Review: Masterminded by Jeff Dynamite Silverman, 10th Street is an all-star studio band comprised of some of NYC's best disco, funk and soul musicians of the last two decades (including members of Antibalas, the Dap-Kings, The Expressions and El Michels Affair). The collective's self-titled debut album, which dropped earlier this year, is a genuine must-listen and offers a near perfect distillation of disco, soul and funk flavours of the 1970s. This 7" single sports two of that set's standout cuts: hazy, mid-tempo, laidback disco-funk number 'Livin' In New York City', where Blaxploitation guitar licks, spacey synths, sustained organ chords and eyes-closed female vocals catch the ear, and the weightier, more percussive and undeniably dancefloor-friendly instrumental 'Moodie's Basement'. In a word: essential!
Review: Hot Piroski Records have been on something of a hiatus for the last year or so but now make a welcome return with a new EP series. This collaborative affair is the result of an epic journey in an old Mercedes from London to Gunjur and finds label head Robin 12Tree working with The Gambia and Bongo Koi as Gambian Disco Express. 'Enlightenment is Now' marks their first release on Hot Piroski Records and it comes with vocals from Gambian mystic Rev. Joseph N'Gole, recorded on the banks of the River Gambia. This one has already been hammered by Psychemagik, Pete Herbert, and Severino from Horse Meat Disco so it comes quality assured.
Review: After an absence of a few years, 40 Thieves return to Leng Records with one of their most special releases to date: a hook-up with long-time Patrick Adams collaborator Gary Davis and long serving soulstress Cinammon Jones. What's on offer is a re-make of one of Jones' songs, 'The Gift', whose sweet lyrics celebrate the arrival of a new day. 40 Thieves take, explored first in the A-side 'Disco Mix', sounds like it was designed to be danced to during a San Francisco sunrise - think dub disco delays, hypnotic grooves, bubbly electronics, languid guitar licks and gentle melodies. Over on the flip, they take the track further into 'woozy 6am open air dancing territory' on a superb, stretched out 'Disco Dub' mix, before peppering a killer drum track with spaced-out electronics on the 'Beats' version.
Review: RNT welcomes Brooklyn-based band 79.5 to the family with the first single from their forthcoming eponymous LP. Soulful and psychedelic, the haunting melodies of Club Level float above a steady strutting rhythm section, punctuated by moaning baritone saxophone and drenched in washy reverb.
NYC mainstay Eli Escobar crafts a masterful remix that leans into 80s nostalgia, with a soundscape and arrangement nothing short of perfection.
Review: A Skillz and Krafty Kuts are veteran names by now but at one option they were some of the hottest new DJs and producers in the game. They pioneered a breakbeat, cut-up and paste sounds 20 years ago that was high on energy and with plenty of character. Now they look to the roots of the sounds they used to draw from and serve up a new single on Jam City that is all about disco. 'Lit Up' has loose, jumbled drums and funk basslines with some great vocal flourishes up top from Gizelle Smith. A remix on the flip takes things into deeper new soul territory.
Review: New label Justracks kicks off with a literally and metaphorically heavyweight new disco 12" on 180g vinyl. As far as we know it's the first release from the mysterious A Thin Man but the beats are fat. 'Doogie Bown' gets you doing just that with a mix of chatty synth funk and hip-swinging disco grooves. 'W(h)ats On' is an old school funk and soul dancefloor heater then class oozes from the breezy and free-flowing grooves of 'Catch The Strings' which pair bustling beats with rich strings. Last of all is the tightly woven disco and persuasive funk of 'Bees'n'Flowers' with cosmic lines and heartfelt female coos. A fine debut.
Review: A Vision of Panorama and Star Creature continue their successful collaboration with another lovely 12" for lovers of classic house. Following the sold-out Fusion To Illusion LP, this new offering blends deep beats with hints of boogie and r&b in a fine showcase of the duo's signature sound, which is effortlessly cool, timeless, and trend-defying. Featuring vocal contributions from Sykes and Stacie G, the A-side delivers smooth, loungey vibes and includes the 12" version of 'Purple' which has been previously available only as a 7". The A-side also includes the instrumental track 'Ear Dreamin',' while the flip focuses entirely on instrumentals and brings a futuristic yet nostalgic edge.
