System Breakdown On Wikileaks (feat Fred Ventura) (6:54)
In The Night (6:03)
The News (feat Fred Ventura) (7:09)
Review: Lovin', freedom, passion... just three key ingredients make up the bare necessities of wellbeing, which must be secured before we venture into the endless subjectivities of human happiness. Crack this emotional code, and you're in for a good time, so say the Bordello A Parigi resident players Also Playable Mono (Rafal Lachmirowicz) and Fred Ventura. Teaming up for the first time for a blistering take on nu-glossy Italo disco - informed by the former's nascently needly version of the sound, and the latter's contrastingly classic post-punk come club education of the same - this insanely glittered plumper features Ventura feature on vocals through alternating takes on the present global condition, the A-sider marking a stark contrast to the A2 side's suddenly socially charged statement, 'System Breakdown On Wikileaks'. The B-side ventures veer vocoded, flipping the script onto two further, emphatic pleas for change.
Review: Red Laser Records continue their stellar form with another knockout release, blending Manctalo fire from old hands and fresh faces alike. Frank Butters opens the EP with The Call Of The Wild, a dazzling blast of crystalline synths, thunderous bass, and cosmic effects that showcase his forward-thinking production skills. Bob Swans delivers 'Bodyform4U', a dreamy arpeggiated groove that builds an uplifting, futuristic atmosphere, perfect for igniting the dancefloor. Lone Saxon switches things up with 'Hypersleep' a breakbeat-infused piano gem that oozes nostalgic charm, before Franz Scala and Il Bosco finish strong with Webo, a late-night, tension-filled Manctalo banger.
Review: Sweat It Out Records kicks off their tasty Sweat Sampler series with their first volume, cutting niftily across four exceptionally sweaty bops, spanning tongue-in-cheek deep tech reworks and downtempo disco delights. First off is the dream team of Cid and Havoc & Lawn, whom together deliver a hilariously effective house version of America's 'A Horse With No Name'; this is shortly followed by Saturday Love, Kon and Furious's 'Come Out', a rejigged nu-disco samosa packed with some rare vocal spices; then there's 'Give It To Me' by Marco Lys and Ben Miller, a bass-driven bouncer unafraid of lasershot winddowns, injunctive vocals and risers; and finally, there's Set Mo's 'Could I Be', the anthem of the bunch, whose buildup and drop is alarming, affecting, cumulatively awe-striking.
David Dingess - "Hyper Love" (Toni Rossano edit) (4:17)
Jaegerossa - "The Buzz" (6:07)
Cruisic - "Inspector Norse" (Slowly remix) (4:47)
FSQ - "This Is Carribean Disco" (A Tom Moulton mix) (6:28)
Review: Midnight Riot help the listener carve out their own personal Balearic headspaces with their new compilation Balearic Headspace, likening the "experience" of Balearic not just to a sound, but an affect, one that cannot be experienced without specific records or specific times and places. Do we believe it to be true? We may or may not, but that doesn't distract from the whopping curation job here, with most tunes on offer consisting of both total newness and reworks/revisions by the Midnight Riot crew; this 12" is a four-track selection of a wider 19-track digital comp. Our highlight has to be the ultra-smeary Tom Moulton mix of 'This Is Caribbean Disco' by Fsq, which floats atop a serious floe of stretched-out axe bubble and echoing crosstick, as its lyrics deal in word-painted themes of being held underwater. As mindfully, cognitively Balearic as it gets!
Review: The new sublabel, La Sirenetta will be celebrating the vibrant Italian Afro scene of the late 80s while aiming to elevate World Music for today's dance clubs. This initiative focuses on unearthing and reissuing hidden gems from their extensive analog collections, spanning regions from Martinique to the Ivory Coast and Nigeria to Haiti. The first release features two tracks that encapsulate this vision: 'La Danza Della Giungla' on Side-1 and 'Quella E Una Bambola' on Side-2. Both tracks are expertly edited to ensure they resonate on contemporary dance floors, presenting them in high-quality, collectible 12" formats. With this launch, La Sirenetta promises to enchant collectors and DJs alike, laying the groundwork for a series of releases designed to invigorate Afro and world music scenes.
