Review: 10th Street is one of those devotional funk projects which sounds like it would wholly pass for the real deal, despite being made in recent times by a crack team of NYC musicians from bands including El Michels Affair, Lee Fields & The Expressions, The Dap-Kings and Antibalas. Following Mighty Eye's release of the group's self-titled debut album in 2022 comes this single, which tasks Tom Noble with whipping up a remix of 'E.A.R.L.'s Theme'. Whether you plump for the juiced up Noble remix or the sizzling groove of the original, you have the chance to cop some genuine dancefloor dynamite right here.
Review: A Skillz and Krafty Kuts are veteran names by now but at one option they were some of the hottest new DJs and producers in the game. They pioneered a breakbeat, cut-up and paste sounds 20 years ago that was high on energy and with plenty of character. Now they look to the roots of the sounds they used to draw from and serve up a new single on Jam City that is all about disco. 'Lit Up' has loose, jumbled drums and funk basslines with some great vocal flourishes up top from Gizelle Smith. A remix on the flip takes things into deeper new soul territory.
Review: Addmoro were a lesser known Los Angeles-based disco outfit active throughout the late 70s and early 80s, and their sound was unique for its ahead-of-its-time weight and phonk, not to mention a difficult-to-match versatility, both traits evidenced by this Kalita reissue of the obscurity 'Rock & Roll Skate' here, first released on their very own Addmoro Records. The titular A-sider and 'Keep On Tryin' were released originally in 1985, with the former coming as a ploddy but groovy hard-hitter - which could've easily predicted the reams of modern-day producers who would the style on for size decades later (but not quite achieve it so well) - and the latter a surprise-taking curveball in a stumbly-funky, disco-electro mood.
Review: Hamburg's always had a vibrant music scene - and is in fact home to one of deep house's finest crews in Smallville - but if you like your beats more on a boogie and funky tip then this one is for you. Automart's new 7" on Born To Shine Records features two such electrifying tracks that are going to appeal to anyone who enjoys the work of labels like PPU or Star Creature. Automart's fresh take on classic boogie and modern funk comes with a contemporary twist that's perfect for any setting and is one of many releases this year which promise to make this label vital.
Review: B+'s B-Beat Classic is originally from 1983. It is an early hip-hop and electronic fusion with some great talk-box vocals and a loose-limbed mix of percussion and drums. It moves slowly and purposefully, with scratches over the top and unhinged funk soon permeating your body. Leftover tape was used to create the effects and original copies have a note that the tune was dedicated to a first generation Boston disco DJ named Jim Stuard whose career was cut short by the Everard Baths fire in New York City in 1977.
Review: Some high-grade re-edit action here, as dusty-fingered Chicagoan crate diggers Sadar Bahar and Marc Davis join forces with pal (and credited mixer) Rahaan on two fine tweaks of suitably obscure tracks. A-side 'Disco' is a groovy, funky, horn-heavy affair; a sumptuously string-laden, orchestrated blend of righteous gospel-soul, Philadelphia International style proto-disco and grooves reminiscent of those frequently employed on Steely Dan's most up-beat moments. 'Beat Down' meanwhile is a jaunty, percussive and sun-soaked slab of dancefloor-ready Latin jazz that speeds up as it goes along. The jazz dancers will love it!
Review: In 2011, Banda Achilifunk & OJO served up Gitano Real, one of the year's most essential albums. It was caned far and wide by funk lovers, in particular Craig Charles on his 6 Music show. Now, two cover versions taken from the essential album have been pressed to limited edition translucent yellow vinyl. First up, 'I Believe in Miracles' is an overwhelming take on the Jackson Sisters classic with plenty of happy Latin vibes and rumba funk rhythms. Flip it over for a more abstract version of McFadden and Whitehead's seminal 'Ain't No Stoping Us Now' which is a soulful disco number packed with sunshine.
