Review: Skeme Richards of New York pioneers Rock Steady Crew returns to the Redropped series with a tour-exclusive 7" packed with two raw-edged flips. For this release, he's unearthed a pair of cosmic disco and jazz-funk originals from his bottomless crates and retooled them with heavier low-end and tighter edits built for modern rigs. The result? Deep cuts reimagined for today's selectors, shaped by Skeme's seasoned touch as both a dancer and DJ. Ahead of a confidently slated Skeme Richards x Oonops tour across Germany in May 2025, 'Galaxy Amonst The Stars' is truly a riotous cosmic soiree, made unforgettable by its kazooing sax and brilliantly bright beat novae.
Eesti TV & Raadio Estraadiorkester - "Meie Aeg" (instrumental) (4:04)
Marju Kuut & Apelsin - "Maskeraad" (3:01)
Laine - "Nuud On Mul Muusika" (3:32)
Raivo Parind & Eufoonia - "Hei, Paike!" (3:55)
Jaan Kumani Instrumentaalansambel - "Mind Veel Ei Ole" (instrumental short version) (3:21)
Collage & Apelsin - "Memme Vaev" (5:32)
Magnetic Band - "Liiklus" (2:42)
Ulle Ernits & Admiral - "Ma Tahan Olla Siin" (2:31)
Eesti TV & Raadio Estraadiorkester - "Malestus" (short version) (4:47)
Teravik - "Hoia Ennast Koos" (4:12)
Els Himma - "Veerev Paev" (3:14)
Pirita - "On See Hea" (instrumental) (4:30)
Review: There could have been no better way to escape the Soviet than through the music of the Groove of ESSR compilation series which now returns with a second volume. This time Funk Embassy serves up 11 cuts from between 1973 and 1984 and they are a mix of dance floor-ready sounds and more pensive material for somewhere else. Most of these tunes are getting their first-ever release here and the 12" comes with a 30-page booklet featuring some great background as well as thoughts from some of the artists. The likes of likes Gilles Peterson and DJ Tahira played tunes from the first one which tells you how good this series is.
Bright Like Light (feat Sauce 81 - DJ Kawasaki Recreated Experimental Session) (3:59)
I'm So On Your Mind (feat Rasiyah - DJ Kawasaki Recreated Disco mix) (4:35)
So Far Away (DJ Kawasaki Recreated Jazzy reprise) (3:14)
Ain't No Mountain High Enough (feat N'Dea Davenport - DJ Kawasaki Recreated Latin Disco mix) (4:49)
Shinning (feat Bird - DJ Kawasaki Recreated Disco mix) (4:54)
Let The Music Play (feat Yoo Hee - DJ Kawasaki Recreated Disco mix) (3:55)
One (feat Lori Fine - DJ Kawasaki Recreated Disco mix) (4:27)
Shooting Star (DJ Kawasaki Recreated dub Tribute version) (3:58)
Review: Acclaimed DJ, singer, remixer and songwriter DJ KAWASAKI is a beat maker who does it all from broken beat and nu jazz to hip hop and deep house. Bridge Into The Future: Recreated Tracks finds him cooking up his own newly constructed takes on a range of classic source tunes. It makes for a broad and brilliant collection. 'I'm So On Your Mind' (feat Rasiyah - DJ Kawasaki Recreated Disco mix) is a gloriously sunny sound with louche breakbeats at its core, and the Diana Ross classic 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' (feat N'Dea Davenport - DJ Kawasaki Recreated Latin Disco mix) becomes a salsa tinged and gloriously steamy anthem.
Review: Funk, soul and house music cognoscente Dave Lee spent the best part of two decades trying to find the ideal vocalist with whom to work on a full-length LP. Only lately did he chance upon the glabrous tones of Maurissa Rose on a Theo Parrish record, 'Free Myself', after which the impulse to work with a plucky yet radical-potential singer across an entire album could no longer be ignored. From 'I've Been Here Before' to 'Look At The Stars' to 'Do You Believe', this international communication in soulful house shimmies through uptempo boogie flavours and lower-slung street soul, and is best described as a career-defining milestone, polarising two talents as reps of two of dance music's most a-musing cities.
