Review: Favorite Recordings has previously championed revered and little-known Francophile disco and boogie gems, mostly on dedicated compilations curated by dusty-fingered digger Charles Maurice. This '45' marks the launch of a new series along similar lines, with each release boasting two hard-to-find tracks accompanied by their original cover art (one on the front, the other on the back). On side A you'll find 'Give It Up' by Belgian band Charms, a warming and loved-up chunk of boogie/mid-80s soul brilliance stacked with luscious synth sounds, rubbery bass guitar and eyes-closed male lead vocals. Over on the reverse is France-Lise's 'Pour-moi ca ma', a simply superb slab of French language disco blessed with a killer bassline, funky guitar licks and some suitably heady horns. Tres bon!
Review: Fabulous Performers are a golden age Philadelphia group with a distinctive take on heart aching blue-eyed soul. Never was that more evident that on the two subtle and super sweet sounds offered up on this new double sider from Blackjack. It is a limited edition 45rpm that has artwork made to look like it came from the original era and has been made in cooperation with Reggie Marshall, brother of the late Fabulous man James Marshall. 'Oh How You Hurt Me' is a real heart wrencher with lush falsettos and frankly the flipside 'There She Goes' is just as good.
Review: Expansion have been busy recently with a wealth of superb releases all dropping in relatively quick succession. This one comes from 70s and 80s Us soul family, Family Brown. They put out just one album in 1978 and a couple of singles with these two tunes now pressed onto 45rpm some of the best. On the a-side is the slow motion stepper 'Never Had A Love' which has pirouetting strings and male and female vocals playing off in seductive fashion. On the flip is the more groovy but just as melodically lush 'Listen.'
The Family Daptone - "Hey Brother (Do Unto Others)" (3:52)
Soul Fugue - "The 100 Knights Orchestra" (4:58)
Review: Soul and funk heads won't want to miss this very special seven-inch from the Daptone Records crew, and not just because it's the label's 100th "45". The A-side features an all-star '60s soul cover of the Frightnrs rock-steady cut featuring vocal contributions from Saun and Starr, James Hunter, Lee Fields, Naomi Shelton, Duke Amayo, the Frightnrs and two legends who are no longer with us: Charles Bradley and Sharon Jones. It's a one-off that won't be repeated for obvious reasons, but more importantly it's very, very good. Over on the flip main man Bosco Mann takes charge, conducting and producing "two opposing armies" of woodwind and horn players from the label's expansive musical roster. As you'd expect, it's something of an epic.
Review: Working with its sister label OST Recordings, Acid Jazz releases a new version of 'Family Tree' by Family Tree, on a smart-looking label based on the look of the original's Ananda label. For the first time since 1975, this new reissue comes with the Kevin Beamish Disco version and a shorter disco mix, as was initially compiled. Handcrafted by 'I Specialize In Love' hitmaker Sharon Brown and her group Family Tree, this eponymous disco-funk sheller is an unpolished study of musicianship above overproduction; the drums are dynamic and dry, lending ample space to Sharon's nostalgic familial reminiscences.
Review: Rooted in the musical vibrancy of New Orleans, The Family Underground was led by Roland Treaudo and Manuel Herrera Jr and transcended cultural boundaries with their fusion of Baptist and Hispanic influences. Their legendary Sunday residency at Whitey's Devil's Den was consistently packed beyond its 400-person capacity and showcased Manuel's piano prowess and Roland's magnetic stage presence. For over 250 consecutive weeks, the band's electrifying performances continued into the early hours without promotion, drawing crowds far and wide. Amidst relentless touring, their limited studio time birthed timeless classics 'Everybody Knows' and 'For The Love Of You' which now arrive on this special 7" for Record Store Day.
Hooked On Your Love (John Morales unreleased edit) (8:13)
Review: Serious Philly boogie business: In 1979 the Aleem brothers teamed up with serial hit maker Leroy Burgess for this outstanding bass slapping floor burner. Listen closely and you'll hear a young Luther Vandross on backing vocals as the twins bounce off each other with their signature high ranges. Meanwhile on the B we have a previously unreleased edit from one of the most vital, direction shaping remixers of the time; John Morales. Expect nothing but 8 minutes of pure disco bliss. We're hooked on this!
