Review: Hot'N'Spicy's self-titled series of flame hot disco and funk gems returns with a sizzling sixth instalment here and it has some big names on board. Delfonic opens up with the low slung and seductive loopy disco-house fun of 'Everything Is Love' while HOLDTight up the funk and energy with more loose and percussive grooves on 'Disco Power.' Franck Roger brings his classy French house styling to a deep and slinky number in 'Pinguino Blumo' and DJ Steef shuts down with some big camp disco flourishes and dubbed-out vocal echoes on 'Warp Odyssey.'
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: For those too young to remember the days of glitch-house and electro-house at the turn of the noughties (think Herve, Switch, Claude Vonstroke etc), Fake Blood was one of the true masters of the style. He released a swathe of big records for Cheap Thrills and others, with the two tracks collected here - both of which date from 2009 - being the biggest. A-side 'I Think I Like It' is a superb example of the style, with the producer expertly cutting up a pleasingly silly and over-the-top disco-pop number and turning it into sweat-soaked, hands-aloft gold. 'Mars', meanwhile, gains its dancefloor power from a frankly filthy, mind-altering bassline-turned-lead-line, around which crispy drums, breakbeats and Mylo-esque synth stabs make their presence felt.
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.
Time For Changes (Vanzetti & Sacco instrumental) (5:56)
Review: There is never anything less than exquisite that comes from the Dutch label Bordello A Parigi. And this new one from Faxe is only short but it really packs a punch. Time For Change sis the dazzling Italo disco opera with shooting arps, tinny retro future synths and 80s drum machines sound powering it along. Steamy vocals add further allure. The Vanzetti & Sacco instrumental in the flip is perfect body music for floors that want to get in a sweat. As always this is a must cop from one of the day's best disco labels.
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.
Firefly - "Love Is Gunna Be On Your Side" (Dave Lee Love Emergency mix) (9:42)
Ruffneck - "The Power - The Rhythm" (Backroom Productions Feel The music mix) (5:17)
Johnny Dynell - "Rhythm Of Love" (Larry Levan Garage dub) (5:33)
Doug Willis - "Doug's Disco Theme" (Doug Disco mix) (7:18)
Review: In its full digital form, Z Records' excellent Life's Better With Disco Comp is an epic 37 tracks deep. Naturally there aren't that many cuts on this sampler 12", but the four on show are undoubtedly amongst the set's many highlights. Boss man Dave Lee kicks things off via a superb classic disco-meets-nu-disco revision of Firefly's 'Love Is Gunna Be On Your Side', before there's a chance to cop an obscure Backroom Productions rework of their early proto-house/garage-house gem (as Ruffneck), 'The Power - The Rhythm'. The mid-'80s fun continues on Larry Levan's vintage remix of Jonny Dynell's 'Rhythm of Love' - a killer fusion of dubbed-out synths and drums and Konk style Latin percussion - while Doug Willis' 'Doug's Disco Theme' is a classic disco-house number from Lee under one of his many alternative aliases.
Remedy (feat Steve Monite - JKriv Disco dub) (6:02)
Review: Razor-N-Tape is a bastion of deep house brilliance as once again perfectly exemplified by this vibrant new package from Flamingo Pier. New Zealand collective Flamingo Pier have dropped several well received 12"s on the Soundway Records label and then came good with 2021's self titled full length. They are still all about bringing happy, sunny vibes to a tropical disco template here with the likes of the synth lead 'How 2 Feel' then funky vocal pumper 'Remedy'. There are cosmic rays lighting up the big chords and aloof vocals of 'Beneath The Neon' then a couple of remixes on the flip bring more dubby disco-house sounds.
Review: The Foster Jackson Group are one of those forgotten but highly coveted one-hit disco wonders that exist in the bottomless pit that is often classed simply as 'soul'. All that aside, these people made an incredible 12" back in 1979 that has been going for serious bucks on the second-hand market, but thankfully the prodigious P&P Records have saved the day yet again. "Feel The Spirit" is a devilish, inimitable disco jingle that is split between the more percussion ridden "Long Disco Version", and a more contained, more floor-focussed "Disco Version" They both contain that instantly addictive dose of piano, though. Check it out, you'll know what we mean...
Wait For Me - Aspiettame (re-edit - instrumental version) (3:11)
Review: The Four Flies label brings together two disparate sounds here on a delightful 7". Salifornian funk collective Banda Maje are in fine form as they add their own vibes to 'Wait For Me' which is a lush disco-funk joint by Canadian multi-instrumentalist Franky Selector. It first appeared on his well-regarded Never Better album and is a world gem with thrilling Afro guitars, warming house drums and sunny synth sounds all topped off with great call and response vocals. An instrumental appears on the flip for a more direct to dance floor vibe.
