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.
Review: It's always a buzz to see a new Athens of the North 7" drop onto our shelves. This first drop of the year comes from label regulars Coast to Coast who had their unreleased and self-titled soul album reissued here back in October 2021. It is the opening track from that glorious record that gets its own pressing on 45 rpm here with an instrumental on the flip. The original from core members Mark Beiner and Ben Iverson, 'Love Is The Same' has glorious vocal falsettos and super sweet rhythms that bring feel-good vibes like no other.
Review: The rare Stephen LP by Nassau-born multi-instrumentalist Stephen Colebrooke offers elusive sunshine boogie vibes that have long been sought after by those in the know. Recorded at GBI studios in Freeport with guidance from Frank Penn (of Grand Bahama Goombay), two of the tracks from it now get pressed up to this crucial 7" by the faultless Numero Group. Both of these tunes are groove-filled disco delights with both 'Shake Your Chic Behind' and 'Stay Away From Music' sure to do damage on a wide range of dance floors this summer and beyond.
The Allergies - "Love That I'm In" (feat Andy Cooper)
The Andy Tolman Cartel - "You What!"
Nicole Willis & UMO Jazz Orchestra - "(Everybody) Do The Watusi"
Charles Bradley - "Change For The World"
Joyous - "Galaxia"
Henri-Pierre Noel - "Funky Spider Dance (The Reflex Revision)"
Brian Augers' Oblivion Express - "Inner City Blues"
The Hawkmen - "Love Is Blind"
Scone Cash Players - "Year Of The Rooster" (part 1)
Tanika Charles - "Endless Chain"
Kylie Auldist - "Body"
Anatoly Ice & Dariya - "Talking Black"
Carleen Anderson - "Begin Again"
Niteshifters - "Show Me What You've Got" (original mix)
The Filthy Six - "Mr Morris" (Spectra Sonic Sound Session - live)
Lack Of Afro - "Back In Business" (feat Wax & Herbal T)
Ginger Johnson & His African Messengers - "Nawa"
Daytoner - "I Get By"
Review: We can think of few finer stocking fillers for funk aficonados than this fifth Funk & Soul Club compilation from actor/comedian-turned-radio host Craig Charles. As with previous volumes, the Red Dwarf star and BB 6 Music host has included a mixture of original funk era cuts and recent revivalist gems. In the latter category you'll find a stellar instrumental cover of Rick James' "Super Freak" by The Traffic, the dancefloor-burning sound of Nicole Willis and the UMO Orchestra and the brilliant boogie revivalism of Australian singer Kylie Audist. In terms of deeper older selections, look no further than the 1973 jazz-funk re-make of Marvin Gaye's "Inner City Blues" by Brian Auger's Oblivion Express and the Afro-funk explosion that is "Nawa" by Ginger Baker & His African Messengers.
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