Back catalogue: Funk

Review: The vibrant Cuban music scene of the 1970s thrived with creativity, and FA-5's self-titled 1976 album perfectly captures that energy. Part of Mr Bongo's Cuban Classics series, the record blends Latin rock, funk, soul, disco, and Afro-Cuban rhythms into an eclectic and captivating sound. The funk-heavy opener, 'Muevete Con Las Fuerzas Del Corazon' features an infectious bassline, lively horns and drum breaks, setting the tone for a genre-hopping journey. With standout tracks like the Latin disco-funk 'Casa De Ladrillo' and a cover of Commodores' 'Brick House' this hidden gem, which was produced by Tony TaNo, is a must-have for both fans and collectors.

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'.

Review: Kelly Finnigan's A Lover Was Born channels the raw energy and emotion of classic Midwest soul, evoking the spirit of labels like King and Curtom with a contemporary twist. The Monophonics frontman offers a collection of tracks that blend gritty passion with heartfelt elegance, transforming deep emotions into something virtuous and timeless. Following his 2019 solo debut The Tales People Tell, Finnigan's new album marks the culmination of years of creative growth, punctuated by a string of projects, including Monophonics releases and collaborative work with other artists. Recorded across California, Ohio, and Staten Island, A Lover Was Born sees Finnigan partnering with longtime friends and collaborators like Max and Joe Ramey, Jimmy James, and Sergio Rios, to craft its rich sound. The album is a variety of influences, with tracks like 'Get a Hold of Yourself' and 'Chosen Few' featuring Northern Soul's stomping energy, while slower, soulful cuts like 'Let Me Count the Reasons' and 'Count Me Out' showcase Finnigan's tender side. His voice, echoing the rawness of Otis Redding and David Ruffin, brings depth to every song, seamlessly blending soul's past with a fresh, modern sensibility.

Review: Eddie Fisher's The Promise is a rare and under-the-radar 1985 session from the East St. Louis guitarist, best known for The Next One Hundred Years and The Third Cup. Though never a mainstream star, Fisher's legacy has grown through the years, thanks to DJs and crate diggers who uncovered his unique blend of boogie, jazz and funk. Released on his own Nentu label, The Promise remains one of the most elusive records in his catalogue, a boogie jazz funk essential that has been long out of print.

Review: Frank Popp Ensemble returns via its fourth studio album, recorded and produced in Spain throughout 2024. Known for their sleek combos of flared orchestration with retro soul motifs, Popp once again brings in a wide array of guest vocalists: Gerard Love, formerly of Teenage Fanclub, on the strings-laced rework of his own deep cut 'Save' from 2004; then Nicke Andersson (The Hellacopters, Entombed, Imperial State Electric) on 'Caught In A Web', a high-energy Northern soul workout reproduced in full Magic Touch style. An impeccably done cinematic indie soul rouser, wrestling the nubby essence of a sound to the ground.