Review: For Fourth Wave Record Factory, MURO has put together a couple of new and exclusive 7" releases that feature two classic Japanese AOR tracks by artists who very much played a part in defining the sound. Firstly, Ginji Ito's smooth and soulful 'Heart and Soul,' originally from his tenth album, shines with mellow mid-tempo vibes and glossy vocals and melodies. On the flip side is 'Uwaki na Kare,' a beloved cover of a classic US disco track from Ritsuko Kazemi's third album that comes correct with a catchy, laid-back Saturday love groove. This release marks the first time these iconic songs have been pressed on 7".
Review: Acid jazz star Rad has worked on tracks featuring top-tier talent including the Tower of Power Horns, David Garibaldi, Roger Troutman, Ray Obiedo, Bobby Vega and Michael Spiro. Originating from the San Francisco Bay Area, which is of course home to musical legends like Herbie Hancock, Tower of Power, and Sly & The Family Stone, she now delivers on her Oakland funk roots with a pair of killer cuts on this new 7". Her second album, Gotta Be from 1994 captured funk's essence with sharp breaks, hooky melodies, and her captivating voice and these newly remastered songs, from it ensure their timeless groove remains ever-present.
Review: Wilfully skeletal, kitsch 80s disco-funk from the Rah Band, whose humble origins in England's County Durham proved no stumbling block for the successes that would follow, not least the classic 70s glam/disco oddity 'The Knack', complete with balaclava-clad Top of the Pops appearance . The assembling, productive hands of one Richard A. Hewson, and the syringeal sweetnesses of then-wife Liz Hewson, is what made 'Messages From The Stars' so great. This track emerged as a modest club hit - it was TikTok that ensured its longevity many years later, as well as support from the likes of Horse Meat Disco - and could be described an inchoate form of "bedroom" pop. Though it was made simply in Hewson's home studio on a simple Roland SH5, the efficacy with which Liz's nearly-half-hearted voice is super-effective: vocal elements play back through echoic highpass filters (and cut-up echoes on the B's 'Astro Mix'), while clever whistle melodies and sudden gated snares help embed the overall theme of astral sexuality.
Review: It would be fair to say that Rahaan's Chicago Club Culture series, which here reaches its second instalment, is something of a passion project, inspired as it is by - in his words - "the golden age of Chicago club culture". Our reading of that is the 1970s and 80s, with all of the tracks on show being versions of cuts big on Windy City dancefloors in that period. The double-pack is heavy on tried-and-tested treats, from the expansive, Clavinet-sporting disco rush of 'Do You Like It' and the delay-laden, percussion-heavy brilliance of 'Columbian Dance' (all chanted vocals, punk-funk sax sounds, heavy electronic bass and layered Latin beats), to the crispy and crunchy, Chic-influenced excellence of 'Jealous For No Reason' and the low-down disco hustle of closing cut 'Can't Shake Your Love'.
Review: Rahaan returns with another scorching collection of disco edits, guaranteed to ignite dancefloors and satisfy even the most discerning disco devotees, featuring four blazing cuts, each one expertly crafted to maximize dancefloor impact. 'Repo Lady' kicks things off with an irresistible groove, its infectious energy and soulful vocals setting the tone for a joyous ride. 'Bodywork' keeps the energy high, its pulsating rhythms and funky bassline urging listeners to move their feet. On the flip, 'Woman Of The Party' delivers a dose of feel-good vibes, its uplifting melodies and soulful vocals creating a euphoric atmosphere. 'Go Dancin'' closes out the EP with a bang, its infectious groove and irresistible energy ensuring that the party continues well into the night. This limited-edition release is a must-have for any serious collector or DJ, a testament to Rahaan's mastery of the disco edit.
