Somewhere To Be (feat Andy Cooper & Marietta Smith) (3:22)
Ever Been (3:36)
Review: Freak The Speaker marks a vibrant evolution in The Allergies' sound, showcasing their deep-rooted love for diverse musical styles. Producers Moneyshot and Rackabeat have upped the ante, delivering their biggest beats yet and enlisting an array of talented MCs and vocalists to bring their vision to life. Afrobeat star K.O.G. injects energy into the lively 'Koliko,' while Ohmega Watts delivers sharp, impactful verses on the hard-hitting 'No Flash.' UK rappers Dr Syntax and Skunkadelic trade dynamic bars over booming 808s on 'My Own Way,' and Dynamite MC shines on the soulful, infectious 'One Time.' Fans of The Allergies' signature funky, sample-heavy production won't be disappointed. Tracks like 'Let Me Hear You Say' channel vintage roller disco vibes, while 'Knock Me Off My Feet' is a 60s soul-inspired banger that's already garnered praise. Andy Cooper of Ugly Duckling brings his trademark flair to his features, complemented by the lively contributions of saxophonist James Morton and soulful singer Marietta Smith. Freak The Speaker is a celebration of music's global diversity, wrapped in The Allergies' unmistakable style.
Review: 'Dreamtime Trance' is a cult gem for those who like to dig deep, and Alston Koch is exactly that person. She is a Sri Lankan-born Australian musician and the mastermind behind the Kookaburra Connection project, a collaboration with Aboriginal musicians, and this track blends indigenous themes with a unique, game-changing beat and infectious groove. It's a pure dancefloor revelation and this reissue includes a new extended version with a longer intro buildup that adds depth to the track. On the B-side, the heartfelt ballad 'Midnight Lady' offers a contrasting mood that is perfect for after-hours relaxation with PiNa Coladas. Remastered and re-issued with the original artwork, this EP is a must.
Review: The always excellently go slow and tropical sounds of Big Crown now look to Bacao Rhythm and Steel Band for covers of two classics. Up first is Grace Jones' nightclub classic "My Jamaican Guy" while on the flip is Erykah Badu's tribute to the legendary J Dilla, "The Healer". Both retain the essence of the original but come with loose hand claps, shimmering steel drums that bring coastal breezes, sand and sun into the equation and leave you laying horizontal. These are fine interpretations of top notch source material.
Review: Fresh from inspiring the global disco community with a tasty debut 7", Portuguese duo the Bam Jam band (AKA Pedro Teneiro and Sergio Alves) return with a similarly impressive sequel. A-side 'Keepin' On' is a genuinely killer workout - a low-slung bass guitar-propelled chunk of revivalist dancefloor disco-jazz rich in sustained organ chords, funky Clavinet licks and restless, Latin-influenced piano riffs and solos. The duo's love of memorable basslines comes to the fore once more on 'Something About Love', a more languid, picturesque and bittersweet affair in which slow, eyes-closed piano patterns and squelchy synths stretch out across a relaxed mid-tempo groove. An artist to watch in 2025 for sure.
Review: The DMV crew presents two Biggie-inspired tracks on a limited 7" vinyl here that drives just in time for you to flip some Christmas party dance floors inside out and back to front. Side A opens with the wonderful and timeless 'Juicy Groove,' which is a funky, brass-infused twist on a classic NYC hit that will connect with a wide array of dancers. Flip to side B and you will find a Caribbean-flavoured mashup that's sure to leave you 'Hypnotized'. Do not excuse the pun.
Review: Bull & the Matadors, hailing from East St. Louis, brought their soulful energy to the Toddlin' Town label in 1968, joining forces with the iconic Leaner family. Inspired by Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In and its courtroom sketch craze, they released the groovy r&b hit 'The Funky Judge,' crafted by Andre Williams and Leo Hutton. Now, their unreleased sequel 'Where Did The Judge Go' finally sees the light, rescued from obscurity for eager fans on provided on the flipside.
Bobby Byrd comes strutting on posthumously through to Sedsoulsociety with 'Never Get Enough'. This ineluctable treat was first released on Brownstone Recordings sometime during the early 70s funk heyday, and was produced and arranged by none other than that ingenious titan, James Brown, together with the beautiful 'My Concerto'. We usually wouldn't forgive the removal of the latter track from any reissue, but we're making an exception here, for the fact that an even greater treat lines this B-side reissue: a formerly unreleased instrumental of said James Brown classic production. Funk completists hardly need to be told not to sleep on this one.
Review: Casual-T's 1982 release is a vibrant exploration of funk and boogie that captures the energy and creativity of its time. Basslines pulse with confidence, while bright keys and crisp guitars drive the rhythm forward, creating tracks that feel alive and full of movement. Vocals are delivered with flair, matching the music's sense of fun and immediacy, while the production keeps everything taut and focused. The reissue gives new life to a record that's equal parts groove and heart and is the perfect addition for fans of soulful, rhythm-driven sounds.
