Out Of Luck (feat Adriano Prestel - DJ Friction remix) (5:36)
The Other Side (feat Adriano Prestel - Marian Tone '85 rework) (4:35)
Interlude I (0:44)
The Other Side (instrumental) (4:21)
Out Of Luck (DJ Friction remix - instrumental) (5:41)
Out Of Luck (Soundrays mix - instrumental) (4:36)
Interlude II (0:21)
Review: The Outer Edge rounds off their series reworking tracks from the archive of lesser-known German 80s outfit Ghia. This time round, they're offering re-imaginations of an instrumental synth-funk track first featured on last year's Don't Look LP, 'Message From The Other Side'. This time round, the band has recruited vocalist Adrian Prestel and re-imagined it as colourful and authentic synth-number simply titled 'The Other Side'. As well as a solid instrumental take, we're also treated to a superb Marian Tone take which blends bits of the 1985 demo with elements of the 2023 re-recording. Elsewhere, there are also three takes on previous single 'Out of Luck': squelchy and crunchy neo-boogie vocal and instrumental versions courtesy of DJ Friction (the disco one, not the d&b producer of the same name) and a more low-slung, dub disco style instrumental revision by Soundrays.
Wouldn't Be The Same (feat Matt Antunes - Special UK extended) (3:57)
I Can Prove It (feat Leon Beal - Special UK mix) (4:30)
Review: Yuki "Monolog" Kanesaka is a soul, jazz and r&b producer who is based between Boston and Tokyo, and Yuki "T-Groove" Takahashi is widely regarded as one of Japan's best remixes. Together they are Golden Bridge and they make timeless soul sounds steeped in magical musicianship and lush production. Elements of greats like Herbie Hancock and the Mizell Brothers loom large over these tunes which come from their eponymous 2019 album. 'Wouldn't Be The Same' opens in funky and stepping soul style with neat bass riffs. The B-side is a cover of Tony Etoria's 'I Can Prove It' that swells the heart with its upbeat grooves, yearning vocal and rich strings.
Review: Spasibo Records has been busy lining up plenty of great funk sounds that all seem to be dropping at once. One of them is this limited yellow and red marbled vinyl from The Great Revivers. The band hail from St Petersburg in Russia and these two instrumental tunes are perfect examples of their lush library funk sound. Both were recorded pre-pandemic back in 2019 at a vintage studio in an old church. The organs really shimmer and bring the heat to opening cut 'Adventures Begin' while 'Estrellas' dial down into a more late night and intimate atmosphere before the funky breaks and neat guitar riffs come on with full force.
Vivi Hernadez Y Su Conjunto - "Tocando Macizas" (3:47)
Grupo Caverna - "Caverna" (2:46)
Review: Vivi Hernandez Y Su Conjunto's 'Tocando Macizas' emerges as a coveted collector's item, limited to 100 copies in a bespoke silkscreen sleeve. This 7" release captures the raw essence of 1971 Mexican funk, offering a tantalising glimpse into a pivotal moment in Latin music history. The A-side's infectious rhythm and bold instrumentation are perfectly complemented by Grupo Caverna's 'Caverna' on the flip. This rare pressing stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of vintage Latin funk, promising to be a prized addition to any discerning vinyl enthusiast's collection.
Vivi Hernadez Y Su Conjunto - "Tocando Macizas" (3:51)
Grupo Caverna - "Caverna" (2:47)
Review: The 7" single Tocando Macizas by Vivi Hernandez Y Su Conjunto is a standout Latin funk gem from 1971. Known for its raw, heavy grooves, this track epitomises the best of Mexican funk, delivering an irresistible energy. Paired with Grupo Caverna's Caverna on the B-side, both tracks pack an intense rhythmic punch, combining sharp instrumentation with infectious beats. This release has gained legendary status among collectors and DJs for its rarity and quality, marking it as essential for Latin funk aficionados.
Review: Light In The Attic do the preservative god's work of reissuing the rare Going To My Baby's Place by West Coast funk and soul singer Vernon Garrett. His debut album, released in 1975, this is a dynamic, un-fluffed funk breakthrough, following an extended panhandle of 45s that characterised his rarefied career for almost a decade before he moved onto full-lengths. Expanding the bittersweet mood that had characterised his career until this point in time, we hear the likes of 'Something Went Wrong', 'Don't Do What I Do', 'One Man's Loss' and 'Going To My Baby's Place', across which we hear a consciously stoic Garrett duly acknowledge the natural peaks and troughs of life, through which he recognises that it's all necessary for one well lived. Vernon's wild and powerful songs come backed by incandescent performances by members such as Jimmy Gough and Leon Kittrell, who would later form L.T.D. and David T Walker.