Review: Originally released in 1979, this is a highly sought-after gem due a reissue to bring its soulful, classic charms back into the spotlight, complete with the original B-side. The opening track, 'Hollywood Dreaming', is a smooth, catchy piece that expertly blends a funky rhythm with a rich horn section and excellent vocals. The infectious melody and creative arrangement make it a standout in the band's catalog. It's a track that embodies the essence of late '70s soul and funk while still feeling fresh and timeless. 'Shine On' delivers a late-night disco groove, heavily influenced by the genre's rise during the era. Its funky bassline and smooth rhythm provide a perfect soundtrack for dancefloors and intimate settings alike. The track oozes with soulful energy, showcasing the band's ability to seamlessly merge funk and disco influences into a cohesive sound. Father's Children, formed in Washington, D.C., originally as a doo-wop group, evolved into a funk and soul powerhouse by the late 70s. It is certainly bittersweet to hold this piece of music in your hand - and especially without having to take out a second mortgage.
Review: Jamaican singers Sonia Ferguson and Tyrone David recorded 'Use To Be My Dread' in the late 70s for producer Bunny Lee. A lovers' rock gem, Ferguson's vocals are rhythmically deft, and Bunny Lee's production is glitzy and dynamic, adding to its sense of serene and playful humour. The song concerns a former lover who has changed for the worse, though, despite this change, Ferguson regards this person as akin to a dreadlock, a permanent lock of hair and an enduring part of her being. Though it was originally released as a single on the Attack label, it has since become a sought-after collector's item, and so thoroughly deserves this reissue via Rock A Shaka.
Review: Applying what we're all thinking in February 2021 to a kind of Netflix & Chill parody, Fickle Friends are definitely the most thematically fitting band of the month. The Brighton outfit join a long and esteemed list of British pop groups that manage to marry scathing, sarcasm, and bare-boned honesty with sweetness, beauty and universality. Providing you like those keyboards with a No.1-style glitter coating, of course.
Opening on biggest of the lot, 'What A Time', the troupe opt to get the most inescapably positive out of the way first before rolling out real variety. '92' is an icy cool, emotionally scarred (or scarring?) ballad, 'Million' is a stepping, rave-rock workout, with 'IRL' apparently made for sunnier times than the current UK winter, and finale 'Finish Line' closing out on a calming and uplifting tone that's not a million miles away from what some would describe as Balearic chill.
Review: Lee delivers two powerhouse performances from his album Sentimental Fool. 'Two Jobs' channels the conviction of James Brown with Bobby Bland's swing, showcasing Lee's command and swagger. The track's deep piano intro and frantic shuffle captivate listeners with a sound few can replicate. On 'Save Your Tears for Someone New,' Lee delivers a masterclass in rhythm and soul, his ferociously soulful voice shining in this dark r&b ballad. With each note, Lee proves why he's considered one of the best soul singers alive, leaving listeners wanting more.
Review: Shirley Finney's 1979 debut album "Pray Again" has recently become something of a sought-after set amongst collectors of disco-era gospel soul. Original copies of the LP are expensive and hard to come by, so Rain & Shine has decided to stick two of the set's most admired tracks on one 7-inch single. "Pray Again" is rather wonderful, with Finney delivering a strong, heartfelt vocal above a backing track rich in sustained organ chords, jangling pianos and clipped guitars. "Give Your Best To The Master", meanwhile, is a more up-tempo and stomping gospel-disco affair that benefits greatly from some stellar choral backing vocals. It sounds like the sort of thing that Tony Humphries may have championed at Zanzibar in New Jersey back in the day.
Review: For fans of classic soul like Lee Fields and Bobby Oroza, Kelly Finnigan's latest 45 is a pure delight. On the A-side, an upbeat Northern soul-inspired track from A Lover Was Born pulses with raw emotionisyncopated guitars and brass-powered intensity back Finnigan's story of a love in crisis. The B-side adds a bonus cut, evoking the 60s soul vibe of Stax Records with a deep, minor-key groove. Here, gospel-tinged harmonies and moody horns underscore Finnigan's heartache, capturing a timeless feel with modern passion.
Review: Hot on the heels of his acclaimed sophomore album A Lover Was Born, Kelly Finnigan makes a quick return with this soul-packed 7". The A-side, 'Get A Hold Of Yourself,' is a Northern soul-inspired stomper that channels the raw emotion of Memphis soul with heavy drums, syncopated guitars, bold horns and Finnigan's impassioned vocals. It tells the story of a rocky relationship where emotional strain disrupts physical connection then the B-side is a fresh bonus cut from the A Lover Was Born sessions inspired by Barbara & The Browns' Stax classic 'Hurts Me So Much'. It's a moody groove with gospel-infused vocals.
