Review: Milkcrate Mondays has got a red hot 7" on its hands here with DJ Abel and DJ Spinobi taking one side each. The former kicks off by, says the label, "taking an Ocean classic for a trip to Miami." His take on 'Lost' is a funk-laced jam that blends r&b vocals with bubbling beats and jazzy keys into something brilliantly seductive. On the flip side, DJ Spinobi lays down some heavyweight Afro drum patterns and raw rap bars on 'Bay Bunny' while 'PRVNZA VIP' is a more blissed-out island sound with reggaeton undertones and angelic Spanish vocals up top. A real summer weapon.
Review: Sundries' Disco Goodies series, which rounds up the best of the label's digital releases and presents them on multi-artist EPs, reaches its fourth instalment. It hits home hard from the start, where Berobreo's 'Soul Driven Dynamics' provides an attractive mix of 1970s orchestral soul samples and rubbery deep house beats. Experienced re-editor Oldchap brings the goods with a lightly tooled-up and beefed-up rework of an orchestra-sporting disco gem ('Coloridos'), before X Gets The Crest delivers a percussive, hot-stepping and filter-smothered re-wire of a much-loved Cymande classic ('Still Come Home'). Over on side B, Alexny's heavy disco-funk re-edit ('People Says') is joined by a hazy and horn-heavy revision courtesy of Sould Out ('City Gal') and the pitched-up disco loop-funk of 'Since You Came' by Workerz.
Review: The world of dark disco tech is vast and so covers plenty of niches and nuances with artists all over the world adding their voice to the conversation. Spanish label Waste Editions offers up four more to the mix here with another well-assembled VA. Dark Vektor's 'Amb La Mirada Ens Menjarem' begins with some synth sounds that evoke a horror scene over snappy drums and sleazy guitar riffs. Synth Alien's 'Replica Cosmica' gets a little more loose but still comes with evocative vocal samples and a characterful world of synth sounds, some that fart, some that gurgle, some that amuse. Imiafan's 'Stupaj (Keen K RMX)' is another prying, loopy sound brought to life with myriad effects, textures and vocal snippets and Wardum shuts down with 'Wrambling' which has grinding bass and scuttling effects topped with occult vocals.
Review: Disco lovers Leng enlist enduring disco wizard and studio genius The Emperor Machine for a big new single here that was made alongside Severine Mouletin. It comes as two versions on this new 12", with the extended vocal going fist. It's a steamy and tropical bit of disco with feathery, whispered and seductive French language vocals over squelchy synth bass and hip swinging claps. Cosmic twinges finish it in style and on the flip side it gets a little more wild and tropical. An eco-system of synth daubs and neon colours bring the groove to life in a more interplanetary way.
Review: Swirl People revisit their roots with a nostalgic four track EP from their early days as Fortune Cookie. This collection - which is their third release on L.I.T.S. - features carefully selected tracks from their original 1996 releases on Marguerite, a small label run by a friend. Nearly three decades later, these still much sought-after tracks are finally being reissued. The EP opens with 'Glitter Girls,' which is characterised by a catchy bassline, followed by the deep groove of 'Um Bongo.' On the B-side, 'Galactic Snackbar' offers a retro-futuristic feel, while 'Frisko Heaven' wraps up the EP with classic disco-filtered house energy. Timeless tackle, for sure.
Review: It's difficult to imagine an entire genre of music taking revenge, not least since it begs the question as to what object or upon whom vengeance is being taken. Confusingly but endearingly still, Gusto's 'Disco's Revenge' from 1995 is actually more caught between UK funky house and speed garage than anything resembling disco. But we could happily entertain the idea that the former two genres are simply more strident variations on the many-faced humours of 4x4 dance music. It makes sense, since it's hard to imagine any essential disco song soundtracking a brawl or secret vindictive plot. First released on Bumble Beats Records, 'Disco's Revenge' was funky enough to attract multiple reworks even back then, and this is apparently still going strong, with Kiss Klassics' new reissue apposing the original revenge plot with one rework and one original from producer Sam Tweaks. Whatever kind of revenge Gusto initially hoped to enact, we can say with certainty that it's not the best, cold kind; since both renditions by Tweaks are hot as hell.
