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首页  Labels  Athens Of The North
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Athens Of The North 黑胶唱片和CD

Browse the latest Vinyl & CD releases on Athens Of The North
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Items 1 to 50 of 73 on page 1 of 2
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Keep On Dancin
Cat: ATH 073. Rel: 29 Nov 18
 
Soul
Keep On Dancin (3:34)
You (3:23)
Review: While Luther Davis is undoubtedly best known for his sought-after disco smash "You Can Be A Star", many collectors and deep funk DJs have long insisted that the more obscure "Keep On Dancin" is even better. Thanks to Athens of the North's timely reissue of the latter, you can now decide for yourself. Certainly, it's a ludicrously infectious, full-throttle disco-funk affair whose extreme dancefloor intensity is helped by Davis and company's liberal use of studio effects, psychedelic backing vocals and some serious eyes-closed guitar solos. This reissue comes with B-side bonus soothing slow jam "You", which is a serviceable chunk of deep soul.
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 in stock $11.93
Nightshade
Cat: AOTNCD 018. Rel: 09 Feb 24
 
Jazz
Jasmine
Mariposa Lily
Antonio's Theme
Coastal Drive
Lost In Nostalgia
Introduction (Nightshade (Theme & Variations))
Echo Flute & Bowed Bass
Main Theme
Solo Strings
Solo Fender & Rhodes
Pizzicato Strings
Walking Bass & Echo Flute (reprise)
Multi-tracked Piano
Main Theme (reprise)
 in stock $5.97
Beautiful Day
Cat: AOE 036. Rel: 28 Mar 19
 
Funk/Reissues
Beautiful Day (2:52)
Beautiful Day (Drums) (3:00)
Review: Athens Of The North celebrate the longstanding contributions of host, presenter, writer, personality and occasional singer Bernard "Spider" Harrison. Recorded sometime around 1970, and fetching large triple figures between collectors, the feel good bluesy soul cut "Beautiful Day" first landed on Lulu Records and has barely seen the light of day since... Until now. And it's loaded with a never-before-released drum cut. Don't sleep, though. Only 500 of these have been pressed.
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 in stock $11.16
You're The Best
Cat: ATH 078. Rel: 26 Sep 19
 
Disco/Re-Edits
You're The Best (4:28)
Train Of Thought (4:29)
Review: Many disco-era modern soul collectors regard, Larom Baker's "You're The Best", which initially appeared in 1978 on an impossible to find, single-sided 7" single, as one of the style's genuine "Holy Grail" records. It's good news, then, that Athens Of The North has secured the rights to reissue it, releasing the full studio version (rather than the shorter edit that was released all those years ago) for the very first time. It's a genuine gem, with Baker's deliciously breezy West Coast soul vocal seemingly floating over a killer backing track rich in hazy horns, bustling slap bass and crunchy Clavinet lines. Turn to the flipside for the more disco-minded "Train Of Thought", one of a string of recently discovered Baker recordings that form the basis of a forthcoming album of previously unreleased tracks.
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 in stock $11.16
Don't You Know I Love You
Cat: ATH 057. Rel: 07 Dec 17
 
Disco/Re-Edits
Don't You Know I Love You (part 1) (2:59)
Don't You Know I Love You (part 2) (2:36)
Review: Georgia troupe Star Quake gave the world just one record... And boy is it special. Slick pumping disco funk with focus, momentum and shimmering chimes on the chords as the track climaxes, there's an air of Stevie to the vocals and unashamed funk throughout. So good it comes in two parts, there's a reason original copies of this have passed hands for almost $2000 in the past.
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 in stock $11.68
Let Love Enter
Cat: ATH 051. Rel: 07 Dec 17
 
Soul
Let Love Enter (2:55)
Come To Me (3:33)
Review: Incredible late night smoochy stuff right here from one of the most decorated bassists of all time. A major figure in the bands of Miles Davis and Stevie Wonder, Henderson was also a killer solo artist amassing eight artist albums between 76-86. This AOTN "45 showcases his true breadth as "Let Love Enter" lilts on a soft bossa with rising horns, velvet backing vocals and an unabashed come-to-bed message. "Come To Me" gets even deeper under the sheets with as he goes toe-to-toe, cheek-to-cheek with Rena Scott with smoking results.
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 in stock $5.97
Love Tempo
Cat: ATH 061. Rel: 08 Feb 18
 
Soul
Love Tempo (3:35)
Somebody Help Me Be Fair (4:22)
Review: Athens Of The North strike again. A big spinner for the likes of Floating Points, this rare-as-pigs-shoes 1980 45 from Ohio troupe Love Company has gone for big sums in the past. It's not hard to hear why; "Love Tempo" raises the heat with an unrelenting disco beat, coastal guitar textures and harmonies to swoon to. "Somebody Help Me Be Fair" flips for a much more sentimental story as Love Company unravel the problems of a menage-et-trois. Steamy.
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 in stock $10.90
Say It With Feeling
Cat: AOE 031. Rel: 22 Feb 18
 