Review: Anyone who loves their disco will no doubt already be familiar with Italian digger extraordinaire Fab Mayday. He has been searching in his vaults once more and now offers up another three gems that come on a limited edition, one-time-only pressing via Violette Szabo. 'Prega' opens with some big guitar licks and thumping disco drums that come alive with some classic chords. 'Eva' is a serene sound powered by big, airy strings and strident drum grooves. Last but not let's is 'Aiuto' which is a slower and heavy dub disco jam with exotic vocals and mystic melodies.
Review: Fab Mayday is a legendary Italian crate digger who has been at it once again. After time spent searching for treasure in the vaults, he has come up with these four gems for a third volume of his on going series on Violette Szabo. There is starry-eyed energy on opener 'Ritmo', 'Mare' has a more raw and guttural funk feel, 'Lovetti' is a big band sound with some rich horns and exuberant songs over a nice instrumental groove and 'Fra Martino' then shuts down with a slow motion and sensors sound that is led by more magnificent strings.
Review: Sound Metaphors keeps it as deep as ever with a reissue of this classic from Franco Falsini. It's a quality EP that opens with the mysterious and exotic synth colour of 'People In Orbit' with its dusty retro breaks and psychedelic feel. 'Un-Flanged Transition' is another edgy sound that has no real analogue - it's an intense astral adventure with ever-changing synth leas and a real sense of unease. 'Midnight Tremors' takes things down a notch and is a carefree cosmic house jaunt with mellow synth magic and 'Ray-Tracing Sauna' is another sun-baked closer with wonderful arps drifting up into the heavens.
Review: A modern lunar take on jazz and disco, Jazz On The Moon hears Italian producer Paolo Fedreghini moonwalk backwards through live horns, bass, synth and guitar for a crisply produced six-track EP. Opening with original NASA-issue intercom vocals from the 1968 moon landing, 'Interstellar' crafts a moonscape of Harmon-muted trumpet and avant-garde growls, while expansive electro-funk opens out on the title track and 'Distant Planet', by which point a tonal shift is underway. The vibe is increasingly P-funky, erring desolate on the interluding 'Outer Space', before we wind up purblinded by the light side of the mood on closers 'Groove Odyssey' and 'Cosmic Funk'.
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: REPRESS ALERT!: The Fossils label has been unearthing more musical treasure for its fifth outing, and this one takes you directly to the Middle East for some twisted disco-funk with red hot grooves courtesy of Fava Luva & Dr. Professor. The source of the tunes is obscure and unknown but the pair bring plenty of their own goodness with additional layers of live instrumentation really bring them to life. 'Lahatz' is steamy and full of sensuous vocal magic and cosmic synth work that will get the floor into action, while 'Kerem' is even more topical and exotic with its rich array of strong melodies and downtempo beats making for a woozy and wonderful trip.
Review: When it first landed on Leng in 2018, Fernando Pulichino's 'Search of Indigo' delivered a typically attractive blend of dub disco, nu-disco, Balearica and stylish lead vocals from Luca Gaspirini. Six years on, the track returns in remixed form. The Argentinian producer and multi-instrumentalist kicks things off with his own 'AM Mix', a deliciously low-slung and psychedelic chugger propelled forwards by raw, restless TB-303 acid lines, low-slung bass guitar and the dreamiest of pads. Luca Trevisi AKA LTJ Experience handles the rest of the EP, delivering a trio of hazy, slow motion and pleasingly dubbed-out revisions. His A-side remix, in which echoing vocal snippets and jangly guitars catch the ear, is followed by the superbly squelchy, acid-flecked 'Dirty Mix' and the more immersive and hazy dancefloor 'Dub'.
Review: The mighty DFA label has always come at dance music from a rock and indie perspective and for that reason has always brought plenty of new ideas to the dancefloor. Fernando Pulichino has long been at the heart of the operation with his fusion of rock, funk, and electronic beats and here he is again with more of the same. 'I Got, She's Got' is a raw, energetic track, while the remix offers clarity and rich arpeggios. 'She's Playing With Fire' with saxophone by Gustavo Buchiniz, meanwhile, adds another explosive element meaning that all three tracks deliver pure club-ready firepower.
