Back catalogue: All genres

Review: A new take on a Jonathan Richman classic from 1977 which has lit up clubs for 45-odd years, especially during the punk era. The track's infectious rhythm has inspired various reggae remixes but now it's getting a fresh cumbia twist. Cumbia and reggae share a common groove, making them a perfect match for DJs to mix and this one was recorded in Lima by Pancho Acosta, founder and guitarist of Company Quinto, who transforms the track into an upbeat cumbia gem. The flip side features Acosta's 'Carnaval de Jujuy' blended with Money Chicha's modern take on Peru's fuzzed-out chicha sound.

Review: Jonathan Richman's 'Egyptian Reggae' has been setting discerning dancefloors alight since its release in 1977, during the golden era of punk. Known for its infectious rhythm, the track has seen a few reggae remixes over the years. However, it was time for something freshia playful yet respectful cumbia twist. Both genres share a certain groove, making them a perfect match, and it's easy to imagine DJs weaving these sounds together in their sets. This new take on 'Egyptian Reggae' has been recorded in Lima by Pancho Acosta, the founder and guitarist of Company Quinto, and one of Peru's finest cumbia guitarists. Acosta brings his expert touch to the track, transforming it into an upbeat cumbia gem. On the flip side, we're treated to one of Acosta's own originals, 'Carnaval de Jujuy', recorded by Austin-based future cumbia outfit Money Chicha. The song blends Peru's fuzzed-out early chicha sound with Money Chicha's unique, modern interpretation of the genre, delivering a fresh, captivating cumbia vibe.

Review: Elia and Elisabeth Fleta Malloi is the sisterly Colombian twosome known for their pop ditties as Elia y Elizabeth. Their Alegria album is a much loved record for deep diggers that got reissued a couple of years ago, and Razor N Tape have served up a selection of tunes and remixes from it. Now we get the original pressed up to its own 45 rpm courtesy of Vampi Soul. It is a sunny bit of easygoing soul with plenty of orchestral grandeur, big horn energy and the gently lilting vocals of the sisters up top. These are gloriously feel-good sounds from this superb duo.

Review: This long-overdue 7" reissue breathes new life into a rare Latin funk treasure from the golden era of the genre. The A-side, 'Together People (Pamoja Watu),' delivers a fiery blend of James Brown-style grit and Manu Dibango-inspired groove, complete with driving rhythms and infectious energy. On the B-side, 'It's Your Thing' reimagines the Isley Brothers classic as a bold instrumental, packed with Hammond organ flourishes and raw Latin funk swagger. Originally a Bobby Marin studio project featuring Chico Mendoza and members of Ocho, these tracks are essential for DJs and collectors, preserving the spirit of New York's vibrant Latin music scene.

Review: This forthcoming 7" pairs two fiery cuts from the Latin American underground, capturing the raw energy of a transformative musical era. Los Pambele's 'Cannabis' layers cumbia rhythms with swirling, reverb-soaked guitars, creating a trance-inducing groove that feels both earthy and psychedelic. On the flip, Los Darlings de Huanuco's 'Marihuana' cranks up the intensity, delivering a garage-tinged anthem brimming with jagged riffs and spirited vocals. The sound is unpolished yet electrifying, a snapshot of a time when regional traditions collided with bold experimentation, leaving behind something truly timeless.

Review: Egle Martin's rare Afro-Latin 7" gem, originally released in 1970, has become a highly coveted record among collectors due to its infectious dancefloor energy. Martin, a multifaceted Argentine artistiactress, dancer, and singeriplayed a pivotal role in promoting Afro-Argentine culture and reclaiming Afro roots in Rio de la Plata. By the time of this recording, she had already achieved widespread acclaim, having performed with legends like Dizzy Gillespie and the Berlin Symphony Orchestra and released an album with renowned composer Astor Piazzolla. Her voice, rich in texture and distinctive in tone, captivates as she sings in Spanish, with an effortless freedom and power in her delivery. In 'El Dombe', Martin's tenderness shines through, offering a heartfelt ode to the rhythm and meaning of the dombe dance. 'Dombe Barilo' takes on a more bold and sweeping energy, with its ritualistic and uplifting message. Roberto Montiel's dynamic arrangements blend soul, funk and Latin American rhythms, all deeply rooted in Afro influences.

Review: This a unique release that features a song that was released by two different bands during within the same year. The song 'Meshkalina' was by a psychedelic and prog band from Peru called Traffic Sound and then, soon after, by Latin duo Paco Zambrano and Reynaldo Murrieta under the name Paco Zambrano Y Su Combo. The latter version is more traditional and Latin while the Traffic Sound version is more psychedelic garage rock band-like. Two formidable and very different versions featured on limited splattered 7" vinyl.

Review: This exciting new double-sided 45 from Vampi Soul features two rare and funky dance floor gems from pioneering Colombian artists of the 70s. On one side, Piper Pimienta, who was an early collaborator with Fruko and member of The Latin Brothers, presents 'Pensamiento'' which is a killer Latin funk track from his 1979 album La Fuente that's never been released on a 45 before. Known for his salsa skills and always vibrant live shows, Pimienta's track is a treat for DJs. The flip side showcases Columna de Fuego, a trailblazing group from 1973 known for blending rock with Pacific and Caribbean rhythms. Their track 'Inot' offers a fast-paced delight from their one and only LP.

Review: This 7" reissue brings together two scorching salsa gems from the early 70s, showcasing the vibrant energy and infectious rhythms of Ray Perez, aka "El Loco". Perez, a true innovator and iconoclast, is a revered figure in the Latin music scene, his influence spanning decades and continents. These two tracks, originally released in Venezuela, capture the essence of his sound, a fusion of Cuban influences, New York salsa, and Venezuelan flair. 'Muchacho Barrigon', a dancefloor filler that transcended borders, is a testament to Perez's ability to craft irresistible grooves. Its pairing with the equally infectious 'Guaguanco Del Adios' makes this 7" a must-have for any salsa enthusiast or DJ seeking to ignite the dancefloor.

Review: Sangre Joven was originally a side project that was set up to release covers of international disco and funk hits for Discos MAG. The collective was started in Peru in 1974 by sax player Nilo Espinosa who also assembled the Nil's Jazz Ensemble after spending years playing in a jazz quintet in Berlin. 'Zamba Zamba' is a tsingle from 1974 that is a true-to-the-original cover of 'Samba Samba' by Colombian brothers Elkin & Nelson. It brings plenty of exotic sounds with uptempo Latin vibes, elements of descarga and boogaloo and more all served up with a funky rock twist.