Soul
Say It With Feeling (2:16)
Conscience (2:48)
Review: Excavated from vaults of the Weiss Brothers' longstanding NYC imprint Old Time Records, Beverly McKay's gutsy tales have massaged soul floors for those lucky to have a 200 pound 45. "Say It With Feeling" hits with big backing vocal harmonies before breaking into a classic midtempo bluesy arrangement while "Conscience" strikes with a little more eastern allure, staccato strings and a cat-prowling narrative. Timeless soul.
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 in stock $5.97
The Time Is Right
Cat: ATH 045. Rel: 29 Jun 17
 
Funk/Reissues
The Time Is Right (3:23)
Feeling Funky (3:55)
Review: If this fine 7" is anything to go by, the crate digging and detective skills of Athens of the North founder Euan Fryer are as sharp as ever. The two tracks featured here originally appeared on a private press single that currently changes hands for large sums online. Fryer manager to track down the original writer/producer, Chicago-based George Riviera, who not only have his blessing to the reissue, but also sent over the master tapes. Stylistically, A-side "The Time is Right" sits somewhere between Latin soul, jazz-funk and sumptuous downtempo disco, with blue-eyed soul vocals and subtle vibraphone solos rising above superb had percussion. Fipside "Feelin' Funky" is a more up-tempo affair: an undulating chunk of jazz-funk/disco fusion laden with neat musical touches.
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 in stock $8.79
Let Go
Let Go (7")
Cat: ATH 053. Rel: 24 Aug 17
 
Soul
Let Go (5:42)
Will You Be There (4:33)
Review: Following the excellent excavation of the Miami band's unreleased album Best Kept Secret, AOTN's Fryer treats us to his two favourite cuts on a 500-only never-to-be-repressed 45. Seeped in powerful vocal harmonies, "Let Go" is rare groove gold with smooth sax and a dynamic that keeps on surprising while "Will You Be There" is an end of night soul shakedown with a tenderness that's tangible in every element. Don't sleep on this... Or the album. One of AOTN's most exciting releases this year.
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Tags: Soul Disco
 in stock $5.70
You
You (7")
Cat: ATH 039. Rel: 24 Nov 16
 
Disco/Re-Edits
You (4:46)
Space V (4:18)
Review: Christopher Sprains and The Strange Band recorded a whole heap of material in a hazy, drug-fuelled 19178, but their - surprisingly - never gained enough traction with the NYC disco crowd. Perhaps this work was too ahead of its time and, while it does share some qualities with the music of Rick James, it contains something dark, sexy, a little bit twisted and, of course, strange. The lead track "You" is a synth-heavy, electrifying boogie cut with a rugged percussion swing and an air of post-punk to its mix down, not to mention those utterly freaky vocals; our favourite, though, is actually "Space V", an insanely nutty electro cut that would have undoubtedly been on The Electrifying Mojo's playlist should it have landed on his lap. Totally recommended...
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 in stock $6.75
Watchin' You
Cat: ATH 044. Rel: 23 Mar 17
 
Soul
Watchin' You (4:09)
To The Sky (4:39)
Review: Little is known about Friction Band's hyper-rare 45" besides the fact it's a brilliant example of outsider, slightly experimental style of modern soul, it's passed hands for strong triple figures in recent years and it's just been injected with a whole new lease of life by Fryer. "Watchin' You" is a footloose boogie jam with unabashed use of freeform keys while "To The Sky" flips for a softer, more sentimental soul affair that's fringed by just the right amount of dreamy cosmicity. Another precision find by AOTN.
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Played by: Dan Mela, Soul Music
 in stock $11.93
Thumping For You (reissue)
Cat: ATH 148V. Rel: 13 Apr 23
 
Funk/Reissues
Thumping For You (4:12)
Brandon's Song (5:09)
Review: Ben (Benjamin Robinson of Ben & Coco) and the Tight Squeeze Band have not long been getting us hot under the collar as Athens of the North put out a reissue of their AM Funk 7" only back in March. Now the faultless Edinburgh label is back with another pair of tunes from them that are just as good. 'Thumping For You' is nice loose-limbed, off-grid funk with love and wonky drums, happy sax lines and sustained chords bringing a golden touch next to the aloof vocals. 'Brandon's Song' is another uplifting one with seductive claps and shakers, squelchy leads and lush string synths.
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 in stock $12.44
Space Saver (reissue)
Cat: ATH 130. Rel: 08 Dec 22
 
Soul
Space Saver (4:31)
Candybar Superstar (3:29)
Review: Athens Of The North will always be one of our favourite labels no matter what they're serving up. The Edinburgh-based deep diggers this time look to Race 'N Rhythm, which was once upon a time a 12-member jazz group based in Oakland. Jazz-master Rudolph Peters managed the multi-racial band and though they were admired on the vocal live circuit they only ever released one single before later doing an album. 'Space Saver' was recorded in California in 1982 and is a sultry and romantic soul sound with leads and coy rhythms. 'Candybar Superstar' on the backside is a pure fire dancefloor heater with high-energy claps, horns and vocals.
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 in stock $16.09
Paralell Light (B-STOCK)
Cat: AOTNLP 062. Rel: 01 Dec 23
 
Ambient/Drone
A Further Look At Loss (0:44)
Last Sunbeans Of Childhood (2:34)
Fugitive Light Restless Water (2:45)
The Violet Hour (3:14)
Everywhere Something Sublime (3:56)
In Balgay Silhouettes (3:43)
Awoke In The Early Days Of A Better World (3:03)
(Half-light Of) The Cadmium Moon (3:09)
Black Bay Dream Minor (3:57)
Lost, Aglow (1:20)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


