Back in stock: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: Prince and the New Power Generation strode into the 90s full power with Diamonds & Pearls, one of the all-time greats from the purple legend’s imperious canon. It’s a record which shows the full force of Prince’s songwriting power from the fired-up bangers like ‘Thunder’ and ‘Gett Off’ to the none-sexier ‘Cream’ through to the heart-melting ballads ‘Diamonds & Pearls’ and ‘Strollin’. It’s a plush, high-end sound which comes through in startling clarity on this remastered reissue. In line with the other recent Prince reissues, this is the definitive deluxe edition of the record presented across four discs bursting with alternative takes, remixes, B sides and unreleased gems which take us even deeper into the genius of one of the greatest to ever do it.

Review: After the success of the first Alessandroni Proibito box set, which sold out in pre-sale before it even hit the stores, Four Flies is proudly back with Volume 2 of the compilation. This new release too features five exclusive 7" singles, housing a total of ten seriously rare tunes. All previously unreleased in physical format, the tracks have been carefully selected from the soundtracks of five obscure Italian films from the late 70s - sexy flicks that flirted with the line between erotic and explicit, and which are now largely forgotten, having been out of circulation for decades. As was the case with the previous volume of the compilation, Alessandroni's music rises above the films' flimsy plots, improvised actors, and amateurish production, exuding his distinctive touch thanks to the (typically Italian) artisanal approach he took to his musical craft. The composer let his creativity run free, playing with his instruments at home as if he were in his own little amusement park; trying to have fun and produce something entertaining and captivating with just the few means at his disposal.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


Impex Records is shares a new, audiophile-quality LP release of Bud Shank's pivotal 1961 classic, Barefoot Adventure. With original compositions arranged by Shank for Bruce Brown's surf film of the same name, this is a swinging, hard-driving jazz session by six top-flight musicians at the height of their careers: Bud Shank (alto and baritone), Bob Cooper (tenor), Carmell Jones (trumpet), Dennis Budimir (guitar), Gary Peacock (bass), Shelly Manne (drums). The original Pacific Jazz recording features excellent sonics and showcases Shank at his most adventurous, toying with an advanced confidence and sophistication. Remastered and cut to lacquer by Kevin Gray from the original 1961 analogue master tape, this ultimate vinyl edition of Barefoot Adventure will satiate the most demanding audiophile and jazz enthusiast alike!