Review: The well-regarded Far Out label starts a new catalogue number series for this first reissue from Brit-funk band Freeze. They are of course best known for lighting up the charts and dance floors of the 1908s with their super hit 'Southern Freeez' but also penned plenty of other gems. 'Keep In Touch' is right up there amongst them and now comes as an original and edited version on heavyweight vinyl. It is a joyful track packed with busy jazz-funk keys that cannot fail to amp up the party, especially in unison with a busy and tight bass riff and hip-swinging claps and drums. The edit shortness things up t make for an even more potent gem.
Review: Blair French is the next quality artist to make their debut on the increasingly vital MotorCity Wine imprint out of Detroit. He brings hints of Balearic as well as signature smoky deep house from the 313 to his work here. 'Ancestarians' (Physical Mix) also has pan-African influences, jazzy melodies and rich organic percussion while the Spiritual Mix is all about going deep into ambient bliss. 'Champagne Kiddie Pool' then looks even deeper into the musical niches of South America with dembow rhythms overlaid with lively claps and cosmic chords. Last of all is 'Sandbox Fossils with driving bass from James Simonson and guitar from Ryan Gimpert.
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 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.
The Funk District - "La Rapina" (De Gama (Re)Funk-Head) (6:53)
De Gama - "Pina Colada" ((Re)Funk-Head) (6:36)
Paul Older - "Daboom" (De Gama (Re)Funk-Head) (7:14)
De Gama - "Higher" ((Re)Funk-Head) (5:40)
Review: This big-hitting new EP is a vivacious mix of Afro-funk, Latin disco and 70s film score-inspired grooves that are packed with details. It kicks off with 'Congalizer,' a high-energy track driven by a frantic guitar line and dancefloor-ready loops from The Funk District which create an irresistible vibe. 'Heaven is Gonna Fall' follows with breakneck speed and features funky brass stabs, echoing guitar riffs, and dynamic percussion. On the flip side, 'La Rapina' delivers Latin dance floor gold with 70s disco influences, and last of all is 'No Worries featuring Dr Disco,' a loop-heavy disco groove that culminates in a standout guitar solo.
Review: Leading Italian disco outlet IRMA is back with more irresistible and dazzling goodness, this time courtesy of Funky Destination with some pretty standout remixes. 'Take It Down' opens up as a new version by LTJ Xperience that has percolating funk lines and slow, sensuous grooves. 'Mr Bong' (Louie Beat Re-work) is a more percussive number with brilliant drumming and sunny melodies and 'Take It Down' offers a sensuous soul sound and some psyched-out guitar riffs. Last of all is the most streamy and busy of the lot with unresolved drum loops, disco percussion and rousing pads that will fill the floor.
Review: Samosa Records returns with Afrikano Vol. 3 which is a lovely Afro-themed, genre-blending EP featuring four standout tracks from trusted artists. Kicking things off is Vincent Galgo's 'African Rebel,' a 125bpm fusion of horns, driving rhythms, and Afro-pop bass. Frank Virgilio follows with 'Mistress,' a jazz-infused mid-tempo groover, packed with guitar riffs, organ stabs, and hypnotic bongos. Newcomer Casper Leo delivers 'Tom Tom,' a tribal delight featuring Kora guitar and melodic Marimba. Closing the EP is Lego Edit's 'El Safari,' a sultry Afrobeat banger that grabs hold and doesn't let go.
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.
Review: It's another family affair over at New York City's Razor N Tape label. For this edition, they have tapped the ever reliable Israeli indie-dance heroes Red Axes for a euphoric rendition of Nenor's 'Do You Remember' (feat Jenny Penkin) making for proper Balearic vibes, while the one-and-only Boo Williams delivers another ultra-deep house journey in the form of 'Besty Smith'. Over on the flip, we see the return of New Zealand-based producer Frank Booker who hands in the late night mood music of 'Time Won't Tell' followed by Peter Matson with a slinky and neon-lit rework of label chief JKriv's 'Something Else'.
Painel De Controle - "Relax" (extended Waxist version) (5:54)
Rabo De Saia - "Ripa Na Xulipa" (Charles Maurice extended version) (5:28)
Famks - "Labirinto" (Nick The Record extended version) (6:17)
Review: France's Favorite label dabbles in all things funky and disco-flavoured, and this time they've decided to go with a Brazilian edge on their latest 12". Painel De Controle begins with a Waxist mix of "Relax", a chilled-out boogie monster with sultry vocals, while "Ripa Na Xulipa" by Rabo De Saia is more uplifting and heavy on the disco strings. Finally, Nick The Record rewires "Labirinto" by Famks into a subtly electro-fied boogie nugget. Nice!