We also heard from Andrew Wasylyk late last year when he offered up his second LP for the esteemed Clay Pipe Music label. Now it is to Edinburgh's Athens of the North for Parallel Light, another collection of sumptuous ambient sounds that are so much more than just background music. The album is actually an alternate mix of his 2020 long player Fugitive Light And Themes Of Consolation so offers a different perspective with plenty of moving spiritual-jazz and neo-classical sounds that help paint alluring musical landscapes.
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 in stock $17.74
The Sands Of Zanzibar
Cat: ATH 132. Rel: 12 Oct 23
 
Soul
The Sands Of Zanzibar (part 1) (3:49)
The Sands Of Zanzibar (part 2) (3:10)
Review: The supply of superlative sounds from Athens Of The North knows no bounds - rarely does a week go by with out the well regarded reissue label coming thorough with yet another obscure, forgotten, overlooked or rare gem that has is immediately fall in love. Falling into those categories again is this 7" 'The Sands of Zanzibar, Pt. 1' from Leonard Grandson. It is a floating groove that will swells the heart and is super hard to find in original form. It is thought to be from 1977 and was recorded in a Hollywood studio. Leonard sounds not unlike Steve Wonder and really hits a sweet spot on this one.
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 in stock $12.98
Just A Touch: Underground UK Soul Compiled By Sam Don
Sam DON / VARIOUS
Cat: AOTNCD 063. Rel: 12 Oct 23
 
Soul
Bo'vel - "Coming Back"
Sam - "Life" (club mix)
Marcelle Moncrieffe - "Take Me There"
Kofi - "Step By Step"
Pure Silk - "What You Do For Me"
Jenny B - "Sexy Eyes" (club mix)
Sonja Ryshard - "Step Back"
Cavalier - "Don't Touch"
Purely Fizzycal - "Straight To The Top"
Dennis Planeter - "I Still Dream Of You"
Taffy - "Passion"
Weekend In Paris - "Hold Your Head Up"
Review: Having previously shone a light on lovers rock via two volumes of his For The Love of You compilations, dusty-fingered selector Sam Don has turned his attention to 'underground UK soul'. In practice, that largely means - though not uniformly - street soul of the late 80s and 90s. It's a simple idea, executed brilliantly, with Don working tirelessly to get the blessing of all the artists involved. Sweet, synth-heavy and lusciously loved up, the 12 tracks on show are undeniably excellent, with the many highlights including the piano-sporting, breakbeat-driven dancefloor pleasure of Kofi's 'Step By Step', the sax-sporting shuffle of Jenny B's 'Sexy Eyes (Club Mix)', the bubbly 80s soul cheeriness of Cavalier's 'Don't Touch' and the bustling post-boogie brilliance of 'Passion' by Taffy.
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 in stock $14.80
Just A Touch: Underground UK Soul Compiled By Sam Don
Sam DON / VARIOUS
Cat: AOTNLP 063. Rel: 12 Oct 23
 
Soul
Bovel - "Coming Back" (3:52)
Sam - "Life" (club mix) (4:10)
Marcelle Moncrieffe - "Take Me There" (4:37)
Kofi - "Step By Step" (4:16)
Pure Silk - "What You Do For Me" (4:37)
Jenny B - "Sexy Eyes" (club mix) (5:18)
Sonja Ryshard - "Step Back" (5:38)
Cavalier - "Don't Touch" (5:07)
Purely Fizzycal - "Straight To The Top" (7:17)
Dennis Planter - "I Still Dream Of You" (4:02)
Taffy - "Passion" (7:11)
Weekend In Paris - "Hold Your Head Up" (3:55)
Review: After his hugely well received lovers' rock compilations for this label, Sam Don digs deep into the rich world of UK sweet soul on this - typically - excellent new compilation from the wondrous ashes of the North. He comes up with plenty of mega hard to find and expensive musical treasures that have all been painstakingly researched and tracked down. It was a short lived but fertile scene in the underground back in the 90s and if you didn't; know that already you will after one listen through of this - the sounds are highly danceable with silky, low-lit melodies and steamy and seductive vocals for loved up late night dancing.
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 in stock $29.58
Waiting In The Wings
Cat: ATH 133. Rel: 02 Mar 23
 
Soul
Waiting In The Wings (East Cost Love Affair mix) (3:16)
Waiting In The Wings (2:56)
Review: It's a busy time for Athens of the North - to be fair when isn't it - as the Edinburgh label drops a couple of real gems this month. Marion Javius's 'Waiting In The Wings' originally dropped in 1978 and the head of this label loved the track but for a couple of aspects to it. Years later, he discovered that a friend of the label David Haffner "had been sitting on the multi-track tapes for some time and was cool with us doing a 45." So here we have the original on the B-side, and the slightly tweaked and edited new East Cost Love Affair version on the a-side. It's a great touch-up job if you ask us.
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 in stock $14.80
Tonight
Tonight (7")
Cat: ATH 175. Rel: 07 Dec 23
 