Review: Chicago has had a strong re-edit culture since the days when Ron Hardy and Frankie Knuckles were defining house music culture in the mid 1980s. Rahaan, who has been one of the more storied members of the global re-edit scene for the last two decades, is undisputedly the Windy City's current scalpel-edit king - as his ongoing series of reworks on Hot Biscuit Recordings emphatically proves. Here he adds two more fine revisions to his bulging discography. A-side 'For Dancing & Singing' sees the veteran DJ/producer apply his Midas touch to a vintage 60s funk jam, making most of the sampler-ready breaks and groove, while flip side 'The Galaxy' - our pick of the pair - is a soaring and spacey 70s disco workout piled high with percussion, jaunty piano motifs and suitably intergalactic synth sounds.
Review: No one's edits and disco bombs slap quite like Rahaan's. The US master of all things soulful and funky can tap right into your core with his work and this new EP on Hot Biscuit is the latest example of that. 'Get Up' opens with retro disco favours, funky guitars and lung-busting vocals that bring the heat. 'Zombies' sinks into a nice silky sound with sliding cymbals and hi hats and knotted bass, then 'How' slows it down a bit for a more playful and seductive disco sound with nice horns and squelchy bass. Three real heaters.
Review: Rahaan, one of Chicago's finest exports, delivers another stellar collection of dancefloor-focused edits. This four track EP traverses a spectrum of sounds, from disco to house, showcasing Rahaan's signature blend of infectious grooves and soulful energy. 'Project Funk' sets the tone with its undeniable funk flavour, its driving bassline and infectious horns guaranteed to get bodies moving. 'Shangri La' takes a more ethereal approach, its dreamy melodies and hypnotic rhythms transporting listeners to a blissful paradise. On the flip, 'Tribe Dance' injects a tribal-infused energy, its pulsating rhythms and percussive elements creating a primal atmosphere. 'Deeper' closes out the EP with a deep house excursion, its hypnotic groove and soulful chords inviting listeners to lose themselves in the music. With its impeccable selection and expertly crafted edits, this release is a must-have for any discerning DJ or lover of quality dance music.
Monsieur Van Pratt Le Groove - "El Rap Clap O" (Regroove) (4:40)
Bully Boy - "Fear'n'Loathing In Funk Vegas" (4:34)
Ben Jamin - "Old Time Feeling" (4:50)
Review: French funk lovers Acts of Sedition roll out another tasty double 7" here that features some massive joints from around the world. First up is the Latin heat of Rare Cuts's 'Amigo Bracno' with its big, bright leads, string lushness and percolating, percussive groove goodness all finished with a great Portuguese vocal. Monsieur Van Pratt Le Groove's 'El Rap Clap O' (Regroove) hits a little harder but with similar funk playfulness and some great chord work and Bully Boy then offers the raw and strident funk of 'Fear'n'Loathing In Funk Vegas.' Ben Jamin slows it right down with the sun-kissed late night bliss of 'Old Time Feeling.'
Review: Clarence Reid's Miss Hot Stuff delivers a James Brown-styled 60s funk experience that's irresistibly infectious. Side-1 features 'Miss Hot Stuff,' is brimming with funk do to the infectious bass, vibrant horn section, and wicked southern guitar riffs, all complemented by Reid's stellar vocal performance. This track is a perfect blend of energy and groove, reminiscent of classic funk. On Side-2, 'Mr Hot Stuff' presents a fresh twist with added female backing vocals over an otherwise instrumental track. This downtempo version retains its funkiness while introducing a more laid-back, lounge vibe, making it ideal for both dance clubs and relaxed settings. Overall, Reid's mastery of funk shines through, offering vibrant, dance-worthy tunes with a timeless appeal.
Review: Eastside Edits is back with yet another infectious disc's worth of funky disco edits for DJs and collectors alike. Welcoming a fresh throng of international talent, this eighth edition hears up-and-coming Indonesian producer Rhework appear alongside renowned UK duo Suckaside. The former's 'Street Sounds' channel the effortless bustle of square-blocked, gridlocked city streets, where steam rises from manhole covers, taxicabs trailblaze yellow light trails, and funk clubs roar as loudly as underground subway systems. Suckaside's B-side is a call-and-responsive version of equal calibre, though it does clock in at a slower tempo.