Review: The diffuse hues and retro-feeling colours of the artwork on this new 45rpm from Star Creature perfectly embody the downtempo and Balearic sounds within. They come from A Vision Of Panorama who seems to ever more have the dance floor in sights over his last few releases. That's not to say these are banging tunes - but they do have lovely grooves. 'Piano Sunset' is a real spine tingler with 80s keys and mid tempo drums that come alive with crisp hits and a fresh bassline. 'Lost In Palms' then has a shuffling and low slung groove with nice wet hits. Add in some more lush chords and you have a real pearler.
Review: There is very little info out there about the Milkcrate Mondays label but we do know that their only other release last year was well hyped and quickly sold out. This second one is likely to follow suit. It comes from Able and is a dusty house cut with an old school feel thanks to the gentle breaks that power it along as a signature smoky soul vocal from Amy Winehouse brings plenty of emotion to a-side cut 'Winehouse Magic'. On the flip is 'Drake Punk' which pairs Daft Punk filter house loops with auto-tuned vocals all sure to bring some fun to the 'floor.
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: Dave Lee's "AC Soul Symphony" alias has been releasing delectable and sultry disco since 2005 but reached his magnus opus in 2023 with the release of the Metamorphosis LP. Here we find two tracks handpicked from the album and delivered, for the first time, in a 7" format. The single starts much as the album does with the track "Windy City Theme", beautifully scored, recorded, and produced legato strings envelope the track, punctuated with horns and vocals reminiscent of a Love Unlimited Orchestra production. This version of the track has been rearranged, speeding up the pacing of the track and reaching the juicy parts in a really satisfying way. On the flip side we have the title track from the album Metamorphosis, which is the first time the vocal version has been made available on vinyl. A bass laden intro gives ways to glistening pianos and those signature strings (have we mentioned how good the strings are?). A more laid back and seductive track than the A-side, but no less appealing. Again, due to the limitations of the 7" format, 'Metamorphosis' has been expertly rearranged with loving care and attention.
Review: This special 12" features two tracks that will not be on the vinyl version of the forthcoming AC Soul Symphony, Disco opus "Metamorphosis" featuring a 20 piece orchestra alongside a whole host of top live players. That makes it an even more vital pick up because both are pure disco fire. 'I Want To See You Dance' has the title's classic refrain repeated over big Salsoul style string licks, funky basslines and soloing piano. 'The Talented Mr Adams' is a tribute to the legendary disco producer Patrick Adams and is a super sweet swooner with golden live strings and brass backing up a loose-limbed rhythm and vamping pianos that get you in the mood for love. These two tracks act as a fine teaser for what's to come on the much-anticipated album from a contemporary version of acts like MFSB and Love Unlimited Orchestra.
Review: Berlin producer Acud follows up 2023's Matjesfilet and Verbrennungsmotor with another multi-mix remix single, 'Supermarkt'. Flexing the network with a lead remix by none other than Prins Thomas - followed by versions from Ost & Kjex, Ana Helder, Dirty Acid, Mijo, and two from Amount - this remix EP makes for a comprehensive take on just how many times a track can be reinterpreted. Straying from the original's downtempo disco whimsies and supermarket-tannoy ready basslines, each producer lends their own deconstructed flair to the original, best of which in our view has to be Amount's retakes, which seize the opportunity to create something almost entirely new and singular from the stems.
Review: Originally taking form as Universal Robot Band's dreamy instrumental disco cut "Thyme" in 1977, within a year of its release Patrick Adams invited Marta Acuna to add suitably yearning, hazy vocal. Adding to the silky groove's allure without taking any of its original soul, Marta elevated an already pristine track into a real moment that embodies the deeper, most soulful aspects of late 70s disco. A highly authentic P&P reissue.