Review: Sweden's mash-up maestro Beatconductor returns with six tracks of masterfully cross-pollinated bangers on this hand-stamped white label. On tap we have edits of the likes of Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder, Elvis et al., indicating a worthy breadth of knowledge of both classics and non-classics - but all classily recontextualized in ways only the Beatconductor himself can manage. Set to heavyweight 12" wax on two sides, we're certain this one'll serve you well for drunken Saturday dancefloors and upmarket, warmly-lit Sundays alike.
Review: Favourite France drop some absolute truth with this killer reissue of Beckie Bell's 1980 classic "Music Madness", from the album 'In Need Of...'. This is he funkiest disco you can possibly ask for, a chirpy, upbeat tune that calls for the good times. It's the sort of track that can be slapped on in just about any set, anywhere, and Bell's vocals are as infectious as the tight groove that pushes the track forwards. There are a couple of remixes, though, which bring out the best of the original and make it even more playable than before. The first one is a more beat-heavy reinterpretation from Voilaaa, while Tom Noble injects the perfect level of houseness into the equation thanks to a slamming 4/4 and some extra percussion. Perfect, and very much recommended if you've somehow slept on the original.
Review: Mr Bongo take a trip back into the golden era of boogie with this choice reissue from the mighty Elite label. There were countless classics on there back in the day, but they were rarely pressed in mammoth quantities and so some have become highly prized items in the ever-ravenous second hand scene. Beverley Skeete laid down some killer singles in the early stretch of her career, and 'Warm' is one of them. Originally out in 1985 and sounding as funky as ever, it's a great opportunity to cop this jam, which comes backed with the lilting finery of 'If The Feeling Is Right', an evergreen downtempo soul jam originally put out in 1983.
Review: This is a translucent vinyl yellow version (though we also have a regular black pressing) of a reissued soul treasure from 1983, penned and produced by the legendary Larry McGee. Over four decades old, it seamlessly blends disco, UK street soul, and boogie into an irresistible tune, perfect for both dance floors and romantic home listening. With lovestruck vocals, persuasive basslines, and sultry saxophone lines, "Space Lady" captivates from start to finish. Flip over this 7" vinyl, and you'll discover an extended version tailor-made for DJs, ensuring smoother deployment on the turntables. A true gem that shines bright, even after all these years.
Review: This is some much anticipated reissued soul treasure from 1983 that comes on black wax as well as yellow, which is also available on Juno. It was originally written by the legendary Larry McGee and though it is over 40 years old now it is still irresistible. This track effortlessly fuses disco, UK street soul, and boogie, creating an irresistible tune suitable for both dance floors and intimate home listening sessions. Featuring lovestruck vocals, persuasive basslines, and sultry saxophone melodies, 'Space Lady' mesmerises listeners from beginning to end. Flipping over this 7" vinyl reveals an extended version crafted specifically for DJs, guaranteeing seamless transitions on the turntables. A genuine gem that continues to shine brightly, even after the passage of time.
Review: Marking 40 years since the release of Edwin Birdsong's self-titled and fourth studio album, this Philly reissue couldn't have landed at a more poignant time as the LA funkateer sadly passed away on week of release. "Cola Bottle Baby" is known to absolutely everyone thanks to Daft Punk and that refreshing fizzy groove sounds even better, freer, looser, cooler in its natural state. The lesser spotted "Freaky Deaky Sities" kicks like a loose limbed mule, too. Perhaps a riposte to Roy Ayers "Freaky Deaky" hit the year before, or just another fine trope LA's funk continuum, once again it's the cult fusioneer at his most vibrant. Rest in peace.
Review: Black Sugar were a Peruvian Latin funk band who formed in the late 1960s but unfortunately disbanded in 1975, leaving a wealth of musical trace magic behind. One such collection of vestiges now comes in the form of 'Baila', an EP comprising four tracks that were first released as singles between 1971 and 1974, and which takes its namesake from the band's greatest hit. The titular opener lays bare their blitzing blend of Latin funk via brass bellowings and organ solos, while the likes of 'Checan' and 'Too Late' deal in black-market flutes and loose-wristed percussion breaks, perfect for sunning by the shore, or wining in a winding, cobbled street somewhere in the Mediterranean.
