Tags: Psychedelic Disco

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...

Review: Given the brilliantly simple concept behind this fine compilation - contemporary Detroit producers remix Funkadelic - we're rather surprised nobody's done it before. With 17 varied re-rubs stretched across three slabs of wax, there's naturally plenty to enjoy. Highlights come thick and fast, from the deep house/P-funk fusion of Alton Miller's take on "Get Your Ass Off and Jam" and Andres' loose, hip-hop influenced revision of "Music For My Mother", to the thrusting loops and heady late night hypnotism of Anthony Shake Shakir and T-Dancer's version of "Standing on the Verge". While many of the versions stay relatively faithful to the original, the more "out-there" interpretations - see BMG's outer-space ambient dub of "Maggot Brain" and Moodymann's epic revision of "Cosmic Slop" - are also consistently impressive.

Review: Mr Bongo's launch their new Cuban Classic Series with this reissue of a sought-after, psychedelic funk masterpiece: Yoyi. A fusion of traditional Latin and Afro-Cuban rhythms meets disco, jazz, and funk, with hints of 70s soundtrack productions, this much-loved cult album by Grupo Los Yoyi hears nine predominantly instrumental tracks. Together, they were originally released in 1977 on Areito Records, a sublabel of the state-owned label Egrem, it has become one of the rarest (even in Cuba) yet in-demand albums to be procured by the label. It is the sole album from Grupo Los Yoyi and was composed, orchestrated, and produced by the mysterious, Jorge Soler Leo.

Review: Mr Bongo's Brazil 45's series brings us two Brazilian classics: Rita Lee & Tutti Frutti's 'Agora E Moda' and Pete Dunaway's 'Supermarket'. 'Agora E Moda' from Lee's 1978 album Babilonia is a psychedelic disco-boogie groove highlighted by squelching guitar licks, funk drums, and cosmic vocals. Rita Lee, the former lead singer of Os Mutantes and a key figure in the Tropicalia movement, left a lasting legacy upon her passing in 2023. On the flip side, Dunaway's 'Supermarket' is a rare groove/AOR gem with a standout bassline, swaggering guitar, and lush strings, showcasing his talent as a composer and multi-instrumentalist. This release celebrates the enduring influence of Brazilian music.

Review: The debut album from Bahraini-born, British-based musical duo Dar Disku is a celebration of their Arabic heritage and multicultural influences that melds golden age West Asian and North African sounds with a contemporary dancefloor focus. The eight-track record hears the duo traverse their West Asian and North African origins and bring them back to their current place of residence, crossing from disco to Rai, from piano house to Turkish psychedelia, and all manner of other cross-Med import-exports. From the degage Turkish psych prog-house builder 'Sabir' with Billur Battal, to the penultimate piano-breaks rattler 'Galbi', this is a chilled and wavering dance release primed for bridging international gaps.

Review: Magic In Threes are back with a mind-mending, strings-laden disco masterpiece, 'Liquid Star Duster'. A nimble modern disco cut whose no-more, no-less agility would fail to charm few discothes, we can vouch for this one's function on the dancefloor. Drop it in your next set and neither you nor your crowd will be displeased. Towards its latter end, 'Liquid Star Duster' even comes peppered by sprung electric finger-plucks of the most talented type, an unusual feature for a disco tune of its kind. B-sider 'Sippin' After Midnight' lowers things to a beanbag pace, posing with its hands behind its head as wah-wah exploitation funk licks and a swung peak synth line, dually lead the charge with pomp and panache.

Review: Naya Beat Records specialise in uncovering the otherwise forgotten sounds of 1980s Bollywood movies, shedding fresh light on the tracks that might still spark some interest for the present day. The project focuses exclusively on the musical output of CBS Gramophone Records & Tapes India Ltd: a label active during India's peak disco era and became a home for experimental, B-movie and straight-to-VHS soundtracks. 'Awaaz' compiles rare, overlooked or not-previously-on-vinyl music by composers such as Bappi Lahiri, R. D. Burman, Ilaiyaraaja, Kalyanji-Anandji, Anand Milind, Raamlaxman and Kirti Anuraag - all were released between 1982 and 1986. Shockingly catchy, the tracks are joyous fusions of both South Asian traditions and Moogy electronic and acid stylings, perfect for curios and DJ diggers alike.

Review: 'Shehzadi' (which means "Princess") is an Indo-disco gem featuring Solomon's Hindi vocals over Sababa 5's blend of hypnotic drums, nice pulsing bass, bright electric guitar and sparkling synths in a minor key. It channels '80s nostalgia with a modern twist and so rather evokes a Stranger Things meets Bollywood-type vibe. 'Ranjha' (which means 'Lover') shifts to a Middle Eastern feel with synths that echo traditional instruments like the saz. The upbeat groove complements Solomon's dynamic vocals and is filled with hope while dramatic pauses and an exuberant synth solo from Sophia add extra flair to make for a compelling mix of emotion and energy.

Review: Asha Puthli's triumphant return to the stage after 44 years is marked by tour dates across the US, Australia, and Europe, including iconic performances at Glastonbury and We Out Here. To celebrate this milestone, Mr Bongo has repressed her legendary 1976 album, The Devil Is Loose, on gold vinyl. This album, featuring the psychedelic disco-funk classic 'Space Talk,' exemplifies Puthli's eclectic career spanning 60s psyche, free-jazz, pop, rock and disco. Each track on The Devil Is Loose highlights Puthli's celestial style and sumptuous vocal range, supported by orchestral-infused, disco-enhanced instrumentation. The album transitions seamlessly from the infectious funk of 'Flying Fish' to the cosmic transcendence of the title track, and the choir-channelling 'Say Yes.' Puthli's majestic vocals cast a unique spell, making the album cinematic and captivating throughout. Whether replacing a worn-out original copy or discovering Asha Puthli for the first time, this quintessential slice of her world promises to enchant and inspire.

Review: American splatter horror director Eli Roth curates a spicy and seductive collection of Italian soundtrack gems, offering a deep dive into the rich and often scandalous world of Italian softcore and sexy comedies from the 70s and 80s. With tracks spanning disco, funk, bossa nova, and psych, Roth draws upon the compositions of iconic Italian film composers like Stelvio Cipriani, Bruno Nicolai, and Riz Ortolani. Highlights include Cipriani's infectious 'Nude Odeon (Ritmico Funk)' and Ferrio's sultry 'Quando Vuoi Con Chi Vuoi.' The collection, which also features rare and previously unreleased tracks, pulses with a heady mix of erotic tension and playful grooves. 'Amori Stellari' from Don Powell, with its cheeky synth-laden intro, adds a spacey touch, while Gianni Ferrio's 'La Musica E' effortlessly evokes the seductive atmosphere of 70s Italian cinema. Whether it's the funky disco beats of 'Avere Vent'anni (Disco)' or the dark allure of 'Il Sesso Del Diavolo,' each track feels like an invitation into an intimate, forbidden world. It's a soundtrack for lovers of cult cinema, irresistibly bold and full of character.

Review: Future Rootz has collaborated with Canal Sounds and EGREM for a gem of a reissue here that goes all the way back to 1977 when producer and bassist Jorge Soler stepped out as Grupo Yoyi for Yoyi, an album that marked his only known solo project. The record now sits up there as one of the rarest and most desirable albums from the Cuban musical canon as it is such a sublime fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz, funk and disco. The musicianship throughout is exceptional with mesmeric synths and evocative horn solos all tethered to the sort of grooves that will either chill you out or heat you up depending on the setting.