Disco/Re-Edits
Tonight (vocal) (3:20)
Tonight (dub) (3:21)
Review: Athens of the North 'house band' East Coast Love Affair recently returned to action with 'I'm So Glad', a driving disco-funk outing tailor-made for sweaty club sessions. For this speedy follow-up, they've recruited effortlessly soulful vocalist Theo Suess and musically flipped the script. Built around skittish lo-fi beats, immersive chords and bubbly synth-bass, 'Tonight' sits somewhere between deliciously deep house and lo-fi boogie. It's genuinely brilliant, with Suess providing an immaculately emotive lead vocal on the A-side main mix. The flip-side 'Dub' is superb, too, with snippets of Suess's vocals echoing across an enveloping, loved-up instrumental backing track.
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 in stock $14.80
All The Way Down
Cat: ATH 139. Rel: 25 Jan 24
 
Funk/Reissues
All The Way Down (3:16)
Tonight's The Night (3:40)
Review: Athens of the North has a famously busy rate of release and so it is no surprise that they keep that up even in the first months of the year. A slew of singles and an album are all dropping at the same time and this is one of them - yet another gold standard reissue, this time of Charles Barnwell's band The Funnybone Express. This 7" is a superb bit of deep funk with hints of modern soul that were huge back in the day and are sure to be so all over again now.
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 in stock $12.44
I Would Have To Be A Fool
Cat: ATH 171. Rel: 25 Jan 24
 
Disco/Re-Edits
I Would Have To Be A Fool (3:33)
Just Give Love A Try (4:08)
Review: Ben White - not the same Ben White that plays as a defender for Arsenal - was just 25 when he was brought by Eddy Bongo Brown of the Funk Brothers to the Motor City to play with Marvin Gaye. It was five years after that when he lay down this single - his only one, although it is said there are some lost tapes featuring a full album on them out there somewhere. We hope it is found as this is excellent - 'I Would Have To Be A Fool' is a super smooth soul with nice funky rhythms and a hint of disco energy. 'Just Give Love A Try' is a more slow and lavish groove with choral backing and fancy piano.
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Played by: Dave Lee ZR
 in stock $12.98
Changes
Changes (LP)
Cat: AOTNLP 066. Rel: 25 Jan 24
 
Soul
Check 4 U (3:48)
It's Not About Me (3:19)
Best Thing (3:28)
Knight In Shining Armour (4:06)
Daydreamer (5:46)
Coming Back (3:51)
Goodbye Farewell (4:32)
Life Changes You (4:24)
Let Down & Liar (4:04)
My Man (4:08)
Review: Athens of the North is back in business this new year with a couple of singles as well as a new album dropping before the end of January. This time it is Bo'vel's Changes album that gets served up on wax having teased the act by including them on a compilation Just A Touch late last year. Their soul sound is distantly UK-centric but with influxes from dub, funk and more. That is well showcased here across ten tracks that were famously made in the mid-90s in Manchester without a big budget or big press campaign but became cult classics all the same.
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Played by: Mike O'Mara
$25.94 SAVE 10%
 in stock $23.34
Disco Thing
Cat: ATH 117. Rel: 24 Feb 22
 
Disco/Re-Edits
Disco Thing (2:56)
Your Love (3:03)
Review: It was way back in 1977 when disco collective Seaquence made their debut on Aidqueen Records, a tiny, independent label based in their home city of San Diego, California. That debut, a delightful but extremely hard to find "45", has long been in demand amongst deep disco collectors, hence this timely reissue on Athens of the North. The real killer is A-side 'Disco Thing', a tight-but-freewheeling chunk of disco-funk piled high with alternate male/female vocals, loose-limbed drum-breaks, punchy horns, swooping strings and squelchy synth sounds. Original B-side 'Your Love' is a deeper and far sweeter affair - a traditional flipside slow jam that's as tear-jerking as it is effortlessly soulful.
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 in stock $14.01
Leather Pants
Cat: ATH 104. Rel: 24 Feb 22
 
Disco/Re-Edits
Leather Pants (4:24)
Nicci's Theme (3:35)
Review: The relentless Athens Of The North is having a busy month even by its own high standards. February alone has at least three new 45rpms dropping and this might be the best: Homegrown Syndrome were a band that ended up in LA but giggled all round Memphis. Some members had played with an earlier band but they all came good on these previously unleashed tunes that have been found in the attic of Jerry Jones. 'Got The Love' is a chunky funky stepper with swirling synths and disco energy. 'Party Vibes' then takes off once more on hip swig claps, big arching chords and strident drums.

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 in stock $13.49
Love Is A Heartbreaker
Cat: ATH 115. Rel: 24 Mar 22
 
Soul
Doctor 'T' - "Love Is A Heartbreaker" (4:38)
Presley Strong - "Let's Be Together, 1982" (4:33)
Review: Even for Jedi level diggers, tracking down original copies of Doctor T aka Lenoah Presley Strong aka Rick Strong, 7"s is almost impossible. He was a master instrumentalist who can turn out a tune on any piece of gear and was a regular in his local clubs. He spent time between Selma, Atlanta, where he was born, and Beverly Hills and played with artists like Willie Hutch. This compilation collects together some of his best jams and is an essential pick up for any and all soul lovers. A-side 'Love Is A Heartbreaker' is a real pearler in particular, while the flip side is no slouch either.
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 in stock $11.93
You Are My Doll Baby
Cat: ATH 110. Rel: 24 Mar 22
 