Review: Fifty years into his career, Gary Bartz continues to produce powerful spiritual jazz. In 2020, he collaborated with London band Maisha for Night Dreamer Direct To Disc Sessions and in 2021 he teamed up with Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Adrian Younge for Jazz Is Dead 6, both of which prove that. Now we get a special new pressing of his Live In Bremen 1975 album recorded during a European tour and capturing Bartz's groovy quartet with Chris Mims on keys, Curtis Robertson on bass and Howard King on sticks. The set revisits classics like 'Celestial Blues' and 'Uhuru Sasa' while showcasing Bartz's soulful sax and thoughtful compositions.
Review: In 1972, Marvin Gaye set to work recording what was scheduled to become the follow-up to his greatest single studio album, the previous year's "What's Going On". In the end, only one single from that mooted set ever appeared - "You're The Man", a weary assessment of that year's U.S Presidential Election - and Gaye's bitter arguments with Motown continued. This intriguing album tries to set the record straight, gathering together work completed for the shelved album with newly mixed songs based around previously unfinished works. There's much to admire throughout, with the material flitting between the kind of lusciously orchestrated, conscious songs featured on Gaye's previous set and more commercial-sounding Motown pop (much of which was produced by Willie Hutch).
Rafael Cameron - "Boogie's Gonna Get Ya" (The Reflex Cosmic dub Revision) (8:08)
Edwin Birdsong - "Win Tonight" (The Reflex Revision) (9:33)
Rafael Cameron - "All That's Good To Me" (The Reflex Revision) (6:00)
Review: The Reflex's multi-track re-edits are always on point, but those he's created for Salsoul Records have generally been impressive even by his high standards. This third double-pack of 'ReVisions' (as he calls them) contains two of his best Salsoul reworks yet: a thrillingly stretched-out take on Gazz's 'Sing Sing' that sees him cannily showcase some of the track's key elements in turn before unleashing the familiar bassline, breaks and vocals, and a fabulously spaced out 'Cosmic Dub' of Rafael Cameron's early electrofunk classic 'Boogie's Gonna Get Ya'. That too, has a big build, making the introduction of the bassline and Cameron's chorus vocals a genuinely breath-taking moment. The EP also contains a solid take on a lesser-celebrated Cameron tune, the more disco-fied 'All That's Good To Me', and a Tom Moulton-esque take on Edwin Birdsong's 'Win Tonight'.
Review: It's always a good day when we hear something new from acclaimed saxophonist, composer, bandleader and innovator Camilla George. This third album is another rich, highly cultural mix of afrobeat, hip hop, jazz and Camilla's virtuosic alto saxophone sounds. Plenty of vital talents from the vibrant London scene feature as well as Birmingham's finest MC Lady Sanity. The record is dedicated to Camilla's Ibibio tribe of south eastern coastal Nigeria, and says the artist, is "a celebration of roots, creation and community" and that certainly comes over.
Review: If you listen to those who know about such things, then The Ghetto Brothers' Power-Fuerz album is one of the best-ever Latin funk records. The group formed on the streets of New York City's South Bronx in the late 1960s and often called themselves a gang as much as a band. They were keen supporters of Puerto Rican nationalism and were motivated to help uplift fellow Latino and Black men in their community. Back in 1971 is when they released their one and only album and it had little to no promotion and was only distributed locally so is one of those that has since taken on cult status.
Review: Building on the success of their A New Kind of Love album back in 2022, Ghost Funk Orchestra ventures further into the realms of film music, exotica, and psychedelic surf rock with new record A Trip To The Moon.' It was written with the aim of creating a richly layered and collaged listening experience with myriad elements waiting to be discovered with each new spin, and they have certainly achieved that. Featuring fuzzy guitars drenched in spring reverb and horns arranged in a studio big band style, it offers a blend of garage rock attitude and big compositions with influences like Eddie Palmieri and Dusty Springfield to be found within. It also features real recorded transmissions from the Apollo moon missions weaved throughout the tracks as a tale is told of a woman left stranded on Earth by her cosmonaut partner.