Review: Rhythm, blues and funk outfit The Blackbyrds were formed in Washington, D.C. in 1973, and as we have noted numerous times over at Juno, their music hardly saw the light of day around the time, save for a re-formation in 2012 after renewed interest brought their music back to light. The Washington fusion group were initially mentored by trumpeter Donald Byrd, but their sound came to differ from his sultry and slow tones, working in a more melancholic yet upbeat style, and flowery trumepeteering to boot. This 7" comes in stunning new vinyl quality, showing off a further two lost instrumentals, 'Rock Creek Park' and 'Gut Level'.
Review: A vault of formerly unreleased Don Blackman material recently surfaced via the Chicago DJ/producer/digger Marc Davis, who in recent years struck up a relationship with the children of the mysterious New York pianist and songwriter. Now this wealth of jams finally gets released: 40 years' worth of unheard Blackman - cassettes, CDs, discs, reel-to-reels, paperwork, even VHS tapes - inevitably once more reignites the obsessive fan interest in his music, which sprang from its already-mystical cult status in the rare funk and soul-digging world.
Review: Seems it is time for this disco classic to get its latest reissue and we are always glad to hear it. It is a curious Italo disco gem from the rather mysterious Boeing. It came all the way back in 1982 and as soon as the needle hits the record it has you preparing for liftoff. Sprightly, funky and characterised by a classic, slightly trippy voice-of-god spoken word, cute synth squiggles and a rolling percussive layer that's almost too addictive. Comes complete with an instrumental if the vocal commands are just a little too much for you. This is a limited reissue on Full Time Production out of Italy.
Review: Border Edits 02 delivers four distinctive disco edits that blend groove, funk, and boogie into one irresistible package. Side-1 kicks off with 'Love Excess,' a track that strikes a perfect balance between a smooth disco groove and a hefty dose of funk. It's a sweet opener that sets the tone for the record. Next, 'Triple Boogie' serves up a disco boogie builder with a bassline that will feel familiar to many. It reinterprets the original into a jam that invites you to "listen to the music and let your body move." On Side-2, 'Supafunky' lives up to its name as an anthem for getting down, packed with funky rhythms that are impossible to resist. Finally, 'Wordoutro' closes the record with a drum break that's tailor-made for DJs and dancers, providing the perfect backdrop for creative mixes and energetic dance floors. This is a versatile and funky collection of edits that will keep any disco lover moving.
Review: French disco singer Maeva Borzakian delivers a stupefying pair of electro-soul tracks to Six Nine, expanding on early feedings on 80s soul and Anglo-Saxon pop for a fresher modern twist. Raised in Paris among jazz musicians, Borzakian rejected the tutelage of her family in favour of self-taught disco productions and performances, which led to her building a career as a resident performer in her home city's many clubs and bars, studding the casts of over 20 different band projects so far. This limited UK press bottles the new and exclusive track 'Hey You' - a synth tomming wake-up slap that exhorts the bad actor in an earlier, controlling relationship - and a T Groove remix of 'You're My Ecstasy', an emotive loller with a finito feel and a drive towards empowerment.
Review: Mother's I'd Like To Funk shows off their reissue credentials once more here with a real sizzler from Danish pop group Boulevard. The tracks are from their little-known 1981 album American Dream and have been fully licensed here. A-side 'Ready For Your Love' is a sweet street soul gem with snappy drums and fleshy arps next to the aloof male vocals. 'Still Ready' on the flip is a Synthphonic Dub that has a very similar rhythm and sound but with some more native chords over the top and an extra bounce and talk box vocals.