Review: Ferrari's Terrooooir takes a more restrained approach to electronic music, with each track unfolding at its own pace. 'Terrooooir' kicks things off with steady percussion that forms a solid foundation, while the atmospheric synths gradually build tension without overwhelming the listener. 'Echoes of Silence' leans into ambient territory, the bassline providing a subtle drive beneath the delicate pads, creating a sense of calm. In contrast, 'Midnight Mirage' adds more bite with syncopated rhythms that bring a bit of urgency, though it never disrupts the EP's overall flow. Closing with 'Fading Light,' the track combines melancholy with an undercurrent of energy, leaving a lasting impression with its refined balance. Ferrari's ability to create space and movement within each track shows a strong command of electronic music's subtleties.
Dennis Ferrer - "How Do I Let Go" (feat TK Brooks)
Rain: A Lil Louis Painting - "Give It Up" (Masters At Work club mix)
Mood II Swing - "Sunlight In My Eyes"
Kimara Lovelace - "Misery" (Lil Louis club mix)
Review: Now under new ownership (international dance music powerhouse Armada Music, fact fans), long-serving New York house imprint King Street Sounds is doing a good job in showcasing gems from its vast archives. This second label sampler contains four more genuine must-have cuts. First up, there's a chance to admire the deep, soulful house wonder that is Dennis Ferrer's 2008 hook-up with honeyed vocalist K.T. Brooks, 'How Do I Let Go'. It's followed by Masters at Work's deliciously loose, disco-influenced deep house revision of 'Give It Up' by Lil' Louis' Rain project (first released in 2000), Mood II Swing's DIY Soundsystem favourite 'Sunlight In My Eyes' (easily one of the greatest deep house jams of all time) and Lil' Louis's swinging garage-house rub of Kimra Lovelace's 'Misery'.
Disco Music (Young Pulse remix - extended version) (6:39)
Disco Music (Elado remix - extended version) (5:01)
Disco Music (5:22)
Drums From The Motherland (5:28)
Review: Fimiani's 'Disco Music', a standout track from the Toy Tonics catalogue, receives a series of dancefloor-ready remixes. This infectious tune, already championed by DJs like Palms Trax and Louie Vega, is reimagined by four talented producers, each adding their unique flavour to the mix. Young Pulse, the Parisian house maestro, delivers a vibrant and energetic rework, while Tel Aviv's edit king, Elado, injects a dose of playful energy. Berlin's Delfonic transforms the track into a soulful dancefloor anthem, showcasing his knack for crafting infectious grooves. Paul Older, fresh off his acclaimed debut EP on Toy Tonics, closes out the release with a remix that blends classic house elements with a contemporary edge. With its diverse range of interpretations and undeniable dancefloor appeal, this release is a must-have for any disco enthusiast.
Review: Hands up - this is one of our favourite ever jams and frankly we can't really understand anyone who doesn't rate it pretty highly. It is a classic of the early dance scene that got hammered everywhere from Warehouse to Paradise Garage and remains in a class of one decades on. Next to the brilliant original, which is from a time when proper songwriting and musicianship defined house and disco, you get a Ron Hardy edit that is more uptempo, with hissing hi hats cutting through the funky rhythms and loopy drums. Sublime.
Review: The American female vocal trio First Choice released their rendition of 'Love and Happiness' in 1973. The track is a cover of Al Green's original released just a year earlier in 1972, but First Choice's version was perhaps helped along the way by a peak case of nominative determinism: for us, theirs is the first choice. Featured on their debut album, Armed and Extremely Dangerous, it stood out on the Philly soul girl gang's record as one of the records most propitious to sampling by house and techno musicians, such as Todd Terry and Jungle Brothers. But this time, the legacy of this preceptive soulful-house interplay is honoured by a newly reissued remix by the mysterious but titanic Chicago producer Ron Hardy, whose inclusion on the record is the real star here. Hardy's signature reel-to-reel fuzzes and presence-bled hues effect recollections of a pre-DAW production setup, and the resonances of dub (woodblocks, four-tone hooks, burly basslines) nest the original Al Green vocal nicely.