Review: Skeme Richards of New York pioneers Rock Steady Crew returns to the Redropped series with a tour-exclusive 7" packed with two raw-edged flips. For this release, he's unearthed a pair of cosmic disco and jazz-funk originals from his bottomless crates and retooled them with heavier low-end and tighter edits built for modern rigs. The result? Deep cuts reimagined for today's selectors, shaped by Skeme's seasoned touch as both a dancer and DJ. Ahead of a confidently slated Skeme Richards x Oonops tour across Germany in May 2025, 'Galaxy Amonst The Stars' is truly a riotous cosmic soiree, made unforgettable by its kazooing sax and brilliantly bright beat novae.
Review: Cosmocities returns with a sizzling six-track remix package of 'How It Feels To Be Loved' by American artists Erik Rico & C. Boogie. These jams are all ready for deployment in the club but come with a soulful signature that fans of Rico will quickly recognise. Tracks 'How It Feels...' and 'Love Everlasting' both get reworked by the one and only Josh Milan while Marc Mac, and Rico himself also step up with their own fresh twists. Milan's 'Honeycomb' mix infuses slap bass and acid-leaning grooves, his 'Floor Radio Vocal Mix' adds late-night soulful funk, Rico's 'Trench Coat Tribute Remix' delivers seductive P-funk vibes and Marc Mac's take on 'Love Everlasting' brings Balearic house magic.
Review: UK artist Risk Assessment is back once again with some potent sonic weaponry that is designed to make a big impact in the club. All four of the disco cuts are peak time sounds starting with 'Something New' which is awash with some crystalline synths and gloriously lush pads. 'Party People' is nice raw and live-sounding disco with lo-fi drums, slapping hits and a James Brown-style funk vocal. 'Like This Like That!' brings some funky little guitar motifs and a jumble of percussion while last of all, 'Girl At The Disco' shuts down with a more sensuous sound and slinky grooves that worm their way into your affections.
Review: Isabel Roberts' mid-80s single 'Love Situation' featuring Robert Chandler, is revitalized on this limited 12" release, part of Backatcha's 'Hot Vinyl' reissue series. These UK electric-boogie-synth-funk tracks are essential for any dancefloor. 'Love Situation' is a smooth, soulful jam with a catchy melody, perfectly complemented by Chandler's vocals. The instrumental version on the same side allows the groove to take center stage, making it ideal for those crucial dancefloor moments where the music needs to shine on its own. On Side-2. 'Just Fall in Love,' continues the vibe with a romantic, yet danceable track that's just as versatile. The inclusion of its own instrumental version ensures this 12" is a complete package, offering both vocal charm and instrumental grooves. 80s fans of the groove will surely find some enjoyment with these on their turntable.
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.
Undercover Of The Night (Stones unreleased instrumental 45 edit) (4:52)
Miss You (Stones unreleased instrumental 45 edit) (4:49)
Review: Rolling Recordings from Antigua makes its debut here with a first release under the guise of Rock Star Heroes who offer up a couple of hard-to-find and previously unreleased funky disco influenced club bound instrumentals of out and out rock classics from one of the worlds best known stadium bands. These are perfectly designed for the club and collide rock, funk, disco and more into fresh forms. Opener 'Undercover Of The Night' popular with the likes of DJ Harvey and is a slice of raw, hard-hitting groove magic with organic percussion and live drums laden with funky guitar riffs and lively chord work that brings the whole thing to life. On the flip is an instrumental version of 'Miss You' which still has all the swagger of the iconic original with sultry harmonica luring you to the floor where the masterful drums and guitars will keep you moving.
Review: Funk maestros Rockid Sound Machine returns with yet more of their timeless and seductive instrumental funk sounds. They have turned out tons of it over the years on a steady and always high quality basis. This double A-side kicks off with 'Scorpio' featuring tight drums and wah-wah guitar smudges next to big horns. The track blends funk with soul and merges old-school vibes with modern energy. On the flip side, 'Stardust' ramps things up with prickly drumming and percussion, wet cymbal crashes and more bendy guitar work that brings psyched-out 60s vibes. Another great outing for Rockid Sound Machine's signature bristling beats.