Review: DJ Scientist aka John Raincoatman is the German record collector behind the Outer Edge label. This time he welcomes Ghia for a second outing following the sold out and hugely desirable first one. This one comes in the form of a full length album featuring some previously unissued songs and lots of the group's signature downtempo synth pop sounds. They are soothing, lush and soulful, with delicate female vocals over sweet and innocent 80s keys and drum sounds. Perfectly steamy and sexy for slow dancing or lazy afternoons.
Review: Cool Million's 'Tonight' arrives here on a special limited edition white vinyl. Featuring the legendary Glenn Jones it's a lush blend of 80s soul and funk infused with a modern twist. Jones's soulful vocals glide effortlessly over sleek lyrics, harmonising perfectly with Cool Million's infectious groove. The track radiates nostalgic 80s smoothness but never sounds kitsch and that shows the duo's fusion of retro influences with modern production has stood the test of time. A slow-motion dub on the flip makes this a great little weapon.
Review: Red Night Recordings introduces their debut original track release by Chicago's Emmaculate, known for his detailed production skills and groove-laden beats. Emerging in 2017 with his breakout single 'Do It' feat. Kaye Fox, Emmaculate has quickly become a key player in the house scene. His new release 'Cosmic Funk' delivers a spacey, funky journey to the dancefloor, blending ethereal synths, cosmic organ lines and a powerful bassline. A proper groove from start to finish, this one's made for late-night sets and endless moves.
Review: The legend of Ron Hardy will always live on - the pioneering selector changed the way dance music was played and consumed in clubs. His own edits were the backbone of his often intensely emotional and celebratory sound and this Ray label has long been putting out the best of them. Number 53 in the series kicks off with the cosmic synths and soothing vocal harmonies of 'Atmosphere Strut' before 'Classy Dance Orchestra' gets all elegant and sophisticated in its approach to disco. Captain Dax's 'Dr Beezar' is the last cut and another direct line to the sound of Paradise Garage in the 70s.
Beggar & Co - "Somebody Help Me Out" (Boogie Back radio mix)
Sai Galaxy - "Rendezvous" (feat Vanessa Baker)
Dave Lee & Omar - "Starlight" (radio edit)
Kylie Auldist - "LYB (Love You Better)" (The Waz Exclusive Trunk Of Funk remix)
Lexsoul Dancemachine - "I Don't Mind" (Mr Lex Trunk Of Funk remix)
Sunlightsquare - "I Thought It Was You" (live)
The New Mastersounds - "Watchu Want" (Exclusive Trunk Of Funk vocal version)
The Harlem Gospel Travelers - "God's In Control"
Sister Cookie - "Ain't No Good (But Its Good Enough For Me)" (Feat.Spencer Evoy)
Sugaray Rayford - "Gonna Lift You Up"
Kaz Hawkins - "Shake"
The Nextmen - "Big Time" (feat Kiko Bun)
La Rochelle Band - "Prophet"
The Niceguys - "Power" (feat Bobby Saint - A Skillz remix)
Sly Johnson - "Trust Me"
Cotonete - "Day In Day Out" (feat Leron Thomas)
Roy Ayers - "Tarzan"
Review: Self-proclaimed "quadruple threat" (he is, after all, a DJ, comedian, actor and poet) Craig Charles swings open his colossal Trunk of Funk for a third time. In line with previous dives into the popular BBC 6 Music DJ's music collection, he's served up a selection that moves between the decades, taking in all manner of funky treats (think funk breaks, modern soul, jazz-funk, disco-boogie, classic soul and more). Flick through the clips and you'll find genius-like gospel (the Harlem Gospel Travellers), recent remixes (Smoove reworking the Third Degree, A Skillz putting his stamp on The Niceguys), classics reimagined (the Boogie Back rework of Beggar & Co classic 'Somebody Help Me Out'), modern gems (Dave Lee and Omar) and the odd exclusive (a previously unheard vocal version of The New Mastersounds' 'Watchu Want').
