Funk / Reissue Recommendations May 2013

Review: Well-established German Afrobeat revivalists Analog Africa release their first ever limited edition 7"... And with only 1500 pressed, it's likely to fly out. Like all the best Afrobeat, Nigerian artist Solo Hit's material is rarer than hen's teeth. "Imoikeme" shows why: wonky, off-beat and delivered with a jazz-like sensibility to the rhythm, it's genuinely one of a kind. "Ododo" leans towards a more conventional funk formula... Until the rich, heavenly harmonies ease their way in, and it's yet another lesson in pure African groove escapism. Incredible.

Review: Prepping us for the Kenya Special compilation, here's a selection of the respectfully remixed highlights. Soundway have done all the research: it seems the Mbiri Young Stars and Kalambya Boys originals were way ahead of their time weighing in at five minutes plus and already oozing subs long before Batida and The Busy Twist got their edit-ready fingers on them. Elsewhere we find Frankie Francis adding a little extra oomph to the Congo rumba of "Mapenzi Hayana Daktari" and Hide And Smile adding a tribal urgency to the Benga drums on "Tiga Kundega".

Review: The artfully punned and hugely prolific Bas Lexter Ensample show the full range of their cheeky talents on Kilburn Soulshaker, an eight track LP for regular stable Resense. Beginning like a gritty cousin to JSt*r's well loved reggae re-versions with the Ying Yang Twins get the West London skank treatment of the title track and the Henry Mancini /Lil John blend "Jivin Num Num", Kilburn Soulshaker does swerve into an assortment of Latin breaks and funk cuts with the occasional inspired sample (see if you can spot the Quad City DJs usage") House party tackle of the highest order.

Review: The second release on Glenview from prolific Italian producer Suonho gets a welcome reissue on standard black wax. Originally released last year in striking yellow vinyl, Guajira Reboogalooo presented two retweaks of late 60s Latin soul and boogaloo gems. The A Side has Suonho reworking Ralph Robles' ''Taking Over'' from the Conquistando Fania album, implementing a brand new rhythm section with the kind deftness we've become accustomed to from the Italian. Flip it over and you get the track ''Mi Guajira'' from Tito Rodriguez and it's another bouncy Latino affair with fresh percussion and break laden beats.

Review: Juke Box Jams continue their crate-digging evangelism with this very cheeky couplet from unsung R&B legend Amos Milburn. Taken from 1952 and 1954 respectively, both showcase the man at the peak of his piano slapping fame before the booze sadly took him away before his time. "I Done Done It" is a classic uptempo blues jam with a tongue firmly pressed in cheek thanks to the 'badboy' lyrics and falsetto one-liners on the chorus. "Greyhound" is a little more subversive and dynamically playful as Amoss belts out his yearning vocals while the double bass, snare chug brutally like an old coach.

Review: Look into Charles's history and you'll find he's been a victim of much more than love over the years. Now in his mid 60s, his recording career only really began in earnest 10 years ago. Criminal, really... But the best talent always gets recognised eventually, and Daptone are doing him some serious fast-track justice. Highlights include the country-inspired strumming and harmonies on the album title track, the belting horn-swing of "You Put The Flame On It", the sadder trumpet, alto sax and Hammon cannon melody on "Dusty Blues" and the blend of slamming northern soul style drums and head-bending psychedelia of "Confusion". Don't be a victim: feel the love today.