Review: While this fabulous album may sound old - as if it was an obscure, jazz-funk-tinged Italian disco release from 1982 - it is in fact brand, spanking new, making it the first new LP of original material released by legendary Italian imprint Best Record in over four decades. Created by Raffaele 'Whodammy' Arcella and Cosimo Cosmo Mandorino, it offers the same kind of boundary-blurring fusion of early '80s boogie, electro, low-tempo Italo-disco, jazz-funk, disco, Afro-cosmic and colourful Balearic pop (with a few cheeky raps and spoken word vocal passages thrown in) as the Neopolitan albums of the early-to-mid 1980s that inspired them. It's a brilliant set all told - one that authentically pays tribute to their influences and inspirations while offering something genuinely new and exciting.
Review: This newly reissued classic is the iconic debut album by the legendary French jazz-funk band Cortex, first released in 1975. The group was initially formed only a year earlier by Alain Mion, Alain Gandolfi and Jeff Huttner, but Cortex quickly became a favourite among funky jazz collectors. Recorded in just two days, the album blends a unique mix of flavours and has a rather unclassifiable and stunning electric groove. With its fresh, warm and funky vibes, Troupeau Bleu has been a timeless LP for many years and one that has been influencing producers worldwide ever since its release: it's been sampled by renowned artists like Rick Ross, Madlib, DJ Day and DJ Cam, thereby cementing its status as must-have.
Carolyn Crawford - "It Takes A Lotta Teardrops" (2:47)
Hodges, James, Smith & Crawford - "I'm In Love" (2:26)
Review: It Takes A Lotta Teardrops showcases the refined touch of Mickey Stevenson, delivering a timeless Motown sound. This Leon Ware and Vicki Basemore composition, although unreleased until now, echoes the classic vibes that Kim Weston also interpreted, but like hers, it remained in the vaults. The decision to shelve this gem in 1972 may have been due to its retro style during a time of evolving musical tastes, yet it remains an essential listen for Motown and Northern Soul enthusiasts. On Side-2, 'I'm In Love', stems from Carolyn Crawford's work with Hodges, James and Smith in 1971. Released under the M'Pingo label, this track embraced a more contemporary feel for its era and continues to resonate in Modern and Crossover rooms today. This single is a fine addition for collectors and fans of classic soul.
Lifetime - "I'll Bet You Thought I'd Never Find You" (4:21)
Tres Men - "Samba De-La Cruz" (4:32)
Miho Nobuzane - "Ponteio" (6:52)
El Caballo Y Su Orquesta - "Mambo De Papi" (3:05)
Review: The Jazz Dance Fusion series is a compilation-based series collecting some of the finest songs in the Jazzdance, Latin Jazz and Fusion. Each volume is careful cultivated by the well-known British DJ Colin Curtis. After the first three successful editions, the fourth boasts tracks like 'Mother Of The Future" by Venus Dodson, 'I Face East' by Mary Greer Mudiku and 'Ponteio' by Miho Nobuzane, to name but a few. Volume Four Part 2 is spread across two pieces of vinyl housed in a beautiful gatefold vinyl. If you are a jazz fan looking for a compilation to expand your knowledge and love the style, then look no further than this one here! Thanks ro Colin Curtis for continuing to curate such a great series!
Review: Dallas based singer-songwriter Derek Damian recorded the gloriously life-affirming soul nugget 'Watcha Wanna Do' a decade ago. It has lost none of its charm or magic all these years later as this new pressing attests. The rolling grooves, the effortlessly epic vocals and the serene string all ooze class. On the flip, he gets more romantic with the perfectly tender and intimate 'Never Felt So Good.' It's beefed up by bold baritone vocals, contemporary R&B production and gooey bass. A killer 45 for sure.
Review: Mr Bongo restock a brilliant 7" in their signature Brazil 45s series. The nineteenth to grace it, this blue-starred slice of small wax shone a light on Wilson das Neves' brilliant cover of Average White Band's 'Pick Up The Pieces' on the A, as well as a Mr Bongo fave on the B, Som Tres' potent samba-funk overflow 'Tanga'. The former flexes the historic muscles of a mythic Brazilian percussionist and vibesman, lending fidgety soft feels to AWB's already lull-lifting concoction; then 'Tanga' contrasts to this sense of measuredness with pure animal verve, as Tres' calls out to his bandmates commandingly amid whirlwinds of piano and drums.
