 Soundtrack delves deep into the nine year history of recorded music culture that was born out of the live music oppression set in place by Portuguese rule. Between three labels over 800 recordings were released during this fertile period, each one reflecting Angolan folk and distinctive Latin influences. And these are 20 of the most creative highlights. From the frenetic guitar rhythms and harmonic chants of "Mabele" to the psychedelic highlife shimmers of "Avante Juventude" via the insistent, street-bound sermon of "Snipes", this collection is entrenched in a rich musical history. Complete with well researched booklet and powerful imagery, it's an immaculate lesson in modern music history.
… Read more in stock $25.73
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in stock $22.96
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Review: Having previously reissued Pasteur Lappe's sought-after 1979 sophomore set, No Man Pass Man, the crew behind the Africa Seven label has turned its attention to the Cameroonian artist's similarly impressive debut, We The People. It's a vibrant and hugely entertaining six-track set, with Lappe offering up a range of dancefloor-ready cuts that variously touch on heavy Afro-disco ("More Sekele Movement (Papa Ni Mama)"), horn-heavy tropical funk ("Dora"), saccharine English language ballads ("Watcha Get Ma Day Dreams"), thrusting disco-funk righteousness (Clav-happy smasher "Sekelimania (Nku Bilam)" and "The Sekele Movement") and laidback, Steely Dan style West Coast jazz-rock ("As Far As I Can Remember").
… Read more in stock $9.94
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Played by: AfroBase (Radio Chart), Afro Beat Foundation
in stock $20.47
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Review: South African jazz-influenced sounds take the lead on this new companion from the tireless Brownswood label. The collection explores the linage of the sounds and communities who helped it evolve as is spread across the country meaning plenty of subtle synths are taken in. The eclecticism is what makes this so essential as the music ranges from the hugely spiritual (from The Brother Moves On) to more late night and inmate (tasks to a fine entry from Sibusile Xaba) via the neo-soul drenched styles of Thandi Ntuli's beautiful 'Dikeledi' which is a particular highlight.
… Read more in stock $13.83
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Review: Initially discovered by the label via cassette tapes picked up in Jo'burg's Kohinoor store back in 1995, The Movers feature on the 35th in Germany's Analog Africa's series of band spotlights. As its title suggests, this captures the band's work across the lion's share of the 70s, and tracks like 'Hot Coffee' and '2nd Avenue' are irresistibly, instantly groovy, but also a fascinating sonic crossroads where African jit music meets the funk and soul of the US and the funkier end of the guitar music coming out of the UK and Europe at the same time. All executed In the most natural, free flowing, as well, which makes this package even harder to resist.
… Read more in stock $26.83
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in stock $20.19
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Beja Power! Electric Soul & Brass From Sudan's Red Sea Coast (180 gram vinyl LP + insert + MP3 download code)
Cat: OSTLP 012. Rel: 23 Jun 22
Jazz
Review: In a stroke of ingenuity Noori found a neck of a guitar whilst rummaging through a Port Sudan scrapyard along the Red Sea Coast in the 90s. Using their welding talents they fixed it onto a traditional four stringed tambour, creating what may be the only tambo-guitar hybrid in the world. Beja Power! Is a love letter to the Beja culture, inherently political and almost erased by the former Sudanese leader. This historically rich niche of Afro-Jazz is both nostalgic and mystical. Elements of surf rock, electric blues and psychedelia can be heard in these instrumental tracks, a 6-track capsule of a powerful identity nearly lost to the sands of time. Noori & His Dorpa Band's style is authentic and evocative and is a joyful proclamation and demonstration of the magic that is Beja sound and aesthetic.
… Read more in stock $15.77
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Sierra Leone In 1970s USA (limited 180 gram vinyl LP + MP3 download code)
Cat: SNDWLP 062. Rel: 02 May 14
Funk
Review: Soundway's debut Sierra Leone exploration introduces us to Muyei Power who toured their country (and, on occasion, the US) throughout much of the 70s. With only a handful of 45s recorded, their sound has been largely unheard for the last 30/40 years. Until now. Complete with detailed liner notes and artwork, this album is a fantastic document. More importantly, it sounds fantastic: stretching from the more western influenced funk dynamic of "Bi Loko" to the frenetic percussive fusion of "Be Patient" via the smoky, mournful horns on the folky "Ben Ben Bee" there's a unique sound that resonates with everything else you know and love about African music during the ever-fertile 70s, yet rings and stamps with a life of its own.
… Read more in stock $19.90
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Roforofo Fight (50th Anniversary Edition) (limited translucent green & orange vinyl 2xLP with obi strip)
Cat: KFR 20068. Rel: 18 Aug 22
International
Review: Nigerian Afrobeat composer, bandleader, and multi-instrumentalist Fela Kuti has a vast catalogue that dates back over half a century. Roforofo Fight is one of the many standouts and it was recorded in Lagos in 1972 on the Jofabro label with the legendary Tony Allen on drums as well as Christopher Uwaifor on tenor, Lekan Animashaun on baritone and many other key players alongside the main man. The lyrics convey Fela's frustration at intolerant and violent behaviour as told through the story of a street fight.