Review: For decades, the humble disco re-edit has offered wannabe-producers a way into music production. In recent years, there's been an upsurge in house 'edits' too - a trend that has seen countless producers combine bits of classic and obscure cuts with their own peak-time ready grooves. This debut from the previously unknown Jay Rook fits into that category. Check first opener 'Master Wonnin', where Rook turns what appears to be a classic Highlife jam into a bouncy, bass-heavy Afro-house workout, before further refining the same attractive, sun-splashed formula on 'Eme (Yeah Yeah)'. Over on side two, Rook changes tack on 'Do God a Favour', adding a touch of hip-swinging, disco-flexed gospel-house flavour to a bluesy old soul-jazz cut, while 'Jesus Saved Me (Glad)' is a filter heavy disco-house re-wire of a righteous gospel number.
Review: The Barefoot Beats crew return with outing number 14 and once more it is music for sunny climates. Aroop Roy takes care of the A-side of this 10" with 'Fankiando Taniador', the Latin flavoured deep cut disco and funk roller with 80s horn stabs and rumbling bass all topped with a red hot vocal full of flair. It's pure Brazilian heat that is perfect for outdoor dancing and Bernardo Pinheiro's 'Expresso Amor' then brings more sunshine goodness with its slinky disco house beats and swinging hand claps all irresistible to anyone with a heart.
Review: City Pop-era Japanese girl group Shohjo-Tai's 1984 EP with Red Bus Project (an alternative alias for their then synth-loving production outfit, Redbus), 'Escape', has long been a favourite amongst crate diggers - hence this handy reissue courtesy of Sound Metaphors offshoot Thank You. While the artwork has been refreshed, all three original tracks appear in freshly remastered form. On side A you'll find 'Forever', a body-popping slab of 1984 electro featuring Shohjo-Tai rapping in English over bubbly drum machine beats, squelchy bass, 'Rockit'-esque sounds and periodic horn breaks. Turn to the flip for Antal favourite 'Electric City', a driving City Pop-meets-Italo-disco club track blessed with a heavy and metronomic bassline, and the electro-goes-jazz-funk brilliance of 'Ku.Ro.O.Bi.Magic'.
Review: 'Warlock' is the latest release to be pushed via Bob Stanley's Measured Mile imprint, and pulls two floor-friendly but still retrospective gems from the storied De Wolfe music library, based in the UK and widely known as the progenitor and originator of what has now become known widely as library music. To demonstrate the gestation times common to this corner of the music industry, these two tracks have never been heard before, and yet were recorded in 1983! First comes Reg Tilsley with 'Warlock', a full yet light-winged flight through linns of flute, funk bass and notes inegales. Meanwhile, 'Flashpoint' by Roger Jackson is a space-age tittup of booming, long-tailed proportions; it's tempered by the nagging nip of a clavichord and the formidable frown of the lowest piano note.
Review: In celebration of 50 years in the performing arts, Idris Ackamoor presents Artistic Being for Record Store Day 2025-a powerful blend of jazz, spoken word and activism. Featuring the voices of acclaimed actor Danny Glover and stage legend Rhodessa Jones, this record captures highlights from the Underground Jazz Cabaret, which was performed during Black History Month 2024 at The Lab in San Francisco. Co-produced by Ackamoor's Cultural Odyssey, the release fuses poetic storytelling with evocative musical textures while reflecting on social justice, identity and resilience. Artistic Being is a profound statement from a visionary artist.
