New releases last two weeks: All genres

Review: This special EP unearths hidden soul treasures from the late 60s and has powerful performances by Laura Lee and Irma Thomas that have an impact that far outweighs the modesty of the 7" they come on. Those two tunes were recorded at the legendary FAME Studios and originally released on Chess Records and also included are two of Afro-soul legend Terry Callier's most refined and emotive productions from the Cadet label/ They really underline his lush, orchestral take on soul with his own unique voice soaring to emotionally wrought heights. None of these tracks have been previously issued on 45 rpm and they are all sophisticated, heartfelt vintage magic from a golden era of Southern and Chicago soul.

Review: Dead Or Alive's famously infectious 1985 single 'Lover Come Back To Me' is still a dancefloor favourite, especially at fun all-family gatherings. 40 years on from its first release, it gets a dazzling revival with this limited edition picture disc, which drops as part of the anniversary celebrations for their Youthquake album. A high-energy follow-up to their breakout hit 'You Spin Me Round,' the track stormed the UK Singles Chart, peaking at #11 and spending six weeks in the Top 40. Globally, it lit up clubs and charts alike, landing Top 30 placements in nine countries and breaking the U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play Top 20. Packed with glam, drama and synth-pop flair, it's a classic worth spinning again.

Review: MURO Select presents yet another crucial 7" for Fourth Wave Record Factory for anyone whose ears prick up when it comes to Far Eastern soul, city pop and jazz cause this one has two of Hamada Kingo's urban mellow gems. He was a key figure in 80s city pop and AOR and his iconic track 'Dream Is Alive' from the Earthian image album makes its vinyl debut and is full of The flip side features 'Yokaze,' another standout urban mellow tune that captures the smooth, soulful vibe of his work and is perfect for those close listen bar sessions or the gentle moments early in the evening.

Review: One of several debut singles by Khruangbin, 'White Gloves' sweltered in with a mellow sway that would soon become their calling card. 'White Gloves' rode a wistful bassline and slackened drums, built around a hazy guitar riff and Laura Lee's near-whispered vocal - "she was a queen" - as much lullaby as lament. As ever drawing from Thai funk, 60s surf and gospel, the track established Houston trio's knack for folding global references into something spare and dreamlike. Now again released via Late Night Tales offshoot Night Time Stories, it marked the start of their partnership with producer Steve Christensen, whose hands-off touch would help sculpt their fluid, lo-fi feel across their early run.

Review: Bronx MC Rob-O returns with his first official solo release, more than two decades after his work with 90s underground crew INI. 'Rocket Science' is a tight, mid-tempo track produced by Paris-based Lex (de Kalhex), who also handled their 2012 collaboration. The beat is minimal but deliberate i a dusty loop with light keys and clean drums that hold space without distraction. Rob-O's vocal version plays it straight: a dense verse structure, clipped delivery and clear nods to Rakim-era cadences. The instrumental on the flip mirrors the vocal arrangement exactly, offering DJs and heads a clean alternate take. Nothing here feels overplayed. The mix by Parental is crisp, with the mastering by K-Def preserving warmth without softening the edges. This is a concise reintroduction to a voice with deep roots in New York's underground lineage.

Review: Two popular tracks from the highly rated and MURO-curated compilation Diggin Victor: Deep Into The Vaults Of Japanese Fusion / AOR are now made available for the first time on their own standout 7". Originally released as a limited item at an anniversary event, these rare gems are magically escapist sounds that blend library music, jazz, soul and Balearic mindsets into a pair of tropical heaters. The Kumi Sasak A-side is a real melodic noodler with meandering bass and a whimsical, carefree spirit as it heads nowhere in particular in hypnotic fashion. Side-B has 'Kimono' by Tetsuo Sakurai, which is a more rhythmic sound with funky bass riffs and 80s broken beats and a lush vocal.

Review: Japanese singer-songwriter Calyn Tsukishima offers a fresh take on two iconic tracks with her reggae covers. Her rendition of Minnie Riperton's 'Lovin' You' is a smooth, emotional journey, with Tsukishima's glossy vocals building in intensity, pulling the listener into a warm embrace of lovers' reggae. This cover offers a unique yet faithful reimagining of a classic, with the gradual swell in her singing perfectly complementing the track's inherent tenderness. On the B-side, Tsukishima takes on Alicia Keys' 'Empire State of Mind (Pt. 2)' in a ska reggae style, the upbeat rhythm and catchy horns injecting a lively, fresh energy into a song often tied to urban grandeur. A must-have for reggae enthusiasts and those eager to hear beloved songs through a different lens.

Review: The 'SAR' EP celebrates the early brilliance of the American Womack family, originally performing as the Womack Brothers before evolving into The Valentinos. This well curated collection showcases four lesser known gems that trace a certain aspect of soul's evolution from the gospel depth of 'Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray' to the raw r&b of 'Don't Go Away' and 'Rock In The Cradle Of Love,' while the stunning group soul of 'Put Me Down Easy' is another doozy. Most tracks make their vinyl debut here, with 'Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray' previously only appearing on a rare SAR pressing. It forms a vital tribute to soul's origins.