… Read morePlayed by: AfroBase (Radio Chart), Craig Charles Funk And Soul
in stock $29.86
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in stock $21.02
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Review: Those with a deep knowledge of Berlin's Ghanaian ex-pat "burger-highlife" scene may already be familiar with Lee Dodou, a singer who recorded a number of classic singles and albums during the 1980s as part of bands Georg Darko and Kantata. He retired from music in 1991, but has been persuaded to return to action by the Philophon team. This comeback single is pretty impressive all told, with A-side "Basa Basa" - a triumphantly celebratory chunk of 1960s "concert party" highlife rich in punchy horn lines and Dodou's full-throated vocals - being joined on the flipside by the slower, synth-laden "Sahara Akwantou". Brilliantly, the label describes this as "kraut-life" due to its unique (and rather good) fusion of highlife and German kosmiche.
… Read more in stock $10.24
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Cat: ATFA 006LP. Rel: 02 Jul 13
International
in stock $22.96
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Review: A lesson in how to follow up an incredible album: Tomorrow followed Onyeabor's incendiary Atomic Bomb immaculately. The title track instantly set the scene with more emphasis on electronic elements and studio techniques as William sermonises without pomp. "Why Go To War" is as insistent as its message thanks to a dense lolloping groove of highlife guitars and spiralling keys. "Fantastic Man", meanwhile, takes a leaf out of Parliament's playbook, rolls it up and smokes its own and "Try & Try" closes the show with country subtlety thanks to its slide guitars and blushing keys.
… Read morePlayed by: Afro Beat Foundation
in stock $29.32
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Review: Afro 45's / Mr Bongo show no signs of stopping their tireless run of form and, 7" after 7", they just keep on producing the goods. There's yet more '70s goodness with this new little scorcher: the A-side is 1973's "Tessassategn Eko" by Bahta Gebre Hiwot, a pensive Ethiopian pop hit for all sorts of music fans to enjoy, but "Ayalqem Tedqem" by Alemayehu Eshete on the B-side is where it's at... just listen to that bass and you'll instantly recognize this wonderful little cover.
… Read more in stock $12.45
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De Bassari Togo (limited gatefold heavyweight vinyl LP + MP3 download code)
Cat: AADE 010. Rel: 04 Dec 18
International
Review: Even by the consistently high standards of Analog Africa, this release is something special. It consists entirely of previously unheard music by Orchestre Abass, an obscure outfit from Togo who released a handful of singles on Polydor Ghana in the early 1970s. Remarkably, all bar one of the tracks on "De Bassari Togo" were found on a long forgotten reel of tape that had sat on a shelf in a Ghanaian warehouse for the best part of 35 years. That was ten years ago; it's taken that long to track down the remaining members of the band and license the material. In truth, the tracks have aged exceptionally well, with the band's infectious, organ-led sound adding distinct Arabic influences (a result of the band members' time spent studying in Islamic schools) to their heavy funk rhythms and riotous Afro-funk vibes.
… Read more in stock $23.79
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Review: Dutch label Afrosynth's latest dig into the South African scene of the 1980s and '90s focuses on the career of Kamazu, a prolific artist who released six albums and a handful of killer singles between 1986 and '97. It's a great collection, combining his better-known hits - the mid-80s boogie goodness of "Korobela" and superb 1991 Kwaito smash "Indaba Kabani" - with a quartet of lesser-known cuts from his bulging catalogue. Our picks include the slo-mo Kwaito dreaminess of "Atikatareni" and the cheery, synth bass-propelled brilliance of "Victim", though the standard throughout is dizzyingly high. A must-have for all those who love the distinctive warm, dreamy and synth-heavy sound of South African dance music from the late '80s and early '90s.
… Read more in stock $18.53
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Review: For their latest essential primer on Sudanese music, Habibi Funk has chosen to focus on singer Sharharbil Ahmed, an artist whose desire to update Haqiba, a popular secular style of vocal-driven music, made him a pivotal figure in the 1960s. In his home country, Sharharbil became known as the "king of Sudanese jazz", a distinctive style that melded local instrumentation and vocals with jazz horns and heavy, guitar-driven grooves that drew much inspiration from rock and roll, surf-rock and rhythm and blues. The compilation does a great job in showcasing this insatiable, effervescent sound, showcasing the very best of Sharharbil's golden period output, most of which has never before been released outside of Sudan.
… Read more in stock $22.12
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Tribute To Ndiouga Dieng (180 gram vinyl LP + booklet with obi-strip)
Cat: WCV 092. Rel: 31 Mar 17
International
Played by: Mukatsuku Records Chart
in stock $26.28