Review: This evergreen favourite gets another reissue, this time on coloured vinyl. Cool Million's 'Tonight' featuring the legendary Glenn Jones mixes up lush 80s soul and funk with a modern twist. Jones's soulful vocals seamlessly float as he serves up smooth lyrics that perfectly complement the infectious groove crafted by Cool Million. There's a nice balance of nostalgia throughout as retro influences kiss up with modern production which means that the tune carries a timeless appeal and always stands out in any set. This remains a must-cop, especially as we head into summer.
Review: Chicago outfit Wavelength tap into the funk traditions of bands like Parliament here with a seductive and rather sleazy new EP for Soulistic 360. The whole thing has been arranged by Windy City soul innovator Rahaan and comes on white marbled vinyl 12". Opener 'Can You Handle This Funk' is slow, steamy, sensuous with its languid kicks, live, raw drums and drawled vocals all luring you into the groove. The remix is a subtle teak of the original and on the flip is 'Kemetic Dance Party' which brings more Afro style drums and some bold sax lines to get things going in a more energetic way.
Review: Two of James "Gem" Prewitt's two early 80s disco-funk tracks, 'My Love Box' (1981) and 'Juicy' (1983), come courteously reissued via AOTN, raring a snapshot of his exceptional talents and entrepreneurial funk fastenings. Recorded in St. Louis, Missouri, 'My Love Box' marked the beginning of Prewitt's journey, with the 27-year-old attending Forrest Park Community College at the same time as establishing his own label, Keyes Production. Not only did he write, produce, and perform all these tracks, but local success with 'My Love Box' inspired him to team up with Loretta Mathison for the creation of 'Juicy', which ensues here as the orally honeyed slow jam of choice, and which picks up the pace at the midpoint through gospel operatics and wooing coos. This collaboration led to a two-year singing tour, firelighting them from beneath and propelling them from the Philippines to Germany.
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.
Could It Really Be? (feat Alex Wilson & Tony Momrelle)
All For Love
World Is Ready (feat Ursula Rucker)
Teflon Don (feat Jon Culshaw)
David (Goodbye To You)
All As One
Fragile Heart
I Saw You In My Dreams (feat Omar)
Courage To Change
Review: In 1990, Level 42 co-founder Mike Lindup released his first album, Changes, a blend of smooth jazz, quiet storm, synth-pop and Latin influences sprinkled with nods to gospel and other Black American religious music. This belated sequel once again pushes Lindup's vocals and colourful synthesisers to the fore, but musically it's a refreshed palette of influences, with the UK jazz-funk legend leaning more into soulful house, fusion, boogie, broken beat, hip-hop-soul and what would once have been considered acid jazz. It's a very good set all told, with dancefloor-friendly workouts and eye-catching collaborations (see Ursula Rucker hook-up 'World Is Ready' and Omar spotlight 'I See You In My Soul') being joined by glossy downtempo numbers.
Review: Sedsoul welcome back one of their mainstays, David A Tobin, with a fresh new tune, emblematic of a soul supremo reared in the gospel tradition. Tobin's nominal credits stretch as far back as the early 1990s, when he operated as a house music vocalist working under the stage name Phoenix, but his more recent efforts under his own name have seen him steer in a determined soul direction, post-2010. 'Fallin' In Love' is an amorous cascade and an homage to sea-changes, with the titular "falling in love" coming backed by refrained urges to "turn your life around".