Review: For the seventh release on the all-limiteds Florence Funk imprint, we're met with two rare gems of the nu-funk and soul variety from Florence, the one themself. On the A, 'Funky Feeling' impresses with its dynamic yet still crunchy bottling of the funk, with all its *je ne sais qoui* intact, and in which occasional Omar Santana-style cut-ups can be heard, to giggle-inducing effect. The B, meanwhile, brings us the 'Heat' and insists we 'feel' it, but we hardly need to be told, as we're willing partners in this dance; this track, like the one before it, places its kicks and snare-clap layers front and centre, retaining the central sample but encouraging an extra danceable flavour, not usually heard on original disco recordings.
Review: A real doozy of an early Italo, proto-darkwave heater from Fred Ventura-led Fokewulf 190, bound to illicit dancefloor devastation any darn time of year. Straddling the boundary between the more uptempo chapters of Italo and the more austere permutations of synth pop, Fokewulf's timeless anthem lends itself well to DJ Tin Tin and Flemming Dalum's respectful but gently modernised remixes. If anything though, they cast the original in a more innovative light, with its sparse, classy drive.
Hi Tension - "British Hustle" (Dave Lee Brit Funk Revenge mix) (9:14)
Funky Worm - "Hustle To The Music" (Dave Lee Re-Wriggle) (6:59)
Foreal People - "Tango Hustle" (Dave Lee Latican Hustle) (7:09)
Foreal People - "Tango Hustle" (acappella) (1:41)
Hustle Beats (4:31)
Review: Z Records returns with a Hustle-tastic 12" to light up both your life and DJ sets. It's the boss himself Dave Lee who kicks off with his extended rework of a bonafide Brit Funk classic in the shape of Hi Tension's 'British Hustle'. Featuring David Josephs's signature vocals over the chugging Caribbean rhythm track, it's a song that's never received an extended club mix from the tapes since its first release in 1978. His second cut is a Re-Wriggle of a Funky Worm volume pumping classic that becomes a fat-bottomed house jam with stomping brass, ear-worm vocal hooks and Latin inspired keys. "On the flip' (as they say) is Foreal People's 'Tango Hustle' - a driving clav heavy, jazz funk workout complete with chanting dance instructions over various solos. Add in an acapella and some 'Hustle Beats' and you have a very muscular package.
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.
Fouk - "Loving At First Sight" (feat Debroah Bond - vocal mix) (5:35)
Atjazz & Shea Soul - "Home" (vocal mix) (6:04)
Robin S - "Show Me Love" (Emmaculate remix) (6:03)
Risk Assessment - "It's Not Right But It's Okay" (feat Monica Blaire - Grant Nelson remix) (6:11)
Review: Volume 4 of Reel People Music's 12" vinyl series delivers four exceptional tracks from the RPM catalogue. On Side A, Dutch duo Fouk teams up with US r&b artist Deborah Bond for the smooth 'Loving At First Sight', followed by the soulful collaboration 'Home' from Martin 'Atjazz' Iveson and Shea Soul. Side B offers two dancefloor anthems: Emmaculate's disco remix of Robin S's 'Show Me Love' and Grant Nelson's powerful rework of 'It's Not Right, But It's Okay' by Risk Assessment featuring Monica Blaire.
Exclusively (Alton Miller remix instrumental) (7:23)
Review: Mark Francis teams up with Nimiwari to deliver a soulful house gem in 'Exclusively', a track that brings the Newark DJ's signature sound to the forefront. Known for his residency at Club Shelter, Francis expertly crafts a lush soundscape, with Shawn Lucas on keys adding a rich layer of depth. Nimiwari's vocal performance, blending soul and house influences, elevates the track with emotion and finesse. On remix duties, Detroit legend Alton Miller steps in with a groovy rework, featuring his trademark keys and a bassline that glides effortlessly. Miller's take is an elegant nod to his deep roots in the scene, co-founder of The Music Institute club and a key figure in Detroit's house history. Both the original and remix are backed by instrumentals, offering DJs ample space to work with on the floor. Francis and Nimiwari have created something special here, a soulful, timeless track with just the right amount of modern flair. It's a testament to their artistry and the production skills of everyone involved, especially in how the music flows so naturally from one version to the next.
