Record Kicks 黑胶唱片和CD

Review: When it comes to crafting retro-futurist soul gems - think traditional soul instrumentation and vocals with modern production trickery - Tanika Charles has an impressive track record. The Canadian artist won plenty of praise for her recent album "The Gumption", from which the two tracks that make up this limited-edition single are taken. The standout is undoubtedly the sunny, Hammond-heavy soul stomp of title track "Love Overdue", a cut so sweet, jaunty and sticky that it might make diabetics go weak at the knees. There's a similarly stomping feel about breezier flipside "Remember To Remember", where Charles delivers an impeccable, R&B style vocal over a thrusting, Northern Soul style beat.

Review: Following their acclaimed 2022 album Truth & Soul which was widely praised, this new double-sided 45rpm unveils new music from Michelle David and The True Tones's upcoming new record. It has 'Brothers And Sisters' on the A side, the lead single from the album, which boasts a Marvin Gaye-sque 70s soul vibe that is sure to ignite dancefloors with a hint of Northern Soul magic. On the flip side, 'This Is You' is a blue-eyed soul stomper. David's musical journey began in New York's church scene at age four. She later joined The Mission of Love at five and has a career that spans Broadway and includes collaborations with icons like Diana Ross and Michael Bolton.

Review: The Diasonics are a Moscow-based band who have been honing their chops on labels like Record Kicks, Funk Night and Mocambo over the past four years. Their latest single maintains the groove they've laid out on previous releases, serving up an organ-heavy sound which doffs its cap to the 60s beat era, leading in with an instrumental take on soul standard 'Beggin' that has crowd-pleaser stamped all over it. 'Take One' is the funkier jam on the B-side which revels in wah wah guitar licks and a feel-good mood guaranteed to get a party loosened up in all the right ways.

Review: Since 2003, Record Kicks has been the "explosive sound of today's scene" and, by the looks of this latest nugget from Martha High, they're right on track to fulfill that promise! The talented US vocalist was on the front row of James Brown's hits in the 60's and 70's, but she's since then focused on her own glorious soul material. "A Little Taste Of Soul" comes as a ray of shining light on a wet October afternoon, full of funky sensibility and heartfelt vibes, making for the perfect dance number for those looking for that groovy thang. For the B-side, "Unwind Yourself" slows the tempo down, breaks up the groove, and unleashes High's Goddess-like voice amid those tasty breaks - what a winner!

Review: Seun Kuti has released his highly anticipated album Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head) via Record Kicks to great excitement. This album, executive produced by Lenny Kravitz and featuring Fela Kuti's original engineer Sodi Marciszewer, marks a significant milestone in Kuti's career. Following his Grammy-nominated album Black Times, this release showcases his evolution as both an artist and activist. The album features six powerful tracks, each embodying themes of resistance, resilience, and revolution. The track 'Dey,' featuring Damian Marley, emphasises self-empowerment, while 'Emi Aluta' pays homage to revolutionaries, featuring the innovative Sampa The Great. 'T.O.P.' critiques societal values, promoting empathy and a connection to nature. 'Love and Revolution' highlights Kuti's belief in love as a catalyst for change. Kuti expressed gratitude for Kravitz's brotherly support and Sodi's guidance during the production process. He continues to uphold the legacy of his father, Fela Kuti, using his music to inspire social change. This album promises to redefine contemporary Afrobeat while staying true to its roots. Fans can expect an album that entertains, inspires and ignites activism.

Review: Seun Kuti is set to release his highly anticipated album Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head) with Executive produced by Lenny Kravitz and Fela Kuti's original engineer Sodi Marciszewer, promises to redefine contemporary afrobeat while honoring its roots. The album features six powerful tracks, including collaborations with Damian Marley on 'Dey' and Sampa The Great on 'Emi Aluta.' Each song embodies themes of resistance, resilience, and revolution, addressing societal issues and personal struggles. Seun Kuti describes the project as special, highlighting the support and guidance from Kravitz and Sodi. This album not only showcases Seun's growth as an artist but also his unwavering commitment to social change and empowerment. Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head) is poised to entertain, inspire and ignite a spirit of activism and liberation.

