Back catalogue: Funk

Review: Latin Fever Vol. 3 offers a vibrant collection of tracks from Luchito & Nestor, as well as solo efforts by Nestor Alvarez (a.k.a. Neil Anderson). Luchito & Nestor's rendition of The Olympics' 'Good Lovin' kicks things off with a blistering Latin boogaloo twist, featuring infectious rhythms and lively brass. The instrumental Part 2 replaces lead vocals with a dynamic flute topline, adding a fresh layer to the classic hit. On the flip side, Nestor Alvarez's 'La Gordita Americana' is an uptempo boogaloo groover led by horns and piano, delivering an energetic and danceable vibe. The collection concludes with 'Ixo's Taxi,' a skeletal xylophone-led funk track that brings a unique, nostalgic charm. Each track on this release has a rich blend of Latin rhythms and boogaloo energy, making this an exciting 7" to hit the dancefloor to.

Review: Mad Black Latin Combo featuring Nick Kurusawa brings a delightful single with Say You Love Me Girl, released on Diguma Doughnuts from Japan. This 7" gem merges many styles and influences into one. On Side-1, 'Say You Love Me Girl' showcases a smooth and soulful blend of styles, highlighted by powerful vocal performance. It's a track that effortlessly bridges different musical influences, creating an engaging and catchy pop hit. Underneath it all, you have funk, salsa and disco all blending into a classy gem. Side-2 offers 'Say You Love Me Girl' (Mad Black Remix), which takes a more atmospheric and melodic approach. This remix transforms the track into a chilled-out, laid-back version, providing a fresh and relaxing alternative. This release combines energetic vibes with a smooth, sophisticated twist.

Review: Ramrock Retro strikes gold again with Aaron Neville's soulful classic 'Hercules.' This track instantly stirs real emotions with Neville's effortless, heartfelt vocals, deep-swinging drums and classy horns. A falsetto at the breakdown elevates the song before the rhythm powers on. On the flip side, Al Jarreau's 'Use Me' delivers familiar yet timeless vibes. Whether you prefer this version or others, the result is always the same: deep, slow-motion funk with a sensual, groovy edge that you will not want to end.

Review: Back here by popular demand, Les Disques Bongo Joe presents a fresh 7" release from Amsterdam's Nusantara Beat featuring, for the first time on wax, the infectious digital single 'Mang Becak' alongside a brand new and unreleased track. Marking their third collaboration with the label, the band reimagines two treasures of Indonesian music and merges their traditional rhythms with a modern edge that masterfully bridges the past and present. 'Sifat Manusa' has Indonesian vocals bringing sunny disposition and real soul over funky and jazzy drums. 'Mang Becak' is a funky groove with plenty of guitars that range from psyched out to more playful.

Review: Happiest of birthdays to Super Spicy who celebrate half a decade in the game with an EP of irresistible tunes. Phunque kicks the party off with an old school vibe that pairs a superb male vocal with crisp, effective drums. Bob Musella brings sample magic on 'Baby Hot Stuff' and Ysheso, Ralo keep the disco-tinged house feels flowing with a percussive monster. After the smoother sounds of Ghosts Of Venice, the flip side brings a trio of funked-up and guitar-laced house grooves that take it back to the glory days of New York.

Review: Dan Tyler and Nick The Record's third installment in the Mr Bongo Edits series brings a bold twist to Cuban classics with three tracks that are equal parts cosmic and dancefloor-ready. On the A-side, Tyler extends two Juan Pablo Torres tracks from his reissued 1978 'Algo Nuevo' and 1977's 'Super Son.' First, Tyler reimagines 'Cacao,' a standout track from Torres' LP, giving it room to breathe and intensifying the percussive climax with swirling synths and spacey dub effects. It's a track that thrives on a big system, building tension as it goes, and works wonders in the right environmentijust ask anyone who caught it at La Paloma in Barcelona. Next, Tyler dials into 'Pastel En Descarga,' turning the Latin-funk fusion into a punchy, trippy dub with delay and drama, keeping the track's energy while taking it further into spacey, cosmic territory. On the flip, Nick The Record tackles Grupo Los Yoyi's 1977 'Paco La Calle,' taking a 2009 edit and expanding it into a longer, more hypnotic piece. The percussion pushes and pulls as the psychedelic synths swirl, creating a dynamic and ever-building groove. The 2025 version is elevated with new synth lines courtesy of Tyler, deepening the track's psychedelic richness. A cosmic whirlwind of reworks that bridges the gap between '70s Cuban innovation and modern dancefloor sensibilities.