The Last Of The Past (with The Jazz Inspiration Orchestra) (6:17)
Berlin (with The Jazz Inspiration Orchestra) (6:40)
Solstice Celebrations (with The Crew) (4:33)
Blue Cha Cha Cha (4:17)
Spring Feelings (3:17)
Relaxing Walk (with The Jazz Inspiration Orchestra) (7:08)
Brother WH (with The Crew) (4:59)
Review: Frederic Rabold's career, spanning over six decades, is celebrated in this deluxe double gatefold vinyl LP, which captures the essence of his significant contributions to modern jazz. Born in Paris in 1944, Rabold transitioned from violin to trumpet, influenced early on by his jazz musician father and the vibrant French jazz scene. His formative years included playing alongside his father and later establishing his own band, the Frederic Rabold Crew, in 1968. The Crew gained prominence within the German jazz landscape, leading to performances at major festivals and extensive tours through Eastern Europe. This collection features key tracks from Rabold's extensive discography, including rare recordings and previously unseen photographs. Notable highlights include 'Noon in Tunisia' and the 1970s album 'Flair.' Throughout his career, Rabold collaborated with jazz luminaries like Gunter Hampel and Lester Bowie, reflecting his versatility and deep-rooted passion for modern jazz.
Review: The RAH Band's iconic album Mystery celebrates its 40th anniversary with a reissue that finally fulfils plenty of demand for it. This marks its first vinyl pressing since 1985 after originally being created by producer Richard Anthony Hewson. The ageless album blends jazz, funk and electronic pop while placing great spotlight on Hewson's unique production style. With eight impeccably crafted tracks including the jazz-funk anthem 'Are You Satisfied?' and the chart-topping 'Clouds Across The Moon,' which reached #6 in the UK, the dreamy synth-jazz epitomised by 'Float' and the smooth sax of 'Out On The Edge' (which featured in Funkineven's DJ Kicks) ensure Mystery remains a timeless classic.
Review: On the debut EP 'We Are The Ones/Fire/Forever', Chicago DJ and all-out living legend Rahaan collaborates with an equally talented group of musicians: Marcus J. Austin on lead vocals, Nancy Clayton on backing vocals, Carnell C. Newbill (also known as Spike Rebel) on keyboards and backing vocals, Todd Swope on guitar, and Lou Terry on bass. Together, the outfit known as The Ones create an extended three-track EP of transcendent proportions, drawing on the avaricious world-passion for music and life heard in the joyous chasms between psychedelia, Afrobeat and disco. Bridging these precipices by way of a vast, suspensory dancefloor held together by firmly mixable kick drums serving as rivets, Rahaan produces and mixes a viscerally eye-popping set of devotionals here. From the impassioned beatitudes and thanksgivings of 'We Are The Ones', to the desirous chic-funk drum circle envisaged on 'Fire' and the eternal gospel-rock-tinged disco-soul ablution 'Forever' (a special favourite of ours), this is a holy chrism in record form.
Ranil Y Su Conjunto Tropical - "Sonido Amazonico" (3:09)
Los Wembler's De Iquitos - "Sonido Amazonico" (2:32)
Review: Two cornerstones of rare Amazonian (!) cumbia appear together on 7" for the first time, as Vampisoul resurrect these wildly sought-after versions of 'Sonido Amazonico'. On one side is a hypnotic, percussion-heavy take by Ranil Y Su Conjunto Tropical, first and only released on LP. Led by Raul Llerena, this Iquitos band helped forge the sound of psychedelic cumbia through Llerena's Producciones Llerena imprint, now a holy grail label for collectors of such trove-bound tropical rarities. On the inverse comes Los Wembler's de Iquitos - of equal stature as one of the genre's most enduring groups - bringing their stomping rhythmoids to the same track; it also just so happens to remain one of their most defining anthems. The UK's not the only "jungle scene" out there - just listen to these killer, understoried sonic forests.
You Don't Want To Go To War (feat Soulja Slim) (7:42)
Rockin' On Your Stinkin' Ass (8:12)
Pop That Pussy (feat Cheeky Blakk) (7:03)
Hot Venom (7:33)
Thinking About Ya (6:29)
Let's Do It Again (7:56)
Doing Bad (4:46)
Let Me Do My Thing (7:42)
Review: In their day, Rebirth Brass Band were New Orleans' premier brass ensemble and in 2001 they showed it with the fiery energy of their album Hot Venom. This record has never previously been available on wax and captures the band's signature blend of traditional brass sounds with their own take on modern grooves. Highlights include dynamic collaborations with rap legends Soulja Slim on the musically and socially hard-hitting track 'You Don't Wanna Go To War', and Cheeky Blakk on the unapologetically bold 'Pop That Pussy.' Wherever you turn here you're confronted with infectious rhythms and raw New Orleans energy that cannot be faked. Hot Venom really is the sound of a band at their innovative best and bridging musical worlds.
