Back in stock: All genres

Review: The first Best of on vinyl from the ethiopiques series. Francis Falcetto, the founder of the series (already 28 Cds available) and THE specialist of Ethiopian music pick up a selection of the best tracks of the series. He opened his large collection of pictures, vinyls and memorabilia to make the artwork of this double LP gatefold. The perfect introduction to the world of Ethiopian music but the specialists will also discover some rare and unknown tracks and artists.

Review: When a new instalment in Mr Bongo's Record Club series lands, it's always worth checking. Featuring selections from different members of the Brighton-based label's dusty-fingered staff, each volume is packed to the rafters with sought-after and little-known gems in a variety of interconnected styes. This fifth edition is naturally packed to the rafters with righteous fare, with the many highlights including (but not limited to) the suspenseful instrumental disco of John Barry Moore's 'Abertura De Os Inocentes', the dubbed-out, jazz-funk-flecked proto-Balearica of Yasuaki Shimizu's 'Karachi', the funky grooves and glassy-eyed soul vocals of Mave & Dave's 'You Are Delicious' and the driving, dub-flecked reggae-disco hedonism of 'Rise Up (Discomix)' by Tyrone Evans. In a word: essential.

Review: This double LP compilation from Jazzman Records unearths a wealth of spiritual jazz gems from the SABA and MPS labels, spanning the 1960s and 70s. Showcasing a diverse array of international artists, the collection features American heavyweights like Elvin Jones and Nathan Davis alongside European innovators like Pedro Iturralde and Jef Gilson. The music traverses a wide spectrum of styles, from soulful ballads and fiery modal explorations to avant-garde excursions, reflecting the labels' commitment to releasing exciting and innovative jazz. Highlights include the adventurous sounds of the Joachim Kuhn Group, Nathan Davis's soulful 'Evolution', and Pedro Iturralde Quintet's 'Veleta De Tu Viento'.

Review: Previously a Record Store Day special, Colemine elevate this epic 45" compendium to permanent status. 22 tracks heavy, the double 12" whammy unites some of Colemine's finest curations over the years into one perfect collection. From the rare shimmering guitars and woozy horns of The Rugged Nuggets to Colemine debuts such as the sweaty afrofunk boogaloo fusion of Ikebe Shakedown's 2009 breakthrough "Hard Stepping" and the garage funk fizz of Alan Evans Trio's 2012 "Drop Hop" via the beautiful "Smile" from Duran Jones & The Indications' debut album last year, no other album represents the breadth, warmth and vitality of Colemine quite as succinctly as this collection. Slab it up.

Review: British DJ and record crate digger Paul Hillery gets put in a position of serious responsibility - curating and weaving together the latest compilation from BBE Music. Once The Polyphonic Spree's tour DJ, and the man behind the YouTube channel and mix series 'Folk Funk & Trippy Troubadours', if none of that means anything let's just say this album takes psyche seriously. Well, as seriously as anything psychedelic ever is.

With a track list boasting some cult favourites from the scene - Mike Baumann & Tom Huntington, Alex Crispin, Airborne - there's plenty here to pique interest while perusing the back sleeve. Dive in, though, and you find a trove of treasures, from hazy, early-1970s tranquility to innovative digital experiments created during the 2020 lockdowns. A real journey through the ages, genre acting as guiding rod.

Review: The Stockholm punks are back with their follow-up to 2022's Cave World. This fourth album of theirs was launched with the lead single 'Man Made Of Meat', which recalls English upstarts The Cool Greenhouse, Boston icons The Modern Lovers and 1977-era UK punk. Viagra Boys have been further teasing the album with new songs now making it onto their live set and 'The Bog Body' has become a fan favourite, as it's bombastic enough to spark circle pits. The mighty Pelle Gunnerfeldt (The Hives, Refused) is a frequent collaborator and remains the co-producer meaning there's no drastic changes in direction. Released via their own newly-launched record label, Shrimptech Enterprise, this self-titled effort is set to be a potent fertilizer for their popularity, as they continue to march around the globe, earning the public's respect as one of the century's best live punk bands.

Review: Fans of international sounds will know just how big Vis A Vis's contribution has been to the scene over the years. In all they put out around 13 albums between 1975 and 1982 and were both talented studio artists and live musicians. Vocalist Isaac "Superstar" Yeboah led the group with able assistance from Sammy Cropper on guitar, Slim Manu on bass and Gybson "Shaolin Kung-Fu" Papra on drums. Di Wo Ho Ni is one of their many vital albums and this limited edition repress means you won't have to fork out eye waveringly high prices for an OG.

Review: Once again landing in the mitts of jazz remastering master Kevin Gray, yet another milestone in the genre from Blue Note gets reissued. Louisiana tenor saxophonist Don Wilkerson made his debut on the label in 1962 with Preach Brother!, which featured Grant Green on guitar, Sonny Clark on piano, Butch Warren on bass, and Billy Higgins on drums. The foursome lend fearsome talent to Wilkerson's vision, which is a playful exercise in soul-jazz homing in on various vibe studies - loneliness filtered through the shake of a tambourine, city bustle conveyed via tss-tssing rides and swing.

Review: From a young age, Delroy Wilson's exceptional talent was evident, blending the styles of US soul singers like Bill Withers into the Jamaican rocksteady and lovers rock scenes. His classic Studio 1 album, originally released in 1969, is brimming with soulful reggae tunes, including a funky rendition of 'Broadway.' This album perfectly captures the feel-good essence of ska, rocksteady, and bluebeat, infused with soul and heart. The seamless connection between swing, soul, and traditional island rhythms is palpable, making every song a heartfelt sing-along experience. As Delroy Wilson transitioned smoothly from ska into rocksteady, this album showcases his growth as one of reggae's most celebrated vocalists from the early 60s through the 90s. Highlights include 'Can't Stand It,' 'I Love the Way You Walk', 'Money Love', 'Your Love is Amazing' and the timeless 'Don't Know.' Despite the chaotic nature of his discography, this album stands out for fans of soulful, funky rhythms, offering a concise glimpse into Wilson's enduring musical legacy.