Disco/Re-Edits
Norfolk - "You Are My Doll Baby" (4:04)
Midnight Love - "Mama's Baby Boy" (4:23)
 in stock $14.01
Everything That's Good In Life
Cat: ATH 121. Rel: 28 Apr 22
 
Soul
Everything That's Good In Life (4:29)
Hold Me Close (4:17)
Review: It will shock no one that this week along, Edinburgh based label Athens of the North has a wealth of great new music out. This 7" is another one from William Stuckey. The last one came last year but sadly, only after the man himself had passed away. But they follow it up with another gem that comes with the blessing of the man's family. 'Everything That's Good In Life' has never been released before but is as good as his material gets and is sure to become another classic. ON the reverse is an alternate 7" mix of 'Hold Me Close' that cuts deep.
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 in stock $14.01
Defected
Cat: ATH 116. Rel: 24 Mar 22
 
Disco/Re-Edits
Defected (3:26)
You Are The One (3:27)
 in stock $14.01
James McKenzie & The McKenzie Brothers
Cat: AOTNLP 022. Rel: 29 Aug 19
 
Soul
James McKenzie - "Lady Is Love" (3:16)
James McKenzie - "Live Again" (4:10)
James McKenzie - "Two Ladies" (3:59)
The McKenzie Brothers - "Hope She Don't Hurt You" (5:06)
James McKenzie - "Wonderful To Be In Love" (3:45)
The McKenzie Brothers - "Felt Her Fire" (4:00)
James McKenzie - "I've Got To Go" (3:37)
James McKenzie - "Birth Is Love" (6:46)
The McKenzie Brothers - "Joni's Little Song" (2:02)
The McKenzie Brothers - "Lonley Girl" (4:00)
The McKenzie Brothers - "Tomorrow Is Your Own" (2:48)
 in stock $15.31
Color Me (reissue)
Cat: AOE 035. Rel: 22 Aug 19
 
Funk/Reissues
Color Me (2:32)
Misty Shade Of Pink (2:35)
Review: Way back in 1970, People In The News released their sole single on Knap Town, a tiny label based in Indiana. Original copies of that funk "45" are notoriously hard to find, thanks in no small part to the quality of both cuts. Step forward Athens Of The North boss Euan Fryer, who has secured the rights to reissue the single for the first time. A-side "Color Me" is the real bomb: a down-low chunk of mid-tempo funk with politically charged group vocals, rasping guitar licks and hip-hop style drum breaks. Over on side B, "Misty Shade Of Pink" is the kind of rock solid instrumental funk workout you'd expect to hear from the Meters.
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 in stock $10.38
Stereo
Stereo (LP)
Cat: AOTNLP 061. Rel: 01 Dec 22
 
Deep House
I'm Ready (1:51)
RunStop (4:18)
Joystick (3:10)
Love (3:20)
S-Mode (3:53)
DipDab (3:38)
Clusters (4:58)
Ping (2:15)
Flightpath (4:21)
Glow (4:51)
Lookup (4:24)
Review: Linkwood clearly enjoyed the process of recording his 2021 album Mono, which was created in a week in the Athens of the North Studio in Edinburgh, as he's repeated the exercise on Stereo. It's an impressive sequel all told, with the long-serving producer delivering an even deeper, warmer and more evocative excursion informed by his love of analogue deep house, classic sci-fi techno, the 80s compositions of Jan Hammer, intergalactic electro, drum machine-driven synth-funk and star-gazing ambient music. It sounds like it was primarily made with vintage synthesisers and drum machines, which when combined with his impeccable sound design and judicious use of outboard effects results in an enveloping, immersive and highly atmospheric sound that rewards repeat listens. In other words, it's another fine album to get lost in.
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 in stock $23.35
Look A Little Higher
Cat: AOTNLP 057. Rel: 23 Jun 22
 
Funk/Reissues
Money Won't Change You (3:33)
It's Bad (3:08)
Good Thing (2:31)
Best Of Luck To You (3:02)
That's What I Get (2:11)
That's The Sound Of My Heart (2:20)
How Long Must I Wait For You (2:29)
Foxy Mama (2:36)
Look A Little Higher (2:43)
I Take What I Want (2:26)
She's Got To Be Loved (2:42)
Just A Dream (2:02)
To Love Me Like You Do (2:49)
There's Gonna Be A Better Day Coming (2:37)
Review: The glorious Athens of the North label will always be one of our favourites. It is pretty much buy on sight for lovers of soul, funk and disco and this month it is serving up two more unmissable long players. Here it is Ike and The Uptights and their superb sounds which make, what me might bravely, say, could be one of this always high class label's finest releases. Formed by Henry Bradley in Forrest City, The Uptights recorded for Memphis label Action Records and here we get a perfect window into their world of raw and guttural funk.
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 in stock $25.94
Everything Is Slow
Cat: AOTNLP 065. Rel: 08 Jun 23
 