Review: This release sees David A Tobin exploring the multifaceted nature of love, delivering a soulful house cut that's both uplifting and introspective. 'Fallin' In Love' is a journey through the complex emotions of romance, with warm chords and a driving bassline creating an irresistible groove. Tobin's emotive vocals capture the vulnerability and excitement of falling head over heels, while the track's soulful melodies and uplifting energy create a sense of hopeful optimism. The B-side, 'Turnin' Me On', takes a slightly different approach, with a more playful and seductive vibe. The track's infectious groove and seductive vocals are sure to get bodies moving, while its soulful undertones maintain the overall sense of heartfelt emotion. Together, these two tracks showcase Tobin's versatility as a producer and vocalist, delivering a well-rounded listening experience that will appeal to house heads and soulful music lovers alike.
Review: The spectroscope of Cool Million's soundworld doubles in width, as 'One Of A Kind' marks a new phase of innovation in their patented boogie funk sound. This latest single hears Danish soul singer Seest - a longtime collaborator with the Danish production duo - add her doubled, tripled, nigh quadrupled vocal overdubs to the already well collieried disco track. With the ensuing EP packed with allusive, fiery effrontery, bringing inspirations from Earth, Wind & Fire, Kool & The Gang and The Crusaders, we must warn you: this is a volatile disco 7", one that should really come with a fire hazard warning.
Review: Disco sensation Saucy Lady has been dripping hot disco wax on our ears since 2011, and now a fourth LP's worth of the stuff again leaves us thoroughly steeped in sensation. The new album is again a standout blend of French boogie and electro-soul, taking fellow producers and performers Derrick McKenzie, Yam Who? and Jay Mumford in tow for a slick 40 minutes' worth of aerated flair. Tantalising as ever, the lead track 'What If?' urges us to "just test it out and make it a reality", as if to exploit the daring limit between pruritic fantasy and consummation in reality. Which can you handle?
Review: The Moving Music label continues to unearth some ridiculously odd and inspired Norwegian movie soundtracks. Their latest is taken from 1978's Operasjon Cobra, a "youth movie" with a plot that involves a group of Oslo teenagers foiling a terror plot. The soundtrack, which appears to be one of the first to be completed by obscure Norwegian composer (and former prog rocker) Pete Knutsen, flits between Blaxploitation-inspired jazz-funk, cheery, horn-and-Clavinet-heavy post-disco instrumentals, experimental jazz, creepy synthesizer soundscapes, jazz guitar-rich ambient and heavy funk-rock. Throughout, the production is admirably lo-fi, with Knutsen keeping the tracks largely free of effects or post-production trickery.
Review: Rufus and Chaka Khan's final stretch balances the unfiltered funk of their live performances with the studio polish of their later work. Their live recordings deliver an electrifying set, reworking classics like 'Tell Me Something Good' and 'Sweet Thing' into extended, groove-heavy jams. 'Ain't Nobody' stands outinot just as the lead single but as a masterclass in electro-funk, pairing airtight drum programming with Chaka's soaring vocal for a career-defining moment. Their studio material shifts towards sleek 80s production, offering a more restrained but still soulful contrast. A dynamic farewell from an era-defining partnership.
Review: Tullio De Piscop is an Italian drummer of some repute. He worked solo and with his quartet and interest in his records, many of which were recorded back in the 70s, has piqued recently resulting in a load of reissues. Sotto E 'Ncoppa is one of them and it was recorded back in 1976 and has since gone up in value and rarity. It's a jazz-rock fusion album with a whole host of electric guitar, bass, saxophones and pianos on it that embelish each cut and make the whole thing packed with detail.
Review: The long-lost gem YU Disko Expres, by Igor Savin and Orkestar Stanka Selaka - both Croatian / Yugoslavian studio dons, the latter at one point serving as visiting tutor at Berklee College Of Music, and an electronic music studio founder at the Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall - returns with its first official reissue, fully restituted from the original reels. Its 1979 first editors, Jugoton, couldn’t have foreseen its later status as a “highly sought-after” album, one which perhaps resultantly remained nearly impossible to find in good condition since. With an all-star lineup of Yugoslavian musicians, including trumpeter Stanko Selak and bassist Miljenko Prohaska, Yu Disko Expres remains a coal-fired viaduct scaler of impossible speed and panache. Essential for fans of jazz-disco, rare grooves, and, on the off chance, Yugoslavian music history.
