Back catalogue: Funk

Review: The classic 1982 funk anthem 'Don't Fight The Feeling' by American r&b and funk band One Way gets a fine 12" pressing here, which means it can be played nice and loud. Singer Al Hudson leads the way with his buttery vocal, while a stepping and broken rhythm with lovely dry claps and w sloppy synth squeal make for a pretty unique sound given when this was first recorded. On the flip side, Windjammer's 'I Thought It Was You' offers a more mellow, melodic contrast full of the band's signature blend of r&b and jazz with cooing, heart-melting vocals and a nice stepping rhythm that lovers of UK street soul will surely be drawn to.

Review: Waldir Calmon's 'Airport Love Theme' has that special appeal that makes it a true gem. Sampled by Madlib on the Madvillain album track 'Curls', this lounge classic from Calmon's 1970 Waldir Calmon E Seus Multisons LP on Copacabana exudes nostalgic charm. Despite its unassuming cover, 'Airport Love Theme' delivers a dreamy, feel-good vibe that could soundtrack a perfect world. Afro Son, from the same album, shifts towards a Brazilian-rooted, cinematic groove, reminiscent of Jean Jacques Perrey's E.V.A.. Calmon, a Brazilian music fixture from the 50s to the 80s, who collaborated with legends like Tom Jobim and Joao Gilberto and left a unique musical legacy that lives on in these timeless tracks.

Review: Whatitdo Archive Group goes deep with Wild Man, diving headfirst into the eerie side of holiday folklore. This isn't your average Christmas fare; Side A's 'Wild Man' pulses with heavy, driving bass and swirling wah-guitar that captures the energy of dark legends like Krampus and the Yeti. On the flip side 'Greensleeves' takes on a haunting Ethio-jazz edge, stretching the familiar tune into shadowy, hypnotic territory. Each track is a bold reimagining, blending ancient mythology with grooves fit for any late-night winter gathering that dares to step off the beaten path.

Review: The sounds of Stevie Wonder are destined to live on forever, such is the universal appeal and enduring musicality of what he does. When you have artists reworking the originals into different forms, that is also going to help them endure and that's what we have here with a couple of house mixes of his classic 'All I Do.' The Vocal House Remix is first and goes heavy on the filters while laying down some lovely soulful grooves that never quit. The Jazzed instrumental remix then pairs it back a little and allows some magical melodies to shine over more laid back grooves perfect for sunny sessions.

Review: Measured Mile, the 7"s label run by Bob Stanley, firms its focus on DJ-friendly 45s that are or were either very rare or previously unavailable in the format. Its run of sharply curated 7"s is replenished with another three-tracker, this time an unusual choice, fencing two classic British sports broadcasting themes, pivoting from midtempo funk to faster breaks. Leading the A are two standouts from Douglas Wood, 'Cranes', known as the punchy, synth-heavy theme from the BDO World Darts Championship - and 'Drag Racer', the atmospheric opener to the BBC's Snooker World Championships coverage, both drawn from the revered Studio G library catalogue. On the flip, John Cameron's 'Sprocket Shuffle' - the lively 1980s ITV Snooker theme - rounds out the package in a flurry of analogue texture and charming nostalgia.

Review: London label Original Gravity excels once more here with some authentic dub sounds from the one and only Woodfield Rd Allstars. This excellent collective has been on many a great tune on this label as well as several others and this limited 45 rm proves their might in the field once more. 'Big Shot' is a funky cut with some natty chord work and off-balance drums that tumble to and fro, while the percussion is organic and crisp up top. Things slow right down on the flip for a more traditional reggae sound that hints at the sounds of ska. 'Soul Shakedown' is perfect to go those asses wriggling.

Review: Tea Breaks comes through with the goods again here in the form of a killer hip-hop hit that comes from the legendary East Coast scene back in the mid-90s when, for our money, it was turning out its most vital artists and albums. 'CREAM (feat R & ID)' has familiar dark soul energy with strumming strings running across its face, dusty and deep beats and iconic vocals. On the flip of this tidy 7" is an instrumental version that strips things back to the core ingredients and lets your mind do the rest.

Review: This two-disc set captures groundbreaking band at the peak of their live performance powers. Known for their genre-blending mix of funk, jazz, soul and rock, the band shines in this energetic recording, showcasing their tight musicianship and dynamic stage presence. The collection includes extended versions of fan favorites, with grooves that stretch and evolve in ways only possible in a live setting. Tracks like 'Slippin' Into Darkness' and 'The World Is a Ghetto' come alive with improvisational flair, while the interplay between the band members highlights their cohesive chemistry. The recording quality is excellent, preserving the raw energy of the performance while offering clarity that allows each instrument to shine. This live album serves as a time capsule of the era's musical innovation. Those who appreciate soulful, groove-laden live music, this is an essential band to have in your collection.

Review: Bernie Worrell's posthumous release Wave from the Wooniverse emerges as a brilliant example to his enduring influence and creativity. Hailing from Asheville, NC, Worrell, known for his groundbreaking work with Moog synthesizers and his tenure with Parliament-Funkadelic and Talking Heads, left behind quite a bit of unreleased material upon his passing in 2016. Curated and completed by a stellar lineup including Sean Lennon, Bootsy Collins, and Buckethead among others, this CD collection breathes new life into Worrell's compositions. From funk-infused grooves to ethereal synth landscapes, each track showcases Worrell's lyrical keyboard prowess and musical versatility. The album's diversity reflects Worrell's eclectic career, blending genres seamlessly while maintaining a cohesive sonic narrative. With contributions from original P-Funk members and contemporary collaborators, Wave from the Wooniverse resonates as a fitting tribute to a visionary musician. Whether you're drawn to deep-fried funk or introspective instrumentals, this release is a stunning CD for aficionados of innovative and soul-stirring music.