Review: On the latest edition of their excellent Soul Essentials series, Outta Sight has decided to bring together two versions of 'Ordinary Joe', a seemingly perennial favourite written by the late, great Terry Callier. His celebrated 1972 recording - all bold, sing-along choruses, organ stabs, jangling piano and lolloping grooves - breezes its way across side A, while Jerry Butler's earlier version, laid to tape in 1970, sits on side B. His version is much more expansive and musically detailed than Callier's take, with superb production from Gamble & Huff and some brilliant orchestral arrangements courtesy of Donny Hathaway. Both versions are, or course, incredible.
Review: Favourite Records' new reissues series come with a new concept; each classic track comes with an exclusive bit of artwork on each side of the 12" sleeve. This time, they compile two speedy funk tracks from Crystal and J.E.K.Y.S.; 'Funky Biguine' is an homage to the French ballroom style of the same name, from which it draws influence, while 'Looking For You' is a devotional dream from J.E.K.Y.S., a French band singing in English. Slick, quick, and affecting stuff.
Shake Your Money Maker (New Super Heavy Funk edit - part 1) (2:37)
Shake Your Money Maker (New Super Heavy Funk edit - part 2) (2:37)
Review: Only 300 copies of this tantalising 7" single from the esteemed Soopastole Edits label are available, so act quickly to secure yours because they all sold out fast back in 2016 upon original release. As usual, Soopasoul, a regular on Jalepeno Records, is at the helm, deftly wielding his scalpel to craft two scorching interpretations of a lesser-known gem from the 'Sex Machine' sessions. On side A, 'Shake Your Money Maker (Part 1)' showcases Maceo Parker's electrifying saxophone solos soaring over Soopasoul's tightened-up version of the JB's infectious groove. Flip to the B-side for more saxophone magic and a groove that delves into the original track's percussive sections, delivering irresistible hip-swinging and toe-tapping thrills.
Review: What we gonna do right here is go back, way back. You already recognise that refrain, don't you? That's because it is one of the most sampled refrains in dance music history. Now it gets pressed up on to 7" for this year's Record Store day as a 7" double header featuring two of the most impossibly huge hits from the Jimmy Castor Bunch, namely the million-plus selling 'Troglodyte', and on the reverse, 'It's Just Begun'. A true funk masterpiece that made its mark lighting up parties in the Bronx in the 70's before it set a fire under those who went on to create hip-hop's earliest blueprint, it remains a classic to this day.
Review: The King Casuals and were founded in 1962 by the late great Jimi Hendrix and after the guitarist's death, he was in the late sixties replaced by Johnny Jones. He leads them in stomping and high energy fashion and here on the a-side is his interpretation of the Hendrix classic 'Purple Haze.' It's got all the things you need to get steamy on the dance floor and it always used to shake the floor at Wigan Casino. Gene Chandler is a bonafide Northern Soul legend who is well known to fans of the genre and his 'There Was a Time' is a real raw gem on the flip.
Review: Formative disco five-piece who've been sampled and re-edited to the max over the last 20 years, here we find The Joneses in their original form. And they still sound as relevant and timelessly funky now as they did when this arrived in 1981. The original is a tight Chic-style guitar and bass groove that's accentuated by occasional falsetto vocal hits and flurries of disco bubbles and street sounds. Flip for "Summer Groove (Moving On)" where the blistering tight bassline and guitar licks are complemented with a tiny bit more vocal majesty. Instant seasonal sounds, have you kept up with The Joneses recently?
Judson Moore & The Al Tog Staff - "Everybody Push & Pull" (3:11)
Review: Soul Junction revisits the Scot-Tees Capri master tapes here to unveil two previously unreleased tracks. First is 'My Sweet Polly' by The Scott Brothers, a late 60s dance tune inspired by Howard Scott's former girlfriend. Coupled with this is a studio version of Judson Moore's "Everybody Push & Pull," a crossover hit influenced by Rufus Thomas. The Scott Brothers evolved from the 'Elpeccios' in 1958 to the Scott Brothers Band in 1963 and were instrumental in Chicago's music scene. Their label, Capri Records, produced hits like 'We Like Girls' and worked with legends like Garland Green. Judson Moore was a veteran singer who thrived under their mentorship and went on to leave a lasting legacy.
Southside Movement - "I'm So Glad That I've Got You" (3:28)
Review: In the early 80s, Chicago-based funk band Southside Movement teamed up with soul singer Jackie Ross who was already well known for her work with Chess and Brunswick. Though this collaboration produced incredible music, it was largely forgotten since only a few test pressings existed so it never spread too far. However, in 2023, P-VINE reissued their only full-length album on vinyl for the first time and now, the standout track from their partnership, 'You Are The One That I Need' comes on its own special 7" which is the first time it has been available in this format. It's a wonderful and previously long-lost collaboration that is well deserving of your attention.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.