Review: Admin's 'Mystical Circles 02' delivers two vibrant tracks that embody the essence of dancefloor-ready disco and funk. On Side-1, 'Three Eight Four' kicks off with infectious tribal drum fills and funky bass licks, accentuated by a commanding saxophone that invites listeners to groove. Its lively energy makes it a standout choice for any party. Flipping to Side 2, 'Ionosphere' continues the momentum with wicked bass notes and a stunning groove, complemented by powerful horn arrangements that elevate the track's dynamic feel. This release perfectly blends disco house with jazz funk elements, making it an essential addition to any DJ's set. Mystical Circles 02 is a celebration of sound that is sure to get everyone on their feet.
Review: Audiosex and Hanoben stepped out together on Discos Capablanca back in 2018 with the on-point acidities of Phone Sex, and now they're teaming up once again for this killer clutch of edit tackle for the always interesting Duca Bianco label. Rather than the well-mined stocks of disco and funk that usually get dusted down by edit scavenegers, these two have turned to synth pop and German new wave sounds, coming up with four deep cover, deliciously dishevelled pieces which align perfectly with the brand of acidic club music they make themselves. 'Elvira's Katzenfisch' is a prime case in point - a broad, sweeping slice of synthwave which sounds like it might slide off the reel to reel at any moment, while 'Frank's Einsamkeit' swells into a searing 303 burner for the darkest dungeon dancefloors.
Review: Emotional Rescue can be relied on to dig up obscure, left of centre dance gems and serve them up to newer, wider audiences. Adu's reggae-pop cut 'Burkina Faso' is a great example, re-purposed for the dancefloor without any of its original flavour lost in the overhaul. A
South Saharan/West African emigre to Brixton, Rauf Adu would go on to fairly sizeable European fame with the Eddy Grant-esque 'Human To Human'. This, however, is his 1982 debut for Copasetic Records, another reggae-pop inspired, ludicrously catchy effort with scorched electric guitar and a Compass Point-style drum/bassline providing rhythmic rocksteadiness. As well as the buffed up original, there's a dub mix, which gives his beautiful guitar plenty of room to breathe, and an appearance from the Isle of Jura Sound System boss Kevin Griffiths , whose remix completes the trio of mixes.
Review: Still peddling pure and fast jazz-funk disco, and coming straight from the source, Afrodisia are an ingeniously named German band whose stated intent was to transcend colour and creed through the mode of music. The band barely squeezed by with four EPs and an LP to their name; these two new cuts were recorded for a second album, which never saw the light of day. The A cut is the highlight, being the dreamiest and creamiest of the two.
Review: Cordial have partnered with Afrodisia to reissue their sought-after album, 1980's Elephant Sunrise, in 2018, with an album of previously unreleased recordings to follow. To whet our appetite, they've decided to release the never-before-heard "Malik", a brilliant chunk of jazz-funk fusion that would have got jazz dancers hot under the collar had it appeared when it was originally recorded way back in 1982. On the B-side you'll find the similarly minded "A Fool No Longer", a dancefloor-focused chunk of blue-eyed soul that has previously only been available on obscure 1981 compilation album Rock Aus Der Alten Schule. Brilliant stuff all told.
Review: Since appearing on Motor City Drum Ensemble's fine Selektors compilation back in 2016, AHZZ's 1981 gem "New York Moving" has become one of the most in-demand disco-funk rarities around. Here, Opilec founder I-Robots (AKA DJ/producer Gianlucca Pandullo) offers his own "reconstructions". Naturally, he doesn't tamper with the basic groove, instead choosing to rearrange the original, emphasizing different aspects of the killer original version on each mix. So, while the A-side "Reconstruction 1" concentrates on the stomping groove and cascading Moog lines, the flipside "Reconstruction 2" version makes more room for an extended saxophone solo and dubs out the backing track impressively. Were he alive today, Larry Levan would definitely approve.