God Gave Me Feet For Dancing (feat Yazmin Lacey) (4:11)
Ajala (0:42)
The Traveller (4:48)
N29 (3:56)
No One's Watching Me (feat Olivia Dean) (4:57)
Hear My Cry (3:31)
Shaking Body (3:14)
Expensive (6:10)
Streets Is Calling (feat M.anifest & Moonchild Sanelly) (3:08)
Why I Smile (5:20)
Have Patience (2:35)
Everybody (4:01)
Review: Dance, No One's Watching is a vibrant tribute to the joyous act of dancing and a night out from the anticipation of evening to the early morning hours. Written during Ezra Collective's whirlwind 2023 world tour, which saw them become the first jazz act to win the Mercury Prize, the album reflects the global dancefloors they experienced, from London to Chicago, Lagos to Sydney. Dance and rhythm unite us all, a spirit celebrated in these tracks. Recorded at Abbey Road studios, the sessions transformed into a live celebration with friends and family, adding a communal warmth to the music. The album features collaborations with Olivia Dean, M.anifest, Moonchild Sanelly, and Yazmin Lacey, who sings on the lead single 'God Gave Me Feet for Dancing.' This new album follows their acclaimed Where I'm Meant to Be, and continues to showcase Ezra Collective's innovative contributions to contemporary British music.
BGP has been busy of late and is turning out a busy run of fine 45rpms right now. This one is a pair of tunes from Detroit soul singer and songwriter Willie Garner aka Billy Garner, Sugar Bilal, and several other variations. It is two versions of his debut single from 1971 on New Day and if you can find one of those original copies on 7" then you will also need to find over 500 quid to make it your own. This reissue saves you the financial hit and offers up both parts of the raw as you like, James Brown inspire funky numbers. .
Jacob Velez & La Mambanegra - "Manana" (feat Nidia Gongora) (2:46)
Tonada - "Manezco" (3:17)
El Hijo Del Buno - "La Danza Del Espiritu" (feat Los Gaiteros De Pueblob Santo) (3:32)
De Mar Y Rio - "Bailen Y Gocen" (3:52)
Umu Obiligbo - "Udemba" (3:35)
Amadou Balake - "Massa Kamba" (4:33)
Joi N'juno - "Samemala" (5:18)
Conjunto - "Koemanoe Sani" (3:44)
Mendes Brothers - "Balumuka Palops!" (5:15)
Gaby Moy - "Ene Alengue" (5:53)
Poirier - "Teke Fren" (feat Waahli) (2:59)
Timothee Et Pot & Co - "Rentre Dans Ton Hlm" (5:24)
Locobeach - "Idea Desesperada" (4:05)
Review: This latest offering is a testament to Guts' curatorial flair, stitching together rhythms from across the globe. Each track is carefully chosen to highlight soulful grooves and infectious melodies, all while maintaining a sense of discovery. The release moves effortlessly between vibrant Afrobeat, laidback funk, and hypnotic Caribbean influences, creating a natural flow that feels like an intimate DJ set. This is music with heart and authenticity, a celebration of the dancefloor's rich diversity.
Review: Classic jazz funk album from the legendary Johnny 'Hammond' Smith with a special version with six previously unissued bonus out-takes. Released in 1975 and his 32nd long player, it heralded a fresh chapter in his career that saw him exploring more electronic instrumentation and deeper shades of funk in a similar way to Roy Ayers or Bob James. The result was a timeless document that carries motifs of many of today's artists; the harmonies of "Can't We Smile?", for instance, smack of Plantlife while the punctuated piano work and mirrored squiggling synths on "Song For The Family" echoes with Flying Lotus-style whim. Also a key source of breaks for many junglists, Gears is a historic document that's not only played a strong role in electronic music but still sounds incredible today.
B-STOCK: Outer sleeve slightly scuffed, but otherwise in excellent condition
B Beat Girls - "For The Same Man"
Damon Harris - "It's Music"
Pylon - "Danger"
The Jonzun Crew - "Pak Man"
Funk Masters - "Love Money"
John Sex - "Bump & Grind It"
Sylvester - "Over & Over" (12" Disco mix)
The Girls - "Jeffrey I Hear You"
Johnny Dynell & New York 88 - "Jam Hot (Rhumba Rock)"
Talking Heads - "I Zimbra"
Art Zoyd - "Sortie 134" (part 2)
Class Action - "Weekend" (Larry Levan mix)
Adiche - "Chuka-Ja (Get Ready)"
The Girls - "The Elephant Man"
The Golden Flamingo Orchestra - "The Guardian Angel Is Watching Over Us"
Gray - "Cut It Up High Priest"
Extra T's - "ET Boogie"
Convertion - "Let's Do It"
Yoko Ono - "Walking On Thin Ice"
Fab 5 Freddy - "Change The Beat"
Review: ***B-STOCK: Outer sleeve slightly scuffed, but otherwise in excellent condition***
Curated as part of the iconic street artist's Tate exhibition this year, The World Of Keith Haring unites many of the talented souls Keith knew, or was inspired by, during his prolific rise as one of the most vital cultural spokesmen through the 70s and 80s. Soundtracking the gritty downtown NYC streets he made his first mark on, this limited collection captures the whole melting pot from b-boy culture with cuts such as "E.T Boogie" and "Bump N Grind", raw boogie and soul ("Over & Over") and pure drama ("The Guardian Angel Is Watching Over Us"). A powerful collection as striking and relatable as his own signature.