Review: It's ten up for the FrescoEdits Iabel with this latest entry into their esteemed series and as always there are plenty of irresistible beats on offer. The in-house FrescoEdits add their touch to the glorious, string-laced and funky disco of 'Little Love' and bring bumping beats and funky guitar riffs to 'Philadelphia'. Rogue D's 'Pensi A Me' is a super smooth heart melter for dancing in the open air as the sun begins to fade, while Kings Of Groove's 'You Got The Funk' is a soulful, slapping house cut with cosmic synth energy and hooky vocals that will always bring the good times.
Review: The 1984 classic 'Come Back Lover' by The Fresh Band receives an official remastered reissue from the original tapes. Produced by Darryl Gibbs of The Strikers and expertly mixed by Tony Humphries, this disco boogie gem soared in underground dance clubs across Chicago and New York, championed by DJs like Mancuso, Larry Levan, and Ron Hardy. Are 'N Be (see what they did there?) presents this special re-release on translucent green vinyl featuring two versions mixed by Humphries: the mesmerising original plus the Dub, with deeper, more atmospheric vocals and stunning piano breaks. Do not sleep on this one.
Review: From P60 is an alias of Zoltan Nagy who this year marks the significant milestone of a quarter of a century in the music game and he celebrates by launching his new label Midnight Fashion Chill with his 'Fallin' EP. Over the years, Nagy has done it all from deep house to Balearic to lounge and downtempo and here brings that touch of class to six superbly soothing sounds that fuse all that and more. The opener is pure horizontal bliss, 'The Times We Spent Together' is a slow-motion daydream, 'Fallin' (with Jaidene Veda) is pure soul-soothing magic and 'When' is a gently lilting ambient soundscape crafted to perfection.
Review: The Fruit Band hails from Jacksonville and is one of the finest funk practitioners the city has ever produced. The sharp earned amongst you will already know that Athens of the North released a previously unrelated album from the group some years back. That is now resisted and some of the key tunes from it get their own real on a standalone 45 in a handmade folder cover. It is a one-time pressing with the upbeat energy of 'If You Feel It Say Yeah' and the contrasting mellow magic of 'Lost The Love ' on the flip.
Review: Funkyjaws is the Belarusian DJ and producer Sergey Abramov, who has been dropping his funky disco heat on the likes of Kolour LTD and Shadeleaf Music before now, as well as his own fledgling self-titled imprint. This one kicks off with 'WME' which has some big horn action and stomping disco drums to liven up any party. 'Snapshot' has a raw vocal and atmospheric energy that is sure to uplift and 'Dancin' then brings some sweet hip-swinging claps. It's a string-laced disco affair to close with the majestic 'You'.
Review: Craft Music welcomes two maestros in Funkyjaws and Los Protos for this new EP. 'Poko Sav' opens up with some big rhythmic flair, steamy vocals and percussive drums and a generally sunny vibe that brings back some summer warmth. 'Vem Meu Amor' pairs twitchy electronics with organic percussion and grooves and 'Can't Touch This' ups the ante with some punchy disco-house sounds and exotic vocals before last of all, ''Beira Mar' slows things down with a late night blend of pulsing synths and analogue drums.
Review: Funtown delivers a double-sided disco delight with their latest single, 'Love Contest' and 'Everybody'. On "Love Contest,' the dancefloor is graced with classy disco vibes accentuated by big strings, creating a grand and immersive sonic experience. Meanwhile, 'Everybody' ignites the party with its upbeat tempo, serving as a disco burner that sweeps listeners away with its expansive sound. Heavy band instrumentation, funk-infused rhythms, and vibrant horns contribute to the track's infectious energy. With their commitment to bringing out the best in disco sounds, Funtown continues to gain new audiences with their ability to deliver epic dancefloor anthems. This 12" vinyl release shows their worthy dedication to keeping the disco spirit alive and thriving.
Review: With names like Funtown and 'Pleasure', you already know how it's gonna go down. The Japanese imprint here offer two new ones to follow up their prior releases such as 'Better 2 Know U'; on the A-side comes 'Pleasure', on which we're assured that one kiss from this mystery vocalist is all it'll take to get us excited; and then, on the B-side, comes a sudden lo-fi future funk interjection, in what might be one of the sickest examples of the form that we've heard in a while. Not one to miss.