Review: Step inside the world of Ginger Root with Shinbangdumi, Cameron Lew's third LP and Ghostly International debut. A multi-instrumentalist, producer, songwriter, and visual artist from Southern California, Lew has crafted his unique blend of handmade yet polished synth-pop, alt-disco, boogie and soul since 2017. Drawing inspiration from 1970s and '80s music, particularly Japanese City Pop and its Western counterparts, Lew creates a sound that is singular and modern. Shinbangumi translates to "a new season of a show" and reflects Lew's personal and artistic evolution. The album's track arrangement, influenced by feedback from his live band and collaborator David Gutel, is designed to take listeners on an exhilarating journey, starting with the infectious 'No Problems' and its catchy basslines and guitar riffs. 'Better Than Monday' transitions from lo-fi to hi-fi splendor, humorously addressing the universal dread of Mondays. The album balances referential and refreshing elements, with tracks like 'There Was A Time' and 'All Night' showcasing Lew's melodic strength. 'Only You' delivers a true City Pop anthem, while "Giddy Up" channels The B-52s and Devo. 'Kaze' evokes the Tin Pan Alley sound of Harry Hosono, recorded in a Tokyo karaoke bar. 'Show 10' stands as the album's spiritual heart, reminding Lew of his commitment to delivering his best to fans. With Shinbangdumi, Ginger Root presents a wealth of nostalgia and innovation with their version of synthpop.
Review: Shinbangumi is the third LP from multi-instrumentalist Lew, marks a significant evolution for the Southern California artist Ginger Root. Seamlessly blending 70s and 80s influences like Japanese City Pop, Philly Soul, and French Pop, Lew's sound is a sophisticated mix of synth-pop, alt-disco, boogie, and soul. Shinbangumi stands out not only for its musical strength but also for its conceptual narrative, continuing from the 2022 EP Nisemono. Tracks like 'No Problems' and 'Better Than Monday' exhibit Lew's knack for combining catchy melodies with clever production. 'There Was A Time' and 'All Night' highlight his ability to craft both introspective and dance-worthy tunes. 'Only You' delves into true City Pop, while 'Giddy Up' channels the quirky energy of The B-52s and Devo. 'Kaze,' recorded in Tokyo, adds a unique texture inspired by Yellow Magic Orchestra's Harry Hosono. Lew's dedication to his craft and his fans is more than evident here.
Review: Hands up, we're longtime fan boys of the Peoples Potential Unlimited label, Whatever they do - mostly heart aching lo-fi funk and soul from artists old and new - it's always class. Next up is a reissue of Glass Pyramid's Country Cowboy on a hand-stamped 12". It came originally on this label back in 2009 having been transferred from the original tapes which were recorded somewhere between 1982-1986 At Studio 7, Oklahoma City. It soon became a bit of a classic that still fetches above the odds on second hand markets. It's a gloriously feel good mix of disco and soul with instrumental grooves and belting vocals.
A Lot Like Lucifer (Celia Said Long Time Loser) (6:10)
The Space Queens (Silky Is Sad) (7:22)
Who Are Your Friends (5:47)
Get Together (With Yourself) (5:09)
You Can Find Him (5:19)
Review: Lotti Golden's debut is a fearless dive into the chaotic, electric world of late-60s New York, where countercultural misfits and street prophets populate her genre-warping narratives. Opener 'Motor-Cycle Michael' sets the pace with its freewheeling energy, while 'Gonna Fay's' drifts into bluesy psychedelia. The sprawling 'A Lot Like Lucifer (Celia Said Long Time Loser)' shifts between swaggering rock and theatrical storytelling, mirroring the unpredictability of its characters. 'Who Are Your Friends' leans into funk-driven introspection, while 'Get Together (With Yourself)' and 'You Can Find Him' push her vision further, blending soul and gospel-inflected harmonies. Golden's distinctive approach, combining raw honesty with a complex musical palette, firmly establishes her as an artist who reshapes the boundaries of pop and rock. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Golden was drawn to music from an early age, nurtured by her parents' passion for art and culture. At just 16, she caught the attention of Bob Crewe's Saturday Music, signing as a staff writer. But Golden's vision reached beyond writing for othersishe was determined to tell her own story. With vivid lyrics that captured her experiences in New York City, her debut album chronicles youthful defiance, introspection and transformation.
Review: No Food Without Taste If By Hunger is the 20th compilation in Analog Africa's Limited Dance Edition series and it also happens to be a mega-rare classic from the world of Edo funk. The Good Samaritans from Benin City, Nigeria released a very small run of the original in 1982. It is an infectious album of hypnotic basslines layered up with trance-like grooves trippy psychedelic guitars that make for an utterly unique kind of funk music. Newly mastered, pressed to 180g vinyl with a silk screen printed cover, and limited to just 2000 copies, this is a rare chance to own such a landmark album.