Beautiful You (Danny Krivit 7" edit Of Hex Hector's Lush remix) (5:20)
Beautiful You (4:34)
Review: The revered songstress that is AK is back on Most Excellent Unlimited for another hot and soulful single that comes on the heels of a special 7" release of her seminal 'Say That You Love Me.' This one, 'Beautiful You' is making its vinyl debut here and comes with strong messages of empowerment and affirmation. The lyrics and vocals are uplifting as is the music which comes in the form of a 7" edit by Body & Soul legend Danny Krivit' of GRAMMYr award-winner Hex Hector's Lush remix. It's a perfectly paired back sound with the original on the flip, and both tunes really make their mark. This is a great package that's exclusive to wax.
Kidz (Elena Colombi's Are The Kids Alright remix) (6:14)
Review: This is the debut EP from DJ, producer and multidisciplinary artist Sol Leon under the moniker aka-Sol. It marks years of creative evolution and finds him blending vibrant energy with raw emotion across three tracks. aka-Sol channels a psychedelic edge into the punk roots of electronic music here by using modular synths and analogue textures to challenge modern club norms and genre boundaries. It results in a fearless offering that is equal parts love letter and provocation and invites headbanging and liberation on the dancefloor. A remix by Osare! Editions' Elena Colombi completes the EP, with experimental, post-punk and club intersections.
Review: AkizzBeatzz and Lego Edit join forces to mutually reinforce what they both do best: making disco edits and reworks of classic funk, soul and Afrobeat, and occassionally offering up the odd original track. The 12" 'African Groove' is a downtempo and weighty meditation on what it means to hail from the continent, with Akizz' A-side 'I'm An African' playfully laying down a diasporic big beat excursion, replete with regional instrumentation and defiant political vocal samples. Lego Edit's 'Sahara Adventures', meanwhile, works a chugging beat around a central algaita line.
Review: Kalita Records proudly unveils the reissue of the legendary gospel disco anthem, 'Doing Our Thing With Pride' by the Al-Dos Band, alongside the previously unheard gem, 'Love Jones Coming Down.' Originally crafted in 1976 by William and Elizabeth Robinson in Greenville, South Carolina, this soulful masterpiece captures the essence of uplifting gospel disco, blending seamlessly between tranquil listening and dancefloor euphoria. Originally pressed in a minuscule run of 200 copies on their own Warmer Productions label, the single struggled to find its place amidst the musical landscape of its era. However, its scarcity only enhanced its allure, becoming a holy grail for collectors willing to pay top dollar for a rare original. Following their successful excavation of the band's unreleased album in 2021, Kalita Records now presents this coveted record in a limited-edition 7" picture sleeve single, ensuring its legacy is preserved and accessible to a new generation of music enthusiasts.
Review: Since establishing itself in 2012, the Al-Tone Edits series has proved to be an excellent source of obscurist reworks, with label bosses Alvin Delk and Tony Fields guaranteeing material that's effortlessly soulful, and righteously dancefloor-friendly. This sixth edition in the series focuses on the world of gospel, offering a quartet of reworks of praise-worthy soul, funk and disco jams. First up is the trumpet-laden funk-soul skip of "Mad Dash", before "My Soul" provides some choral gospel vocals, spacey synths and deliciously rubbery slap bass. Flip for the killer gospel-disco hustle of "U" - all impassioned vocals, parping horns, hustling bass and sinewy strings, and the intergalactic synthesizer assault that is "Worship".
Review: Following up the first release quickly with Detroit native Paul Alan, who now resides on the sunny west coast. Paul Alan aka DTCHPLNES, delivers the smooth latin driven car cruiser "Provider" and the sun blissed slow skate vibes of "Charlevoix", which also sounds great on 45. The two track 7 inch is wrapped in a treasure map jacket with a compass foil stamp and includes a postcard.