Review: Ziggy and the extended ZFEX crew return with their most ambitious project yet, a double album that dives deep into the tension between creative instinct and artistic intention. Spanning 15 tracks recorded between Berlin and London, the record sees the collective pushing their signature fusion of jazz, funk, and electronic influences into bold new spaces, with a fresh embrace of disco and highlife grooves. Throughout, vintage synths and off-kilter percussion meet the addition of electric guitar, adding a raw, expressive edge to the band's evolving sound. 'Astras Theme' sets the stage with a swirling, cinematic introduction, while 'Radicalise' brings a frenetic energy, driven by tightly wound rhythms and razor-sharp instrumentation. Elsewhere, 'Shine Your Light' channels a cosmic funk sensibility, balancing the album's introspective moments with sheer dancefloor exuberance. With contributions from a diverse lineup of forward-thinking musicians across Europe, the UK, and Australiaiincluding appearances from Oscar Jerome and Tom Driesslerithis record stands as the most dynamic and exploratory incarnation of ZFEX to date. It's a project that refuses to sit still, capturing the restless spirit of a band constantly evolving yet always deeply rooted in groove.
Review: After a four-year hiatus, Urban Volcano Sounds returns with their eagerly awaited single, "Disco Taberna," released on 7" vinyl. Known for their Balearic crossover style, urban boogie influences, and elegant sound production, the track showcases their signature blend of lush strings and soulful melodies. "Disco Taberna" is a nod to the golden age of 70s disco, capturing the era's opulence with meticulous production. The track's lush arrangements and soaring strings reflect a deep respect for the classic disco era, while the urban boogie influences add a modern twist. The single's release follows the inclusion of their track "Ame no Uta" from their previous album "Blue Hour" in the "Tangent" compilation by Nick The Record & John Gomez, released by MR.BONGO in July. This feature has further cemented Urban Volcano Sounds' growing reputation, both in Japan and internationally. "Disco Taberna" not only reaffirms the group's commitment to high-quality sound but also highlights their evolving influence in the music scene. The single's blend of nostalgic and contemporary elements promises to captivate both longtime fans and new listeners alike.
Review: The reissue of Earth, Wind & Fire's Greatest Hits album brings so many timeless classics back to the fore while celebrating the iconic band's soulful blend of funk, r&b and disco which so defined an era. This collection captures their iconic tracks like 'September,' 'Boogie Wonderland' and 'Shining Star' and shows the vibrant brass, infectious rhythms and harmonies that made them such legends. Remastered for enhanced audio quality, the reissue invites listeners to experience these chart-toppers with fresh clarity s is a must-have to experience the energy and spirit of one of music's most influential bands.
Straight Forward (Gerd House mix part 1 & 2) (6:22)
Future Love (5:58)
Future Love (DJ Nature remix) (6:53)
Disco Funk (5:32)
Disco Funk (Aroop Roy Burning Vision) (6:53)
Review: American singer and songwriter veteran Erik Rico's back on Cosmocities Record with a new 12" that brings fresh life to forgotten funk and soul classics. He delivers typically vibrant, soulful covers of tracks from Matt Soulie's vinyl vault, including P.J. City's 'Straight Forward,' Franklyn's 'Future Love' and Star Lighters' "Disco Funk.' The EP also features standout remixes and Gerd's remix in particular is gold and infuses a Chicago house flavour, while the UK's former Wild Bunch man DJ Nature adds a synth-laced, bass-driven groove and Aroop Roy delivers a dancefloor-ready anthem. These are the sort of authentic, lovably rough-around-the-edges sounds that bring real heat to headier floors.