Disco/Re-Edits
Hello In The Dark (Standing) (4:18)
Fireflies (3:03)
Slow Dance (4:20)
When I Look Into The World (4:27)
Flowers (4:04)
Everything Is Slow (3:38)
It's Only Rain (4:33)
Leave It All Behind (3:28)
Space & Time (3:26)
NY Disco (Smile) (4:10)
Doom (1:41)
Review: Given their respective careers, you'd expect this surprise debut album from Balearic nu-disco specialist James Bright and Groove Armada member Tom Findlay to be rather good - or at least sonically attractive with good grooves and quality musicianship. It is, of course, with the pair opting for a glossy, 80s-influenced synth sound, bubbly electronic grooves, sun-splashed Balearic pop intent and authentically executed nods to West Coast electrofunk and nu-disco pioneers Metro Area. Our picks of a very strong bunch include the synth-fired blue-eyed soul of 'Slow Dance', the sunset-ready gorgeousness of 'Flowers', the low-slung, late-night AM radio vibes of 'It's Only Rain' and the Morgan Geist-esque 'NY Disco (Smile)'.
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 in stock $28.01
How Close (reissue)
Cat: ATH 137. Rel: 08 Dec 22
 
Funk/Reissues
How Close (4:34)
How Close (remix) (4:36)
Review: Written by James Ernard, 'How Close' is a poppy funk track with as much history as killer synths. Written after his previous Ohio-based group Perfect Element declined opening for Prince on tour, Ernard left to set up his own label (which met a similar end as he and co-founder Kennith also had a falling out over creative differences). 'How Close' is a sensational piece of 80s American pop history, with a killer synth line and earworm vocals that'll have you shaking your hips before even realising. Side B has a nippy little remix by an undisclosed producer (which is sometimes the case with such niche pieces of history), that nonetheless breathes even more life into such a colourful track. It's often the 7" records that tell us the full history of the music industry behind the scenes at that time, and this release is no different - a perfect addition to that niche 7" collection you've been building up...
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$16.09 SAVE 35%
 in stock $10.46
Good Feelin'
Cat: AOTN 12019. Rel: 26 Jan 23
 
Disco/Re-Edits
Good Feelin' (Full unreleased version) (4:34)
See The World (Full unreleased version) (5:34)
Review: Coco & Ben were a partnership between Benjamin Robinson of Ben And The Squeeze Tight Band and an uncredited singer (presumably the Coco of the title), who came together for one perfect and extremely rare single from 1979. Now Athens Of The North have dusted down these two smooth as silk soulful disco jams and given them a fresh pressing. 'Good Feelin' is a mellow, soul-feeding cut for Sunday afternoon reveries and toe-tapping country drives alike. 'See The World' is a more sultry affair for those who like their grooves to dig in a little deeper.
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 in stock $16.09
Paralell Light
Cat: AOTNLP 062. Rel: 26 Jan 23
 
Ambient/Drone
A Further Look At Loss (0:44)
Last Sunbeans Of Childhood (2:34)
Fugitive Light Restless Water (2:45)
The Violet Hour (3:14)
Everywhere Something Sublime (3:56)
In Balgay Silhouettes (3:43)
Awoke In The Early Days Of A Better World (3:03)
(Half-light Of) The Cadmium Moon (3:09)
Black Bay Dream Minor (3:57)
Lost, Aglow (1:20)
Review: We also heard from Andrew Wasylyk late last year when he offered up his second LP for the esteemed Clay Pipe Music label. Now it is to Edinburgh's Athens of the North for Parallel Light, another collection of sumptuous ambient sounds that are so much more than just background music. The album is actually an alternate mix of his 2020 long player Fugitive Light And Themes Of Consolation so offers a different perspective with plenty of moving spiritual-jazz and neo-classical sounds that help paint alluring musical landscapes.
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 in stock $18.73
Rocket Love
Cat: ATH 126. Rel: 26 Jan 23
 
Funk/Reissues
Rocket Love (3:47)
No Turnin' Back (3:37)
Review: Detroit-born jazz musician Wendell Harrison did a lot of seminal work with the likes of Phil Ranelin and Tribe in the early part of his career, but he's also slipped out some seriously funky wares like this rare joint originally from 1982 on Wenha Records. Athens Of The North are champions of such records, picking them up, showing them some love and getting them out to a fresh audience, and so it goes on this killer 7", which flips the A and the B so Harrison's version of Stevie Wonder's 'Rocket Love' gets up front in all its groovesome glory.
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 in stock $11.93
Give It Up
Give It Up (limited 7")
Cat: ATH 123. Rel: 26 Jan 23
 
Soul
Give It Up (4:41)
Let's Talk It Over (3:39)
Review: Produced in 1986 by one Willie Harpe, 'Give It Up' was originally written by TL ('Tom Lipkins'), a fake moniker for little-cited artists George Mahood and Soul Sam. Never before seeing the light of day, it's a testament to just how little talent corresponds with recognition in the music market - this is heartbreaking music, produced with the utmost quality. 'Give It Up' combines loose drumming and a misty, boxy reverb on the master to produce a red-lit mood of sultriness, as TL wails and belts over a dozy soul groove. 'Let's Talk It Over', meanwhile, is a stunning lullaby for breaking up to make up.
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Tags: Soul Disco
 in stock $11.16
For The Love Of You Volume 2.1
VARIOUS
Cat: AOTNCD 064. Rel: 01 Sep 22
 