LF System - "Afraid To Feel" (extended mix with DJ Friendly intro) (4:35)
Silk - "Can't Stop Turning You On" (MM edit) (3:51)
Review: Rising duo LF System is a Scottish production duo consisting of Conor Larkman and Sean Finnigan. They provided the definitive funky house summer anthem last year called 'Afraid To Feel' which samples the 1979 song from American funk group Silk, 'I Can't Stop' (Turning You On). This version is a much appreciated extended mix with a DJ friendly intro. Over on the flip, they pay credit to the original with the MM edit of this absolutely sensual number, that still holds its own to this day some 43 years on.
Review: According to the hype sheet we have to hand, the "Home Turf EP" is House of Disco's first multi-artist extravaganza for two years. There's plenty to get the juices flowing throughout, from the bounding bounciness of LPM's rap-sampling disco-house cut "Get With It", to the impeccably warm and sun-kissed jazz-house vibes of Purple Ice's "Adeus". In between you'll find the rolling, synth-heavy warmth of Mix & Fairbanks' deliciously loved-up "Shergar's Revenge" and "Me, You, Us" by Shee, a chunky sample-house number full of swirling strings, looped guitar riffs, hazy chords and righteous spoken word samples.
Review: Those fine folks behind the otherworldly Multi-Culti imprint have decided to launch a re-edit series, naturally focusing on reworks of weird and wonderful, off-kilter gems from around the world. This first serving of Cult Edits naturally contains some seriously tasty and exotic fare, most notably the parping, horn-heavy shuffle of Manfredas's "Mani From The Block", a stretched-out interpretation of what appears to be a Turkish style funk weird-out. Flip to the B-side for two more heavyweight slabs of wild goodness: the low-slung, dub-fired post-punk insanity of Siaubas's "Hare Hare" rework, and the throbbing, chant-along drug-chug of Simple Symmetry's brilliant "Yalla" interpretation.
Rainbow Team - "Bite The Apple" (Da Lukas remix extended) (6:56)
Michael Baker - "Don't You Want My Lovin'" (Massimo Berardi Re Work) (5:28)
Say When! - "Save Me" (Souls Groove Revibe mix) (4:31)
Ma Gi C - "Shampoo" (Black Truffle instrumental edit) (7:14)
Review: Reborn Italo-disco label Fulltime Production's ongoing remix series, in which contemporary producers tackle gems from the vaults, reaches its tenth instalment. Da Lukas steps up first, re-imagining Rainbow Team's lightly funk-fuelled, string-laden 1982 disco jam 'Bite The Apple' as an action-packed disco-house anthem, before long-serving Italian producer Massimo Beradi turns Michael Baker's 1983 workout 'Don't You Want My Loving' into a hybrid boogie-soul/deep house treat. Over on side B, Souls Groove successfully 're-vibe' Say When's 'Save Me', an early house era European synth-pop anthem (and yes, you'll know it), while GAMM regular Black Truffle's take on Ma Gi C's 'Shampoo' is a gritty disco-funk delight.
Review: In this offering, the Italian project led by Stefano Trione, pairs the lush 80s-inspired groove of 'In The Sand' with the unreleased gem 'Tudo Pra Ela,' a sultry disco track that embodies the warmth and richness of Tirone's signature style. 'In The Sand' pays homage to the rare groove classic from iLevel, its tropical rhythm and sunny vibe transported through Julia St. Louis's breezy vocals and Marco Brioschi's trumpet melodies, creating an almost cinematic dancefloor experience. On the flip, 'Tudo Pra Ela' delves into a sophisticated disco sound, where Toco's delicate vocals intertwine with sensual backing from Priscila Ribas and a bassline from Edu Hebling that carries the track effortlessly into the early 80s. The perfect synthesis of Stefano's love for vintage sounds and contemporary finesse.
Review: 'Couldn't Love You More' is one of the most iconic songs from one of the most iconic soul singers of her generation. It is such a sweet tune that it is perfect for reworking into a lovely deep house framework. And that is exactly what we have here as some mysterious artist who for obvious reasons wants to be unnamed reworks it three different ways. Mix 1 keeps the lush, lazy chords in place and sprinkles in some deft percussion. Mix 2 is a subtle tweak that has a little more drive and edge to it and Mix 3 completes the package with another deft touch that is sure to get floors all loved up.
Review: British-Nigerian singer-songwriter Sade is rightly celebrated for her sultry voice and timeless hits like 'Smooth Operator' and 'No Ordinary Love.' Her music blends soul, jazz and r&b with its sensual melodies and poetic lyrics and so is a great fit for deep house reworks, A bunch of them have all dropped with us and this one licks off with 'Like A Tattoo', an airy cut with some gorgeous keys and plenty of loved up vibes. Meanwhile on the flip is a new version of the most iconic of them all - 'Smooth Operator' (remix) still has the erotic sax notes and great vocals, but more upbeat drums to get cosy parties moving.