Review: In a totemic move, Fela Kuti's musical successor and familial acolyte Seun Kuti teams up with fellow generational talent Damian Marley, here for an ultra-limited edition new single, 'Dey'. This much-anticipated collaboration combines the raw energy of Afrobeat with the rhythmic vibes of reggae. 'Dey' is also the first single from the much-awaited new album by Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, 'Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head)'. A never-heard-before collaborative smashing of styles, and a whirlwind creative decision to boot.

Review: Following the success of "Heatwave" and "Austerity Skank", the legendary Pama International collective return with two more brand new originals. Once again we're taking deep into the very roots of all modern music - the blue and soul. "Wake Up" is a restrained sun-kissed ode to time and the cruelty of hindsight while "I Cried Till I Stopped" is a truly beautiful moment of blues that really thrusts Anna Uhuru's rich vocals to the fore. Bring on the album.

Review: Marta Ren has made us wait for a follow-up to her superb 2016 debut album "Stop, Look, Listen". The good news is that a belated sequel is in the works, with this limited seven-inch single offering a first taster of the studio sessions. "Worth It" was certainly worth the wait (sorry). Based around a lolloping deep funk groove rich in heavy bass, hip-hop style drum breaks, crunchy guitars and rising horns, the track sounds like a long lost original 1960s recording rather than something made earlier this year. That's no criticism, though, because Ren's powerful, forthright vocals - available on the killer A-side version - suit that kind of fuzzy, retro-futurist production. Don't sleep on this one - it's one of the strongest soul records of the month without doubt.

Review: .US soul combo The Sextones duo have plenty of authentic soul chops - so much so that this one sounds like it could be a long lost 60s classics. But no, it's a new tune from their forthcoming album. The first press sold out instantly and so a reissue is already here. First up is 'Without You' which is an uptempo burner, showcasing playful call-and-response vocals, xylophone and horns over an unapologetically locked-in rhythm section. Turn it over for 'Love Can't Be Borrowed', a mid-tempo slice of soul magic that muses on relationship difficulties.

Review: Love Can't Be Borrowed by The Sextones, produced by Kelly Finnigan, captured the essence of classic soul and was one of the standout albums of 2023. Initially released to critical acclaim and quickly selling out, Record Kicks is reissuing this gem on limited edition clear vinyl, with only 500 copies available worldwide, ensuring its status as a collector's item. The album blends nostalgic soul vibes with modern sensibilities, channeling the warmth of 1960s and 1970s soul through lush, analog-rich soundscapes. Critics from Shindig Mag to Goldmine Magazine have lauded the album for its authentic lowrider soul style and exquisite songwriting that bridges past and present. Each track from the album, from the Delfonics-flavored 'Better Late Than Never' to the uplifting 'Your Love Shines Golden,' shows The Sextones' deep understanding and love for soul music. This release not only reaffirms the band's ability in crafting timeless music but also serves as an example to their evolution from covering classic tracks to mastering their unique sound.

Review: Record Kicks presents Keep It To Yourself, the new album by premier Dutch soul band The Tibbs. Produced by Paul Willemsen (Michelle David) and mastered in Nashville by soul veteran Bob Olhsson, who used to cut vinyl for Motown back in the day, the new album is the band's third Long Play. It contains 12 fresh 'n vibrant tracks that once again will take you back to the golden days of soul music. From the very first note, The Tibbs' musical prowess exudes a soulful, funky energy that is nothing short of mind-blowing. Among the twelve new ones, we find the first single 'Ain't It Funn', a high-energy stomper that sets the tone for the entire album, the New Orleans funk inspired 'Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks' and 'Chicken Bones, 'In Orbit', an emotional and heartfelt love ballad that allows the velvety vocals of singer Roxanne to take center stage or the northern soul belter 'Give Me A Reason'. Lyrically, Keep It to Yourself is a poetic wonderland, delving into the depths of love, heartache, but also social issues and the need to preserve the world we're in.