Review: The original motion picture soundtrack for The Truck Turner delivers a thrilling blend of gritty funk, soul and high-energy jazz that perfectly complemented the 1974 blaxploitation classic. Composed by the great Isaac Hayes, the soundtrack is a dynamic showcase of his signature style that blends soulful melodies with intense orchestral arrangements. Tracks like 'Main Theme' and 'Breaking Into The Business' capture the raw energy and tension of the film while Hayes' deep voice and lush arrangements bring an added layer of sophistication to the score.
B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition
Mind Games (6:47)
Pretty Melody (1:55)
Titi (4:48)
The Essence Of Jai (5:50)
Ceta Theme (intro) (0:46)
Ceta Theme (1:28)
I'll Always Be There (5:26)
Daddy Rob (2:42)
Jobman Caravan (3:20)
Donna (1:16)
Cast Your Fate To The Wind (4:43)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***
An exceptional, almost entirely unreleased jazz-funk LP from Roland Haynes Jr., previously known only for a single 45 released in 1983 (included here). If you're thinking undiscovered James Mason, you're on the right track. This LP is huge, even by the highest standards. Until now, that rare single was the only material trace of Haynes and his band. However, Haynes meticulously documented his musical journey, recording both packed-out live gigs and studio sessions. The tracks on this release come directly from Haynes' personal archive, offering an incredible glimpse into his unreleased, carefully crafted studio work.
B-STOCK: Creasing to corner of outer sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition
Stay Sweet (5:03)
Into New Dimensions (4:29)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Creasing to corner of outer sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition***
Star Creature boss Tim Zawada revives another boogie classic here with a special 7" release featuring two standout tracks from Gary, Indiana's I.N.D. It opens up with the A-side which showcases an underrated floor-filler that is packed with good time grooves. On the other side, the label presents a version of 'Into New Dimensions' (I.N.D.) which offers a fresh twist on the original. This release is a must-have for fans of boogie and rare grooves and it cannot fail to light up the club.
Review: James Taylor is a stone cold legend in the acid jazz and jazz funk scene. Here working with his quartet once again, he returns with superb new album that proves his credentials beyond doubt. Man in the Hot Seat is a giant record with a giant sound that is speed in big walls of sound and effortless melodic funk. The fullness of the tune sis utterly imposing with hints of classic film soundtracks and big band energy. Real musicianship and production mastery add to the greatnesses of this, which might be one of JTQ's finest.
B-STOCK: Creasing to corner of outer sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition
Jamiroquai - "Little L" (Dave Lee Re-Blend) (8:14)
Shelia & B Devotion - "Spacer" (Dave Lee Disco Fantasy mix) (9:00)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Creasing to corner of outer sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition***
Long time house and disco devotee Dave Lee comes through on Z Records once more with a sampler from this years ZR Essentials collection. It features two of his masterful reworks starting with Jamiroquai's 'Little L'. He flips into a funked up cosmic delight with plenty of the original's synth flourishes melodic hooks and orchestration all present and correct but with added slap bass, replayed rhodes and beefy new drums which make this a surefire dancefloor winner pretty much anywhere. On the flip comes Dave Lee's Disco Fantasy mix of Shelia & B Devotion's 1979 hit 'Spacer' which has a more retro disco sound thanks to the masterful original work of Chic. Additional clav, new string parts and solo-ing keys give 'Spacer' the extended DJ mix it never had at the time of original release.
Review: Two formerly passed-over bonus tracks from two of Lettuce's earlier records, 2008's Rage! and 2012's Fly respectively. The US collective and Berklee College graduates, seasoned stalwarts of funk and soul, first featured 'Monorail 3000' and 'Star Children' as afterthoughts on their otherwise sprawling third and fourth records, both funded by Velour Recordings. The tracks alternate between dextrose sweetness on the light-rail A and cosmic rocketship B-side, demonstrating the great versatility of these all-heart alumni.
Review: Light's Out's 'Take It' comes on a special limited and numbered 7" via Soul 7/Jazzman and is a striking blend of raw soul and infectious rhythm. With its groovy, foot-tapping beat, the track channels the energy of 60s and 70s funk while showcasing the band's powerful, emotive vocals and tight instrumentation. Both tracks here are perfectly direct and packed with heat for any dance floor and bring such irresistible sounds that music lovers of all persuasions are going to be enamoured by what they hear.
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