Review: Washington, D.C. label People's Potential Unlimited (PPU) snub the usual boundaries put upon most entities in dance music, attesting instead to the limitlessness of human musical potential. Here they set another example of such accumulative panache with 'Turn It Out', the very latest vinyl EP from roster producer Bravuda, hailing from the Russian Federation. 'Turn It Out' is Bravuda's re-recording of a demo also recorded for PPU by Terry Patton and Robbie M, entitled 'Tri-Fire'; Bravuda's version is a slimy, windowlicking electro-funk Janus mask, as 'Turn It Out' and its underside '1984' both bring almost equally grumbly and wily sleights of hand, their tiny room reverbs and crushed, sculpted piano chords being of special note.
Review: North Carolina outfit Brief Encounter have long been a cult band amongst funk, soul and disco collectors, leading to reissues of both of their albums (1977's Introducing... The Brief Encounter and 1981's We Want To Play). Here Expansion Records continues the trend of delving deep into their catalogue by offering a new edition of 1976 single 'What About Love'. The title track is undeniably excellent - a sweet, funky and attractive chunk of disco-era dancefloor soul just dripping with emotion. Over on the flip you'll find original B-side 'Get Right Down and Do It', a heavier slab of horn-toting disco-funk pleasure that boasts a seriously addictive bassline and some surprisingly surprising synthesizer flourishes.
Review: Brother II was an exceptional synth-boogie band in the early 1980s that were formed by, ahem, brothers J. and M. Soso. Their track 'You Was Born' stands as a real gem of of the era that cooly embodies the essence of boogie funk when synths defined the musical landscape. The track's infectious bassline is effortlessly grooving and paired with an unshakeable rhythm and a rich, dominant synth-driven vibe. As a foundational sound of the genre back then, 'You Was Born' is a rather overlooked gem.
James Brown - "Funky Men" (Dimitri From Paris Special version) (6:13)
The JB's - "Just Wanna Make You Dance" (feat Maxxi - Dimitri From Paris Special version) (6:48)
Review: Dimitri From Paris returns with a fresh installment of his celebrated DFP Vaults series, highlighting deep cuts that reinforce his status as a top-tier remixer, DJ, and a true connoisseur of dance music's hidden gems. This release holds particular significance for Dimitri, as it pays homage to the legendary James Brown, a figure whose influence in music is beyond measure. The release features Dimitri's 'Special Version' of 'Funky Men,' a track from James Brown's Soul Syndrome. Originally overlooked by Dimitri in 1981, it now shines with a unique disco beat that he's reimagined using both vintage and modern editing techniques. The track has already proven its power on the dance floor. On the flip side, Dimitri revisits 'Just Wanna Make You Dance' by The J.B.'s, featuring Maxxi. This rare disco track, with its Caribbean flair, gets Dimitri's expert touch, enhancing its dancefloor appeal. DFP Vaults, the sister label to Le-Edits Records, presents this release with meticulous attention to detail, featuring state-of-the-art mastering and vintage-inspired packaging.
Keni Burke - "Risin' To The Top" (A Mike Maurro mix) (8:50)
Evelyn Champagne King - "I'm In Love" (A Mike Maurro mix) (9:30)
Review: Two legendary boogie anthems of the 80s are getting a fresh spin, with Mike Maurro offering new takes on Keni Burke's 'Risin' to the Top' and Evelyn 'Champagne' King's 'I'm In Love'. Set to drop via RCA on 12" vinyl, these remixes breathe new life into two classics that defined an era. Burke's 'Risin' to the Top', first released in 1982 on his album Changes, remains one of his most enduring tracks. It's a song that has been sampled across genres, from hip-hop to r&b, by the likes of Mary J. Blige and LL Cool J. Maurro's remix stays true to the original, adding subtle guitar riffs and an extended rhythm section, while preserving the song's chilled-out vibe. The result is a refined version that respects the sensual groove that made it such a standout. On the flip side, Maurro turns his attention to Evelyn 'Champagne' King's 1981 hit 'I'm In Love'. Originally a high-energy singalong anthem, this remix stays close to the spirit of the track but pushes the production forward. King's uplifting vocals remain the focal point, but with Maurro's touch, the track feels revitalised, with a polished mix that's ready to captivate the dancefloor once again. Both tracks offer a reminder of just how timeless this era of boogie and disco remains, with Maurro's remixes ensuring they sound as fresh today as they did decades ago. Perfect for DJs looking to inject some classic charm into their sets, these re-releases will no doubt reignite the love for these iconic tunes, proving once more that great music never goes out of style.