Review: Cal Green is a soul guitarist from Houston, Texas who isn't afraid to get as emotional as can be. Here is one of his standout cuts which was made with R&B organist Charles Kynard plus jazz heavyweights Tracy Wright and Billy Moore gets a long overdue repress. 'Tripping' and the reverse side opener 'Sieda' are Cal Green originals that come with hooky melodies that makes perfect jazz-funk listening. The infectious groover will carry you away in no time and this limited edition reuse, the first ever, is sure to fly out so do not sleep.
Review: For the second instalment in their Cuban Classics series, Mr Bongo present this sought-after slice of sublime Afro-Cuban jazz from 1976. It comes courtesy of one of Cuba's most influential acts, Grupo Irakere. Founded in 1973 by Chucho Valdes (son of the Cuban pianist and bandleader Bebo Valdes) the group was home to many of Cuba's finest musicians over the years. With an electrifying style and sound, they mixed traditional Cuban music with jazz, funk, and rock. This self-titled album includes the much-loved, dancefloor heavy-hitter 'Chequere-Son', a Latin-jazz funk masterpiece with Cubanized bebop-flavoured horn lines, lush keys, and 70s hip swagger. Though 'Chequere-Son' is the keystone of the record, the album is laced with brilliance at every turn, from the Carlos Santana-esque channelling 'Iya' with its percussive Latin power, to the sultry, slick and passionate '38 1/2'.
Review: Gruppo Sound's enigmatic discography spans over thirty titles from the 80s and 90s, shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Despite limited information about the collective, their library music albums can be found across various labels managed by Flipper Music publishing group. Behind the pseudonym lies multi-instrumentalist Gabriele Ducros, son of renowned composer Remigio Ducros. Gabriele Ducros, the sole creator behind Gruppo Sound, ventured into music libraries and soundtracks before crafting tracks for notable television commercials, earning international acclaim. New York City, a compilation attributed to Gruppo Sound, features Gabriele Ducros' diverse musical influences, blending funk and jazz elements with electronic instrumentation. Each track reflects a fusion of styles, echoing the experimentation of the era when synthesisers were emerging. From urban vibes to dreamy atmospheres, the album paints a vivid sonic landscape. Electronic keyboards evoke nostalgia, while flute and saxophone add depth and texture. With a blend of computer-generated melodies, playful themes, and sophisticated fusion compositions, the album encapsulates the essence of the Big Apple's musical spirit.
The New Mastersounds - "Give Me A Minute" (LP- part 1)
Renegades Of Jazz - "Magic Touch" (feat Alexia Coley)
The King Rooster - "Smudgin'"
Diazpora - "Raw Meat"
Sir Ali Bengali - "ABX"
Diazpora - "Song 2" (feat Nora Kinga Becker)
Mothergroove - "Bastard"
Wake&Bake! - "Soul Woman"
The Inmates - "Bread & Water"
The New Mastersounds - "Give Me A Minute" (part 2)
Wake&Bake! - "PartyStarter" (7") (2:56)
Wake&Bake! - "Soul Woman" (3:04)
Review: The wonderful Our Label Records Vol. 1 celebrated two decades of rare funk 45s from the imprint's storied history and it now gets reissued for avid collectors and DJs who missed out first time around. Founded in 2005 by brothers Tom and Gu in London, the label soon got international acclaim by distributing tracks worldwide and establishing a niche for uptempo funk and soulful grooves. The compilation features hits like The New Mastersounds' 'Give Me A Minute Pt. 1 & Pt. 2' and Diazpora's 'Song 2'. With contributions from Mothergroove, Sir Ali Bengali, and Renegades Of Jazz, plus an exclusive track by The King Rooster, this release is vital to all proper funk heads.
Review: Heavenly Sweetness has always dealt in music for the soul that is drawn from the worlds of funk, soul and jazz. This new collection of such tunes is another testament to that with a heavily international and world bent. Oodles of Latin, hip hop and Afro vibes pervade the tunes by Guts aka Fabrice Franck Henri alongside a whole host of collaborators. He's a super prolific talent who has put out some ten albums in just over a decade and Estrellas is one of his best. It comes on six sides of delicious wax and takes you on a trip to sunny climates from Cuba to Brazil.
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