Feels Just Like It Should (Promo Sampler version - CD)
Dynamite (Promo Sampler version)
Seven Days In Sunny June (Promo Sampler version)
(Don't) Give Hate A Chance (Promo Sampler version)
Black Devil Car (Promo Sampler version)
Review: Cosmic disco and spaced out Brit funk and pop fusion outfit Jamiroquai celebrates 20 years of their landmark Dynamite with a new limited edition reissue of what was their sixth studio album. Originally released in 2005, the album fused their signature funk, disco and electronic flair into smash radio hits like 'Feels Just Like It Should,' 'Seven Days in Sunny June' and '(Don't) Give Hate a Chance.' This anniversary edition comes pressed on exclusive coloured vinyl and also included is a replica promo CD sampler featuring pre-release single versions, an extended mix of the title track, and 'Black Devil Car.'
Review: Since 2019, Nairo "Papik" Poggi has served up a trio of Cocktail Italy albums, all of which make use of an impressive variety of (mostly) Italian musicians and vocalists. Volume Four sticks to the same script as its predecessors, serving up sun-flecked, often soulful treats that variously mix and match elements of classic string-laden jazz, soul-jazz, jazz-funk, P-funk, bossa-nova and Latin jazz. Basically, it's music to enjoy while sat somewhere hot (either in the sunshine or by a roaring fire) with a glass of something tasty and refreshing in hand. Highlights include the revivalist disco-soul of 'Primavera (featuring Nadyne Rush)', synth-laden Danny Losito hook-up 'Prima di Andare Via', mid-80s Italo-disco-goes-jazz number 'Notti (featuring Anna Fondi) and superbly summery dancefloor workout 'Ti Sento (featuring Vittoria Siggillino)'.
Review: In 2024, over 30 years after its release, Incognito's 1991 hit 'Crazy For You' has been reimagined by ONEGRAM with a stunning new arrangement. It brings out the soul with gorge vocals and lazy dub drums providing a perfect counterpoint. The B-side brings a vibrant twist featuring a groovier rhythm, ONEGRAM's signature horn section and lively steel pan melodies that blend Caribbean disco and reggae vibes. Adding to the fun, the ET Edit on the B-side is tailored for DJs and enhanced with tasteful effects for an energetic finish. This fresh take breathes new life into a beloved classic that showcases ONEGRAM's infectious sound.
Review: Don Blackman's 1982 self-titled debut is an underrated jazz-funk gem that fuses soul, funk and jazz-fusion into a sophisticated groove-laden journey that was produced by Dave Grusin and Larry Rosen for GRP Records. The album showcases Blackman's keyboard wizardry and soulful vocals across standout tracks like 'Heart's Desire' and 'Holding You Loving You.' With playful cuts like 'Yabba Dabba Doo,' it balances polish with joyful experimentation and though not a commercial hit, its influence has quietly grown and ir has been sampled by hip-hop greats and revered by collectors alike. This reissue reaffirms its status as a cult classic and a crucial slice of 80s funk.
Review: Izumi Kobayashi's Coconuts High is a vibrant testament to her evolution as an artist. Reissued on vinyl, this album showcases Izumi's mastery in blending funk, Latin, and tropical influences into a cohesive and electrifying album. This piece features heavy hitters like Pecker, Freddie Washington, and the legendary Tower of Power horns, along with contributions from The Waters and guitarist Masayoshi Takanaka. Tracks like 'Palm St.' and 'Small Dynamite' pulsate with energy, while 'Lazy Love,' a reggae-infused reinterpretation of 'Crazy Love,' highlights her innovative spirit. Recorded in Los Angeles with a top-notch roster of musicians, Coconuts High encapsulates the essence of summer with its infectious grooves and tropical vibes. Each of the eight tracks is meticulously crafted, reflecting Izumi's growth as both a singer and composer. This reissue invites a new generation of listeners to fall in love with the sun-soaked rhythms and catchy melodies that make Coconuts High a timeless gem in Japanese funk and soul music.
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