Love Is Stronger Than Pride (B Boys Basement mix) (5:50)
Love Is Stronger Than Pride (Mouse T club mix) (5:33)
Love Is Stronger Than Pride (Master & Pupil mix) (5:24)
Review: Sade is one of those artists that people just cannot resist remixing. Her voice is silky smooth and sultry so is well suited to seductive deep house reworks. And that is just what we get here with four different takes on 'Love Is Stronger Than Pride'. The GT Hot remix opens with deft pads and airy beats, the B-Boys Basement mix gets more physical and jacked up with raw percussion and the Mouse T club mix brings some old-school house feels. Last of all is the most smoky and rich as the Master & Pupil mix layers in sustained chords and dynamic depth.
Review: Satin Finish started out as a trio of Goldsboro musicians namely Donald Oliver on keys, Joe Exum on drums and Dennis Kornegay on bass. They were all scouted to the Greenback Records label out of New Jersey by two producers by the names of George Greene and Gary D. Jackson. High school graduate Karen Scott was the band's vocalist and here she does a fine job across a pair of stunning and spine tingling cuts of soul drenched, mid tempo disco funk. 'Took A Chance On Love' has great harmonies and dancing keys to get you moving and 'Didn't Wanna Lose Your Love' is the more sentimental slow song for smoochy moments.
Neptune Atmosphere (You Didn't Feel My Love) (2000 Black remix) (4:41)
Neptune Atmosphere (You Didn't Feel My Love) (feat Gina Foster - Phil Asher & Mighty Zaf '80s remix radio version) (4:53)
Review: The latest golden nugget from Hayes-based soul specialists Expansion sees Phil Asher, The Mighty Zaf and 2000 Black take it in turns to rework one of the highlights of modern jazz-man Robb Scott's recent album, Siren. Asher and Zaf kick things off with a deliciously glassy-eyed jazz-funk-meets-soulful house revision that not only boasts a seriously loved-up, beat-free intro, but also tons of subtle instrumental solos. A radio edit of that rework is also available on the flip. That's where you'll find 2000 Black's brilliantly jazzy broken beat revision, which is every bit as sumptuous and musically rich as the West London duo's own productions.
Review: New York City label Razor N Tape are back with more of their surefire disco jams. This one comes from Sentimental Animals feat Nicki B who serve up 'Love Vibration.' It is a playful and booty shaking jam with lovely plump bass and a gorgeous vocal that encourages you to move. Filled with synth warmth and a little disco dazzle, it's a colourful and accessible tune that cannot fail. ON the flip of this super 7" is a remix from Art of Tones that pairs things back a little, makes more of the funky bass and brings some great jazzy key work.
Review: Information is scant on Sequence 8, but whoever they are, they had just one release and that is this one on Sequence 8 Records back in 1987. It's made a big mark though and is something of a disco classic these days. Trying to find an original is useless and expensive, so handily enough, we have this reissue on a limited 12". 'More Love' gets things underway with some nice crunchy 80s drums, a tender falsetto and a killer bassline. 'Put It On The Level ' is a more playful and loved-up stepper with tough bass notes and a heartfelt vocal that really cuts through.
Review: Sexxy Dexx's 'Revelry' transports listeners back to the heyday of 80s funk and soul with its infectious energy and undeniable groove. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Prince, the track exudes a playful sensuality that is perfect for the dance floor. With its catchy hooks and pulsating rhythms, 'Revelry' captivates from the first note to the last, ensuring that feet will be tapping and hips will be swaying all night long. On the flip side, Delores Galore's 'What's It Bout To Be' brings a modern twist to the electro-funk genre, blending infectious beats with soulful melodies and seductive vocals. The result is a dance track that is as irresistible as it is memorable. Together, these two singles offer a tantalizing glimpse into the vibrant world of funk-infused pop, proving that the spirit of the 80s is alive and thriving in today's music scene.
Review: Shokazulu's Vector Smector on 2000 Black is a compelling 7" release that blends nu-jazz and electronic rhythms. The title track, 'Vector Smector,' offers a smooth groove with a classy piano solo that weaves through a polished electronic rhythm section. It's a delightful fusion that balances sophistication with a laid-back vibe. On Side-2 ,'What You Gonna Say,' introduces a funky edge, incorporating crowd noise for added atmosphere. The spacey keyboard work enhances the track's immersive quality, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience. Despite its brief runtime, this 7" record delivers a powerful punch, showcasing Shokazulu's adeptness at blending genres and creating memorable, groove-laden music.