Review: Four Flies has unearthed a long-lost gem: Gianfranco Reverberi's daring soundtrack to Rivelazioni, a notorious 1973 film by director Renato Polselli. Reverberi, known for producing legends like Lucio Dalla and Gino Paoli, initially distanced himself from the film's controversial themes by releasing the music under a pseudonym. Yet, Rivelazioni's score, with its driving rhythms and experimental edge, shines as a bold, innovative creation. The soundtrack features an impressive use of electronic instruments, including drum machines and spacey synths, alongside psychedelic flutes, piano and jazzy improvision. 'Psicolimite', originally released under the name Sharon Chatam, has become a coveted rarity, sparking excitement around the full soundtrack's reissue. Recovered from original 1-inch, 16-track tapes, the score has been remastered for both vinyl and digital formats. With a raw, relentless rhythm section and dark, atmospheric vibes, this soundtrack is an essential find for fans of Italian genre cinema and daring experimental music. Available now as a double LP with stunning artwork, Rivelazioni finally gets its well-deserved moment in the spotlight.
Review: This 180g swimming pool blue vinyl is a Record Store Day exclusive of an early 80s gem. Rhyze to the Top came in 1981 and marked the debut album by American funk and r&b band Rhyze. Listening back now it's clear the record captured the vibrant energy of early 80s sounds with lush synth work and nice Casio keys. That means it is a must-have for funk and r&b heads of any era and is why original copies often sell for over L50 on second hand markets. The album has remained out of print on vinyl for 43 years up to now but for this occasion has been fully remastered. Whack it on and take yourself back to a golden age.
Review: Laurin Rinder and W. Michael Lewis were amongst the most prolific producers of the disco era - a pair of jazz-trained eccentrics who not only embraced the disco sound, but did more than most to help develop it (they were particularly big fans of synthesisers, showcasing in their work as much as Giorgio Moroder and Patrick Cowley did). They also loved a concept - hence recording and releasing The Seven Deadly Sins, an album-length celebration of disco's sinful side, in 1977. As this Be With Records reissue proves, the album remains a rare beast: a largely instrumental disco album that sparkles from start to finish. For proof, check the seductive, electric piano-and-synth smothered grooves of 'Lust', the heavily electronic proto-techno of 'Gluttony', the solo-laden disco-funk heaviness of 'Pride' and the undeniably epic heaviness of 'Anger'.
Review: Curyman II, set for release via Diamond West Records, is the highly anticipated follow-up to Roge's US debut album. This album honors the roots of Brazilian music while pushing its boundaries, showcasing Roge's evolution as an artist. Collaborating with legendary figures such as Seu Jorge and Arthur Verocai, who arranged strings for both Curyman albums, Roge creates a vibrant tapestry of sound that bridges the past and future of Brazilian music. With a career spanning over two decades and multiple accolades, including a Latin Grammy nomination, Roge is a pivotal figure in the resurgence of Musica Popular Brasileira (MPB). His previous release, Curyman, produced by Thomas Brenneck of the Budos Band, celebrated samba infused with messages of resilience and hope. Curyman II promises to build on this success, delivering even more infectious samba rhythms and thought-provoking lyrics. As Roge continues to evolve, he remains dedicated to sharing Brazil's rich cultural heritage with audiences worldwide, making this album an exciting invitation to immerse in his soulful musical world once again.
Review: Get ready for the release of Curyman II, Roge's eagerly awaited album, arriving via Diamond West Records. This record has collaborations with esteemed musicians, blending the essence of Brazilian music with innovative elements. It promises to be both a homage and an evolution of Roge's distinctive sound. As a Latin Grammy-nominated and Brazilian Music Awards-winning artist, Roge has become a key player in the revitalization of Musica Popular Brasileira (MPB). Over his two-decade career, he has released seven solo albums, establishing his presence in the contemporary Brazilian music landscape. His U.S. debut, CURYMAN, released in 2023, was produced by Thomas Brenneck of the Budos Band, known for his work with icons like Lady Gaga and Beyonce. This album celebrated samba while conveying themes of resilience and redemption. With Curyman II, Roge aims to build on the momentum of his previous success, delivering even more dynamic samba rhythms and insightful lyrics.