Review: Tropical Disco racks up its 25th release and the quality just keeps on getting better. On this must have four-tracker, you've got label chief Sartorial kicking off the A-side with low slung heater 'Hootin N Tootin' followed by the sweltering Latin drum workout of Musta's 'El Matador'. Over on the flip, feel the late night mood music of Corrado Alunni's 'Funk Decision' (dub mix) and finally the mandatory boogie-down vibes come courtesy of Fun Kool on 'Low Toe'.
Strange - "Hard Working" (De Gama Re-drums) (5:26)
Frank Virgilio - "Love Is Positivity" (6:37)
Mosaik Kollektif - "Keep" (De Gama Re-drums) (5:16)
Monsieur Van Pratt - "Funk De Ibiza" (5:41)
Review: The now nicely matured Samosa label out of Italy is back with a 31st offering of its lavish disco and funk fusions. This time out the four tracker features four different artists starting with Strange and 'Hard Working' (De Gama Re-drums) which is a cosmic laced late night stomper then Frank Virgilio gets all romantic and feel good with 'Love Is Positivity.' Mosaik Kollektif opens up the flip with the deep sounds of 'Keep' (De Gama Re-drums) and last of all comes some more freewheeling funk with Monsieur Van Pratt and his 'Funk De Ibiza.'
Review: Moodena and Sartorial's Tropical Disco is now into its 24th release and they haven't let up on the quality grooves. On the first side you've got Toscana who takes you poolside on the lo-slung deep disco of 'The Girl With The Red Hair', followed by the dusty and hypnotic late night loops of Toby O'Connor's 'Cave Of Gold' featuring a seriously sexy sax solo. Over on the flip, it's all about Neapolitan favourite Frank Virgilio, who serves up some lovely sunset mood music on 'What We Love'.
Review: Italian producer GSQ adopts his given name for the very first time on a musical project here. That usually means an artist is bearing their soul and being more honest and vulnerable about the music they want to make but either way Francesco Fisotti does a fine job of captivating us here. The tress on the cover look very LA but the sounds inside are all Italo - deep house, downtempo, disco and Balearic all feature with distinctive synth melodies from Southern Europe. 'Mercedes Fantasy' has some great odds school raps, 'Bootyyy' bounces with some hip-hop charm and 'Mezza Estate' is a lush jazz-funk pearl.
I Got A Thing, You Got A Thing, Everybody's Got A Thing (3:53)
I Wanna Know If It's Good To You (5:59)
Standing On The Verge Of Getting It On (3:18)
Hit It & Quit It (2:46)
Cosmic Slop (5:21)
Can You Get To That (2:50)
Loose Booty (3:16)
Funky Dollar Bill (3:06)
A Joyful Process (2:55)
I'll Bet You (6:14)
Review: This is a first-ever CD-reissue of legendary funk outfit Funkadelic's Greatest Hits album - known amongst fans as 'the sheep album' - from back in 1975. It came on Westbound and has plenty of the most enduringly iconic tunes as one of George Clinton's group's most iconic covers in a catalogue full of them. The tracks here are taken from the band's first six albums and features 45 mixes, LP mixes and an edit of the instrumental 'A Joyful Process' which has never before been reissued. The whole thing has been remastered as the original was known for being a little thin in the low end.
You Can't Miss What You Can't Measure (Alton Miller mix)
Get Your Ass Off & Jam (Marcellus Pittman remix)
Cosmic Slop (Moodymann mix)
Music For My Mother (Andres Wo Ahh Ay vocal mix)
Undisco Kidd (Gay Marvine edit)
Super Stupid (Dirtbombs version)
Take Your Dead Ass Home (The Fantasy version)
Music 4 My Mother (Underground Resistance mix)
Let's Take It To The Stage (Amp Fiddler Laugin @ Ya mix)
Standing On The Verge (Anthony Shake Shakir & T dancer remix)
You & Your Folks (Claude Young Jr club mix)
Be My Beach (Mophno & Tom Thump mix)
You & Your Folks (Claude Young Jr dub)
Let's Make It Last (Kenny Dixon Jr edit - mono)
Looking Back At You (Ectomorph Stripped & dubbed)
Maggot Brain (BMG dub)
Review: Given the brilliantly simple concept behind this fine compilation - contemporary Detroit producers remix Funkadelic - we're rather surprised nobody's done it before. With 17 varied re-rubs stretched across two hugely entertaining CDs, there's plenty to enjoy. Highlights come thick and fast, from the deep house/P-funk fusion of Alton Miller's take on "Get Your Ass Off and Jam" and Andres' loose, hip-hop influenced revision of "Music For My Mother", to the thrusting loops and heady late night hypnotism of Anthony Shake Shakir and T-Dancer's version of "Standing on the Verge". While many of the versions stay relatively faithful to the original, the more "out-there" interpretations - see BMG's outer-space ambient dub of "Maggot Brain" and Moodymann's epic revision of "Cosmic Slop" - are also consistently impressive.
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