Soul
Lorna Fletcher - "Just The Two Of Us"
Byron Walker & Sandra Edwards - "Don't Look Any Further"
Dave Barker - "Curious"
Valerie Harrison - "Fool's Paradise"
Chosen Few - "Don't Keep Me Waiting"
Sylvia Tella - "You Might Need Somebody"
Fallon Jennings - "All Night Long"
Pete Campbell - "Holding Back The Years"
Toyin Adekale - "Smile"
Derrick Cross - "Never Too Much"
Carl Johnson - "I Wish He Didn't Trust Me So Much"
Trevor Walters - "Blood Is Thicker Than Water"
Review: Volume One of For the Love Of You was an instant hit and so it makes sense the irrepressible Athens of the North label has come back with a second volume. Once again this is a collection of soul covers featuring interpretations of Grover Washington Jr., Midnight Star, Meli'sa Morgan and Simply Red and loads more. The music is golden, the soul vibes rich, and the new styles brought to these classics is instantly appealing in a whole new way. As alwayss, this is another superb release from Athens of the North.
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 in stock $9.86
Is It What You Want?
Cat: AOTNLP 54. Rel: 29 Sep 22
 
Soul
Rock This Mother (0:24)
Talk To Me Girl (2:08)
You Can Find Me (0:39)
Check This Out (0:04)
Jesus Going To Clean House (5:27)
Hope You Understood (0:50)
Is It What You Want (3:22)
Love Is Everlasting (0:09)
This Is Hip-Hop Art (3:57)
Opposite Of Love (2:40)
Do You Know What I Mean (0:52)
Saving All My Love For You (1:23)
Look Out Here I Come (3:21)
Girl You Always Talking (0:26)
Have A Great Day (4:49)
Take My Hand (2:14)
I Need Your Love (1:37)
Your Town (2:32)
Talk Around Town (1:45)
Booty Head/Take A Little Walk (2:57)
I Love My Mama (0:05)
I Never Found Anyone Like You (1:13)
Review: A record unlike any other, 'Is That What You Want' is a fascinating slice of what some might call 'outsider soul', but even that label can't do full justice to the music here. Part of a wholly unrecognised community of DIY musicians living in East Philadelphia in the 1980s, Lee Tracy and Isaac Manning were a vocal, instrumental and production duo whose efforts flew sorely under the radar at the time that they laid these slick slices of experimental joy to tape. Bleeding a shocking transfusion of gospel, electro, lo-fi, funk and soul, this is a worthy slice of Afrofuturism existing outside the jazz connotation. "We never went to no studio," retorts Manning, showing off the pair's homespun ingenuity. Bolstered by a slew of DIY videos shot in Lee's front garden, this has everything from black Southern IDM to machine-glitched proto-raps. It deserves all the recognition it can get.
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 in stock $24.39
Be My Lady
Cat: ATH 098. Rel: 25 Feb 21
 
Disco/Re-Edits
Be My Lady (4:40)
Come Out Tonight (4:19)
Review: Some boogie collectors go weak at the knees at the mention of Christopher Jay's 'What Do You Want Me To Do', a superb single from 1987 that's long been near impossible to find. This isn't that gem, but something arguably even more exciting: some previously unreleased business from the same obscure, overlooked artist. 'Be My Lady' dates from a similar period and sees Jay sing swooning words to a member of the opposite sex over a sunny and kaleidoscopic blend of rubbery bass, clipped guitars and shiny synthesizers. Flipside 'Come Out Tonight' is rather tasty, too. Slower and even warmer, it sits somewhere between 80s soul and yacht rock.
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 in stock $11.93
She's On The Money
Cat: AOTN 12015. Rel: 29 Apr 21
 
Disco/Re-Edits
She Is On The Money (unreleased 14.43 Disco mix) (14:44)
Holiday (4:31)
She Is On The Money (alternate) (4:37)
She Is On The Money (7' version) (4:06)
She Is On The Money (instrumental) (4:08)
Review: Once again Athens of the North boss Euan Fryer has dug deep for inspiration. Even within disco and boogie collector circles, few know the self-released early '80 singles of sometime Sister Sledge backing bandmember Doug Payne. As Fryer has proved on this compilation style EP, Payne's boogie-era jams were genuinely brilliant. The killer cut is 'She's On The Money', a P-funk style wriggler - think squelchy, undulating synth-bass, soulful vocals, sparkling synth lines and bustling machine drums - that's available in a variety of versions. Our pick of the bunch is the previously unreleased extended mix, which stretches out to almost 15 minutes and includes some superb, DJ-friendly stripped-back sections. Also worth a listen is the slap-bass-propelled boogie-funk of 'Holiday', which was originally Payne's debut solo single way back in 1983.
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 in stock $5.97
Coast To Coast
Cat: AOTNLP 045. Rel: 21 Oct 21
 
Disco/Re-Edits
Love Is The Same (4:00)
I Want You Dear (4:38)
Paula Marie (4:45)
A Woman (Was Made To Be Loved) (4:34)
Reincarnation Of Love (4:05)
Love Is The Same (alternate instrumentals) (5:38)
Paula Marie (alternate instrumentals) (4:32)
Move Your Body (alternate instrumentals) (4:13)
Funkin' Coast To Coast (alternate instrumentals) (6:07)
Review: The second LP on Athens Of The North (Edinburgh) this month is an unreleased soul LP from the American band Coast To Coast, who only released two singles between 1982 - 1983. Core members Mark Beiner and Ben Iverson were involved with acts such as 'The Hornets, Nue Dey Express and Crown Heights Affair in the early '70's. Other band members consisted of Joe Crowley, Carl (Woody Wood) Morton and Jimmy Johnson. Woody and Jimmy used to play together in the early days of seminal rap outfit Run DMC in St. Albans, Queens. Worth a listen for the soothing soul power of 'Paila Marie' alone.
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Tags: Soul Disco
 in stock $22.58
Take Them In Prayer
Cat: ATH 109. Rel: 25 Nov 21
 