You Don't Care (About Our Love) (instrumental) (4:28)
Review: China Burton's 'You Don't Care About Our Love' is a widely recognised deep funk classic from 1979 which has long been favoured by DJs on the soul circuit. It's not hard to hear why - the tune has everything you need, from a slinky breakdown to an anthemic chorus, and the rhythm section is primed to get bodies moving. There have been scattered bootleg versions of this tune put out before, but now Soul Brother are doing a legitimate job with the vocal and instrumental versions on a fresh 45.
Review: 'Storia Fantasy' is a second release from Reparto Vinile that again marries Italo influences to a range of different genres. The label is based in Monferrato in Italy (which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and it is helmed by influential Italian Luca Bernascone. Here he assumes his new production alias Cabopolonio for a super new single. The vocal version is a nice mood tempo roller with lush pines and cosmic twinkles, vibraphone melodies and a nice retro edge to it. The instrumental version is a little more deep and slow. The dub element means it seduces even more and marks a second fine drop from this label.
Review: GC Cameron was born and raised in McCall Creek, Mississippi, and by the age of 22 he was already famous having joined Motown Records. He was signed up as lead singer of the legendary group The Spinners and had several web recover tunes and a few hits such as 'It's A Shame,' which was co-written and produced by Stevie Wonder. After that, Cameron left the group and went solo and teamed up with Harvey Faqua, Greg Crockett and Elgie Stover to record his best-ever work, which now makes its way onto this fine four-track EP courtesy of Soundway.
Review: Hot on the heels of this one first being reissued back in May, it now gets a second run courtesy of Disques Messager out of France. Cristina Camargo's 'Moral Tem Hora' was one of the standouts from the super Brazilian Disco Boogie Sounds (1978 - 1982: selected by Junior Santos) compilation. It's a perfect fusion of Latin flair, Brazilian disco and jazz funk magic that has fat bass riffs and lots of bright chords and busy percussion next to a classic vocal. On the flip things get slower, sentimental and all loved up on 'Minas Do Rei Salomao' which his a perfectly steamy jam for those hot afternoons under the sun.
Review: Jean Carne was an underrated legend of disco and r&b music through the 70s and 80s and this reissue helps one of her gems back into the spotlight. On Side-1, the title track delivers a smooth, sensual slow jam that blends early 80s soul with subtle funk and electronic influences. Carne's vocal performance is nothing short of captivating, evoking both tenderness and passion in equal measure. Side-2 offers 'Heartache', another classy soul track that showcases Carne's ability to convey emotion through her rich, soulful and wide ranging vocal talents. The track effortlessly captures the smooth, seductive essence of early 80s r&b and boogie. Timeless rare grooves from yesteryear like this coming back around to be heard again is what makes reissues so important.
Review: The Carver Area High School Seniors' 'Get Live '83 (The Senior Rap)' is a stone cold party hip hop classic. It has been out of print for some four decades, however, and so has become a rather hard to find and expensive record. Thankfully, Soul Jazz Records have got the rights to this full reissue which was first pressed in 1982 on the private press label Challenger. The cut featured as the standout on Soul Jazz Records' recent 'Yo! Boombox' collection and now standalone as a seven minute stunner. It's an old school party disco delight with great rap and killer beats, all presented with the original artwork.