Review: San Franciscan soul crooner and multi-instrumentalist Kelly Finnegan shares the 7" vinyl edition of his 2023 single 'Leave You Alone', following on from its original cassette and digital release. A lo-fi testament to unrequited love, moving on and giving in, regaling a love story from the femme perspective and recalling the soulful themes of singer Bettye Swann. This time, the record also comes backed by a B-sider, 'Thom's Hartbreak', is a sonic thank you letter to Thom Bell & William Hart, two names synonymous with the 60s-70s Philly Sound.
Review: First Timers is a destined collaboration between two accomplished producers Andreas Stevens (aka DJ Greyboy) and Brian Ellis. Setting out to create timeless music using only the finest vintage hardware gear, they've conjured a stunning debut bridging a gap between funk and AOR/Soft Rock. First Timers unleash onto the world a 45 housing the working man's anthem 'Three Day Weekend' and Stone City-inspired 'Out The Sheath'. Both tracks feature live horn arrangements by the Black Thor Horn Section, an attribute as rare as the vintage synths and drum machines used to craft these tunes.
Review: Last year, obscure 1980s soul singer Garfield Fleming returned to action with a mini-album of tracks co-produced by modern boogie maestro Simon Tappenden AKA Ourra. Here we get a chance to savour once again his 1981 debut single, the much-sampled "Don't Send Me Away". It's something of a "groove"-era boogie classic, all told, with Fleming's superb lead vocal rising above sweeping orchestration and a chunky groove. It also boasts a seriously good breakdown in which Garfield's repetitive chorus vocals ride a stripped-back but percussive groove. Turn to the flip for the solid original B-side "You Got Dat Right", a jaunty slab of disco powered by honky tonk style pianos and a superb "walking" bassline.
Review: Famed for his classic slinky soul disco 1981 bomb "Don't Send Me Away" and his tenure in the Delphonics live band, Garfield Fleming returns to vinyl after almost 40 years thanks to Cordial. And he does so with brand new material. Taken from his eponymous six track mini album "Ain't Nothing Too Good For My Woman" is a shiny 80s soul gem with stacks of space for Garfield's signature soaring vocals and the purring female backing vocals while "Hustlin'" gets a lean strip-back to bare guitars, flutes and Fleming's naked vocals. What a comeback.
Review: Ramsel casts it all the way back to 1968 for this new 45rpm. It's a reissue of Wade Flemons, an American soul singer from Kansas who put out only one album but plenty of singles. 'Jeanette' is one of them and is one that fetches almost four figures on the reg whenever it pops up in original format on second hand markets. This faithful reissue is an exact replica of the '68 version and features the up-tempo soul-drenched sounds of 'Jeanette' on one side and 'What A Price To Pay' on the flip, a more slow and heartbroken sound.
Review: The latest 7" from the legendary soul singer Darrow Fletcher, who recorded this track in the early 70s as a demo to interest Ray Charles. 'Hope For Love' is a contemporary, heartfelt ballad flaunting Darrow's enduringly soulful voice. The track was never issued until now, thanks to Ace Records, who found it on a one-off master tape. It comes alongside the better-known 'No Limit', another gem from Darrow's catalogue originally released in 2012.
Review: Fleur is a firm favourite with fans and now teases the new upcoming album with a new 7" single that is going to resonate well with fans of acts like The Kinks, Holly Golightly and The Remains. The A-side, 'Nous Continuerons a Marcher Ensemble' kicks off with a sharp guitar riff and builds into a catchy, powerful chorus. The B-side, an exclusive to this 7", is 'Tu M'as Mise a Genoux' a fast-paced punk track driven by fuzz bass. Both of them are superb retro indie-pop bangers and have been penned by Mark ten Hoor of The Kryng, and he also recorded the backing tracks for this release.
Review: A timeless gem from the mid-80s, this ballad is a magical slow jam of its era with a soulful touch that remains irresistible. Produced and written by the legendary duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the song features their unparalleled ability to craft heartfelt melodies and lush arrangements. Its delicate piano-driven sound and tender vocal delivery immediately connect, making it an enduring favorite. Initially featured in the movie Krush Groove, the track quickly outshone its cinematic origins, climbing to number four on the r&b charts and breaking into the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1986. It introduced the group to a wider audience, transcending their early hip-hop and pre-new jack swing roots. Now released on heart-shaped vinyl, this edition feels like a perfect tribute to a song that's all about emotion and connection.
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