Review: Slapping instrumental disco with an emphasis on phatness here, courtesy of the re-edit master Shuggy. Following up Volume 1, a monumental remix affair featuring vocal rethinks of Chaka Khan and the Fatback Band, Volume 2 here features a dry and immediately-gratifying version of Chic's 'I Want Your Love' on the A, and a similarly pacey and bass-licky B-side of a still unknown original with the initials 'B.P.C.' (sorry Shuggy, your selections are too headsy for us human Shazams to this time!)
Review: One thing you can say about Siggatunez's Gooey Edits series is that the included reworks are never simple cut-and-paste jobs. Like Joaquin 'Joe' Clausell, the German DJ/producer enjoys adding percussion, keys, drum machine beats and more to his source material. He's at that again here, first adding heady hand percussion and jazzy keys to a classic French, Italo-disco era jam ('Feel Me'), before giving a musically expansive New York disco classic the same kind of treatment on 'Inch'. 'Just Me & You' is a slightly straighter, lightly tooled-up take on a lesser-celebrated disco-soul sing-along, while EP highlight 'The Key' sees him successfully tamper with a warm, synth-heavy, Italo-disco style slab of mid-80s electronic excellence.
Review: Apparently DJ Harvey and Lovebirds have been hammering these "personal edits" from the Sirsounds crew in recent DJ sets. Listening to the clips, it's easy to work out why: they're a cut above the rest, edit-wise. There's a good variety of sounds and styles on show, from the stuttering drums, blissful guitars, dewy-eyed vocal snippets and rich boogie synths of "Love Me Right (Version)", to the eyes-closed synth solos and driving disco-funk grooves of quirky closing cut "What Does It Take". Our pick of the bunch though has to be the effortlessly eccentric Italian electro-funk insanity of "SASA", which sounds a little like it could be a lesser-known outing by Tullio De Piscopo (though don't quote us on that).
Review: PPU may have expanded its remit to issue contemporary acts like Pender Street Steppers and, soon, Beautiful Swimmers but the label is still digging through the soul and boogie archives of forgotten US acts. The work of George Franklin Smallwood has provided a source of much inspiration for Peoples Potential Unlimited over the years with the archivally minded label issuing several singles, a DVD and a Christmas album from the local Washington DC artist. Here PPU grant Smallwood's soul gem "You Know I Love" it's first 12" release having first surfaced at some unspecified time in the early '80s and is worth investigating for the drum machine heavy dub version on the flip!
Genevieve (feat Zeek Burse & The Ibibio Horns) (8:06)
Genevieve (feat Daniel Meinecke - One More Organ dub) (8:53)
Review: The Sol Power All-Stars are back once more on the Rocksteady Disco label with some superb new covers of much-loved British funk band Cymande. Each one brings a fresh perspective while paying heed of the Afro-roots of the originals. 'Anthracite' (feat Denise Henderson) opens up and is designed for moaner dance floors with cosmic synth work and big, bouncing drums. There is a deeper and more steamy sense of rhythm to the tropical sounds of 'Getting It Back' while the Parkway dub of 'Anthracite' sounds like early house music. Two versions of 'Genevieve' offer shuffling rhythms and big horn stabs and stomping, ass-wiggling Afro-jazz.
Review: After dropping this along with another cut (a Disco Dust mix of 'Knowledge & Love') on its new sub-label, Disco Edits, Sonic Wax is now pressing it up to a one-sided 7" on the main label. And it deserves the attention cause it is a killer disco cut with plenty of dance floor clout. The tune features the dynamic collaboration of Matt Early and Lee Jefferies who remix 'Rocking Me In Your Arms' into a seductive groove with a tight, funky bassline and a catchy sing-along chorus full of original disco heat. One for the peak time, for sure.
Review: Spaceship Earth's 'Midnight Express To Love City' is an irresistible bit of soulful disc from 1985. Over the years it has become a super rare and much sought-after record that only got an independent private press back in the 80s. It was recorded in Los Angeles and was the only release the outfit put out on their own label Spaceship Earth Recordings. As well as the deep cut funk and spine tingling vocals of that a-side, the more upbeat and driving boogie-disco of 'Be Your Own Best Friend' also features to make this a must-cop 12".
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