Soul
Take Them In Prayer (4:04)
Let Him Be Your Everything (3:43)
Review: Another week brings another monster new 45 from the incomparable Athens of the North. This time out it is an early 80s bit of irresistible gospel, disco and boogie from Earl Young. 'Take Them In Prayer' is pure gold thanks to its tight and funky rhythm section, the delicate thinking on the keys and the heart aching vocals of earl Young that soar up top. Flip it over and on the reverse of this one and you will find 'Let Him Be Your Everything,' a quiet love song with only melancholic keys for company. It's the complete opposite of the a-side but is just as devastating for different reasons.
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 in stock $16.09
Our Love
Cat: ATH 086. Rel: 01 Oct 20
 
Disco/Re-Edits
Our Love (4:23)
It's Up To You (3:57)
Review: It was back in 1986 when obscure UK electrofunk band Leval released their sole 7" - a sparkling slab of pop-boogie brilliance that has long been a secret weapon for dusty-fingered diggers and Brit-funk collectors. As this Athens of the North reissue proves, the record remains a brilliant Brit-boogie gem. Check first 'Our Love', a confirmed earworm that sees the band wrap duetting male/female vocals around a deliciously bustling blend of rubbery slap-bass, eyes-closed soft rock guitars, warm synthesizer chords and a dewy-eyed, jazz-funk style breakdown. Flipside 'It's Up To You' is a little more eccentric thanks to an unusual time signature and drum track, but boasts the same addictive blend of male and female lead vocals, slap bass and synths.
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Tags: Disco Funk
 in stock $6.75
What Do You Want Me To Do
Cat: ATH 099. Rel: 15 Jul 21
 
Disco/Re-Edits
What Do You Want Me To Do (4:32)
What Do You Want Me To Do (edit) (4:24)
Review: Athens of the North is continually one of our favourite labels here at Juno HQ. The Edinburgh based outlet's tireless mission to unearth forgotten gems or shine a light on deserving tracks that may have been overlooked cannot be faulted. This time out Christopher Jay's 'What Do You want Me To Do' from 1987 gets served up on its own 45rpm. It is a glorious bit of disco boogie with a rugged broken beat, funk in the bass and soul in the buttery vocal. On the flip is a subtle edit that hits just as sweet a spot and it comes with a nice picture sleeve, too.
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Tags: Disco Funk
 in stock $7.52
Slow Dance
Cat: AOTN 12014. Rel: 23 Sep 21
 
Disco/Re-Edits
Slow Dance (4:34)
Slow Dance (Axes) (4:23)
Leave It All Behind (3:32)
Punch (4:35)
Review: It's hard to keep up with the number of releases that Athens Of The North are putting out this month, but you really must try. This one is a gooey and loved up disco 12" from the dream team pairing of Tom Findlay from Groove Armada and James Alexander Bright. They hook up via mutual appreciation over Twitter and worked up a load of new material in the studio as Bright & Findlay. Their first offering 'Slow Dance' is perfection - lush 80s synths, slow-motion boogie beats and drum machines marbled with little guitar riffs and soulful vocals that ate you to a better place. Two further heart melters come on the flip side and we are already in love with this project.
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 in stock $6.22
So Sad
So Sad (7")
Cat: ATH 107. Rel: 26 Aug 21
 
Soul
So Sad (4:35)
Maybe What You Do Comes Back On You (3:46)
Review: Crystal Winds is best known for a supreme and sophisticated funk and soul album that was released in 1982 on the Cash Ear label. The tunes from it have never reportedly been on 7" before, so the Athens of the North label boss made it his mission to right that wrong. This one offers up some hugely classy soul sounds for more tender DJ sets or lazy Sunday listening sessions. 'So Sad' is awash with golden chords and intimate, spoken word exchanges between lovers, and on the flip 'Maybe What You Do Comes Back On You' slows down even further, sinking you deep into the richness of the arrangement.
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 in stock $10.13
Lovers Holiday
Cat: ATH 108. Rel: 26 Aug 21
 
Soul
Lovers Holiday (4:28)
Love Ain't Easy (4:01)
Review: The tireless Athens of the North label boss has many ongoing musical missions but one right now is putting out the first-ever 7" singles from a famous 1970s soul album by Crystal Winds. The band is made up of keyboardist Paul Coleman and saxophonist M.C. Morris Brown, and guitarist Martin Dumas co-wrote the a-side here, 'Lover's Holiday' with Brown. It's a gorgeous number with smooth but funky bass licks and soft backing vocals fleshing out the sumptuous sounds. The energy levels pick up on 'Love Ain't Easy' with its swirling, skyward strings, sapling cymbals and more lovely bass playing.
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 in stock $11.41
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