Steve Jones - "I Need You (By My Side)" (dub mix) (6:21)
Fat Boys UK - "The Challenge" (feat Ray Carless On Sax) (5:19)
Review: This rare Brit Funk 12" originally debuted in 1984 and is now reissued for the first time having been officially licensed from producer Lindel Lewis. Original copies fetch up to $500 which reflects the tune's revered status as a collector's gem. It is influenced by US boogie, disco and dub as Lindel was also producing reggae and classics like 'Night Over Egypt' by Mystic Harmony. Produced with a Linn Drum and Roland 106, Lindel's work reflects his background as a classically trained musician and sound engineer. Next to the original, the reissue includes a never-before-released dub version of 'I Need You' and it all comes on 140g vinyl with retro-inspired labels by Bradley Pinkerton.
Mark Knight & Armand Van Helden - "Don't Abuse It" (extended) (5:47)
Cloud One - "Disco Juice" (Fabrikate rework) (4:47)
Full Intention - "Sky;s The Limit" (6:37)
Ewan McVicar - "Plain Outta Luck" (5:59)
Review: KooKoo offers up a sampler of what it is all about here and it spans some big-name house talents and equally big tunes. Mark Knight & Armand Van Helden open up with 'Don't Abuse It' (extended) which is a full-throttle house sound with diva vocals and plenty of raw fills. Cloud One's 'Disco Juice' (Fabrikate rework) brings some 70s disco energy to modern production and Full Intention's 'Sky's The Limit' is a celebratory house cut with loose grooves and freewheeling pads. Last of all is the party-starting disco house pumper 'Plain Outta Luck' from Ewan McVicar.
Daryl System & Mr Fantasy - "Sequential Love" (4:37)
Review: Barcelona-based Italian label Dance Conmigo makes a bold debut with a four-track release that is fully aimed at igniting dance floors. The opener from Lukinsky sets the tone with a dreamy, nostalgic journey you won't want to let go of while Elgo Blanco raises the tempo, perfectly bridging day-to-night vibes. On the B-side, Flavio Folco's signature style shines on a track featuring a dynamic live bassline and energetic arrangement. Last but not least, the EP closes with a collaboration from Daryl System & Mr. Fantasy that delivers a warm 80s-inspired groove and cosmic harmonies that transport you to another dimension.
Review: To celebrate its tenth anniversary, Archeo Recordings breaks tradition with the release of a new series of exquisite EPs honoring past masters. This collection features reimagined tracks from the label's cherished catalog, showcasing the talents of contemporary artists. Among these, Pepe Maina's 'The Infinite', enhanced by Manu's tribal percussion and electronics, transforms a classic into a celestial slow dance. Roberto Aglieri's 'Danza N. 1' receives a vibrant reinterpretation from Daniele Tomassini, merging proto-techno rhythms with psychedelic flute melodies, perfect for day raves and moonlit gatherings. The EP also revisits Radio Band's Italo-boogie classic 'Radio Rap', given a contemporary twist by the enigmatic Radiomarc. Finally, Mushrooms Project breathes new life into Futuro Antico's 'Pan Tuning', creating a transcendent dance journey that blends ancient sounds with modern beats. This collection not only honors the label's history but also promises exciting future endeavors, making it a great time to reflect on the past.
Fleur De Mur - "Ease My Mind" (Micky More & Andy Tee mix) (5:48)
Derrick McKenzie & Angela Johnson - "On My Way Out" (7:02)
Ron Carroll - "My Prayer" (Micky More & Andy Tee mix) (6:21)
House Freakers - "Tease Me" (feat MO) (5:34)
Review: Sultry purist disco house moods from Groove Culture Italy, welcoming four standalone originals to the first edition of their 'Groove Is In The Heart' series, three out of four of which are remixes of tunes that have already been released on the label. True to their form, this record welds the ways of classic disco and disco-house, opening with the melismatic vocal tones of 'Ease My Mind' by Fleur De Mur before moving into the slightly slower chic-funk of Derrick McKenzie and Angela Johnson's 'On My Way Out'. Things turn housier - as the outdoor shindig moves indoors at first sign of the crepuscular tide - with 'My Prayer', while House Freakers' 'Tease Me' rounds things off on a well-sidechained womper.