Review: The Off The Radar label very much got itself on the radar with its first offering of timeless edits. After that Brazilian focussed 12" comes a hand-stamped slab of wax with an Afro and funk twist. It is again by label heads Biga and Mirko Casalini 'Freaky' gets things underway with a strident groove and big bass licks topped with some sumptuous strings. 'Uptown' brings dazzling disco grooves and big synth energy under a lush vocal while 'Afrikasem' takes you to the Southern hemisphere in an instant with its Afro percussion and big beat brilliance. 'Stop' is another fine fusion of worldwide disco sounds.
Review: Bridge Boots main man Caserta has previously proved to be one of the most talented re-editors around, up there with higher profile artists such as the Reflex and Joey Negro. His latest offering, a red seven-inch single featuring new rearrangements of Diana Ross hit "I'm Coming Out", is another beauty. On the A-side he offers up a "Long Way Mix" that gives more prominence to Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards' killer backing track (partly via stripping it back to the groove at key points) while retaining most of Ross' vocals. On the flip you'll find a "Sing-A-Long Dub" that strips it back further during key instrumental passages to allow the Motown legend's vocals to shine.
Review: Cee O Funk's latest double-sided release, 'Night With You,' is a brilliant example of the French touch in modern funk. The A-side features 'Night With You,' a sexy and electrifying track infused with electro funk vibes and highlighted by Mae Rojas's strong vocal performance. B-side 'Brazil,' offers a beachy electro funk experience that transports listeners to sun-soaked shores. Both tracks are masterfully crafted with analogue synths, adding a rich and authentic texture to the music. Cee O Funk continues to impress with their ability to blend classic disco funk elements with contemporary electrofunk influences.
Review: It's rare we hear reissues from those close to the original horses' mouths, but the work of G.U.S. Records is an exception. Run by vinyl and tape collector Gustavo C., the aim of the imprint is to re-release the soul, funk and early proto-electro of artists from Detroit whose music had only circulated in unreleased demo form. Mainly focusing on funk and boogie, '80s music abounds; notwitshstanding two former releases from rather unrecognised names, their third is a mega-rare single from Central Line. 'Love Will Find It' and 'Do You Remember' have never before seen the light of day, despite the four-piece band's long stint with the major label Mercury. The B-side is a favourite; a unusual slice of falsettoing boogie in triplet time.
Review: Fresh from the Harlem hotpot, 1980: Harold Sargent's Chain Reaction teamed up with Sound Of New York's founder and producer Peter Brown for a star-lit, horn-baked, organ-licked disco creation that still funks hard 36 years down the line. With its maximal approach, disco bubbles and emphatic gutsy vocals, it could be argued that this funk even harder today due to it ticking every possible disco, boogie and funk box possible.
Review: The hard-digging record fiends at Kalita are back with more brilliance. This one is the first-ever retrospective of work by Jamaican-born artist Desmond Chambers. The first tine is a proudly politically aware tune previously only avialbel on his 1987 album Tiger Born, while the single 'The Morning Show' has before now only been available as the B side of little known single 'I Have Seen Love In Your Eyes.' The two other tracks are mega cult, hugely loved acid-infused dub snakers with boogie-infused rhythms. Original copies will cost you a huge amount so make sure you snap this one up asap.
Review: Charles Green, who performed under the name Chas, released his debut album For Your Love on Love Joy Records in 1985. The album's soulful r&b accompanied Green's smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics at the forefront. The album's title track was also released as a single and received some airplay on radio stations at the time and helped to establish Green as a promising new voice in the soul and r&b music scenes. Green went on to be a keyboardist for boogie, funk, soul and house releases such as Scott Grooves & Roy Ayers 'Expansions' in 1998 among others.
Review: 'Hard Times' is a mega rare outing from Chequers which they dropped back in 1983 at the height of popularity for this sport of sound. It's irresistible electro-boogie that will get you in a spin in no time. The squelchy bass, r&b vocals and withering sci-fi disco synths all bring real colour. Flip it over and you will find the equally stellar 'If You Want My Love'. This is the first time this one has ever been reissued by its Freestyle label. Don't sleep on this surefire party starter and underground classic.
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