Review: Legalize Lambada Vol 6 brings a vibrant Italo homage that showcasing the talents of Albion, Ric Piccolo, and Hysteric. Side-1 kicks off with Albion's 'Nucleare,' an early 80s DIY sound track seasoned with robotic Italian vocals, serving as a unique introduction. Next, Ric Piccolo's 'Disco Teacher' delivers a potent mix of early disco and 80s electro sounds, setting the stage for some serious dancefloor action. On Side-2, Ric Piccolo returns with 'Alright,' continuing the danceable energy with another infectious groove. Finally, Hysteric's 'Moment' offers a moody, keyboard-rich Italo house track, exuding a sexy, soulful vibe that prompts deep, introspective dance moves. This compilation is for fans of Italo disco and disco and those seeking something fresh in these genres. Legalize Lambada Vol 6 is steeped with that Italo sound with modern twists, making it perfect for both nostalgic disco enthusiasts and new listeners alike. Whether you're looking to fill a dancefloor or enjoy some soulful Italo vibes, this release delivers.
Breakfast In Space (Charles Maurice dub version) (4:10)
Review: Should you be hankering after some suitably positive music right now - and let's face it, most of us are - then we'd recommend checking out this fine four-tracker from French jazz-funk combo Aldorande. There are two original cuts to choose from: the languid, laid-back and undeniably sunny breeziness of "Summer Body" - all female scat vocals, bustling jazz-funk bass, sweet pianos, two-step beats and boogie synths - and the bolder, more electronic fizz of "Breakfast In Space", which reminded us a little of vintage weather report. Charles Maurice delivers instrumental Dub versions of both, naturally beefing up the basslines and adding a little extra percussive pressure.
Review: Back in 2017, Four Flies Records unearthed and released a previously unheard "Afro-cosmic funk" EP from Italian soundtrack and library music legend Alessandro Alessandroni. Three years on, they've decided to give the 1978 recording the remix treatment. Bolissa and guests Calibra 35 kick things off with a densely percussive, out-of-this-world take on "Afro-Voodoo", before Pad re-imagines "Afro Darkness" as a chugging chunk of beatdown-disco laden with colossal chords, arpeggio bass and intergalactic electronics. Over on side B the "Jolly Mare Lifting" version of "Afro Discoteca" is a veritable leftfield disco stomper notable for its low-slung bass and spacey Moog lines, while Luca's "Quirky Version" of "Afro Darkness" is the kind of hallucinogenic, Marimba-tinged number that you can imagine Daniele Baldelli playing at the Cosmic Club circa 1981.
Review: 'Disco Tape', which launched via a must-check 12" back in August 2023, os Sound Exhibitions' multi-artist EP series. This second volume is a similarly action-packed affair that gleefully blurs the boundaries between reworks, re-edits and sample-heavy original productions. Alexny kicks things off with two sun-soaked treats - the percussive and warming tropical disco tribute 'Caribbean Breeze' and the sax solo-sporting dancefloor shuffle of 'Bada Boom' - before Paride Pavone rounds off side A with the jazzy disco-house celebration of 'In Key'. Phil Disco impresses on side B with two killer cuts (the funky bass-propelled disco heaviness of 'Never Gonna Leave You' and the swirling jazz-funk-house bump of 'Disco Ipno', while disco-funk specialist C Da Afro rounds things off in fine style via the insatiable grooves and fluttering flute solos of 'The Choice'.
Review: Lee Alfred's 1980 disco classic 'Rockin - Poppin Full Tilting' fetches incredibly high prices on second hand vinyl markets, if you can even find one at all. It is one of only a couple singles the artist put out between 1980 and 1981. Here it gets a special one-sided 45rpm pressing with an extended version rolling on for six sumptuous minutes. Underpinined by a tight rhythm section and bubbly bass, the dazzling synth leads are all pixelated and cosmic, the female backing vocals add heat and the main voice of Alfred is all buttery and soulful.
Review: This is a super sought after slice of 1980s disco goodness that was sampled by UK house producer Midland. He used bits of it on his huge, and we mean huge, 2016 summer anthem 'Final Credits' and that only served to send the price of the original up further. You'd be lucky if you can find an original copy of the 7" for under L125 these days. This official reissue has your back though and has been fully remastered with replica artwork in time to celebrates the 40th anniversary of its original release.
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