Review: Mukatsuku has a well-earned reputation as a gold standard label for boogie, disco and Afro gems and that isn't going to change once you've heard this new one. It's packed with revived Afro disco sounds from Fred Fisher Atalobhor and His Ogiza Dance Band. 'WTFS' kicks off and was originally released back in 1981 but its infectious low end and funky rhythms, colourful synths and vocals laden with soul will still resonate on modern floors. On the B-side, 'Ebi Lolo' goes big on bold brass notes and jangling guitar riffs that all coalesce into an irresistible funk sound. This 12" also comes with a nice button badge and sticker.
Review: Uniquely squeezy new funk by Robotron and the Funkadelic camp. Laying down a phat, uptempo synthfunk slew - 'Toy-Boy', 'Save Your Love' and 'Funk With Me' - alongside myriad liner note puns such as "are you ready to funk off?" and "we give a funk!", you can be sure that the tone of this one is kept both light and heavy, in a mutually opposing but impactful way. The B-side 'Save Your Love' is the particular highlight, presenting a rather interesting fusion of Italo, freestyle, street soul... it's kind of got everything.
Fun Kool - "Policy Aziendale" (feat Bcleo & Anna Dee Tee) (6:19)
Review: The popular Tropical Disco Records imprint offers up split EP number 28, a typically action-packed and club ready collection of cuts from experienced heads and newcomers alike. Label regulars Vagabundo Club Social kick things off with 'Zumba X', a lightly 'fixed' and straightened-out slab of low-slung Afro-funk/Afro-boogie excellence with just the right amounts of psychedelic sounds, before Russian producer ScruScru turns a horn-heavy African disco instrumental into a disco-house treat. Turn to the reverse for Da Lucas's chunky disco-house re-wire of Rostario Cristofaro's 'From My Soul' - a heavily orchestrated, Clavinet-sporting treat - and the P-funk-flecked dub disco excellence of Fun Kool's 'Policy Aziendale', featuring Bcleo and Anna Dee Tee - the EP's standout moment.
Review: The Family Tree's transcendent disco gospel classic We Shall See Him As He Is gets a special and much-deserved reissue here for Record Store Day 2024. It originally debuted in 1979 and since then has grown in stature as a soulful delight that embodies the vibrant gospel disco scene of Baltimore. With original copies commanding prices exceeding $300, this reissue means you can cop it for a reasonable price and revel in its rare gospel charms. Tracks such as 'Psalm 150' and a captivating disco rendition of Stevie Wonder's 'As' are standouts. This one has been remastered and comes on nice on heavyweight vinyl.
B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition
We Shall See Him As E Is (4:00)
Give It Up To Jesus (3:09)
God Is Big Enough (3:19)
As (4:35)
Jesus (4:50)
Never Be The Same (4:32)
150th Psalm (4:21)
Brand New Day (3:41)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***
The Family Tree's transcendent disco gospel classic We Shall See Him As He Is gets a special and much-deserved reissue here for Record Store Day 2024. It originally debuted in 1979 and since then has grown in stature as a soulful delight that embodies the vibrant gospel disco scene of Baltimore. With original copies commanding prices exceeding $300, this reissue means you can cop it for a reasonable price and revel in its rare gospel charms. Tracks such as 'Psalm 150' and a captivating disco rendition of Stevie Wonder's 'As' are standouts. This one has been remastered and comes on nice on heavyweight vinyl.
Review: Celebrated around the world for their contribution to the world of funk and disco, it all began for the Fat Back Band with the debut album Let's Do It Again which now gets reissued on South Bound. It has been out of print for many years and the reissue comes with the full cooperation of Fatback founder Bill Curtis. The album was recorded in 1972 at Blue Rock Studio in New York and includes originals like 'Street Dance' which became a Billboard R&B hit in 1973 plus 'Free Form', 'Take A Ride (On The Soul Train)' , 'Give Me One More Chance', 'Goin' To See My Baby' and the title track. It also comes with cover versions of some classics like Jimmy Webb's 'Wichita Lineman', 'Green Green Grass Of Home' and David Gates's 'Baby I'm A Want You'.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.