Back in stock: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: Is there a more hard-working pair of party-starters than the Allergies' Rackabeat and DJ Moneyshot? The Bristol-based duo have been prolific over the last few years, yet the quality of their work seemingly hasn't suffered. Promised Land, their fifth album, is another invigorating, thrill-a-minute ride through hip-hop/funk/soul/rock/breakbeat fusion, where almost every cut is ripe for dancefloor plays. Highlights include the bluesy breakbeat bustle of 'Working On Me', the scratch-happy, Fatboy Slim-esque fun of 'Jumping Off', growling Dynamite MC hook-up 'Lean On You' (which reminded us a little of Plantlife), soul stomper 'Love Somebody' and 'Are You Ready', where Ugly Duckling's Andy Cooper and singer Marietta Smith both make their mark.

Review: After his hugely well received lovers' rock compilations for this label, Sam Don digs deep into the rich world of UK sweet soul on this - typically - excellent new compilation from the wondrous ashes of the North. He comes up with plenty of mega hard to find and expensive musical treasures that have all been painstakingly researched and tracked down. It was a short lived but fertile scene in the underground back in the 90s and if you didn't; know that already you will after one listen through of this - the sounds are highly danceable with silky, low-lit melodies and steamy and seductive vocals for loved up late night dancing.

Review: DJ Scientist aka John Raincoatman is the German record collector behind the Outer Edge label. This time he welcomes Ghia for a second outing following the sold out and hugely desirable first one. This one comes in the form of a full length album featuring some previously unissued songs and lots of the group's signature downtempo synth pop sounds. They are soothing, lush and soulful, with delicate female vocals over sweet and innocent 80s keys and drum sounds. Perfectly steamy and sexy for slow dancing or lazy afternoons.

Review: Despite selling out instantly on first press back in November 2018, it is only now that Nujabes' first solo album "Metaphorical Music" makes it to wax once more. This most spiritual of hip hop records - first released in 2003 - brings together downtempo, trip hop, instrumental, classic era boom bap, neo soul and funk into an accomplished collection of tunes that pack a dance floor as well as heartfelt punch. The album showcases some of the best music that the hip hop genre is capable of. Do not miss this, as it won't be around for long.

Review: The late legendary Japanese beatmaker Nujabes was a musical genius, this we know to be true. His constant resurgence on social media throughout the years affirms this, with 'Modal Soul', his second full-length album in 2005, blowing up time and time again online. It comes as no surprise, his meticulous devotion to hip-hop-jazz was unlike any before him, or since. 'Other Side of Phase' is a 12" three track record, with its title track being the instrumental for the famous anime 'Samurai Champloo', originally featuring one of Japan's most prolific MCs to ever hold the mic. A standout is 'Rainyway Back Home', a fly song combining the keys from an old Jeru the Damaga cut and the drums from a Power of Zeus track. Nujabes will never - ever - go out of style.