Review: Alpha, a rare psychedelic-funk gem is set to return to vinyl for the first time in 50 years. Led by singer and keyboardist "Round" Robin Lloyd, The Round Robin Monopoly released the album and it is an eclectic fusion of funk, psychedelic pop, and R&B. Alpha initially flew under the radar but over time, however, the album gained a cult following among crate-diggers and DJs. With its standout track 'Life Is Funky' became a sought-after sample for artists like LL Cool J, Ice-T, Public Enemy, and The Chemical Brothers. The album's cinematic hooks, vibrant horns, and funky guitar riffs evoke the atmosphere of a 70s action film soundtrack, explaining its enduring appeal and influence in the music industry. The reissue of Alpha as part of Jazz Dispensary's Top Shelf series ensures that this underrated masterpiece gets the recognition it deserves. Remastered from the original analogue tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio and pressed on 180-gram vinyl, the album comes in a tip-on jacket replicating the original art.
Royksopp - "Ice Machine" (exclusive Depeche Mode cover version - Godlike edit)
Johann Johannsson - "Odi Et Amo"
FR David - "Music"
Prelude - "After The Goldrush"
Richard Schneider Jr - "Hello Beach Girls"
Acker Bilk - "Stranger On The Shore"
Thomas Dolby - "Budapest By Blimp"
Byrne & Barnes - "Love You Out Of Your Mind"
Andreas Vollenweider - "Hands & Clouds"
John Martyn - "Small Hours"
XTC - "The Somnabulist"
This Mortal Coil - "Til I Gain Control"
Popol Vuh - "Aguirre I Lacrime Di Rei"
Review: Second time around for Royksopp's superb contribution to the popular, post-club focused LateNightTales mix series, a beloved volume that first hit record stores back in 2013. For the uninitiated, it sees the long-serving Norwegian twosome offer up an attractive blend of synth-heavy Scandolearic shufflers (their own cosmic pop number 'Daddy's Groove'), dubbed-out soul (Rare Bird), swelling synth soundtrack fare (Vangelis), neo-classical (Johann Johannsson), reverb-laden accapella beauty (Prelude), sun-soaked blue-eyed soul (Richard Schneider Junior), nods to the KLF's Chill Out album (Acker Bilk), seductive slow jams (Byrnes & Barnes), vintage Balearica (Andreas Vollenweider, John Martyn) and atmospheric new wave (XTC, This Mortal Coil).
Review: Rufus and Chaka Khan's final stretch balances the unfiltered funk of their live performances with the studio polish of their later work. Their live recordings deliver an electrifying set, reworking classics like 'Tell Me Something Good' and 'Sweet Thing' into extended, groove-heavy jams. 'Ain't Nobody' stands outinot just as the lead single but as a masterclass in electro-funk, pairing airtight drum programming with Chaka's soaring vocal for a career-defining moment. Their studio material shifts towards sleek 80s production, offering a more restrained but still soulful contrast. A dynamic farewell from an era-defining partnership.
Review: Patrice Rushen's Prelusion marks her dazzling debut into the jazz world, originally released in 1974 on Prestige Records and now reissued on vinyl here in 2024. Before her r&b fame, Rushen showcased her talents as a jazz pianist on this album, backed by luminaries like Joe Henderson on saxophone. The record effortlessly blends post-bop with elements of jazz fusion, highlighting Rushen's versatility across acoustic and electric keyboard. Her performances on acoustic piano and electric keyboards reflect a strong influence from Herbie Hancock, evident in tracks such as 'Haw-Right Now' and 'Shortie's Portion.' Despite her shift to r&b in 1978, Prelusion stands as an early promise in jazz music.
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